West Chester Area School District
February Newsletter
A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. DAVID CHRISTOPHER
Dear WCASD Community,
Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of getting into our classrooms and schools to learn more about how we teach, create belonging, and build community in the WCASD. Witnessing the enthusiasm with which students engage with their lessons, connect with their teachers, and interact with their peers has been wonderful.
During one of these visits, I saw a simple display on the whiteboard in one of the classrooms. Students had taken the time to write down their favorite things about their class and our school. From recess and joking around to kindness and respect, these students demonstrated a true appreciation and joy for what they experience while at school.
I took a picture to not just remind myself of what they love about WCASD, but also to remember that it's important to keep in mind what I appreciate about our district and this community as I continue making connections. Foremost among my "favorite things" is the incredible warmth and dedication exhibited by the members of our school community. From the remarkable students and passionate staff to the supportive families and engaged parents and guardians, there's a sincere, shared love for West Chester. Even community members who don’t have students in our schools, fondly tell me about their connections to our district.
As we embark on another busy season, let's carry this spirit of appreciation and celebration with us. Let's continue to look for the good things, the favorite things, and build on the strengths that make West Chester Area School District an exceptional place to learn and grow.
I’ll see you as we walk the West Chester way together.
Also, to make sure that you don’t miss any of the events coming up for the WCASD, please check out the list of upcoming events below and our Celebrate the Arts Flyer at the bottom of this newsletter.
Important Dates:
February: Black History Month | Career and Technical Education Month
February 5-9: National School Counseling Week
February 7: Padres Latinos Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
February 10: Lunar New Year
February 12: Pupil Services Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
February 12: Education Committee Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 16: Half-Day for Students | Teacher In-service p.m.
February 19: Presidents' Day | Schools and Offices Closed
February 20: Policy Review Committee Meeting | 5:30 p.m.
February 20: Property & Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
February 21: MS101 Information Night
February 26: School Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
At our last School Board Meeting, we had the privilege of celebrating School Director Recognition Month! The dedicated individuals on our WCASD school board bring personal connections to crucial decisions, contributing invaluable perspectives on budgets, policies, and planning.
Rustin students and Missy Coley sweetened the evening with some delicious treats (Not pictured are Directors Chester and Whomsley).
We also heard from Fugett Middle School's Katie and Adwaith about the great activities and events going on at their school. Everyone was particularly blown away by their exceptional speaking and presentation skills!
Exton Elementary Second Graders Embarked on a Science Adventure!
They conducted a celery experiment, immersing a stalk in water with food coloring. Each student formed hypotheses, making predictions about potential changes. Then they documented their findings to learn about the importance of noting observations!
Westtown-Thornbury kindergarteners Dive into the World of Letter Sounds!
From recognizing real words versus nonsense words to sounding out letters and vowels, these little learners were on fire! But what stole the show? Their infectious enthusiasm to take the lead and guide their classmates through the exercises, proving that stage fright is simply not in their vocabulary!
Congratulations to Tyler Troutman of Rustin High School on the incredible accomplishment of earning his Eagle Scout Award!
As his Eagle Scout project for BSA Troop 225, Tyler planned and coordinated a local book drive to benefit the non-profit KenCrest. KenCrest provides support services for adults, youth, and children with disabilities.
With the generous help of the community and his fellow scouts, he more than tripled his original goal and collected over 2,100 new and gently used children's books to be given to the kids. This project was especially meaningful to Tyler as an avid reader and writer. He earned his Eagle Scout Award on November 1, 2023, and had his official award ceremony on January 7, 2024.
Glen Acres Elementary Students Pledge to Be Love
These students embraced the spirit of service in January, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Bernice King's book, "It Starts with ME!" 📖
The book, emphasizing a commitment to showing and demonstrating love, resonated with students and families.
Peter Kennedy of Henderson High School will represent Pennsylvania and the West Chester Area School District in the Bill of Rights Institute 2024 Student Fellowship program. Only 25 students from every region of the United States will participate in an elite educational opportunity after being selected for the program.
The Bill of Rights Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to advance civics and history education. Through its Student Fellowship program, the Institute provides cohorts of students the opportunity to participate in robust educational programming throughout the school year, and capstone educational trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Congratulations, Peter!
6ABC took a recent trip to Rustin High School to chat with Lauren and Riley Stackhouse, a dynamic duo in Rustin and West Chester's basketball world. Seven years ago, their roles evolved from mother-daughter to player-coach, as Lauren took the helm as the girls' head basketball coach.
Riley, a senior at Rustin, is preparing to conclude her journey as her mother's player, and begin a new chapter at Widener University. To watch Lauren and Riley talk about their journey and the excitement that lies ahead for them, click the photo or blue button!
Fugett Middle School's music department teachers and students welcomed fifth graders from Glen Acres, Exton, East Goshen, Fern Hill, and Greystone. They were invited to immerse themselves in all of the musical possibilities open to middle schoolers!
Students took a tour of campus, saw performances by Fugett ensembles, and get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming Mary Poppins theater production. Special shoutout to the fantastic sixth graders who led the way as tour guides.
Thank you to the 350+ families who joined us earlier this week for our K101 night!
It was an informative evening where district administrators, elementary principals, and kindergarten teachers shared insights about what a day in Kindergarten looks like, the various supports available to students, and more. We sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm and taking these first steps in getting prepared for this exciting journey ahead!
If you missed the presentation and would like to see the slides, click the blue button!
East High School Singers Shine at PMEA District 12 Choral Festival!
We're thrilled to spotlight the incredible achievements of five talented East High School singers who recently participated in the PMEA District 12 Choral Festival.
Musical maestros Andrew, Emily, John, Molly, and Sneha graced the festival with their outstanding vocal talents, contributing to a harmonious and memorable experience. Emily and Molly not only showcased their exceptional skills but also successfully auditioned to advance to the Region 6 Choral Festival in March. A special shoutout to Emily, who claimed the 5th spot, and Molly, securing an impressive 3rd place in their respective voice parts. We would also like to acknowledge Andrew, who made the cut at 7th place but, unfortunately, cannot participate due to a prior commitment.
Join us in congratulating Andrew, Emily, John, Molly, and Sneha for their outstanding contributions to the world of choral excellence!
Bridget Fischbein
Bridget coached West Chester East's girl's volleyball team from 1987 to 1995. Bridget took the reins of what was considered a "low-profile" sport and transformed it from the ground up.
In 1987, East made history by participating in the District Championships for the first time. The momentum continued to build, with notable achievements such as the 1991 District runners-up position and entrance into the State tournament.
The pinnacle of success came in 1992 and 1993 when Bridget led the team to back-to-back District I Championships, securing berths in the State tournament both years. The team also clinched the Southern Chester County League Champions title in 1993.
Join us in applauding Bridget Fischbein for her remarkable achievements in shaping West Chester East's volleyball program into a powerhouse during her tenure.
Kim Jackson
Kim's coaching career at B. Reed Henderson High School began in 1986. During her tenure, Kim led the field hockey team to a Ches-Mont Championship, boasting two District 1 final appearances. Simultaneously, her lacrosse legacy at Henderson spanned an impressive 27 years from 1986 to 2013.
Under Kim's guidance, her lacrosse teams achieved remarkable success, securing seven Ches-Mont Championships (1993, 1995-2000), three State Championships (1996, 1997, 1998), and earning state runner-up titles in 1999 and 2000. Henderson lacrosse, under Jackson's leadership, even attained national recognition, ranking as high as #2 in the Nation in 1998 and #4 in 1997.
In 2015, Kim retired from Henderson High School, leaving a lasting impact on the athletic program. Kim Jackson's legacy extends beyond the field, embodying dedication, excellence, and a love for the game.
Bill Lott
Bill Lott, the Assistant Track Coach at Penn Crest High School in 1982, later became an iconic figure during his 34-year coaching tenure at Henderson High School. As Head Coach in various capacities, Bill led teams to an impressive 18 Individual and 5 Relay State Championships, along with numerous team titles.
His impact extended beyond coaching, serving as an Officer in both the DVGTCA and PTFCA. Bill's unmistakable voice resonated at prestigious events, including the Penn Relays, Indoor and Outdoor Nationals, and local championships.
Join us in applauding Bill Lott's enduring dedication to track and field!
New Form for the 2023-24 School Year!
At various times throughout the year, community members may request a review of instructional materials or books related to the WCASD or the District may begin the process of considering new instructional materials. When either occurs, the Superintendent or their designee can create a committee to review the materials. Parents and community members are an important part of the committee and review process.
If you would be interested and willing to serve on review committee if the need should arise, we encourage you to complete a brief interest form by clicking the blue button. Please be aware, if you signed up to participate last year, you will need to sign up again as it is our goal to keep this list as current as possible year-to-year. Thank you!
Did you know that the WCASD offers a Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program designed to assist Senior Citizens with the burden of Real Estate Taxes? In return for volunteering their services through this program, senior citizens may be entitled to a rebate of property taxes in accordance with the guidelines outlined on our Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program webpage.
Before applying to the program, we encourage those interested to review the attached brochure below and the guidelines on our website.
