Some steps forward, despite the pandemic
Last year was challenging for all, and as many districts begin 2021 virtually, the challenges of the pandemic continue.
Schools in Dayton — and across the nation — have adapted over and over again to changing circumstances. But despite the challenges of virtual and hybrid instruction, providing technology and internet access to families and delivering meals to homes each day, the Dayton Public School District continues to make key progress in all areas that will improve and enrich the educational experience for students.
Below are examples of how DPS continues to change for the better.
Student Resiliency Coordinators
In the fall, the district implemented a Student Resiliency Coordinator (SRC) initiative in all 26 schools.
This initiative is an innovative approach to providing students with behavioral/mental health resources that are specifically tailored to their needs.
The district partnered with Dayton Children’s Hospital to provide coordinators in each building.
By partnering with one organization to serve the entire district — rather than multiple agencies partnering with specific schools — there is a new level of professionalism, accountability and coordination when it comes to providing for the behavioral/mental health needs of students.
The major role of Student Resiliency Coordinators is to coordinate the counseling services students need based on their specific circumstances. If it is determined that a student needs some form of counseling, the Student Resiliency Coordinator will hold a meeting with the student, principal, teachers and parents.
Save the Music Grants
This school year, five additional elementary schools received “Intro to Music” grants from the Save The Music Foundation, bringing the total number of schools up to 13. The first eight schools were awarded grants during the 2019-2020 school year. At this time, the Dayton Public Schools have received more of these grants than any other district in the country.
Each “Intro to Music” grant includes $22,000 worth of Orff instruments and educational materials to allow music teachers to implement Orff-Schulwerk methodology into their classrooms.
Orff-Schulwerk is an approach to music education that involves movement, singing and playing instruments. Instruments often include xylophones, glockenspiels and metallophones. Research shows this approach to music education not only makes music engaging and fun for students, but also increases academic achievement, improves attendance and helps develop life skills they will use long after they leave the classroom.
Bing Davis Art Museums
In 2019, DPS partnered with the highly-celebrated local artist Bing Davis to re-implement school-based art museums and bring pieces from his Skyscrapers project into schools.
Davis’ Skyscrapers project celebrates African Americans who have made a difference in their field and who serve as role models for children in Dayton and around the country. Bringing this artwork into schools will allow DPS students to appreciate the art and learn about local African American leaders who have had a significant impact on their community.
Six pieces from the Skyscrapers project have been selected for five schools during the past year.
Meadowdale High SchoolCareer Technical Center
In February 2020, DPS announced Meadowdale High
School would become the district’s second Career Technical Center. Immediately, work began to transform the once traditional high school into a fully equipped Career Technical Center.
Meadowdale is now home to the district’s Business, Medical Office, Engineering, Biomedical Science, Teacher Academy, Design and Imaging, Exercise Science, Pre-Nursing and Phlebotomy CTE programs.
Mound Street Academy
In April 2020, DPS partnered with Mound Street Academy to continue its program and to better serve DPS students who need the services Mound Street provides.
Mound Street is in place to help those students who are at risk of dropping out, or who have dropped out, to earn their high school diplomas.
This will provide DPS students, and students in the Dayton community who are on the verge of dropping out, with another way to earn their diplomas.