We hope the summer has been fun and relaxing for all of you! It's hard to believe we will be starting the 2023-2024 school year in just three weeks, but we are very excited to have all of our students back in the building to fill the halls and classrooms. It is sure to be an exciting year.

As you may have noticed, Skyward Family Access is not open for viewing. As per the email sent out by the district, it will open on Friday, August 11th. In order for you and your student to see his/her schedule and teachers, you are asked to complete the “Review/Update 2023-2024 Information” link found in Skyward Family Access. You must verify or update information such as phone number, e-mail address, and emergency contacts. In addition, there are several forms that we are asking you to complete such as the annual medical information.

Furthermore, there are a couple of additional items to be mindful of:

• You must complete this for each student that attends the Dover Area School District.
• Do not attempt to complete the “Review/Update 2023-2024 Information” via the Skyward App. It will not work.
• Please complete the “Review/Update 2023-2024 Information” using a web browser on a computer. We have had some families state they had difficulty completing some of the forms on their mobile device.
• In years prior, some families stated that they were unable to complete a particular form. If you encounter this issue, please contact the high school directly. Traditionally, this is due to security settings where Family 1 is the only family able to complete the form. Family 1 is typically set either by custody or other legal paperwork.
• If you do not have a Skyward Family Access account, please contact us to have one set up for you.

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and find it helpful for your family. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Sincerely,

Dover Area High School Administration

An AP Scholar Award is granted to any student who receives a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

An AP Scholar with Honor Award is granted to any student who receives an average score of 3.25 or above on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

An AP Scholar with Distinction Award is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Skyward will open on Friday, August 11th, for all students and families. Parents will need to log into Skyward to answer a few questions before access is granted. If you experience any difficulty with this process, please call the high school office for assistance. Once families have completed the questions on Skyward, student schedules will be "unlocked."

Tuesday, August 22, 2022 - First Day for all 9th and 12th Grades

• Seniors will follow a two hour delay schedule if they have their own transportation. Any senior who rides a bus will attend regular school hours and report to the cafeteria during homeroom.
• August 22nd Schedule

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - First Day 10th & 11th Grades

• August 23rd Schedule

Starting on August 11th, students may use the following form to request a schedule change. Please know schedules are very tight this year, and there is not much room for the changing and switching of classes. Counselors will be working through students who do not have a full schedule (not including homeroom or MMA) before looking at any change requests. Most likely, if you already have a full schedule, there will be a very small chance it will be able to be changed.

All requests must be submitted through the form below.

The following are acceptable reasons for requesting a change:

• Have not completed pre-requisite for course
• Approved release time is not scheduled
• Physical limitations
• Already failed this course with this teacher
• Senior in need of credit to graduate
• Academically misplaced
• Increase the rigor of education program

Schedule changes will not be completed for the following reasons:

• Balancing course load
• Decrease in course rigor
• Friends in other sections/courses
• Teacher preference
• Change of Lunch

* Schedule change requests are not guaranteed; some sections/courses may not have available space.

* Schedule change requests that do not meet the aforementioned criteria will be denied.

* Schedule changes are only permitted through the first 6 days of the semester.

The free/reduced priced meal applications are now open for you to complete. If you would like to complete an application, please visit: https://www.schoolcafe.com. For more information on the importance of completing the application, please see the below. If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Food Service office at 717-292-3671 extension 80204.

Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158) was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on October 24, 2018. This legislation addresses high school graduation requirements and how the Keystone Exams factor into these requirements for students graduating in 2023 and beyond. Students must meet one of the five graduation pathways outlined below to graduate and earn their diploma by demonstrating their readiness for post-secondary success.

For students graduating in 2023 and beyond, the following options exist to meet the statewide graduation requirements:

• Keystone Proficiency Pathway

• Keystone Composite Pathway

• CTE Pathway

• Alternate Assessment Pathway

• Evidence Based Pathway

The high school administration and counselors will be working with all students to meet one of the pathways to graduation, but we will be concentrating on the members of the Class of 2024 who have not yet met a pathway. Please review the following graphic for more information about how to meet the five different pathways.

We need your help! On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Junior Achievement of South Central PA will be at Dover Area High School with their REAL Life Program. All students in 11th grade will be participating in the day-long program. It consists of a series of activities all intended to help students gain an appreciation for the importance of owning their own economic success.

Half of the day is spent in our Budget Builder activity. The other half has students gaining an understanding about going out into the real world after high school. The REAL Life day is intended to help students gain an appreciation of the importance that financial decisions will play in their lives as young adults. The program will inspire students to appreciate the key issues surrounding personal finance and the importance of getting good advice as they make decisions.

For this day to be a success, we will need volunteers to facilitate ONE of the REAL Life activities for the day as students rotate through your station. If we do not have these volunteer spots filled, we are in danger of not being able to run this meaningful event. Please also share this opportunity with friends, neighbors and colleagues who may be interested in helping the students of our school. I have attached a flyer with all of the information for the day and a direct link for you to sign-up.

You do not have to be an approved school volunteer to help with this day. Junior Achievement will provide online training as well as on-site support to all volunteers.

Please consider volunteering and join us as we spend the day empowering and inspiring our students. This opportunity is only possible with the support of wonderful volunteers like you.

To sign up to volunteer, please contact Shannon Baker with JA’s Volunteer Engagement Team at sbaker@jascpa.org or stem@jascpa.org.

• August 14 - Freshmen Orientation 6:30-8:00 PM
• August 22 - First Day of School for 9th/12th Graders Schedule
• August 23 - All students in session Schedule
• August 23 - Fall Meet the Teams 6:00 @ Stadium
• August 29 - Picture Day
• August 30 - One Hour MMA Schedule
• August 31 - Back to School Night 6:30 PM
• September 1 - No School (Professional Development)
• September 4 - No School
• September 27 - Three Hour Early Dismissal
• September 27 - Homecoming Parade 6:30 PM
• September 29 - Homecoming Game
• September 30 - Homecoming Dance

The Annual All Sports Pass is good for one individual's 2023-2024 regular season home Varsity/JV games. It may not be used at post-season games or fundraising events.

An Annual All Sports Pass is $50 and can be paid by cash or check payable to "Dover Area School District" or "DASD". Please complete the order form and return it to the Dover Area High School's main office or the form may be mailed the high school's office.

Current office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Starting August 7th office hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM for pass purchases.

Special evening hours for pass purchases will take place on Wednesday, August 9th, and Thursday, August 10th, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the high school main entrance lobby.

If you have any questions, please contact the Athletic Department at kharris@doversd.org or 717-292-8066 ext. 10811.

Please review the Attendance Procedures in the Student Handbook for the full explanation of policies and procedures.

Highlights:

• Key times of day for attendance (High):

• Tardy- arrival between 7:46-8:46 AM

• ½ Day Absence- arrivals/releases between 8:47 AM-1:39 PM

• Leaving Early- release between 1:40-2:40 PM

• Emails and/or phone calls to release students for an appointment will not be accepted, as we can not verify the validity of the source. In addition, we need the parent/guardian signature to release a student without a parent present.

• Every student is limited to 10 absences per year. This includes Excused, Unexcused, and SERF days. After 10 absences, a student will be required to submit doctor's excuses for any absence to be approved. If an absence occurs while on doctor's notes and a doctor's note is not received, the day will be marked as unexcused.

• A student who becomes ill during the school day must report to the nurse to be dismissed. A written parent excuse will not be accepted. The dismissal will be unexcused unless the parent provides a medical excuse.

• Requests for release time for dental and medical appointments shall be honored when impossible to arrange them on non-school time. A written request from the student’s parents or guardians is necessary. The request should be turned into the Attendance Office at least one day in advance of the dismissal. The early dismissal will be considered unexcused unless the student submits a doctor’s note from the appointment.

• A student who misses 50% or more of the school day will be considered absent for one-half day. A student who misses 75% or more of the school day will be considered absent for a full day.
  

• In order for a tardy to be considered excused, a written explanation signed by the parent or guardian must be presented upon arrival. A tardy may be classified as excused for reasons supported by the state attendance law which provides that personal illness, health care therapy by licensed physician, quarantine, family emergency, recovery from accident, required court attendance, death in the family, and impassable roads constitute legitimate reasons for absence to be excused.

• Students who fail to provide an excuse card within three school days of the absence will have the absence recorded as unlawful/unexcused. Electronic excuse cards may also be submitted by parents on the DAHS website under “Attendance” within three school days.

• All completed Student Excusal Request Forms (SERF) must be submitted to the front office, not less than five (5) school days prior to attendance at the event. The student is responsible for making up work missed in the manner of any other excused absence. The building principal retains the authority for final approval for each and all requests. SERF forms are available in the main office and on the district website. A student may only use five (5) days for a SERF and this is part of the ten (10) total allowable excused days. SERF Form Link

• College Visits approval form must be submitted to the front office, not less than five (5) school days prior to attendance at the event. College visit forms are available in the guidance office and must have guidance counselor approval. College Visit form Link
  

The physical and mental health of young people plays a key role in their ability to succeed in school. Dover Area School District is committed to working with you, not only in the academic education of your child, but also to ensure that students reach their full potential outside of the classroom. The past year has unveiled significant changes in our student’s mental health, and we are committed to the health of the whole child.

It is in this spirit that we provide the universal screening of Behavioral Health for all 9th grade students. These universal screenings dates will be held 10/2 - 10/12 at the High School. For more information, please read the Behavioral Health Screenings informational letter for parents.

There are course fees associated with several courses to offset the cost of the materials used in the class. These fees are stated in the 2023-2024 Course of Studies. Most of these courses are in the areas of Art and CTE. These fees will be added to student obligations in Skyward Fee Management. Fees may be paid in cash to the office or through Skyward Fee Management.

Guidelines:

• Basic Principles: All students are expected to be neatly dressed and well groomed. Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times.
• Clothes must be worn in such a way that abdomen, genitals, buttocks and breasts are fully covered at all times with opaque fabric.

• All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet these basic principles.

Students Must Wear, while following the basic principles of Section 1 above:

• A shirt (with fabric that touches the waistband in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND

• Pants/jeans or the equivalent (Ex. skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress, shorts), AND

• Shoes

Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate Section 1 above:

• Religious headwear

• Ripped shorts/jeans, as long as underwear, buttocks, and genitals are not exposed

• Tanks tops

Students Cannot Wear:

• Hats, hoods or any item that obscures the face or a person’s identity

• Violent language or images

• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity)

• Hate speech, profanity or pornography (including logos or images)

• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups

• Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded)

• Halter and strapless tops

• Swimsuits (except as required in field trips or athletic practice, or other approved event)

• Sunglasses (unless required by a physician)

• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon or violate this section

Last year, all students turned in their iPads at the end of the year. All students will receive their new iPad on their first day of school in homeroom.

The Dover Area School District has invested in a 1:1 program to prepare students for success in the workplace. Students are allowed to take their assigned devices home; however, they remain the property of the Dover Area School District (DASD) and are configured to maximize students' learning. Students must take care and responsibility for these devices. To ensure that the district is able to repair these devices, an optional device coverage fee is available to all students receiving a 1:1 device. This plan will cover the student for two incidents of accidental damage per school year: only on the device itself. Cases and other hardware are not covered and prices are listed in the table below. Students who do not purchase the device coverage will be responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement of the device in the event of intentional damage or loss.

If you are interested in purchasing the coverage, please log into your Skyward Family Access account, click Fee Management on the left side of the screen, then click on the words “Make a Payment.” This should open a separate window for you. Please note, this option may not be available via the Skyward app. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your student’s building.

New this year, there are two rows of reserved parking spaces for Seniors who have designed and painted their own parking spot. These spaces are reserved and may not be parked in by any other student or parent during school hours. If a student parks in a painted parking spot that is not their own, they may be assigned after school detention.

Parking applications/permits will available in the high school main office after the start of school. The permit fee is $20.00 for the full year and $10.00 for only one semester. If paying by check, the check should be made payable to Dover Area School District. The fee is non-refundable if the parking permit is revoked. The opportunity for students to drive to school is a privilege, not a right. Administration may revoke driving privileges if guidelines are not followed. DAHS Parking Pass Application

In order to participate in a school-sponsored dance, a student must be in school the entire school day on the day of the dance. For a dance that is scheduled to take place on a non-school day, a student must attend the entire school day immediately preceding the event. The exception is a doctor’s note, a SERF form, or school approved shadowing.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to be eligible to attend a school-sponsored dances, students must:

• Be Conduct eligible

• No Tier 3 disciplinary infractions in the prior three months

• Not have an excessive referral count -

• Semester 1 - 5 or more referrals for the school year

• Semester 2 - 10 or more referrals for the school year

• Be Attendance eligible

• Absent for no more than 10% of school days to date, including excused and unexcused absences.

Students who believe that an exceptional circumstance exists may request a waiver of these qualifications. The request must be submitted in writing to the school principal prior to the conclusion of ticket sales.

Doors to the high school will open at 7:30 am for all student drivers, drop-offs, and bus riders. Students are expected to be in their homeroom by 7:45 am. All late arrivals after 7:45 am will need to enter through the main office doors. All students will be dismissed at 2:40 pm.

Please refer to the High School Drop Off Procedures for a map of the entrances and more information. As a reminder, the loop around the student parking lot is ONE WAY during student arrival and dismissal times. This is for the safety of all of our families.

Please be sure to read and review the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. Students are expected to know the information in the document and be able to use it as a reference.

New/Updated This year

Cheating/Plagarism - Willful intent to copy or look at work created by a source other than yourself or copying work that is produced by another individual (with or without their knowledge), or copying work created by an artificial intelligence (AI) platform. This includes a student willfully allowing another student to use their work as their own.

Verbal Altercation - A verbal confrontation between individuals that is hostile or aggressive in nature. (1st - Saturday Detention; 2nd - ISS; 3rd - OSS).

Don't miss out on the best price for your student's yearbook! Books are $65, which is the best price available all year. Through 9/15, you can personalize your student's book with their name and up to four activity icons for only $10 more. Books can be ordered directly from Josten's site at this link.

2024 Senior Picture Information

There is one more date scheduled for Senior pictures on 8/29. Please use this link or call 1-800-220-7667 to schedule your photo.

Class of 2024 Baby Photo Ads

Don't miss this chance to put your senior "baby" in the yearbook! Custom ads are available in several sizes at this link. The deadline is 11/10, so don't delay! This is a great chance to celebrate your student's graduation from high school.

The Eagles Nest is Officially Open!

The Eagles Nest is excited to be back open for the 2023-2024 school year! Our first day will be Tuesday August 22nd . We are open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11am-2pm and

during all lunches. Stop by to say hello to School Branch Coordinator, Kayla, and the new Student Ambassador Cayleigh!

Students & Parents! What is the Eagles Nest you may ask? The Eagles Nest is a fully operation branch of First Capital Federal Credit Union inside of the High School cafeteria. This gives students the opportunity to perform transactions, learn about financial education and help prepare today’s young adults for their future.

We offer the exclusive Dover Dollar$ stamp card program to Dover High School students. Students who open an account at the Eagles Nest will receive a Dover Dollar$ stamp card. Then, for every $20 deposit or cashed check, the student will receive one stamp. Once the student has collected 20 stamps, he/she will receive a $20 deposit into his/her account.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kayla Decker, School Branch Coordinator, at kaylad@firstcapitalfcu.com, call (717) 767-5551 ext. 1550, or stop by the Eagles Nest.