Dauphin County Technical School

We are proud to recognize Coach Ashley Albright (PE teacher, DCTS), who has officially been named Coach of the Year for her outstanding leadership and commitment to our student-athletes.
Coach Albright continues to elevate athletic programs by setting high expectations, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where students excel. Her recognition reflects the deep respect she has earned from students, families, and colleagues.

Congratulations, Coach Albright, on this well-deserved honor!

We’re excited to share that Mr. Liddick, our Electrical Construction and Maintenance instructor, has been named a state finalist for Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Advocate for Building a Thriving Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Award.

Mr. Liddick is an alumnus of DCTS’s ECM program and has been an excellent teacher at DCTS for 18 years.

This recognition reflects his commitment to strengthening industry partnerships and helping students access apprenticeship pathways that lead to high-wage and rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Show your support by voting:
Vote for Mr. Liddick: Voting - PA's Finalists for Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Awards

NOTE: His category is the fifth – you must go through all the categories before you can vote for Mr. Liddick.

Their craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork were on full display as their float traveled through downtown Harrisburg, impressing spectators and celebrating the skills that make Career and Technical Education so impactful.

DCTS student officers recently participated in the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference, where they engaged in leadership development, team-building activities, and advanced training to help prepare them for their roles throughout the school year.

In addition, members of our administrative team had the honor of attending the SkillsUSA Leadership Dinner, a meaningful opportunity to support our student leaders, connect with other CTE programs, and celebrate the work being done statewide to empower young professionals in the skilled trades and service industries.

These meetings play a critical role in ensuring that our career and technical programs remain aligned with current industry standards, emerging technologies, and workforce needs.

We are grateful for the community partners who volunteer their time to advise our programs and help ensure DCTS students are career-ready.

We are thrilled to celebrate the Halifax Area High School Marching Band, which earned 1st place in its division at the USBands National Competition - an extraordinary accomplishment showcasing talent, discipline, and teamwork.

We are especially proud of the DCTS students who contributed to this championship performance:

• Nico Teffani – EPS

• Kaitlyn Hamilton – LGP

• Kailyn Cyphers – NUF

• Bridget Rank – EPS

• Alaina Shickley – ECM

• Weston D’Amore – LGP

• Leah Saul – NUF

• SkyLee Seiler – EDD

• Amanda Spring – EPS

• Elizabeth Swigart – AMT

Congratulations to the Halifax band and to our Wolverines who helped make this first-place finish possible!

A team of DCTS staff and students, organized by Ms. Hoover, had the privilege of volunteering with Cocoa Packs, an organization dedicated to supporting local children and families with essential food and care items.

We are proud to give back to a program that makes such a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you, Cocoa Packs, for the opportunity to serve—and for all you do every day to support families across the region.

Learn more at: https://cocoapacks.org/.

These sessions create opportunities for employees to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss improvements that enhance the student experience and support our school’s continued growth.
We remain committed to ongoing transparency, collaboration, and a culture where every voice helps move DCTS forward.

Community, Compassion, High Expectations, and the Character We Build Together

December is a powerful reminder that community is more than a word at DCTS—it is who we are. Every day, in ways both big and small, our students, staff, and families show what it means to care for one another, give without being asked, and create a place where people truly belong. And during this time of year, that sense of community becomes even more critical.

Throughout this fall, Wolverines have demonstrated the Wolverine Way through action, leadership, and heart. Our CTSOs and Clubs have stepped up through service, teamwork, and community outreach. Whether they were collecting donations, helping classmates, or volunteering at events, these moments reveal the kind of character our young people are developing because of the culture that surrounds them.

We have watched students find their voice, gain confidence, take on leadership roles, and push themselves in ways that show just how much potential they hold. This is the growth that matters most.

In our classrooms, teachers challenge students to think critically, work safely, communicate professionally, and take ownership of their learning. But none of that happens without strong relationships. Behind every improved skill, every student success, and every breakthrough moment is a teacher or staff member who connected with that student, believed in them, supported them, and pushed them when they needed it most.

We saw our community’s strength again during our Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, where students served with dignity and respect, and staff welcomed our guests with warmth and professionalism. Events like this shape the character of the students who participate in them

Watch the Veteran Appreciation Breakfast recap video here.

Our community is strengthened every single day by people like Mrs. Green, who feeds nearly 1,200 students two meals a day, many of them homemade. Her commitment, consistency, and pride in her work set an example for every young person who walks through the cafeteria doors.

Alongside that work, the dedication of Mrs. Hanford and our Adult & Continuing Education team is strengthening the broader community by upskilling workers, supporting adult learners, and partnering closely with our CTE programs to build the skilled workforce our region depends on. And when Mrs. Green keeps the café open during Adult Education evenings and our own students run it as part of that mission, it becomes a full circle of learning and service: students supporting adults, adults learning alongside students, and the community growing together.

One of the most moving signs of student character this year did not come from a scheduled event at all. It came entirely from our students. At a recent JOC meeting, a student shared that several classmates had quietly pooled their money to buy a pair of color-correcting glasses for their friend so he could see color for the first time in his life. No adults organized it. No one posted about it. No bragging. It was genuine compassion. That is leadership. That is character. That is DCTS.

As meaningful as this season is, it is also important to remember that the holidays are not easy for everyone. Some of our students, families, staff members, and community partners may be carrying burdens we do not see. A small gesture, a check-in, or a moment of patience can make an enormous difference. Strength and compassion can exist side by side - at DCTS, they do.

We also recognize the vital roles of our sending districts, families, and business and industry partners. Their trust, collaboration, and support allow us to open doors for students and provide real opportunities they would not have elsewhere. DCTS is stronger because we are part of a larger community that believes in our mission.

And as we reflect on the season of giving, I want to highlight a value that defines this school: we maintain high expectations because we believe in our students. Holding young people accountable, setting firm boundaries, and expecting them to do things the right way are not acts of strictness, they are acts of belief. They communicate, “You are capable. You can do hard things. We expect the best because we see the best in you.”

Consistency across the entire DCTS community, teachers, staff, families, board members, and business partners, is what allows students to grow. When every adult models professionalism, pride, and high standards, students feel that alignment, and they rise to meet it.

Our behavior becomes their blueprint. Our expectations shape their character. Our consistency builds their confidence.

As we head into the new year, I want to be clear about who we are and what we stand for. Our students do not just need kind adults, they need adults who are steady, honest, consistent, and fair. They need to see all of us show up with purpose and pride. That is how confidence is built. That is how character is shaped. And that is how a school becomes something worth belonging to.

High expectations are not about being harsh, they are about believing deeply in what our students can become. Greatness does not happen by accident. It comes from structure, accountability, compassion, and standards that do not waver when things get difficult.

As 2026 approaches, let us carry forward our pride, momentum, and purpose. Let us continue modeling the Wolverine Way with clarity, firmness, fairness, and heart. Let us look out for those who need support. And let us continue showing every student what it means to lead with integrity.

What we model becomes what our students believe they can be. Our expectations shape their character. Our consistency builds their confidence.

Together, we will continue building a school and a community where 1,200 young people grow not only in skill but in courage, resilience, and belief in themselves. There is no greater work than that.

Happy Holidays,

Jason Civitello

Administrative Director

Getting Ready for a Strong New Year

As we wrap up a successful fall semester at DCTS, it’s a perfect time to reflect on all we’ve accomplished and look ahead to the exciting opportunities the new year will bring. Our school community has worked together to create a strong start to the year, and that momentum will carry us into a powerful second semester.

This fall, our students demonstrated impressive growth in both academic courses and CTE programs. From service projects and industry-related field trips to CTSO events and hands-on learning in every program, the energy and enthusiasm in our building have been genuinely inspiring. We are proud of the progress students have made and grateful to the staff and families who support them every step of the way.

As we prepare for January, we are focused on several key goals to help our students succeed:

• Strengthening instruction and skill development across all programs as we enter assessment and certification season
• Continuing curriculum alignment work, ensuring that every program meets industry standards and provides students with high-quality, career-connected learning
• Expanding co-op and work-based learning opportunities, giving more students the chance to gain real-world experience
• Supporting students academically and socially, with a focus on attendance, engagement, and strong relationships
• Celebrating student success through program showcases, competitions, and community partnerships

The second semester is an exciting time in Career & Technical Education. Here are just a few of the important events and initiatives coming up:

• New semester labs, projects, and cross-program collaborations
• CTSO competitions and leadership opportunities
• Junior Mock Interviews, and College and Career planning events
• Follow-up work with program advisory committees
• NOCTI, NIMS, and Keystone exam preparation

We invite our families, alumni, and community partners to stay engaged with us in the upcoming year. Your involvement, whether through advisory work, supporting student activities, participating in events, or simply encouraging our students, continues to strengthen the pathways and opportunities available to them.

Together, we are fostering a culture of excellence, Wolverine pride, and opportunity. Thank you for helping us create a place where students can discover their talents, pursue their passions, and prepare for bright futures.

Wishing everyone a wonderful winter break and an energizing start to the new year. We look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026!

Mrs. Dacko,

Assistant Director

• Keystone testing will take place in December. Algebra I Keystone testing will be administered on Monday, December 15th. The Biology Keyston will be given on Wednesday, December 3rd.
• The ASVAB was administered November 20th. It will be given again in the Spring on April 14th.
• Highmark Caring Place has immediate openings for their Winter support groups for grieving children and families. Groups are free of cost. Call 866-613-4673 or complete the contact form on the website: https://highmarkcaringplace.com/cp2/contact.shtml
• We’re here to help. If your family is struggling or seeking community resources, please contact the DCTS School Social Worker at jsmith@dcts.org

The DCTS Education Foundation is an incredible organization supporting our students through scholarships and unique opportunities to enhance their educational experience.

The Foundation actively seeks new members to join its mission of making a difference. Recently, we’ve welcomed two student members, a junior and a senior—who bring valuable perspectives and energy to the team.

We’re always looking for alumni and community members to join the Foundation and contribute to the success of future Wolverines. Together, we can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for our students and build a stronger community.

Fore more information visit www.dcts.foundation

One of my greatest joys here at DCTS is feeding our students. Every day, my team and I prepare and serve a variety of meals in our Food Court to nearly 1,200 Wolverines, and it is truly the highlight of my work. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a warm bowl of soup on a cold day, I want every student who comes through our line to feel cared for and supported. Feeding them is not just what I do, it's what I love.

I’m proud that so much of what we serve is homemade, from our daily specials to our sauces, baked items, and especially our soups. Our soups have become a fan favorite among both staff and students, and there’s nothing better than watching our line fill up on “Chicken Soup Days.”

Beyond the cafeteria, our DCTS Café has grown into a favorite stop for students and staff. Whether they’re grabbing a smoothie, a parfait, a sugar-free cold coffee, or one of our DCTS Lunchables, every purchase directly supports our mission to keep breakfast and lunch free for all DCTS students, something I am incredibly proud of.

We also keep the café open after school on select days and evenings to support our Adult Education programs. I want our adult learners to feel the same level of care and access to fresh food as our daytime students. One of the most rewarding parts of those evenings is watching our DCTS students run the café, take orders, serve customers, and gain real-world experience that builds confidence and job-ready skills.

Daily Offerings Include:

• Freshly made Parfaits and Açaí Bowls
• 100% Fruit Smoothies made fresh every morning
• Homemade Soups — a staff and student favorite
• Sugar-Free cold coffee drinks, smoothies, and slushies
• DCTS Lunchables — apples, grapes, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs
• Whole Grain Soft Pretzels and Nachos with Cheese
• Fresh Soups, Sandwiches, and Daily Specials
• Freshly Popped Popcorn
• Hot Coffee and Tea
• Monthly Sugar-Free Specials (like our Pumpkin Cappuccino)

Thank you for supporting the cafeteria and café. It is truly an honor to feed DCTS students and staff with pride, care, and heart. To me, food is love, and serving our Wolverines is a privilege I never take for granted.

Denise Green

Food Service Director

Dauphin County Technical School will be taking advantage of our Flexible Instructional Day, (FID), program as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for inclement weather days. Please note that the district can only use up to five FIDs for the 2025-2026 school year.

Also, please note that not every inclement weather day may be used as a FID. In other words, we may still cancel school days during inclement weather, and we would need to make those days up on the school calendar.

Student participation is required for a successful inclement weather FID. By continuing education during these weather emergencies, it will allow us to preserve our vacation days as scheduled while keeping instruction moving forward.

Teachers will be conducting the day using an abbreviated schedule that will be shared by your building principal. Additionally, teachers and support staff will be available throughout the school day for assistance. Please reach out to your teachers and counselors with any questions you may have. Families will receive additional instructions from the building principal regarding individual school schedules.

We are proud to announce our Staff Members of the Month! These outstanding staff members have shown remarkable dedication, talent, and a commitment to our school's success. We are proud of all they’ve accomplished and look forward to the continued positive impact they will make! Keep up the great work!