Inside DCS

As we embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on the blessings that surround us – our wonderful students, dedicated families, exceptional staff, and supportive community.

Looking ahead to January, we enter a season of planning and preparation, especially for our students in grades 6-12. The scheduling season for the 2024-2025 academic year will kick off January 8, and it's a crucial time for families to engage in conversations with their secondary students about future plans. Linked below is our DCS Academic Programs and Pathways Handbook in order to help guide any discussions you may find yourself in over break.

In our commitment to continuous improvement, Dublin City Schools is actively working on streamlining our master scheduling process and ensuring appropriate staffing for optimal class sizes. This initiative is aimed at maximizing our resources to provide the best possible learning environment for our students while being good financial stewards.

As we implement changes to our scheduling processes, we want to emphasize the importance of students selecting the most appropriate classes for 2024-2025. Please be aware that change requests may be challenging to accommodate moving forward. Your thoughtful consideration in choosing courses now will contribute to a smoother and more efficient educational experience for everyone. More details about scheduling, including how to pick the most suitable courses, will be sent to families in January.

Finally, to all of our readers - we sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration as we strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students. Wishing you a joyous winter break filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments with your loved ones.

During the 2023 levy campaign, we received valuable feedback from our community. The ask? That DCS increase transparency around expenditures, operations, capital improvements, enrollment projections, curriculum changes, and more. "What's New at DCS" is our proactive response to these calls for a more informed and engaged community. We believe that an informed community is an empowered community, and through this blog, we strive to keep you well-informed about the ins-and-outs of operating our large, suburban school district. Whether you are a parent, a student, an educator, or a community member, "What's New at DCS" is designed to be your one-stop destination for comprehensive district updates.

Check in every Wednesday to explore the topic of the week. Your active engagement is crucial, and we want you to share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions after reading our posts. This blog is not just a platform for information dissemination; it's a community hub for learning, understanding, and growth. Recent posts include:

• The Levy Passed... Now What?
• Proposed Housing in Concord Township
• Renderings of Elementary 15

What's New at DCS blog posts will always be available on demand on our district website. If you'd prefer to have the weekly posts pushed to your email, please fill out the form below.

Second graders at Deer Run Elementary put on a wonderful music concert this week. They worked so hard memorizing their songs, reading speaking parts, and choreographing a scarf dance routine. Students also created acting and instrument parts to accompany the book, “Bear Snores On!” The rest of the school learned the sign language and chorus section of the last piece so they could all join in song together for the afternoon school performance! #BetterTogetherDCS

We are excited to bring to you another Journey 2030 video mini-series. This month's focus area is Academic Foundation, with an emphasis on Early Literacy and our new 95 Phonics program. This video is the first of three that will be shared on our social media channels and website.

At DCS, we model for students how to use our blessings to be a blessing for others. During the winter season, each building participates in a #DCSGivesBack initiative to spread hope far and wide. Our students and staff have been giving back in the following ways:

• Holding food, clothing, toy and necessity drives
• Crafting placemats and cards for senior centers and nursing homes
• Adopting families in need
• Packing snack bags for the food pantry
• Creating blankets for hospitals

Dublin City Schools is a great place to work! We are looking for dedicated, passionate professionals who want to join our team. We have both full-time and part-time positions available.

• Custodians
• Paraprofessionals
• Maintenance/Grounds
• Bus Drivers
• Bus Aides
• Enrollment Specialist
• Administrative Assistants
• Clinic Aides
• Crossing Guards
• Substitutes in many positions

If you have questions about a position before applying, please email info@dublinschools.net so we can direct you to the appropriate HR contact.

DCS invites students in grades 6-12 and their families to come explore the many classes, programs, and pathways DCS has to offer. Learn about the many post-secondary options related to the 4 E’s - education, enlistment, employment and entrepreneurship. The event will be held from 6-8 pm at Emerald Campus. Sessions include:

• Understanding DCS Scheduling Options & Pathways presented by Kevin Patton, DCS Pathways Counselor
• Academic Programs and Pathways Resource Fair
• OhioHealth Physicians and Nurses Panel Discussions
• PERC 8th Grade Parents: Looking Ahead - Planning for Success in High School and Beyond

Syntero is excited to offer free, virtual Winter Wellness Workshops for students in grades K-12 over winter break. These workshops will help students build developmentally-appropriate skills for navigating changes in routine and expectations, spending time with others, and coping with stress and the “winter blues.” View the workshop flyer here.

On Saturday, January 13, 2024, our DCS Parent Mentor will host a Summer Program Fair for students with disabilities. The event will be at Emerald Campus and is open to all families. Come learn about the programs and activities available to your student for the summer of 2024. View the flyer here.

Disappointed you missed the Global Travel virtual information session? Worry no more! The presentation slides and a video recording of the session can be found on the Global Travel webpage. By taking part in a global travel journey, students have the chance to step outside their comfort zone, experience a new culture, expand their knowledge and see the world from a different perspective. Learn more here.

Keep Dublin Sustainable. From Styrofoam to Christmas trees to more, find out what, when and how to recycle holiday items. Learn more: dublinohiousa.gov/city-services/holiday-recycling-guide/

Whether you want a new way to exercise, learn a language or pick up a new hobby, the Dublin Community Recreation Center has classes that can inspire you. Learn more: dublinohiousa.gov/healthy/

The City of Dublin recognizes the growing deer population in Ohio. In response, Dublin City Council recently passed an Outdoor Feeding Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits feeding any wild animals or animals running at large on private property. Learn more: dublinohiousa.gov/recreation-services/parks/nature-education/

• December 20 - End of First Semester
• December 21 - January 2 - No School, Winter Break
• January 3 - No School, Staff Work Day

Here's this month's most frequently visited webpages and topics.