Reopening Questions 2020-2021

It is the intent of Dauphin County Technical School (DCTS) to allow all students to return to in-person instruction on August 31 with a hybrid schedule. This document is fluid. It will be updated as CDC guidelines and recommendations change. Below are some key questions about the return as it stands now.

1. WHAT IS A HYBRID SCHEDULE AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

  • A hybrid schedule blends in-person instruction with independent online learning. The purpose is to reduce the number of students in the building to approximately 50% of the student body.
  • Students will attend school in-person on consecutive days, such as a Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday. An example follows:
    • 9th grade students will be in their program of study while 10th grade students are in academic classes. The following day, 9th grade students will be in academic classes while 10th grade students are in their program of study.
    • The same pattern will occur for 11th and 12th grade students.
  • On school days students are not at DCTS for in-person instruction, students will participate in independent online learning.

2. WHAT SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FACE COVERINGS WILL BE USED TO PROTECT STUDENTS AND STAFF?

  • In accordance with government mandates, students and staff will wear a face covering (mask) when in the building.
  • Students will be required to wear a face covering when moving in the hallways, using lockers, moving through the lunch line, etc.
  • DCTS will not require students to wear a face covering at lunch while eating and spaced according to CDC social distancing guidelines.

3. WILL DCTS ALLOW THINGS LIKE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSES, GROUP WORK, ETC.?

  • DCTS will allow these activities as long as proper social distancing can occur and a face covering is worn by students and staff.
  • Efforts will be made to minimize the sharing of materials and equipment.
  • Materials and equipment will be disinfected between uses.

4. WILL DCTS CLEAN AND DISINFECT THE BUILDING?

  • Additional equipment was purchased to enhance our staff’s ability to disinfect and sanitize areas throughout the day and every night.
  • The staff will work to clean and disinfect common areas and objects throughout the day.
  • The staff will work to clean and disinfect classrooms in the evenings.
  • Procedures for cleaning are still being finalized and a separate fact sheet will be published on this topic.
  • There are days built into the schedule so additional cleaning can be completed.

5. WHAT WILL THE PROCEDURES BE FOR SCHOOL BUSES?

  • Sending schools are responsible for bringing students to and from DCTS.
  • Policies and procedures are dependent upon your child’s sending school district.
  • Parents have the option to transport their children to school and are encouraged to do so.