Dauphin County Technical School

One of the highlights in December was our administrative group walkthroughs, and we wanted to share a bit of context on them. From time to time, the admin team walks classrooms together - not as an evaluation or a “gotcha,” but to stay connected to what teaching and learning really look like day to day across the building. Because our administrative team comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences, walking together helps us calibrate, get on the same page, and ensure we’re aligned on expectations.

It’s also one of the best ways for us to stay grounded in the work you do every day. During these walkthroughs, we saw many great things, including thoughtful lessons, strong student engagement, creative approaches, and students who were clearly invested in their learning. It was energizing to see instruction in action across so many classrooms and programs.

Just as important, these visits help guide our conversations around support, resources, professional learning, and where we can continue to grow as a school. The takeaway from this round was simple: there is a lot of strong work happening across DCTS, and we appreciate the chance to see it firsthand.

Congratulations to the winners of the pre-break basketball tournament, The Dark Knights:

· Gaurab Chhetri

· Tyler Hanna

· Jose Zaragoza

· Paul Kariuki

· Derek Williams

· Mateo Gamez

Well done. It was a really well-run day from start to finish. The students were respectful, engaged, and clearly had a great time, which speaks volumes about the culture we’re continuing to build. A big thank-you to Ms. Saporita and our PE teachers for organizing the tournament and keeping everything running smoothly, and to Officer Weary for stepping in as a referee. Events like this give students a chance to have fun, build connections, and positively enjoy school, and this one checked all the boxes.

January at DCTS is about momentum, purpose, and the habits that build confidence, character, and long-term success - take a moment to read the Director’s Corner.

January at DCTS: Momentum, Purpose, and the Work That Matters

January is often associated with New Year’s resolutions - some we keep, some we quietly forget by mid-month. Our approach is a little different. Instead of resolutions, we focus on habits, consistency, and momentum, because real growth doesn’t come from a promise made on January 1st. It comes from what we do every day after that.

“Real growth doesn’t come from a promise made on January 1st - it comes from what we do every day after that.”

As we begin the new year, our students and staff return with renewed focus and determination. Across our classrooms and shops, the work continues - intentional, disciplined, and grounded in purpose. This is where confidence is built, character is shaped, and the Wolverine Way comes to life.

“This is where confidence is built, character is shaped, and the Wolverine Way comes to life.”

For Our Students: Confidence Built Through Competence

Coming back from winter break isn’t always easy, but our students have returned ready to get back to work. January is a powerful time of growth at DCTS. Skills sharpen. Expectations are reinforced. Projects move from practice to precision. Students begin to recognize not only how much they’ve learned, but how capable they truly are. This is when confidence starts to catch up with effort.

We remind students that success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up and doing the work. It’s about work ethic: being prepared and ready to learn.

It’s about leadership: owning your choices. It’s about teamwork: supporting one another, because no one succeeds alone. It’s about respect: for people, equipment, and the learning process. And it’s about pride: doing things the right way, even when no one is watching.

January is also a time when expectations become clearer, and the bar is raised, not because we want to make things harder, but because we believe in what our students can handle. New Year’s resolutions come and go, but the habits students build here - professionalism, accountability, perseverance, and resilience—stay with them long after graduation.

“Students grow most when expectations are clear, consistent, and paired with strong relationships.”

We don’t lower expectations in January. We help students meet them, rise to them, and leave here knowing they can succeed wherever their path takes them.

For Our Families: Growth You Can See and Feel

To our families, thank you for trusting us with your student. Choosing DCTS is a meaningful decision, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. You are entrusting us with your student’s education, growth, and future, and that trust matters every day.

January is often when families begin to see growth take shape. Your student may come home speaking with more confidence about their program, taking greater ownership of their learning, and connecting what they are doing at DCTS to real careers, college pathways, or military opportunities. These moments signal that learning is becoming meaningful and personal.

Our commitment remains unchanged: to challenge, support, and prepare students for life beyond high school. Students grow most when expectations are clear, consistent, and fair. Being firm is not about being harsh; it is about believing in what students can achieve. Paired with strong relationships, high expectations help students become capable, confident young adults.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home. When families and schools work together, students benefit most.

For Our Staff: The Standard Setters

January does not come with a reset button, but it does bring clarity and purpose. Expectations are clear, routines are established, and students are watching how we show up each day.

The relationships you build, the standards you uphold, and the consistency you model enable students to grow. Pushing students to improve, reinforcing professionalism, and insisting on doing things the right way shape character. Listening, encouraging, and supporting students through challenges builds trust. Both are essential.

Your work requires balance. Supporting without lowering expectations, understanding without excusing behavior, and being firm while remaining fair. That balance defines strong teaching and leadership. Students benefit most when expectations are clear and upheld by adults who genuinely believe in their potential.

Thank you for continuing to model our core values every day. Your professionalism and commitment create the culture that sets DCTS apart. January is not about starting over—it’s about building on the momentum already in place.

For Our Board Members and Sending Districts: Alignment and Purpose

January is a time to look ahead, and at DCTS, our direction remains clear. Our career and technical programs, paired with intentionally aligned academic instruction, ensure students graduate prepared for career, college, or military service. This integrated approach strengthens both technical skills and academic readiness while reinforcing professionalism and accountability.

Students are not placed on a single track. They are supported in pursuing multiple postsecondary pathways. Whether career-bound, college-bound, military-bound, or a combination, DCTS provides the structure and rigor needed for long-term success.

We remain committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and alignment with our sending districts. This partnership ensures a cohesive educational experience that values both academic achievement and career readiness. We appreciate your leadership and collaboration in maintaining high standards for every student we serve.

Community: Stronger Together

DCTS does not exist in isolation. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve. From families and districts to business partners, adult learners, and community organizations, we are strongest when we work together.

“What we build at DCTS is steady, intentional, and built to last.”

DCTS also serves as a hub for Adult Education and workforce development, providing opportunities to upskill and advance careers. Through collaboration between Adult Education and our CTE programs, we are helping meet workforce needs while strengthening the local economy. This reinforces that learning is lifelong.

Community partnerships and service initiatives give students opportunities to lead, serve, and grow beyond the classroom. These experiences build empathy, responsibility, and civic pride.

We are grateful for the trust and shared commitment of our community partners. Together, we are investing in the future strength of our region.

For Our Business and Industry Partners: Workforce Development in Action

If there is one resolution we confidently commit to, it is preparing a skilled, dependable workforce. January reinforces the importance of hands-on learning, industry credentials, and real-world expectations.

Through business and industry partnerships, students gain exposure to current practices and workplace standards. These experiences show students that technical skill alone is not enough, reliability, communication, teamwork, and pride matter just as much.

Your mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, and advisory input help keep our programs relevant and responsive. We are grateful for your continued investment in our students and in the region’s future workforce.

Living the Five Keys to Success

As we move deeper into the school year, the Five Keys to Success remain central to everything we do. They guide decisions, shape culture, and prepare students not just for careers, but for life.

When students see these values modeled consistently by adults, they internalize them and carry them forward.

Moving Forward Together

As the year continues, our focus remains grounded:

• Strong programs aligned to real careers

• High expectations paired with consistent support

• Rigorous academics connected to CTE

• Meaningful partnerships with families, districts, and industry

• Students growing in skill, confidence, and character

And while my new workout routine may fade by January 15th and other New Year’s resolutions may quietly come and go, the work happening at DCTS does not. What we build here is steady, intentional, and built to last.

Thank you for being part of the DCTS community. The momentum is real, the purpose is clear, and the best work is still ahead.

Happy New Year!

Jason Civitello

Administrative Director

On January 22, the SkillsUSA District 5 Competitions will be held right here at Dauphin County Technical School, and our entire school community has much to be proud of.

SkillsUSA competitions bring together CTE students from across the region to showcase their technical skills, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership. Students compete in events aligned with their career pathways, ranging from hands-on technical challenges to leadership and employability contests, reflecting real-world workplace expectations.

This year will be our second hosting the SkillsUSA District Competitions at DCTS. Hosting this event is a significant honor that reflects the strength of our programs, the dedication of our instructors, and the reputation our school has built as a leader in Career and Technical Education. Throughout the day, our building will be filled with students, advisors, judges, and industry partners working together to celebrate excellence in CTE.

We extend our sincere thanks to our SkillsUSA advisors and staff, who worked tirelessly to organize, coordinate, and prepare for this large-scale event. Their leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to student success make opportunities like this possible and ensure a meaningful experience for every competitor.

We are incredibly proud of our DCTS competitors, who have spent months preparing for this experience. Their commitment extends far beyond technical ability; they demonstrate teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving, and professionalism. Participation in SkillsUSA helps students connect classroom learning to future careers, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and life.

SkillsUSA is more than a competition. Events like this highlight the value of hands-on learning and the powerful opportunities our students have every day at DCTS. Please join us in congratulating our competitors and thanking the advisors, staff, volunteers, and partners who make this event possible. We wish every student the best of luck and are proud to showcase the talent, dedication, and excellence of our DCTS community.

To learn more about SkillsUSA, visit the PA website here: www.skillsusapa.org

Go Wolverines- Champion Your Future!

Claire Dacko

Assistant Administrative Director

• After we return from holiday break, the semester will quickly end on 1/21/26. Be sure to check your schedule to make note of course changes from Sem 1 to Sem 2. If a student has questions regarding their Sem 2 schedule they should contact their assigned school counselor. Please note that there will not be any changes to yearlong courses.
• Attendance reminder: You must submit a written or electronic excuse note within three (3) days of an absence from school. Please see the link for the full policy: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/e3e119f0a8.html#page/18

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

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!