Virtual Learning Code Conduct

All D. A. T. E., students receiving digital curriculum and direct instruction online are subject to any applicable District policies and this Student Virtual Learning Code of Conduct.

Students are responsible for proper behavior during online learning.

Students are expected to take integrity and use authenticity of their own work.

It is illegal to create harmful computer viruses.

Remote Learning correspondences are public under school’s records and subject to disclosure.
 

Internet Policy

Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to any other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

Disciplinary Action

Progressive discipline will continue to be utilized to create the expectation that the degree of discipline imposed will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior. Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including Districts policies and guidelines.

 Please ensure that your scholar completes assignments on time and with fidelity.  The 13.5 week grade posting window opens on Monday, November 16.  It is imperative that students and parents review grades and assignments in Infinite Campus.  If you have questions regarding missing or low grades, please contact the teacher so that students finish the semester with an accurate reflection of their performance in all classes.


Teachers have been engaged in the cycle of learning that includes planning, assessing and the adjustment of instruction to meet the needs of students.  We have completed the MAP assessment and have the opportunity to to determine the extent to which students need instructional support through remediation and acceleration of the content.  Teachers will continue to differentiate the daily instruction to ensure that students' instructional needs are met.  


Congratulations, parents and students on a relatively smooth transition to the full day model of virtual teaching and learning! These uncertain times show that you are extremely resilient and value the quality of education offered at DeKalb Agriculture, Technology and Environment Charter Schools, Inc.  

#DATEstrong

Hello Family,

I certainly hope all is well with you and your family. I certainly miss the time that I spend with your scholars each day just talking about their lives and school. It is my hope that we will return to school soon and we will be able to hug and wish each other warm wishes.

As you know, we have returned to classes full time. Our middle schedule has been built to allow the teachers maximum time to instruct your scholars and maximum time for students to get rest from screen time. Please have your scholar follow this schedule daily.

Specials are also in integral part of your scholars schedule, so make sure they log in and complete assignments during their scheduled times. We all are struggling with being out of school for this prolonged period of time, but we must keep up with work and standards in order to be successful. Thanks for all you do to make D. A. T. E. successful.

Welcome November!!

November brings fall, turkey, family, and marks the beginning of the holiday season. It is quite easy to slip into “holiday” mode, but we must keep pushing! As we enter this month, teachers will begin to expect more from students.  The transition to a full day of school will allow teachers and students to engage themselves more in teaching and learning. In hopes, for students to get a learning experience that feels very similar to school. Our new schedule will also allow the hybrid and virtual student to have the same schedule once schools open again. At this point, the students should know rituals and routines and be better prepared for their classes.  Students should also begin to identify how they learn best and begin to develop better study habits. As a parent, you should begin noticing strengths and weaknesses in your child’s skills and study habits. As always, you want to build on those strengths and work with those weaknesses. Through town-hall meetings last week, I learned from parents that many of you are doing well with virtual learning and truly enjoy working with your scholars. I also learned that some need tips or strategies to help them through their day. With this in mind, I would like to ask our D. A. T. E. parents to share their tips and strategies with the D. A. T. E. community. If you are willing to share the positives of your virtual learning experience please contact me at ethomas@dateacademy.org to learn how we will create a tool to help all parents be successful.

D. A. T. E.'s Motto: "Learning with Relationships,  Relevance, and Rigor."

Hey guys, it’s Andy here, your new member to the D.A.T.E family!

It’s kind of different because you guys(students) are not here! So far I love D.A.T.E and my new friends, Debbi, Azell, and the Chicken crew!

I am still adjusting to my new home but it’s going quicker than I thought. I can not wait to feel the love from all of the D.A.T.E family members that I have not met yet! Okay I'm headed to eat some hay, See you guys soon!


Love your friend,

Andy The Bull 

Positive Mental Attitude 
 

Times are different, times are challenging, times are frustrating. A challenge in which I invite you to participate, is that of having a positive mental attitude. One thing to note, it is okay if you cannot find gratitude in your situation. All experiences with life are different. For months your normal has been flipped, dipped and tripped up. Personally, I find myself sometimes analyzing, comparing and contrasting situations that would normally just roll off my back. When I notice this happening, I stop and try to find something to be grateful for and express gratitude. There is no rule book that says we have to get to that place of positive mental attitude. However, there are some ways to get there.

1. Do not minimize your own suffering

Have you been in a conversation with someone and expressed how you were feeling, something you were going through; only to be told “be happy you have...”? Toxic positivity does not allow you to express your sorrows. It forces you to find a “happy point” in something that truly is not happy for you. Do not minimize your suffering because someone else has a worse experience. Yes, having your basic human needs met is a wonderful thing, but it is okay to be experiencing life outside of your comfort zone and to be sad about what you are going through. It is not gratitude if someone is telling you what to be grateful for in your life. Nor is it a positive mental attitude to have someone telling you how to feel. Achieve when you are able, not when you are commanded. 

2. Just Let it Happen

Try not to beat yourself for not feeling positive all the time. Give yourself grace to process how you are feeling. Unconditional self-acceptance is the key to discovering gratitude in your personal situation. Nobody is at their best right now. The children, the parents, the staff, the teachers. Nobody. We are all working to find our best, and stay there when we are able. You will come across situations of which you are able to have genuine gratitude. When it happens, it will happen. 

3. Simplicity is Amazing

You do not have to find the most fantabulous (fantastic and fabulous) situation to express gratitude in your life. For example, if I make a list of (5) things that I am personally grateful for on a daily basis it may be as simple as: coffee, flavored creamer, my family, a new candle, RHOP, and my friends. It is okay if I don’t include my basic needs. My list looks different these days. It is simple and simple is amazing. Make a list that makes you smile, and your PMA will rise. 

4. More than “Happy”

Being happy is not just being grateful. There’s love, hope, joy, creativity, pride and so many other emotions that go with gratitude. When you try and maintain a positive mental attitude your overall thought process tends to stay lighter (Frederickson, Barbara, 2020). Practicing gratitude is a beneficial option to elevating yourself and your overall mood. 
 

Ultimately, when you have practice using your positive emotions you will find yourself in a lighter and more positive mood. This is not to say that you should not be upset or have negative emotions from time to time. It happens, and it is okay. Our goal is to try and maintain an elevated mood, but that does not mean you have to be “happy all the time”. If you are struggling with finding any sense of positivity please reach out to a professional to help you find your “Happy” again.