The Dover Report (March 19, 2026)

The Dover Report Thursday, March 19, 2026 Congratulations! Congratulations to three of our students on their outstanding results at the PSPA State Competition! Eric Bernard earned the State Championship in Literary Magazine Artwork, achieving a perfect score — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects his exceptional talent and dedication. Alivia Murren placed 5th in Literary Magazine Poetry, and  Ava Budrecki placed 5th in Yearbook Spread Design. We are incredibly proud of all three students and grateful for the passion they pour into their work. Congratulations, Eric, Alivia, and Ava! Dover Area High School Hosts 3rd Annual CAB with COPS Event Dover Area High School's Class Act Beverage (CAB) welcomed law enforcement officials from across the region this morning for the 3rd Annual CAB with COPS event, a student-led initiative that brings officers and students together over donuts, coffee, and genuine conversation. Now in its third year, the event continues to serve as a meaningful bridge between students and the men and women who serve our community in law enforcement. Students had the opportunity to interact one-on-one with officers, ask questions about their roles, and explore potential careers in public safety. For officers, the event offered a chance to connect with young people in an informal, welcoming environment, outside of the typical contexts in which law enforcement and students might interact. Dover Area School District is proud of the students in CAB for organizing and hosting this event, and we extend our deepest thanks to the representatives from the Northern York County Regional Police Department, York County Sheriff's Office, York County Adult and Juvenile Probation, York County Coroner's Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the United States Secret Service for their participation and continued dedication to our students and community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and growing this important connection between Dover Area students and the agencies that serve and protect us all. Coming Soon - FFA Day! The Dover FFA would like to invite everyone to the 4th Annual Dover FFA Day , happening Saturday, April 25th, from 11 AM to 3 PM right here at Dover Area High School . The event is  free to the community and celebrates local agriculture, businesses, and student FFA projects. There will be food trucks, local vendors, a petting zoo, children’s activities, a tractor parade, and even Famous Milkshakes . You can also check out the Battle of the Bands , compete in the  Cornhole Tournament , and enjoy many other activities throughout the day. If you would like to participate in the Tractor Parade & Show, Battle of the Bands, or the Cornhole Tournament , be sure to  scan the QR codes on the flyers posted around the school to register . We hope to see everyone there for a fun day supporting agriculture and our community!   Egg My Yard The high school student council is sponsoring an Egg My Yard fundraiser this spring for residents in Dover Area School District.  Students will deliver stuffed plastic eggs to residences on April 4.  Spots are limited so register today! Annual Threat Assessment Team Notification   Dover Area School District annually notifies students, staff, and parents/guardians of the Threat Assessment Team's existence and purpose. Per District Policy 236.1, the Threat Assessment Team is a multidisciplinary team of trained school personnel whose role is to identify, assess, and provide intervention for students who may pose a risk to themselves or others. The team proactively supports student safety and well-being while maintaining a positive school environment. If you have questions about the Threat Assessment Team, please contact your building principal or the district office. REMINDER:    Submitting Absences How to Submit: Log in to Skyward Family Access to complete and submit your excuse card. Detailed instructions are attached to this email as PDFs, and are also available on each school’s website (where instructional videos are also located) under:   For Parents/Students > Attendance You may also submit excuse cards directly through the Skyward mobile app for added convenience. Download How to Submit an Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Download How to Upload a Doctor's Note or Other Paperwork to an Existing Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Pennsylvania Law Update: Act 44 of 2025 The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We are writing to inform you of a new Pennsylvania state law that  mandates public, private, cyber, charter, and nonpublic schools  must respond to and communicate about weapon-related incidents.  In November 2025, the Pennsylvania Legislature amended the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 through the enactment of Act 44 of 2025, titled “Parental and Employee Notification of Weapon Incidents.” This law adds Section 1303.2-A to the School Code and establishes new statewide reporting and notification requirements for school districts. These requirements are now in effect. Definition of a Weapon Under School Code § 1317.2(g), a “weapon” includes specific items such as knives, cutting instruments or tools, nunchaku, firearms, shotguns, and rifles. The definition also contains a broad catchall provision for “any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.”  What Act 44 Requires Under Act 44, when a school entity  becomes aware of a weapon incident occurring on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school vehicle, the school entity is required to: Notify the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the affected school Notify school employees assigned to the affected school Provide this notification as soon as practicable, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours, as required by law.  All notifications must include general information about the incident while fully protecting student confidentiality and privacy rights in accordance with state and federal law. No personally identifiable student information will be released.  What This Means for Families  It is important for families to understand that the definition of a weapon under the law may include what is sometimes referred to as “accidental” possession. For example, a student who inadvertently brings a pocketknife to school after a hunting or outdoor activity would still fall within the statutory definition of a weapon. Act 44 is unforgiving in this regard and mandates reporting of any item defined as a weapon under the School Code, regardless of intent. This law is intended to ensure transparency and timely communication with families and staff while continuing to prioritize safety and confidentiality. Act 44 does not change the Dover Area School District’s existing safety procedures, disciplinary processes, or our long-standing commitment to working closely with law enforcement. Please note that not all reported incidents involve an immediate threat. Each situation is carefully assessed by school administration in coordination with law enforcement and other appropriate authorities.  We ask for your assistance as parents and guardians in reminding students that possessing a weapon, even unintentionally, can result in disciplinary consequences at DASD. These consequences may include police involvement, suspension for up to one year, and placement in an alternative educational setting, as permitted by law.  Our Commitment  The Dover Area School District remains committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, hands-on learning environment and to keeping families informed in full compliance with the law. Your continued support and partnership are more important than ever as we work together to protect our students and schools. If you have questions about Act 44 or the DASD’s safety procedures, please contact us at 717-292-3671. Employment Opportunities The Dover Area School District offers excellent part-time employment opportunities. Please visit  our website  to learn more.   Upcoming Events March 25:  3-hour Early Dismissal April 3:  Holiday April 6:  Snow Make up Day - School in Session April 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 21: 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 25: Holiday - No School May 28:  3-Hour Early Dismissal May 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal / Last Student Day May 30: Graduation Calendar Links 2025-2026 School District Calendar (Board Approved on February 20, 2024) 2026-2027 School District Calendar Annual Policy Notification Please visit to view all of the policies that require annual notification.   https://www.doversd.org/our-district/annual-notificationspostings/ If you are interested in any additional district policies, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/dove/Board.nsf/Public The Dover Area School District 101 Edgeway Road, Dover, PA 17315   ⁞   Contact Us   ⁞  Visit us on the web a t https://www.doversd.org

Thursday, Mar 19 2026

3-hour Early Dismissal: March 25, 2026

Hello, Dover families.   This is a reminder that students have a 3-hour early dismissal on March 25, 2026.   Thank you,  The Dover Area School District

Wednesday, Mar 18 2026

Important: Early Dismissal Due to Severe Weather

Hello, Dover Community, Due to forecasted severe weather during dismissal time, the following early dismissal schedule will be in effect today: High School and Middle School: 1:30 PM Elementary Schools: 2:30 PM The safety of our students is our top priority, and this decision was made to ensure all students are home before conditions worsen. Please plan accordingly. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional updates if anything changes. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Thank you, The Dover Area School District

Monday, Mar 16 2026

REMINDER: Board Meeting (March 17)

Hello, Dover Community. The Dover Area School District Board of Directors voting meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. will be held at the Dover Area School District Administration Office at 101 Edgeway Road, Dover, PA 17315, and live-streamed via  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaMQKfJGLDQdSd4azGL-y0w .    The following expectations for the meeting have been established:   Visitors will be limited to the seats available in the Board Room. No signage of any kind is permitted in the building. The public comment protocols established in Dover Area School District policy 903 will be adhered to as outlined below. PUBLIC COMMENT PROTOCOL  The Board uses the public comment period to listen, not to debate issues or enter a question-and-answer session with the speaker. Public comment must be germane to school district business. The Board values civil, respectful statements and clear, concise communications that help to inform its deliberations.  Community members are always welcome at Dover Area School District Board meetings.  Once it is your turn to speak, you may approach the podium. Only one person can speak at the podium unless the speaker is a minor. If the individual is a minor, an adult must accompany them.     Dover Area School District policy 903 ( http://go.boarddocs.com/pa/dove/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9TLNTX618C1A ) states:    “To ensure the opportunity to as many persons as possible, the maximum period for participation per person will be limited to three (3) minutes at the beginning of the meetings.”     To ensure respect for the people and process involved, the Board requires speakers to adhere to the following conditions: Do not make any comments related to a personnel matter.   When asked, please state your name and confirm that you have signed in with your address for the record. Your remarks are limited to three minutes. If you wish to submit a comment to the school board in writing:  Please submit your written statement to  dasd-schoolboard@doversd.org . This will ensure all Directors receive your statement.    Thank you,   The Dover Area School District  

Thursday, Mar 12 2026

The Dover Report (March 12, 2026)

The Dover Report Thursday, March 12, 2026 Congratlations to Natalie Mong! Congratulations to Natalie Mong on being selected as a 2026 Recognized Carson Scholar! A Carson Scholar is a student recognized by the Carson Scholars Fund , founded by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson and Candy Carson. The program honors students in grades 4–11 who demonstrate  outstanding academic achievement and strong humanitarian qualities . To be selected, students must typically: Maintain at least a 3.75 GPA Demonstrate leadership and service to their community Be nominated by their school Carson Scholars receive a $1,000 college scholarship that is invested for their future education and are recognized as role models who exemplify  scholarship, integrity, and service .   Coming Soon - FFA Day! The Dover FFA would like to invite everyone to the 4th Annual Dover FFA Day , happening Saturday, April 25th, from 11 AM to 3 PM right here at Dover Area High School . The event is  free to the community and celebrates local agriculture, businesses, and student FFA projects. There will be food trucks, local vendors, a petting zoo, children’s activities, a tractor parade, and even Famous Milkshakes . You can also check out the Battle of the Bands , compete in the  Cornhole Tournament , and enjoy many other activities throughout the day. If you would like to participate in the Tractor Parade & Show, Battle of the Bands, or the Cornhole Tournament , be sure to  scan the QR codes on the flyers posted around the school to register . We hope to see everyone there for a fun day supporting agriculture and our community!   Egg My Yard The high school student council is sponsoring an Egg My Yard fundraiser this spring for residents in Dover Area School District.  Students will deliver stuffed plastic eggs to residences on April 4.  Spots are limited so register today! Annual Threat Assessment Team Notification   Dover Area School District annually notifies students, staff, and parents/guardians of the Threat Assessment Team's existence and purpose. Per District Policy 236.1, the Threat Assessment Team is a multidisciplinary team of trained school personnel whose role is to identify, assess, and provide intervention for students who may pose a risk to themselves or others. The team proactively supports student safety and well-being while maintaining a positive school environment. If you have questions about the Threat Assessment Team, please contact your building principal or the district office. REMINDER:    Submitting Absences How to Submit: Log in to Skyward Family Access to complete and submit your excuse card. Detailed instructions are attached to this email as PDFs, and are also available on each school’s website (where instructional videos are also located) under:   For Parents/Students > Attendance You may also submit excuse cards directly through the Skyward mobile app for added convenience. Download How to Submit an Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Download How to Upload a Doctor's Note or Other Paperwork to an Existing Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Pennsylvania Law Update: Act 44 of 2025 The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We are writing to inform you of a new Pennsylvania state law that  mandates public, private, cyber, charter, and nonpublic schools  must respond to and communicate about weapon-related incidents.  In November 2025, the Pennsylvania Legislature amended the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 through the enactment of Act 44 of 2025, titled “Parental and Employee Notification of Weapon Incidents.” This law adds Section 1303.2-A to the School Code and establishes new statewide reporting and notification requirements for school districts. These requirements are now in effect. Definition of a Weapon Under School Code § 1317.2(g), a “weapon” includes specific items such as knives, cutting instruments or tools, nunchaku, firearms, shotguns, and rifles. The definition also contains a broad catchall provision for “any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.”  What Act 44 Requires Under Act 44, when a school entity  becomes aware of a weapon incident occurring on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school vehicle, the school entity is required to: Notify the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the affected school Notify school employees assigned to the affected school Provide this notification as soon as practicable, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours, as required by law.  All notifications must include general information about the incident while fully protecting student confidentiality and privacy rights in accordance with state and federal law. No personally identifiable student information will be released.  What This Means for Families  It is important for families to understand that the definition of a weapon under the law may include what is sometimes referred to as “accidental” possession. For example, a student who inadvertently brings a pocketknife to school after a hunting or outdoor activity would still fall within the statutory definition of a weapon. Act 44 is unforgiving in this regard and mandates reporting of any item defined as a weapon under the School Code, regardless of intent. This law is intended to ensure transparency and timely communication with families and staff while continuing to prioritize safety and confidentiality. Act 44 does not change the Dover Area School District’s existing safety procedures, disciplinary processes, or our long-standing commitment to working closely with law enforcement. Please note that not all reported incidents involve an immediate threat. Each situation is carefully assessed by school administration in coordination with law enforcement and other appropriate authorities.  We ask for your assistance as parents and guardians in reminding students that possessing a weapon, even unintentionally, can result in disciplinary consequences at DASD. These consequences may include police involvement, suspension for up to one year, and placement in an alternative educational setting, as permitted by law.  Our Commitment  The Dover Area School District remains committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, hands-on learning environment and to keeping families informed in full compliance with the law. Your continued support and partnership are more important than ever as we work together to protect our students and schools. If you have questions about Act 44 or the DASD’s safety procedures, please contact us at 717-292-3671. Employment Opportunities The Dover Area School District offers excellent part-time employment opportunities. Please visit  our website  to learn more.   Upcoming Events March 25:  3-hour Early Dismissal April 3:  Holiday April 6:  Snow Make up Day - School in Session April 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 21: 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 25: Holiday - No School May 28:  3-Hour Early Dismissal May 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal / Last Student Day May 30: Graduation Calendar Links 2025-2026 School District Calendar (Board Approved on February 20, 2024) 2026-2027 School District Calendar Annual Policy Notification Please visit to view all of the policies that require annual notification.   https://www.doversd.org/our-district/annual-notificationspostings/ If you are interested in any additional district policies, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/dove/Board.nsf/Public The Dover Area School District 101 Edgeway Road, Dover, PA 17315   ⁞   Contact Us   ⁞  Visit us on the web a t https://www.doversd.org

Thursday, Mar 12 2026

Dover Area School District Official Press Release: M...

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, a suspicious backpack was discovered at Dover Area Middle School, in a location beyond officials' reach. Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff were evacuated to Dover Area High School. Northern York County Regional Police Department, in conjunction with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, responded and cleared the building. The backpack contained a pair of shoes and was determined to pose no threat. Middle School students were dismissed at 12:30 P.M. The investigation is ongoing, and the building will again be cleared by the Northern York County Regional Police Department and other law enforcement agencies prior to student arrival. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and, as such, there will be a heightened law enforcement presence in the weeks to come.

Thursday, Mar 12 2026

REMINDER: Board Committees and Planning/Work Session...

Hello, Dover Community.    The Dover Area School District Board of Directors committee meetings will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The planning meeting scheduled for 7:00 P.M. will be held at the Dover Area School District Administration Office, 101 Edgeway Road, Dover, PA 17315. The planning meeting will be live-streamed via  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaMQKfJGLDQdSd4azGL-y0w .    The following expectations for the meeting have been established:   Visitors will be limited to the seats available in the Board Room. No signage of any kind is permitted in the building. The public comment protocols established in Dover Area School District policy 903 will be adhered to as outlined below. PUBLIC COMMENT PROTOCOL   The Board uses the public comment period to listen but not debate issues or enter a question-and-answer session with the speaker. Public comment must be germane to school district business. The Board values civil, respectful statements and clear, concise communications that help to inform its deliberations.  Community members are always welcome at Dover Area School District Board meetings.  Once it is your turn to speak, you may approach the podium. Only one person can speak at the podium unless the speaker is a minor. If the individual is a minor, an adult must accompany them.     Dover Area School District policy 903 ( http://go.boarddocs.com/pa/dove/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9TLNTX618C1A ) states:   “To ensure the opportunity to as many persons as possible, the maximum period for participation per person will be limited to three (3) minutes at the beginning of the meetings.”     To ensure respect for the people and process involved, the Board requires speakers to adhere to the following conditions: Do not make any comments related to a personnel matter.   When asked, please state your name and confirm that you have signed in with your address for the record. Your remarks are limited to three minutes.   If you wish to submit a comment to the school board in writing:  Please submit your written statement to  dasd-schoolboard@doversd.org . This will ensure all Directors receive your comments.    Thank you,   The Dover Area School District

Thursday, Mar 05 2026

The Dover Report (March 5, 2026)

The Dover Report Thursday, March 5, 2026 Congratulations to Leib Elementary School’s 4th-grade STEM team Congratulations to Leib Elementary School’s 4th-grade STEM team on earning first place at the 2026 Lincoln Intermediate Unit STEM Design Challenge Regional Championship (Grades 4–5). Competing against 26 teams from Franklin, Adams, and York Counties, these students rose to the top with an innovative, environmentally sustainable solution to improve factory production. Their project featured a solar-powered potato scrubber and a closed-loop water-recycling system for potato chip manufacturing. The team demonstrated exceptional creativity and professionalism in presenting their design to the judges, representing Leib Elementary with pride and excellence. They will now advance to the state competition in May in Harrisburg. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Annual Threat Assessment Team Notification   Dover Area School District annually notifies students, staff, and parents/guardians of the Threat Assessment Team's existence and purpose. Per District Policy 236.1, the Threat Assessment Team is a multidisciplinary team of trained school personnel whose role is to identify, assess, and provide intervention for students who may pose a risk to themselves or others. The team proactively supports student safety and well-being while maintaining a positive school environment. If you have questions about the Threat Assessment Team, please contact your building principal or the district office. REMINDER:    Submitting Absences How to Submit: Log in to Skyward Family Access to complete and submit your excuse card. Detailed instructions are attached to this email as PDFs, and are also available on each school’s website (where instructional videos are also located) under:   For Parents/Students > Attendance You may also submit excuse cards directly through the Skyward mobile app for added convenience. Download How to Submit an Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Download How to Upload a Doctor's Note or Other Paperwork to an Existing Absence Request in Skyward.pdf Pennsylvania Law Update: Act 44 of 2025 The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We are writing to inform you of a new Pennsylvania state law that  mandates public, private, cyber, charter, and nonpublic schools  must respond to and communicate about weapon-related incidents.  In November 2025, the Pennsylvania Legislature amended the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 through the enactment of Act 44 of 2025, titled “Parental and Employee Notification of Weapon Incidents.” This law adds Section 1303.2-A to the School Code and establishes new statewide reporting and notification requirements for school districts. These requirements are now in effect. Definition of a Weapon Under School Code § 1317.2(g), a “weapon” includes specific items such as knives, cutting instruments or tools, nunchaku, firearms, shotguns, and rifles. The definition also contains a broad catchall provision for “any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.”  What Act 44 Requires Under Act 44, when a school entity  becomes aware of a weapon incident occurring on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school vehicle, the school entity is required to: Notify the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the affected school Notify school employees assigned to the affected school Provide this notification as soon as practicable, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours, as required by law.  All notifications must include general information about the incident while fully protecting student confidentiality and privacy rights in accordance with state and federal law. No personally identifiable student information will be released.  What This Means for Families  It is important for families to understand that the definition of a weapon under the law may include what is sometimes referred to as “accidental” possession. For example, a student who inadvertently brings a pocketknife to school after a hunting or outdoor activity would still fall within the statutory definition of a weapon. Act 44 is unforgiving in this regard and mandates reporting of any item defined as a weapon under the School Code, regardless of intent. This law is intended to ensure transparency and timely communication with families and staff while continuing to prioritize safety and confidentiality. Act 44 does not change the Dover Area School District’s existing safety procedures, disciplinary processes, or our long-standing commitment to working closely with law enforcement. Please note that not all reported incidents involve an immediate threat. Each situation is carefully assessed by school administration in coordination with law enforcement and other appropriate authorities.  We ask for your assistance as parents and guardians in reminding students that possessing a weapon, even unintentionally, can result in disciplinary consequences at DASD. These consequences may include police involvement, suspension for up to one year, and placement in an alternative educational setting, as permitted by law.  Our Commitment  The Dover Area School District remains committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, hands-on learning environment and to keeping families informed in full compliance with the law. Your continued support and partnership are more important than ever as we work together to protect our students and schools. If you have questions about Act 44 or the DASD’s safety procedures, please contact us at 717-292-3671. Employment Opportunities The Dover Area School District offers excellent part-time employment opportunities. Please visit  our website  to learn more.   Upcoming Events March 25:  3-hour Early Dismissal April 3:  Holiday April 6:  Snow Make up Day - School in Session April 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 21: 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students May 25: Holiday - No School May 28:  3-Hour Early Dismissal May 29:  3-Hour Early Dismissal / Last Student Day May 30: Graduation Calendar Links 2025-2026 School District Calendar (Board Approved on February 20, 2024) 2026-2027 School District Calendar Annual Policy Notification Please visit to view all of the policies that require annual notification.   https://www.doversd.org/our-district/annual-notificationspostings/ If you are interested in any additional district policies, please visit https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/dove/Board.nsf/Public The Dover Area School District 101 Edgeway Road, Dover, PA 17315   ⁞   Contact Us   ⁞  Visit us on the web a t https://www.doversd.org

Thursday, Mar 05 2026

2-hour delay on Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Hello, Dover Community. Dover Area School District will operate on a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, due to current weather conditions and reported secondary road conditions. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. District officials will continue to assess conditions throughout the morning. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor all district communication channels for any additional announcements. Thank you, The Dover Area School District

Tuesday, Mar 03 2026

REMOTE Learning Day: Monday, February 23, 2026

Hello, Dover Area School District. Due to road conditions, icy parking lots, and sidewalks, the Dover Area School District will now implement a  remote learning day TODAY, Monday, February 23, 2026 . The district will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update regarding evening activities. Please refer to the document linked below for important instructions and expectations for students participating in remote learning days. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VGItCD-aX9g3-AY20pREGbS-Fud9jIusmNXwdHQB22c/preview?tab=t.0 Thank you for your continued flexibility and support. Updates will be shared through our usual communication channels as decisions are made. Thank you,   The Dover Area School District

Monday, Feb 23 2026