Good afternoon families! Principal Yates here with some updates for all of you as we prepare for Remote Learning.

JUST TODAY, we have created a website to be a “one-stop shop” for information specific to Dan Mills.

Next week, we will have several important VIRTUAL EVENTS that you will want to attend. The times, details for the event, and links to join TEAMS meetings are available. TEAMS is a site that teachers will be using this year to connect with your students. You may wish to download the TEAMS APP on your phone, I-Pad or computers.

If by chance you cannot be a part of the live event at the scheduled time, there is no need to worry. The event will be recorded live, so you will be able to access it at your convenience.

Our weebly page is brand new, so do not expect bells and whistles just yet. We just wanted a platform to share important information with our families as we adapt to our current situation in Nashville.

Please visit https://wearedanmills.weebly.com/, and save it as a favorite! Expect more updates and features to be added to the site in the days and weeks to come. For now, check out the information under the Remote Learning Info tab.

Information continues to be shared from the district in ensuring that we are ready for remote learning to begin August 4th. Please remember, we are still in the planning process for many facets of how remote learning will look for our students.

I know a big cause for concern is your child’s daily schedule. The schedules we have created for Dan Mills are currently awaiting feedback and approval from the district. Once I have the clearance, I will post them on the Weebly site. For your peace of mind, I will share that the school day will start at 8:00 A.M. and will be completed by 2:15. Students will meet state and district mandates for time required for school. Children will have access to live (synchronous) instruction each day for 2 to 2.5 hours. There will also be opportunities for independent learning. Please note that your child would have scheduled breaks in-between instruction.

Students will also have a daily opportunity to participate in a Morning Meeting where they will develop social emotional learning skills, which we know are instrumental in promoting self-regulation and academic success.

If your child receives Exceptional Education services at Dan Mills, please make sure to attend an informational meeting on July 30th from 7:00-8:00. You can find the meeting link on mnps.org/district-calendar. This would be an opportunity to find out specific details to see the district’s plan to ensure that services continue, even in the virtual space.

If you have not had a chance to check out the Back to School section on the MNPS page, you are strongly encouraged to do so. I found the FAQ section to be very informative and reassuring to my many questions.