Dear Team DPS,
As we shared this week, DPS will extend 100% remote instruction from the start of school on Aug. 24 through Oct. 16, which is the end of the first quarter of the school year for many schools. We’ll be working hard to safely and gradually welcome all students back into schools, when health conditions allow.
Through these changing circumstances, we remain committed to ensuring we are supporting and caring for our team members. As we look ahead, we wanted to share some updates and provide resources to support you during remote learning.
Pay for Employees
DPS will continue to pay employees who are on work year calendars with a defined number of days. Pay will be in accordance with scheduled hours, through Oct. 16.
Every effort will be made to provide meaningful work tasks for all employees, including those whose jobs cannot be performed in a remote environment. Please note that hourly employees who do not have a defined number of work days (including guest teachers, substitute paraprofessionals, homebound assistants) or who have a fixed schedule (crossing guards, afterschool-care providers, etc.) will be paid for actual hours worked.
Our goal is to return to in-person instruction after the first quarter for all students who want to attend in person. We have not made any decisions about post-Oct. 16 work assignments or compensation if a remote environment continues into the second quarter. We will share more information when we have a clearer understanding of what our return to school will look like.
Child Care Available for School-Based Staff
As our first quarter begins with remote learning, we know many of our team members will need support in looking after their own children during their instruction time or while completing other duties. To support, DPS has extended child care programs for remote learning support for school-based staff. Care will be offered for four hours per day, from 8 a.m. to noon from Aug. 17-Oct. 16.
School-based staff -- including teachers, principals, food service workers, facilities and Discovery Link staff -- will receive priority in registration. If spots are still available, then registration will be open to other DPS team members and DPS families. Registration dates are available below:
· Aug. 3: Teachers, principals, food service, facilities and Discovery Link staff.
· Aug. 8: Paraprofessionals and specialized service providers.
· Aug. 10: All DPS team members and families.
The cost of $10 per day per child only applies to programs Aug. 17-Sept. 4. The cost for Sept. 8-Oct. 16 is still being determined, and we hope to share more information soon. Visit The Commons for more information, including how to register.
Thank you for your continued flexibility. We will continue to share updates in real time as they are available. Stay well.
