Additional Information about DCSD Closure
From: DCSD Superintendent Thomas S. Tu
To: maxrtaylor@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 05:11 PM MDT
cker, Ph.D. (comm
unications@dcsdk12.org)
Versión en español a continuación
March 13, 2020
Dear Douglas County Community,
The following is some additional information regarding the closure of Douglas County School District. This
closure is a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Starting at 5:00 p.m. today (Friday, March 13), Douglas County School District will be closing all of its
facilities (schools, central office buildings, etc.) through Sunday, March 29.
Closing a school building does not mean that class is not in session (except for during our already scheduled
Spring Break). For the week of March 23-27, DCSD will transition from an in-school to a remote learning
environment. We will reassess the situation as we get closer to that end date, and decide if students and staff
should return on Monday, March 30.
If your child attends a DCSD charter school, please contact your school directly for information about
closures, remote learning possibilities, etc.
Today, I joined a webinar with the Colorado Commissioner of Education, Katy Anthes, and district
superintendents from across the state to discuss flexibility on mandatory seat time and state testing
requirements. I’m confident those discussions will continue. In the meantime, however, starting the week of
March 23, DCSD teachers will be in touch with their students via email (or other means specified by the
teacher) to begin remote learning (this will not apply to preschool students).
TECHNOLOGY AT HOME
If you do not have an adequate technology device at home for remote learning, and your student was unable tocheck one out from school this week, please complete this parent technology needs survey.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE
Douglas County School District Before and After Care (BASE) programs will be closed from March 16 - March
27. Any scheduled BASE field trips during this timeframe are also canceled.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Douglas County School District closure includes DCSD’s Early Childhood Education programs.
While DCSD will be implementing remote learning for grades Kindergarten through 12, this option will not be
available to our preschool programs. For families who would like to continue to support their child’s growth and
development during this timeframe, please visit the CDC website (click here) or U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services website (click here) for more resources.
Any tuition paid will be reimbursed for the duration of time that DCSD’s preschool programs are closed. If you
have paid for a full year of tuition in advance please email Kathy Hakim at kathy.hakim@dcsdk12.org for your
reimbursement.
Any family who has a Child Find appointment scheduled during the week of March 23-27 will be contacted
individually to reschedule these appointments.
STUDENT LUNCHES DURING CLOSURE
During its closure, Douglas County School District is making plans to feed students and children in our
community. Lunches will likely follow our summer meal plan and contain an entree, fruit/vegetable, and milk,
and be made available to any child 18 years of age and under. Lunches will be free and reimbursed to DCSD
Nutrition Services from USDA. Locations and times will be determined and communicated soon.
ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES
Beginning Friday, March 13, all athletics, school clubs, and activities within the Douglas County School District
will be cancelled until at least April 6. This includes sports, activities, competitions, practices, music
concerts/festivals, plays, speech and debate, etc.
OTHER EVENT CANCELLATIONS
In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the SAT test administration set for
Saturday, March 14, at Mountain Vista High School has been cancelled. More information is available on
the College Board COVID-19 updates website.
The DCSD Building Compassionate Learning Communities Conference scheduled for March 27 and 28 is
cancelled.
FACILITIES RENTALS
DCSD facilities rentals are cancelled beginning the evening of Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 29.
BOND WORK SCHEDULED FOR SPRING BREAK
Any bond work scheduled to take place in DCSD facilities over Spring Break (building repairs, upgrades, etc.
being funded by the Bond, which was approved by voters in November 2018) will be postponed. This means
completion of some of these Bond projects may be delayed.MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Many children do better with a regular routine, predictability, and activities to manage downtime built into their
schedules. Extended breaks and cancelled plans can be stressful for some people, especially those who are
prone to mental health and behavioral challenges.
Below is a list of resources for parents, should you have a concern that your child may be experiencing
behavioral changes, mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to your child or others
Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
Information About Types of Services and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado
Crisis Services
National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
DCSD Mental Health Intervention website
Mobile apps for wellness and recovery
Let’s Talk Colorado (Douglas County Government and Tri-County Health campaign)
The state has an anonymous reporting system available at all times for the community to use. Anyone with a
concern for someone’s well being or safety can use Safe2Tell (1-877-542-7233) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To lessen the risk of exposure for people experiencing behavioral and mental health concerns and reduce
unnecessary emergency room visits, all are encouraged to call and access community centers. This will allow
the Emergency Rooms to focus on the physical health needs of others during this time. Below is a list of
community centers in our metro area.
Colorado Crisis Center Walk-In Locations
AllHealth Network: 303-730-8858
Denver Springs: 720-643-4300
Highlands Behavioral Health System: 720-348-2800
Peakview Behavioral Health: 888-235-9475 (Lone Tree Location for adults now open)
As it relates to COVID-19, we will remain in contact with our partners at the Tri-County Health Department and
the Colorado Department of Education, and we will keep you updated with new information as it becomes
available.
Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented challenge for everyone in our community. It is also an opportunity for us
to come together as ONE Douglas County School District. In the days and weeks ahead, we must all show a
level of grace and patience as we adapt to this extended, yet temporary change to our everyday lives. Let us all
be an example of how to handle a crisis and prevail.
Please continue to check your email, DCSD website (www.dcsdk12.org) DCSD mobile app, social media, and
text for updates.
Proud to serve as your Superintendent,
