Frequently Asked
Questions

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has canceled the PSSAs and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year.

The AP Exam Administration is working to support students during this time. Visit their website to learn additional information.

As a district, we are responsible for equity of access to instruction for all students; that includes students without home access to the internet, and appropriate programming for students with disabilities. This is taken into consideration with any days that we consider “instructional days,” and will be part of any planning that occurs for missed days.

All activities are currently canceled until further notice. We will communicate plans for events scheduled after that date; or make-up dates for those missed, as they are determined.

Any changes to dual enrollment course deadlines will be communicated via the high school if there are any changes bested on the current closure.

Currently, the Governor has stated that the days missed from March 16, 2020 on will not count against the state required 180 school days. We will respond appropriately as a district once the total number of days missed due to “virus” closures has been determined.

Tentatively, the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Yes, meals will be provided to children under 18. The meals will need to be picked up, weekdays, at Dallastown Area High School, 700 New School Lane, Dallastown, PA, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The grab-and-go meals will be available outside door 4, immediately across from Wildcat Stadium.

Currently Pennsylvania School Code does not permit a school year to go beyond June 30. The 2020-21 Calendar at-a-Glance remains unchanged.

A majority of high school seniors have completed or nearly completed their requirements for graduation. We are awaiting direction from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

If a DASD staff member or student tests positive with COVID-19 during the duration of our mandated closure, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will notify the Superintendent at which time the District will follow the guidance of the Department of Health to notify the appropriate individuals affected.