Dolphinfo
Volume 26, April 26, 2020
Principal's Message - Dedication and Hard Work Pay Off
We continue to get questions from parents and students regarding whether a student who is passing his/her classes as of the conclusion of the 3rd marking period must participate in the Emergency Learning Plan (ELP). Based on Dr. Spence’s communications, which are framed using the directions from the Virginia Department of Education, the answer is YES. Simply put, students are expected to complete one assignment per week per course. Student work submissions will be entered into Synergy. Both parents and students will have access to this data via ParentVue and StudentVue. This will allow teachers and administrators to identify those students who either failed to participate in all or some assignments or have not demonstrated they understand the content well enough to matriculate to the next course or grade level. For these students, they could be required to participate in remediation over the summer or in the fall. In those End-of-Year subjects that require a verified credit, those students could be denied a Locally Awarded Verified Credit. I have asked teachers to remain flexible, supportive, and understanding throughout the remaining weeks of the school year, and continue to facilitate the completion of required assignments.
The Emergency Learning Plan
Monday marked the start of our Emergency Learning Plan (ELP), which will take us through the end of the academic year. If you have not already, please review the ELP for details about curriculum, learning expectations, and scheduling. As a reminder, teachers will continue to use Mondays as professional learning days, while students are encouraged to use them as days to unplug and get active. Tuesdays through Fridays will be instructional days when teachers deliver instruction, hold office hours, provide feedback on assignments, and offer opportunities to extend learning. Students will attend classes as scheduled during the day or view recordings of lessons at a more convenient time. They will also work on assignments and check in with teachers during their office hours.
Class Assignments for Emergency Learning
During the next several weeks, teachers will provide students with a variety of assignments aligned to essential standards. Students are expected to complete one assignment per week per course. Teachers may add additional assignment options or resources to meet the needs of individual classes and individual students. These assignments are designed to provide students with the opportunity to receive feedback from their teachers and to show competency of the essential standards. Submission of the assignments will allow teachers to determine if the student has demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the course content to move on to the next course level.
Jostens Pick Up
If you were unable to go to the Jostens office on Tuesday to pick up your graduation items, we will be scheduling another date in May. When I have the specifics, I will let you know.
The Department of School Leadership, along with the Office of Student Activities and building principals, continue to work on plans for some sort of Graduation ceremony in early August. The tricky part of the planning is not knowing when we will be able to "gather" again. Thus, an alternative "virtual" plan is also being considered. Your input is appreciated.
From A Grateful Parent
I want to thank EACH of you for showing my son and I how much you care about his progress in your class. Because of your willingness to help my son stay on task, his grades significantly improved for this quarter. With everything that is going on in the world today, it has been extremely difficult to keep him focused on school. I hope that because my son knows that we all will be following up with his work, he will not fall behind as he did over the past weeks. I truly appreciate your support and willingness to go the extra mile to help my son be successful in your class.
Sign Deliveries to Seniors
Last Tuesday, several Government and English 12 teachers delivered yard signs to graduating seniors. I cannot tell you how many emails I received from parents thanking me for allowing teachers to make the deliveries. These little acts of kindness are what make a difference in the lives of students whose world turned upside down on March 13.
OCEAN LAKES CELEBRATES NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEK
Ocean Lakes High School is joining thousands of schools throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world to celebrate National Student Leadership Week, April 19–25. (OK, so I am a little late). The week is dedicated to recognizing and reinforcing the vital role of student leaders. The theme for this year’s event is “Leadership in Lights.”
This year’s theme aims to shine a light on all of the amazing student leaders who make a difference in their schools and communities. Student leadership has the power to positively impact school climate and culture, something that is evident to anyone who has ever been a part of the Dolphin Community. National Student Leadership Week provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on these outstanding contributions.
“I am continuously inspired by the Student Leaders who walk the hallways of Ocean Lakes High School. Our school is a better place as a result of the enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication of our student leaders. This is true whether they are a class or club officer, a team captain, or a dedicated student who takes great pride in being a part of the Dolphin Family.” said John Williams, the Student Activities Coordinator at Ocean Lakes. “Also, our outstanding faculty and staff sponsors, and coaches must be recognized for their incredible commitment of time and talents to the students and the programs they support. I am in awe of our leaders of leaders and their love and devotion to the students. Thank you!”
Thank you to all of our fantastic student leaders and the sponsors who make Ocean Lakes the exceptional school it is! We miss having you all in the building, but your spirit, leadership, and service continue to impact the Dolphin Community and our great city! Happy Leadership Week. May your dedication to serving others continue to shine through during these difficult days until we are together again!