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Welcome to DTSD
Derry Township School District is an award-winning public school system located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our community enjoys a legacy that began with founder, Milton S. Hershey. Our District is committed to excellence in education, offering a challenging curriculum that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
With Trojan Pride
We serve approximately 3,200 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade residing in Derry Township, Dauphin County. We are proud to offer full day kindergarten.
Our Academics
Students know that when they are present in our buildings, they will have experiences that prepare them not just for the next assignment or test, but for the road of learning that will lead them to a full and satisfying life and career.
Extracurriculars and Athletics
Students have multiple opportunities to engage in rigorous learning across subject areas as well as participate in extra-curricular activities. By the time they enter high school, every student has the opportunity to be connected to at least one school activity be it athletics, clubs or music ensembles.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to engage all students every day to help them achieve their greatest potential as global citizens and to cultivate an extraordinary learning environment in which all students and staff feel loved, welcomed and respected as they exceed academic expectations.
Our District
We pride ourselves on our dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and involved parents and community members who work together to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Our district is home to five schools: Hershey Early Childhood Center, Hershey Primary Elementary School, Hershey Intermediate Elementary School, Hershey Middle School, and Hershey High School all of which provide students with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.
![Hershey Elementary School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679500334/hersheyk12paus/mc0bqbaeiooyfijntkow/IMG_1490.jpg","width":2200}])
Included within HES is the Early Childhood Center, a special space for our beginning learners (K-1).
![Hershey Middle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679500445/hersheyk12paus/ao0y3uuea2gwuemcemad/IMG_1483.jpg","width":2200}])
Home to students in Grades 6-8, Hershey Middle School is the cornerstone of the district.
![Hershey High School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679500411/hersheyk12paus/hwhcwz71uyclmnzud7pw/IMG_1458.jpg","width":2200}])
Home to grades 9-12, our goal is to accommodate learners with divergent needs, goals, capabilities and interests.
![Academics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679501764/hersheyk12paus/v2odsqq9fln18mkmz05h/IMG_3348.jpg","width":2200}])
Curriculum that shapes students for a fulfilling life and career.
![Extracurricular]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679502678/hersheyk12paus/xgkapdvmpueqsljzlxda/IMG_1950.jpg","width":2200}])
Students can engage in rigorous learning and extracurricular activities across subjects.
![Athletics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1679504003/hersheyk12paus/vwdixnlpaz60cfyya9sd/IMG_0922.jpg","width":2200}])
Athletic programs that teach teamwork, discipline, leadership and overcoming adversity.
From Our Community
![Eight High School Students standing outside with National Merit Scholarship sign]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695404267/hersheyk12paus/svdcdidn7yw99c8oo40p/IMG_3610-Cropped.png","width":2200}])
Hershey High School would like to congratulation our eight senior students who were named semifinalist in the 2024 National Merit® Scholarship Program and have an opportunity to continue in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
![2023 Best Communities for Music Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1687968360/hersheyk12paus/gibazspjx1e1dwsbdz8o/NF_23_BCME_SMMA_1080x1080_Proud.jpg","width":2200}])
We are proud to announce that Derry Township School District has once again been named a Best Communities for Music Education from NAMM foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education!
![school photo of Dr. David Lillenstein]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689098999/hersheyk12paus/zxgljmafkvkugualyvm5/DavidLillenstein.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689098999/hersheyk12paus/zxgljmafkvkugualyvm5/DavidLillenstein.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689098999/hersheyk12paus/zxgljmafkvkugualyvm5/DavidLillenstein.png","width":594}])
The Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA) has selected Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP) member Dr. David Lillenstein, NCSP, to receive the 2023 PPA Distinguished Contributions to School Psychology Award.
![Anna Gawel Named Pennsylvania’s 2023 Outstanding Assistant Principal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689102131/hersheyk12paus/yrpuy41mqhxjtos29mcd/AnnaGawel.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689102131/hersheyk12paus/yrpuy41mqhxjtos29mcd/AnnaGawel.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1689102131/hersheyk12paus/yrpuy41mqhxjtos29mcd/AnnaGawel.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689102131/hersheyk12paus/yrpuy41mqhxjtos29mcd/AnnaGawel.jpg","width":999}])
Anna L. Gawel, Assistant Principal of Hershey Elementary School (4th and 5th grades) in the Derry Township School District, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2023 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. As a state winner in the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP) of the Year Program, Mrs. Gawel is eligible for consideration to be named the NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year.
![Photo of Dr. Jason Pedersen wearing a bowtie in front of Hershey Elementary School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1690379525/hersheyk12paus/bussxnx9dh3skecis4as/Screenshot2023-07-26at94951AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1690379525/hersheyk12paus/bussxnx9dh3skecis4as/Screenshot2023-07-26at94951AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1690379525/hersheyk12paus/bussxnx9dh3skecis4as/Screenshot2023-07-26at94951AM.png","width":705}])
Dr. Jason Pedersen has been selected as the National Association of School Psychologist’s School Psychologist of the Year!! Dr. Pedersen has been with the district since 2008 and has been as an amazing advocate and support for our students and families at DTSD. He also is an incredible leader for school psychologists across the state and country.
![National Blue Ribbon School Logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1690379046/hersheyk12paus/vyahgzvutiqkqnla7cta/2021BREagleSchool.jpg","width":150}])
Hershey Elementary School is a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. This is given through the U.S. Department of Education and recognizes our school for their overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
News & Events
![Community Engagement Event for the Hershey Elementary School Building Project]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1696446052/hersheyk12paus/zb4qztmk2zgkzbcbgzxo/CommunityNightFlyer2.png","width":2200}])
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about Community Engagement Event for the Hershey Elementary School Building Project
![Community Resource Fair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696441867/hersheyk12paus/funimgee6czo9ky6v4iz/DTSDCommunityResourceFairFall20231.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696441867/hersheyk12paus/funimgee6czo9ky6v4iz/DTSDCommunityResourceFairFall20231.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696441867/hersheyk12paus/funimgee6czo9ky6v4iz/DTSDCommunityResourceFairFall20231.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696441867/hersheyk12paus/funimgee6czo9ky6v4iz/DTSDCommunityResourceFairFall20231.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1696441867/hersheyk12paus/funimgee6czo9ky6v4iz/DTSDCommunityResourceFairFall20231.png","width":1459}])
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about Community Resource Fair
![Fall Fest Poster]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696424929/hersheyk12paus/p6iaiitmolmuqwikixi5/FallFestPoster2023.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696424929/hersheyk12paus/p6iaiitmolmuqwikixi5/FallFestPoster2023.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696424929/hersheyk12paus/p6iaiitmolmuqwikixi5/FallFestPoster2023.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1696424929/hersheyk12paus/p6iaiitmolmuqwikixi5/FallFestPoster2023.png","width":833}])
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about HHS Mini-THON Fall Fest
![10 students standing in a hallway holding their awards in their hands.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1696252719/hersheyk12paus/vrzxccpzc69jhd0lbkck/IMG_3732-Square.png","width":2200}])
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about 10 Hershey High School Seniors Named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
![HHS Theatre Swag Shoppe with pictures of students where branded apparel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695991800/hersheyk12paus/q1fr6xckc5nswzlnegb6/swagstore-square.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695991800/hersheyk12paus/q1fr6xckc5nswzlnegb6/swagstore-square.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695991800/hersheyk12paus/q1fr6xckc5nswzlnegb6/swagstore-square.png","width":610}])
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about HHS Theatre Swag Shoppe
![Seeking Additional Citizen Advisors graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695912325/hersheyk12paus/hlptltiaccfyffoq2sk9/SeekingCitizenAdvisorsandannoucements.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695912325/hersheyk12paus/hlptltiaccfyffoq2sk9/SeekingCitizenAdvisorsandannoucements.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695912325/hersheyk12paus/hlptltiaccfyffoq2sk9/SeekingCitizenAdvisorsandannoucements.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695912325/hersheyk12paus/hlptltiaccfyffoq2sk9/SeekingCitizenAdvisorsandannoucements.png","width":1080}])
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about Seeking Additional Citizen Advisors
Hershey High School - 322 Turf Field
Mifflin County High School - Main Gym
Hershey High School - 322 Turf Field