What's New at School?

DAYTON–It’s finally the time of year when the holidays roll around. At the end of this week, the high school will enjoy a half-day, and depart for Christmas break on December 18 which extends through January 3.

Over the last two weeks, Dayton schools have gone to remote learning, however, due to the decreasingly low amount of COVID–19 cases in Columbia County recently; no cases within students, or staff, and very little direct contacts within the school, the decision was made to allow students to return to school. So, we have returned to in-person learning during the final school week of 2020. What a way to kick off our vacation. The week will commence according to the usual class schedule, just as it was before, giving a chance to turn in homework, catch up with teachers, and see their friends before leaving on break.

The decision to reopen for in-person class was made with the students’ best interest in mind, with the intent being to allow students to communicate with their teachers, get help on work, turn in assignments, and anything else that they may need as the semester comes to an end. This is also to allow students to socialize with their friends again, as they will not see them for two weeks while on Christmas break.

In addition, teachers will prepare and send work home with students at the end of the week so in the event school is not allowed to meet in–person in January, students will have the materials they need to continue remote learning.

To celebrate the holiday season, the high school Associated Student Body (ASB) ordinarily plans a fun filled week of dressing up, and winter festivities of all kinds. However, when the school went to remote learning, plans did not develop. Then with the unexpected announcement of in-person class the week before break, the ASB had to come up with a plan on short notice.

So, to spread some Christmas cheer, the ASB leaders designated Friday, December 18 as “Dress Up for Santa” day. Students will have a chance to dress up in any and all Christmas attire they please, within the dress code parameters. Those who participate will receive a candy cane treat from DHS’s very own Santa. This will be the festivity for the week, along with some Christmas decorations, and a tree for the commons area.

For the New Year…well, hopefully school will return to in-person classes for the 2021 school year beginning in January. But for now, it is time for a break, and holiday fun “COVID–style”.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!