The D2 Center partnered with the Omaha Public Schools in the summer of 2020 to offer three classes to supplement OPS virtual summer classes. For the past nine years, D2 Center teachers have offered two elective credit classes to D2 Center students in the summer. This summer was a bit different. Due to the pandemic and closing of schools, OPS summer school was limited mostly to seniors and a few juniors. The extra classes offered at the D2 Center allowed some OPS and D2 Center seniors the opportunity to earn enough credits to either graduate or move closer to graduation. The classes were also available to other interested D2 Center students. All three D2 Center classes were taught remotely utilizing Zoom meetings, cell phone, and email.
A new summer class “Navigating Your Future” was developed during the pandemic and taught by several D2 Center staff members: teachers Jodie Martinez, Clem Bell and Terry Kocsis, and Career Navigators John Moore and Bette Norton Ball. OPS Director of Multiple Pathways Dr. Shari Koch played a key role in the partnership. She sent a note of thanks to the D2 Center staff:
“Thank you for your partnership in so many ways, but recently through the summer credit program which just concluded. Grades submitted have now posted to student transcripts. Please find below a summary:
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- 7 graduates
- 28 credits earned
- 30 enrollees
Note: D2 Center credit earners were often students who had low credit thresholds, and did not engage previously during the spring shut down.
You make a difference, especially to students who need it the most. Again, thank you on behalf of OPS and our students for your efforts!”
The D2 Center thanks Dr. Koch and the many OPS staff members and teachers who provided opportunities for students to earn credits in the summer of 2020 during challenging times. It was a great team effort!