STEM charter network sends laptops, hotspots home for online learning
Like their peers across the state, students in DSST Public Schools are preparing for a very unusual first day of school.
Students enrolled in the charter network will participate in online learning until at least mid-October, according to a letter to parents from DSST CEO Bill Kurtz.
In order to ensure students have the proper tools for success in the virtual classroom, DSST is working to equip each student with a laptop and other take-home materials, like headphones and in some cases, desks and chairs. DSST students always had access to laptops when they did in-person schooling in the past, but COVID-19 has complicated that.
“I would say what’s different about this...is setting them up for success in their homes,” said Brandi Chin, Principal of DSST Middle School, Noel Campus. “Some people don’t have access to internet, so [we’re] making sure they have that, making sure they have hot spots if their internet is spotty in a particular area.”
Chin said it has been challenging to see parents and students and not be able to give them a hug or have a long conversation. Even students are adjusting to the unusual orientation process.
“When I have to meet my teachers I usually do it with a handshake and introduce my name and a couple facts about me,” said Azul Mantera, a middle school student, “but now I have to give them an air high five or I just have to tell them my name and some facts through a screen when I’m hoping to meet them in person and give them a hug.”
There are over 6,000 students enrolled across DSST’s nine middle schools and six high schools in the Denver and Aurora area. According to the school system’s website, around 60 percent of students are Hispanic or Latino. Over 70 percent of the students are on free or reduced-price lunches.
Amanda Davis is a DSST parent. She says the uncertainty of the school year ahead has been the biggest challenge, but that she’s pleased with the communication from the school system.
“As soon as they know things, they let us know,” Davis said. “So it’s just a little bit of uncertainty but I am a little excited just to get [the kids] back into the groove of going to school and waking up in the morning. Back to a routine.”
This amount of online education is uncharted territory for both educators and families at DSST. Chin says they are working hard to not only equip each student with a laptop, but to make sure the students stay engaged when they’re at home.
“I think the whole experience is different, and we’ve been really thoughtful about how we create connection online. What does fun look like for kids? Because all of that matters to support them socially and emotionally,” Chin said. “We’re going to make sure academics is top notch no matter what. That’s what we do at DSST, but I think we’ve had to be thoughtful about all of these other pieces about how you support a kid. The whole kid.”
But the big question remains: can DSST pull it off? Chin certainly thinks so.
“We just made up our mind that it's going to be possible, and we’re not going to make excuses,” Chin said. “It’s not about, ‘Is it possible? Can we do it?’ It’s about, ‘We’re going to do it. We’re going to get to 100 percent.’”