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Narwhal Newsletter
October 8th, 2023
Hello Marsh Creek,
This week's Newsletter contains a great deal of information related to our POD Pride focus for the month, as well as all of the events and opportunities that our families and community can access during the month of October around the district. The end of the first marking is on October 31st, so please continue to reach out to our team if we can assist your student or your family in any way. I hope you and your family have an amazing week!
-Matt
This week at Marsh Creek - Week of October 8th
Monday - 10/9
- School is in session
Thursday - 10/12
- F team Paradise Farm trip
Friday - 10/13
- F team Paradise Farm trip
Notable Upcoming Dates
- 10/30 - Trunk or Treat (More information below)
- 10/31 - End of the First Marking Period
- 11/3 - Picture Retake Day
Amphitheater Update
The Downingtown Community Education Foundation (DCEF) and our District are partnering together to provide innovative educational opportunities for our students. Beginning next week, construction will begin on the new Amphitheater/Outdoor Classroom on the Marsh Creek campus. Our families and staff may see increased activity on campus, primarily to the left side of our building as we arrive at Marsh Creek. We will continue to provide updates throughout the duration of the project.
Trunk or Treat
The Annual Marsh Creek Trunk or Treat will be held on Monday, October 30th from 6:00PM to 7:00PM in the bus parking lot at school. Candy cars will arrive by 5:30PM to begin preparing for the event. We will be collecting candy donations through Wednesday, October 25th, to help our candy cars get started. Candy can be dropped off in the main office or sent to Ms. Dunn’s room, B269. More information about Trick or Trunk will be posted in Schoology and on the website in the coming weeks.
If you would like to participate as a trick-or-treater and/or a candy car, please complete the following Google Form:
Paradise Farm Information
In September and October, each interdisciplinary team will be traveling to Paradise Farm Camp, a local educational facility. Students, teachers and administrators will participate in hands-on, outdoor, learning and team building experiences. The program is designed to facilitate team-building, resiliency and environmental awareness. Getting to know one another as a team and in small groups by working through different team challenges improves the all too important skills of cooperation, communication, and trust. Guardians will receive information from your child’s team over the coming weeks.
Pod Pride Update
We are kicking off our Bus Month! Dr. Barr is reviewing our Bus Behavior expectations on the morning announcements, and our drivers are giving out Pod Pride tickets to students for good behavior on the bus. As a small token of appreciation for getting our students to and from school safely every day, bus drivers received these gift bags. We have lots of fun things planned this month including our “Bus of the Week” prize drawings and the prize wheel at lunches which students can spin for an instant prize if they have a bus Pod Pride ticket!
Mental Health Awareness
As part of our district and community's efforts to increase Mental Health awareness, and to reduce the stigma around discussing Mental Health for students, we will begin providing lessons and supports in the coming weeks designed to teach students about this topic, and encouraging them to seek help and support if needed.
Community and Family Support - Backpack Boost Program
This program provides supplemental nourishment for our students. Participating students receive a bag of non-perishable food items every Wednesday, which will be distributed in a discreet and caring manner by our staff. Click on the flyer below to complete the confidential form so that we can help in any way that we can.
Counselor's Corner
Greetings from the Marsh Creek Counseling Department! We will use this area to keep you in the loop with updates from our department as well as helpful resources throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help!
Narwhals, it’s time to focus on our wellness! Taking care of ourselves helps us to stay healthy, improves our mood, increases our ability to concentrate and allows us to enjoy our time with friends and family. Check out these tips!
Check out this local resource! Communities That Care offers groups, blogs and podcasts to support parents and guardians in the Downingtown area.
Click here for more information.
Please encourage your child to check out the Marsh Creek Counseling Department Schoology course. It’s filled with lots of great resources including stress management strategies, study skills, directions for how to check your grades and more!
As always, reach out if you need anything!
Clubs and Intramurals
Below is a link to the Activities page on our Marsh Creek website, which has been updated with all information that students and parents will need to engage in our extracurricular programs. It contains information related to the options available this year, as well as information related to Activity Fees, and the Activity Shuttle Bus. Students can work with our teachers to pick up information and to express interest in the activities offered this Fall.
Marsh Creek Home and School Association (HSA)
Thank you to our HSA for all that they have done this year to support our students and staff! We are so lucky to have a wonderful team of parents willing to help Marsh Creek. If you are interested in participating in our HSA this year, please consider joining us for future meetings. If you would like to contact our HSA to find other ways to support our students and school, please feel free to contact them at marshcreekhsa@gmail.com.
Marsh Creek Yellowstone Adventure - June 2024
The 2024 Yellowstone Summer Adventure Trip registration is happening now!
Visit: https://tinyurl.com/Yellowstone24 for more information.
Registration closes by Friday, October 13th.
Please feel free to contact any staff member below with questions.
Kelly Sibley – ksibley@dasd.org
Mary Ann Blundi- mblundi@dasd.org
Caitlyn Babcock – cbabcock@dasd.org
DCEF - After School Enrichment Program - Outdoor Exploration
Students will work outside using the new Narwhal Learning Trail. Studying outdoors with the beautiful backdrop of the outdoors of the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center, learning about nature including everything from insects to orienteering. This class will touch on the unique fauna and wildlife that can be found in beautiful Chester County. The opportunity will run on Tuesday afternoons from October 10th until December 5th, 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
More information can be found at : https://campscui.active.com/orgs/DCEDF?season=3386737&location=1084402
Downingtown Unites 5k - October 22nd
The Downingtown West Field Hockey and Cross Country Teams are hosting the 2nd annual Downingtown Unites 5K Run and Fun Walk on October 22nd. The players, coaches, and families of the Downingtown West Field Hockey and Downingtown West Cross Country teams are organizing this event once again to bring our community together and unite our efforts to prompt awareness and access to mental health supports in our Downingtown Community.
Over the last two years, the Downingtown Unites 5K and Fun Walk raised over $36,000 for local mental health agencies and the Downingtown West Guidance Counseling Department. This year, we have once again chosen to fund the efforts of A Path to Hope and the West Guidance Counseling Department. Both of these groups provide direct mental health support services to our community’s children, adolescents, adults, and families. We are honored to help fulfill their missions in providing critical accessibility and compassionate care.
Project Warmth Winter Clothing Drive
This event aims to unite the community in a philanthropic endeavor while promoting camaraderie and goodwill. Attendees of the event can anticipate an engaging evening filled with music and energy, courtesy of a DJ who will be keeping the atmosphere lively. Also, skip cooking that night! Food trucks will be available for paid food. The admission fee for this event is a simple yet impactful one: the donation of gently used or brand new coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other winter wear. This innovative approach to entry underscores the commitment of DASD and its partners to uplift the community while aiding those less fortunate. All donated clothes will contribute directly to helping individuals and families in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and support that DASD holds dear. Adding to the evening's excitement, the event will feature the presence of Miss Pennsylvania and ToppFlight, one of Philadelphia's most renowned and humorous comedians and Philadelphia Eagles Olamide Zaccheaus. Joining us will also be Drew Anderson and Ellen Kolodziej from Fox29 news. DASD encourages everyone in the community to mark their calendars for October 23, 2023, and participate in this heartwarming event. Don't miss the chance to contribute to a worthy cause, interact with local celebrities, and enjoy a night of music and laughter.
Moving Forward
The event is scheduled to take place on October 25th at 6:00 pm in the West High School Auditorium. Best known for her powerful portrayal of "Eva" in the acclaimed movie "Freedom Writers," alongside Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo brings an extraordinary blend of talent, resilience, and authenticity to the stage. Her journey from the glittering lights of Hollywood to overcoming personal traumas is an inspiration that resonates with audiences worldwide. April's keynote address, titled "Moving Forward," April will underline the importance of choosing to move forward, even in the face of adversity. By sharing her own experiences of overcoming obstacles, she aims to motivate students to stand up against bullying and make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.
Supporting Grieving Students
This valuable training session will take place via Zoom and will be conducted in conjunction with the Cultural Equity Task Force meeting. The program aims to address an essential aspect of student well-being by providing support and guidance for grieving students. With the challenges and emotional hurdles that students face, it's vital for educational institutions to create a supportive environment. This program aligns with the district's commitment to holistic student development. The session will be led by Kate Lannan, a Licensed Social Worker and the Education Director at A Haven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with grieving families through grief support, education, community outreach, and instilling hope. Kate's extensive experience and background in social work, particularly in working with grieving children and families, make her a highly qualified expert for this program.
Downingtown East Basketball 3v3 Fall League Fundraiser
Please join us for our 3rd annual 3v3 League & Fall Clinic. This opportunity serves as a great way to help increase interest level in basketball for our students in grades 6 through 8.
Dates - November 1st, 6th, 8th, and 13th.
Time - 6:00pm - 7:30 PM
Cost - $115
Location - Lionville Middle School
Payment method = Cash at the door or Venmo= @DEHSBoysBBall. For all Venmo payments, please comment : "3v3 League - "Last Name"
Registration Link can be found below. Registration can also be accessed on :
X (Twitter) and Instagram profiles in bio our sections.
Boys basketball X (Twitter) = @DEastHoops
Boys basketball Instagram = deast_hoops
Link to Google Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19k1BaYDnddj4SJJesJ_7zdPhL-0RYfTkjmPz8B5dCq8/edit?usp=sharing