DTSD DIGEST

As summer winds down, it's time to gear up for another exciting school year! We know that getting back into the school routine can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming time, so we've put together this newsletter to help make the transition as smooth as possible. In this edition, you'll find everything you need to know to prepare for the upcoming school year, including important school bus information, school supply lists, and key back-to-school events.

Whether you're a returning student or new to our community, we're here to support you every step of the way. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

The first day of school is August 26, 2024. See you there!

Elementary School:

Elementary School Sneak-A-Peek - Wednesday, August 21 - 3:30PM - 5:00PM

Middle School:

Grade 6 Bridge Day - Wednesday, August 21 - 7:30AM - 10:40 AM

Middle School Sneak-A-Peek - Wednesday, August 21 - 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Middle School Self-Guided Tours - Thursday, August 22 - 12 PM – 3 PM and Friday, August 23 - 9 AM – 12 PM

High School:

Grade 9 Bridge Day - Wednesday, August 21 - 7:30AM - 10:40 AM

Hershey High School Block Party - Wednesday, August 21 - 2:00PM - 4:00PM

High School Back-to-School Night - Wednesday, August 21 - 4:30PM - 6:00PM

District Wide:

National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6 - 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Medication Drop off Day - Wednesday, August 21

COCOA Bean Game - Friday, August 23 - 7:00PM

Ben & Tim Day - Saturday, August 24
First Day of School - Monday, August 26
Labor Day Recess - Friday, August 30 - Monday, September 2

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On Monday, June 24th, the DTSD School Board approved revisions to Policy 237, Electronic Devices. This update is to help parents, educators, and community members prepare for the coming year. We greatly appreciate your input during our 30-day review process which helped us to clarify language in the policy.

The new version of policy 237 limits the use of personal cellular devices as a part of the district's plans to tackle mental health and bullying issues associated with social media. Additionally, limiting access to cell phones throughout the school day will allow students to be more focused on teacher instruction and their academic endeavors. We believe these changes will create a healthier school environment.

In the coming days, as we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year, your child’s school building will provide information about implementing this policy in their school. The building principal and administrative team have developed building-specific procedures to support these changes. Please note that this policy will not apply to school buses to ensure our bus drivers can remain focused on their driving.

We understand that this change will be an adjustment. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help support the transition to a device-free learning environment.

Get ready for a successful school year with our updated supply lists! We've compiled all the essential items your child will need for their classes, making shopping a breeze. You can find the grade-specific lists on our school website. Be sure to check it out early to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your student is fully prepared for the first day of school!

ECC & Elementary School List

Middle School List

As we prepare our bus schedules for the 2024-2025 school year, it is important that all parents whose transportation needs have changed since last year inform us of their changes. These changes could include requiring bussing this year, change of pick up or drop off address or canceling bus services.

If you do have a change, please contact transportation by email at trans@hershey.k12.pa.us before 8/15/2024. Changes beyond 8/15/24 might not be able to occur for the start of school.

If your home address has changed, you must also inform your student’s school office.

Bus schedules are expected to go live the week of August 12th. For more bussing information, please visit https://www.hershey.k12.pa.us/servicessupports/transportation-services or contact us by phone at 717-566-7422 option 1.

Your one-stop shop for all things food services has moved!

We have recently moved the food service web pages back to the main district website. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to streamline access to important information and resources. To stay connected, please update any bookmarks or links you may have.

Daily menus and nutritional information will be available via the SchoolCafé website and app and will be available on the Apple and Android app stores. Free/Reduced applications can also be found on the SchoolCafé website.

We look forward to serving our students delicious and nutritious meals this school year.

The Elementary School project has progressed steadily throughout the summer. Our architect, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, has begun presenting us with conceptual designs—high-level illustrations that ensure the educational program is fully captured. We plan to present these options to the community in early to mid-September.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates will present a project update to the General Services Committee on August 26, 2024. They will also provide an update to the full board at our School Board meeting on September 9, 2024.

August 12, 2024

Board Meeting - 7PM

August 26, 2024:

General Services - 4PM
Finance Committee - 5PM

Board Meeting - 7PM

• District-Wide Calendar
• Athletic Schedule
• 24-25 Year at a Glance Calendar
• Menus
• Careers at DTSD
• Elementary Building Project Updates & Information
• Care Solace - Mental Health Care Coordination Service for Derry Township School District
• Technology Help Center
• Bus Stop Information

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