Dauphin County Technical School

Congratulations to our DCTS Math Team: Addison Fou Chong, Anmol Dhungel, Eve Fairchild, and Jesse Kariuki, for representing us at the Dickinson College Math Competition on October 21.
Competing in both the individual and team portions, our students demonstrated impressive problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. They faced challenging problems head-on and impressed both judges and peers with their persistence and creativity.

Events like this highlight the academic rigor and high expectations we hold for all students. It’s not just about equations or formulas - it’s about perseverance, strategy, and teamwork. Thank you, Ms. Reitzel, for your leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for our students to showcase their talents beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Barber’s Medical Assistant students will resume their hands-on clinical training, practicing taking vital signs, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration, on staff volunteers.

This is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the MED program because it gives students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in class to real-life scenarios. They’re not just learning medical procedures, they’re developing professionalism, empathy, and communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity for our staff to see firsthand the skills and confidence our students are building. These learning moments bring the DCTS community together and reinforce the powerful connections between technical education and real-world applications.

Our FBLA students recently hosted their annual Haunted Trail and raised $465 for Project FISH, an organization that supports families in need throughout our community.

The event was a success, drawing an impressive crowd and showcasing our students' leadership, organization, and creativity. From planning the event to decorating, managing finances, and interacting with guests, the students demonstrated the kind of initiative and follow-through that FBLA is known for.

Thank you to Ms. Rowe, Mrs. Dominguez, Mrs. Cangialosi, and Mr. Choate for helping our students see how business and leadership skills can be a lot of fun. This is Career and Technical Education at its best, students learning how to lead, serve, and give back to their community.

In Mrs. Giesler’s class, students were immersed in a fast-paced math activity that blended accuracy, competition, and fun -solving equations correctly to earn a chance to “throw” at classroom targets. The result? High energy, teamwork, and a whole lot of learning.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hauser’s Statistics students are preparing for upcoming presentations tied to their Nursing Foundations collaboration from a couple of weeks ago. This project bridges academics and CTE by having math students analyze real data collected from vital signs measured during Nursing Foundations students' clinical tasks. I was able to see the students create their slideshow presentations. It’s a perfect example of academic integration -students seeing firsthand how what they learn in math directly applies to technical and health science careers.

I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary effort from our students, teachers, the Principals, and Mrs. Dacko. Rotation is one of the most important and demanding times of the year. It’s when we introduce new students to every program, help them explore potential career paths, and set the tone for their DCTS journey.

This year’s 9th-grade class is exceptional. They’ve shown curiosity, focus, and maturity, asking thoughtful questions and giving their best effort during every rotation. It’s clear they understand what it means to be part of this school and the opportunity they’ve been given.

Our teachers deserve special recognition as well. The creativity, patience, and energy they’ve brought to rotations have been outstanding. Every instructor went above and beyond to design interactive lessons, showcase their programs, and create an environment where students could truly picture their future. That type of commitment makes a lasting impact.

Program placements for the 2025-26 class have been finalized! And we are already preparing for next year’s 2026–27 recruitment cycle. This month's school counselor meeting with sending districts went exceptionally well. Thank you, Mr. Keys and your team! Interest in DCTS continues to grow across Dauphin County. It’s clear that our message of excellence, opportunity, and hands-on learning is resonating with families and students alike.

Honoring Our Heroes: Senator Patty Kim to Host Veterans Day Breakfast at Dauphin County Technical School

On Wednesday, November 12th, Senator Patty Kim will host a Veterans Day Breakfast at Dauphin County Technical School to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The event will bring together veterans, local leaders, and community members for a morning of reflection, gratitude, and fellowship. Representative Joe Kerwin, a veteran himself and dedicated advocate for Pennsylvania’s service members and their families, will also be in attendance, helping connect generations of leadership and service.

The morning will begin with a presentation of the colors by the Lower Dauphin School District Color Guard, followed by remarks from Senator Kim and Representative Kerwin, each paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Following the ceremony, DCTS’s Culinary Arts students will prepare and serve breakfast for the honored veterans and guests, showcasing their professionalism and skills. In addition, Nursing Foundations and Medical Assistant students will offer complimentary health screenings to veterans who wish to participate.

A Personal Reflection: The Legacy of “G.I. Joe”

Veterans Day holds deep personal meaning for me because of my grandfather, Joseph, affectionately known as “G.I. Joe.” He often said that being recognized on Veterans Day meant more to him than celebrating his own birthday. A first-generation American, he grew up with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities his family found in this country and an unwavering pride in calling it home. When World War II began, he answered the call to serve with courage, humility, and conviction, embodying the very ideals that define the American spirit.

He served in the 3rd Army, 2nd Cavalry, where he advanced across Europe with his unit as they liberated towns and fought in some of the most intense combats. Joseph was among those who fought in the Battle of Normandy and at Utah Beach, two of the most defining and dangerous operations in American military history. For his extraordinary bravery under fire, he was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Silver Star.

Like many veterans of his generation, he carried his experiences quietly. It wasn’t until his mid- to late eighties that he began to share his memories with me. When he finally shared them, his stories revealed both the terror and the triumph of those days. Moments of fear, deep brotherhood, and extraordinary endurance. Listening to him, I came to understand how lucky he was to come out alive and that while the war ended for the world, it never truly ended for those who fought it. Many returned home carrying what we now recognize as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they continued to live and serve with strength and dignity.

After returning home, my grandfather built a life as a mason, a true craftsman. As a bricklayer and stone mason, he created buildings and homes with the same precision, strength, and determination he had shown in battle. He was tough as nails, a man of discipline who demanded excellence from himself and

everyone around him. In his world, there were three ways to do things: the wrong way, the right way, and Joe’s way.

I often tell people that he helped build the city of New Haven. Even now, when I drive up Interstate 95, I can point to the skyline and name the buildings he built. His work quite literally became part of the city’s foundation. A legacy of craftsmanship and pride that continues to stand tall, just like the man himself.

He took great pride in serving his country, and that pride carried into every aspect of his life. He believed that if you were going to do something, you did it right, or not at all. His philosophy could be summed up in a single lesson he passed on to me:

“Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.”

It wasn’t just advice; it was a way of life. Whether laying brick or mentoring others, he believed that success and honor were built, one careful detail at a time.

The Spirit of Service Lives On

The lessons my grandfather taught me became the foundation of the culture we strive to uphold at Dauphin County Technical School. His strength, work ethic, and humility inspired our Five Keys to Success, which guide every student and staff member: Work Ethic, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, and Pride.

Hosting Senator Patty Kim’s Veterans Day Breakfast is an honor for our entire school community. It allows our students to serve those who have given so much and to see the lasting impact of leadership, discipline, and character in action. The presence of Senator Patty Kim and Representative Joe Kerwin, a veteran himself, reinforces the connection between public service and military service, reminding our students that true leadership is rooted in service to others.

At DCTS, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. It’s about building character and community, just as our veterans have done through their service.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

As we gather on November 12th to honor our heroes, I am reminded of my grandfather’s belief that excellence begins with the details and that service, in all forms, is what gives life meaning. His example still guides me today and continues to shape the work we do at DCTS.

At Dauphin County Technical School, we strive to carry that same spirit of service forward. Whether our students are preparing a meal, offering a health screening, volunteering in the community, or representing their programs with pride, they are learning that true success isn’t measured by personal achievement alone, it’s measured by how we use our skills to uplift others. As tough as he was, that’s what my grandfather stood for, and it’s what DCTS stands for today.

Our veterans remind us that leadership is about giving back, about doing the small things with excellence so they build into something greater. That same philosophy lives in our halls every day through our Five

Keys to Success and the character of our students and staff, who dedicate themselves to their craft and community.

To all veterans, past, present, and future - we extend our deepest gratitude. Your courage, sacrifice, and pride in serving your country continue to shape not only our nation but also the young men and women who walk these halls, learning what it means to serve others with purpose and pride.

From all of us at Dauphin County Technical School, thank you for showing us what it truly means to live with Work Ethic, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, and Pride.

Jason Civitello

Administrative Director

Thankful for Our Team!

November is a time for gratitude, and I want to take a moment to thank every member of our school community who helps make Career and Technical Education thrive here each day. Whether you teach, support students, prepare meals, maintain our facilities, assist in the school offices, or work behind the scenes to strengthen the DCTS community, your efforts truly matter. You are the heart of our mission to prepare students for success beyond graduation.

At DCTS, we see every day how learning by doing transforms confidence into competence. Our educators and support staff make that possible, not just by teaching skills, but by modeling professionalism, teamwork, and pride in a job well done. From the 9th-grade student discovering a new passion to the senior preparing for certification or cooperative education, each success story begins with a caring adult who believes in them.

As we enter this season of thankfulness, I also want to extend gratitude to our families, industry partners, and JOC board members. Your encouragement, mentorship, and collaboration are vital parts of our students’ journeys. Together, we create the real-world learning experiences that set our students apart and remind them that their work matters.

This month, let’s all take a moment to celebrate the power of community. The connections among staff, students, families, and partners are what make our school so special. I am deeply proud to serve alongside such a talented and dedicated team that makes CTE excellence a reality every single day.

With appreciation,

Claire Dacko

Assistant Director

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

Dear DCTS Community,

As the Director of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) at DCTS, I’m proud to share the best kept secret of incredible work happening outside our current high school programs. Yes, DCTS also provides Adult & Continuing Education! Our mission is simple: to provide accessible, high-quality skills and training to empower individuals—whether they are high school students, adult learners, or members of our local workforce.

We understand that not every student’s path is linear. That’s why we offer evening certification programs for high school seniors from our sending schools who may not have had the opportunity to attend DCTS in 9th grade. These programs—such as Nurse Aide Certification, CDL Training, and our 200-hour Essentials courses in Automotive, Welding, and Property maintenance —give students a head start toward employment or further education after graduation.

We also recognize the growing number of young adults ages 18–24 who are still searching for their direction toward financial stability. Many are now considering trades and certifications as a practical and rewarding way to begin their careers. DCTS-ACE is here to support that journey, offering the same, flexible, hands-on training that leads to real opportunities.

Our commitment extends beyond our students. We proudly collaborate with local businesses and industry partners to deliver training that meets real workforce needs. Whether it’s welding training for displaced Cleveland Cliffs employees in partnership with the United Steelworkers Union, or apprenticeship opportunities through our partnership with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), we’re helping individuals retool and reimagine their futures.

We also offer DIY 30-hour short courses in Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Small Engine Repair, and HVAC, perfect for those exploring new skills for personal enrichment or potential career paths. These flexible programs are designed to meet learners where they are—whether they’re curious hobbyists or future professionals.

DCTS-ACE is more than a training center—it’s a community hub. We provide facility rentals that support our programs and engage participants in activities such as volleyball, basketball, soccer leagues, and even various tournaments bringing people together through recreation and sportsmanship.

Our parking lots are busy with Susquehanna Harley Davidson and Total Control Training to offer Motorcycle Safety Certification, and with York County School of Technology to provide CDL training. Both of these programs lead to a Pennsylvania Driver's License.

Every program, every partnership, and every learner reflects our belief that education should be inclusive, responsive, and transformative. Whether you're a student looking to jumpstart your career, an adult seeking new skills, or a business leader investing in your workforce, DCTS-ACE is here for you.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re building a stronger, more skilled community.

Warm regards,

Stephanie Hanford

Director of Adult and Continuing Education

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!

Access the complete school calendar using this link:

https://dcts.org/wp-content/uploads/REVISED-2024-2025-School-Calendar.pdf