August 16th, 2021

DACC Students and Families,

Today, I had the pleasure of kicking off the 2021-2022 school year with our staff and I’m happy to share with you that there is so much excitement to see our students back in our building and at our satellite locations. 

On August 9th, I shared with you what our safety protocols would be this year and I stated that the one thing we knew for certain was that information would change and we would need to remain flexible.

I want you to know that in working with local health officials, we are learning that our county has moved to a higher level of community spread, which was included in one of the two failing factors on the Delaware Public Health District’s 5-Critical Factor Report Card. As a result, the Health District released an advisory for all persons - vaccinated and unvaccinated – to wear a mask inside public places and crowded settings.

Based on the increase in cases and the data we have that demonstrates the effectiveness of wearing a mask, we are strongly recommending that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask while they are indoors at our campus or at one of our satellite locations.

This is not a significant change from where we stood last week. However, I want to be clear that cases are rising and masks are an effective means to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus. You will not be required to wear a mask, but I strongly urge you to do so for your safety, for the safety of others, and to decrease the chances of having to quarantine.

The district’s Return to School Guide has also been updated to reflect this guidance.

Our safety guidelines are based on recommendations from the Delaware Public Health District (DPHD), whose guidance is informed by the CDC and local data. New information has been released from DPHD, including their Mask Advisory and the matrix DPHD uses to guide quarantine decisions. Please take a moment to review those resources.

Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation throughout this process and I will continue to keep you informed as information and guidance change.

If you have any questions about the start of school or our safety protocols, please feel free to call us at 740-548-0708 or email us.

Jay M. Poroda
Superintendent
Delaware Area Career Center
The Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) affirms that equal opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military status, national origin, disability, age and ancestry of person. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity conducted under its auspices. This shall extend to employees therein and to admission thereto. Inquiries concerning the application of the policy may be referred to the Superintendent or designated coordinators. This policy shall prevail in all Board Policies concerning school employees and students.