Delmarva Christian students return to in-person instruction

After leaving campus 170 days ago and spending countless hours planning for this day, Delmarva Christian Schools is now celebrating its return to in-person instruction.

New high schoolers began arriving at the Georgetown campus Aug. 18. Delmarva Christian Milton Campus students entered their school doors Aug. 26.

“We have an incredibly dedicated team of board, administration, faculty, and staff members who have helped prepare for what I believe will be a powerful school year,” said Matt Kwiatkowski, head of school. “Having everyone return back to both our Georgetown and Milton campuses at the onset of the 2020-21 school year is huge! Our parents and students are very appreciative of our efforts, and we are so excited to see God’s plan unfold before us.”

The first day of school was dedicated to new high school students, who spent half the day setting up accounts and downloading apps for their iPads and other technologies. Team-building exercises including a life-sized, outdoor foosball game were organized for students. The second day, the entire high school student body arrived to gather class schedules and learn about new technologies, course expectations and safety protocols. Time was also spent reuniting with friends and teachers.

“I felt the first few days went very well considering the numerous changes to normal daily school life,” said Mary Beth Rimmer, dean of students. “Students and their families were very accommodating and accepting of the restrictions placed, and there was an overall sense of calm and unity.”

Delmarva Christian Milton Campus started off with half-day classes. Teachers and staff greeted their prekindergarten through eighth-grade students in the parking lot and escorted them inside to their classes.

“The students were wonderful, even our little prekindergarteners,” said Drew Jensen, DCMC principal. “Everyone came in, met their teachers, organized their supplies, and then spent time getting acquainted and/or reacquainted with one another. They did all of this while comfortably practicing safety protocols.”

The overall consensus at both campuses is that the transition from virtual learning back to in-person instruction has been relatively smooth, even with the changes and challenges of implementing CDC guidelines.

“It seems that students are so happy to be back in school that they respect and comply with the many changes that have been made,” said Pip Craig, administrative assistant. “Parents have been overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging as we navigate these uncharted waters. We have had a great start to the year!”

Throughout the return to campus, Kwiatkowski has been and continues to be mindful of the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellness of everyone by putting in place measures to ensure wellness.

“Certainly we are taking all CDC guidelines and COVID-19 research into consideration when forming our policies on face coverings, social distancing, and sanitation protocols,” said Kwiatkowski. “We also have teams consisting of educators and healthcare experts who are working diligently – always with the goal of safety and learning at the forefront.”

DCMC Director of Instruction Jessica Baugh said, “While we worked diligently to implement protocols and practices compliant with guidance and research, our first day was not defined by these changes. Rather, the buzz of first-day happiness and a love of learning were still very present. As usual, and arguably even more so this year, our first day was defined by laughter, smiles (behind a mask, of course), and joy!”

Delmarva Christian Schools – one school, two campuses, three programs – endeavoring to mature young people to be biblically minded, well educated, critical thinkers as they seek to discover their life calling.

For more information, go to delmarvachristian.org or call 302-856-4040.