Dock Mennonite Academy Online Learning Report Card

DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY 2020

Online learning report card

Dock students have been engaged in online learning since March 17—not missing a single day of school.

Parents share their perceptions of the experience.

SEAMLESS "Dock teachers have been AMAZING communicators..."

"The transition from in-school to online learning was so incredibly seamless at Dock. I have been INCREDIBLY

What have we learned?

impressed. As I watch other schools really scramble and not have a very fluid process, even now, I am thankful for what Dock has done in this situation. It has been

We have learned that relationships matter, that feeling connected to a

great having the structure for my 8th grade son during the day, and having the virtual interaction with teachers and students makes a HUGE difference. The ability for

teacher is a greater predictor of student

Schoology to be so interactive has proven to be so

engagement and

much more helpful in this situation than platforms I have

motivation than grades or

seen other schools using. This last week or two has been

accountability.

more challenging as I believe it is for everyone in this situation, but the teachers have been AMAZING communicators and incredibly helpful with reaching out and TRULY making sure no child gets left behind. I have been extremely grateful, especially during this time, that he switched to Dock." (8th grade parent)

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CYBER DAY EXPERIENCE

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What have we learned?

Dock began treating snow days as Cyber Days in 2015. In addition to a 1:1 device program, the technologies and teaching strategies embraced for Cyber Days have given Dock faculty a tremendous head start in effectively

We know learning from home is not the same as being

transitioning to online learning during the quarantine. physically together. We have been blessed as a school with

"I am VERY grateful that Dock had the foresight to implement Cyber Days years ago. A friend of mine is a public school teacher and their situation is very

high levels of engagement from the vast majority of our students. We understand this takes effort on the part of parents and families, as well

different right now. Kudos to the Dock team for being proactive!" (high school parent)

as students, and we are grateful. We appreciate the encouragement parents are giving students to end the year

"I have always had a tremendous appreciation

strong and to take this opportunity to learn in

for Dock and the work the faculty and staff do. The past few weeks have only enhanced my

new ways, and to learn skills such as time management, organization, and persistence

appreciation for all of you." (high school parent)

in the face of difficulty.

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TEACHERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Staying connected

"The instructional videos are extremely helpful!

Our teachers have been

Thanks so much to everyone for all the work you are doing! This is such a tricky time that changes by the hour. I'm so grateful for a community that

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working tirelessly to provide instruction and opportunities for interaction with our students, from 3-year-olds to high school seniors.

jumps in and is willing to take the risk to try something new! Thank you to everyone for all your

Early Childhood students connect each day with circle

hard work and dedication to our children.” (Early Childhood parent)

time, while elementary students open the day with virtual morning meetings, 6th grade meets for prayer time, and high school students have

“I’m very impressed with the teachers and how much time and effort they have invested to make this huge transition to online learning.” (Early Childhood parent)

chapel together on Friday mornings. Each teacher is using the electronic tools that best suit their students.

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COMMUNICATION IS KEY

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What have we learned?

We have learned that social and emotional needs are

“Thanks so much for the open and consistent communication from the school and teachers.

It's very helpful and helps me feel connected to the school community at a time when we're

sometimes more important than academic needs, and that this situation is affecting every one of us in different ways at different times. There is loss and there is hope.

supposed to be 'distancing' ourselves from others physically. This week went very smoothly as

We have learned to live without some of the control

we sought to establish new norms and routines while balancing work-from-home office schedules. Thanks again for all that the school administration and teachers are doing. Keep up the good work!” (Elementary parent)

we’re used to having and realized that we can give some of that control to students to own their learning.

We have learned that authentic learning can and does happen outside the walls of a classroom—on a daily basis.

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MORE PARENT FEEDBACK "Thank you so much for the Epic account. My daughter is so excited that she has her own account. We are grateful for all you are doing."

"Thank you so much for all the hard work you've been putting into keeping our Kindergarten class going! My son was ecstatic to do his lessons with me and truly enjoyed the work!"

"Thank you for all the hard work of putting together online lessons and compiling so many great resources for the kids."

"My daughter asked to pray for you last night. She REALLY misses you. Your students love you! Thank you for all the resources and information you sent.

My daughter is excited to get to work."

"Everyone is working hard for the best in this tough situation. The feeling of community and encouragement is so important at a time like this and we have always appreciated that from Dock.”

“We are so happy with how well our kids have been able to navigate through their school work independently this week, even our 4th grader. This is a testament to all the hard work teachers and administration did all year long in training the kids how to use these cool learning and technology platforms! You have all done a great job all year and even more so now.

Thank you! We appreciate your efforts.”

“As I speak with parents of children from other schools, I have come to realize how far ahead of most schools Dock is in the area of online schooling. Having had this set-up for years to do Cyber Days instead of taking snow days has really paid off. Just one more example of how Dock excels...thank you!"

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Our mission

To learn more about Dock Mennonite Academy, or to schedule a campus tour (virtual or in-person, as

Dock Mennonite

circumstances allow) please contact:

Academy inspires and equips each student

Doug Hackman Director of Admissions 215.362.2675, ext. 106 dhackman@dock.org

to serve with a global perspective by integrating faith, academic excellence and life-enriching opportunities in a Christ-centered community.

visit us at

dock.org