Greetings, Chieftain Nation! Last night’s Board of Education meeting was jam-packed and included the approval of DUS return to school for this coming fall. Today’s message will have the big picture information. Starting next week, we will be sharing more detailed information to help you prepare for the start of the 2020-21 school year. 1. The first day for student learning is moving from Monday, August 31, to Tuesday, September 8. This provides added time for staff development with new learning software. 2. We are currently in phase 4 of the governor’s system, and if we are in phase 4 on September 8, we will use distance learning during the first five (5) weeks of school for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. After three weeks, the district will reassess and determine if we will extend beyond the five weeks and consider In-Person Instruction. 3. If our region is moved into Phase 5 during the first five weeks, we will assess moving to in-person instruction. If this transition happens, it will not happen overnight. We believe it will take a least one (1) week but no more than two (2) weeks to make the shift. 4. The Board also approved that the Superintendent may establish procedures and processes for small group instruction, no larger than ten (10) students at a time, to provide added intervention support or special needs for students throughout the district. Students will be selected with the assistance of the teaching and administrative staff. 5. During distance learning at the beginning of the school year, extra-curricular activities may take place as long as they follow the appropriate state and district guidelines. This is not just limited to athletic events. Administrators will work with the different activities groups to determine how and when events can happen. 6. If our region is in Phase 5 before September 8, the school will start with in-person instruction. 7. Families that feel due to the COVID-19 situation, their children would be better served by not participating in distance learning or in-person instruction may choose to use a district established Virtual/Cyber learning. Families wanting this option will need to commit during August and understand this choice is for the entire semester. The Board understands that these times are causing great concern and uncertainty for families. The decision was made trying to address everyone’s interests as much as possible. Chieftains believe we are stronger when we stay together and work through challenges as a community, even when we do not agree. Your patience, understanding, and support of the district are much appreciated.

This is a reminder that there is a special Board meeting this evening at 7 PM. The session will be at the middle school and will be held outside on the south side of the building by the parking lot.

Dowagiac Community: Due to a recent resignation on the Board of Education, the Dowagiac Union Schools is seeking interested applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Education. Applicants must submit a letter of interest to the attention of the Board President (mailed or delivered to Administration Office.) Letters must be received by 4 pm., on Wednesday, August 12th. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in serving on the Board of Education, please submit your letter of interest to the Board by August 12th. Thank you!

Tonight's BOE Work Session will be held outside on the south side of Dowagiac Middle School. Back parking area. Work Session begins at 7:00 p.m.

Please read the Superintendent's update regarding school opening this Fall. The link is here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNWUbqQcNSp3immQ5nNZA79sFdvP9gzR/view?usp=sharing

If you have visited Chris Taylor Field lately, you would have seen the new “walk of fame” sidewalk with the inlaid bricks. Unfortunately, due to an issue with the process, cracking has started taking place and the project has to be redone. This will begin soon and the cost is being covered by the contractor and project management company, with no expense to the district. This delay is unfortunate, but the Board and administration felt this part of the whole project could not be accepted in its current condition.

Dowagiac Union Schools first day of school is August 31st, 2020. Provided that the State of Michigan is in Phase 4-6 our opening will include face to face instruction. Details will be posted later when further guidance is received from the State. The "Return to School Roadmap" from the governor's office is located here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/whitmer/MI_Safe_Schools_Roadmap_FINAL_695392_7.pdf

Governor Whitmer has issued the Return to School Roadmap. DUS is currently in the process of developing our plan that will educate students safely in the fall. The Governor's Roadmap is located here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/whitmer/MI_Safe_Schools_Roadmap_FINAL_695392_7.pdf

A message from the Board of Education for the community. To view please click https://5il.co/h6un

Hello families, due to the unique ending of the school year, we are asking all families to update information for their students for the 2020-2021 school year. To complete the registration, visit bit.ly/DUSregistration, the DUS must be capitalized! Also, if your child is requiring transportation for next school year, you can also complete the transportation information form at this same time. The administration offices are open during the summer should you have any questions regarding this registration process.

State of the Union District Newsletter recently released. You may view a copy of it here: https://5il.co/gtzy

Class of 2020 Top Ten. Congratulations! Matthew Nelson, Nicole Whan, Jossalyn Rogalski, Rebecca Franklin, Cristian Wilson, Jenna Davis, Jose Carrillo, Kylee Cromer, Alexis Ross, William Craft