On Tuesday, October 3rd, we will be sponsoring our first DCA outing of the year at Springton Manor Farm with connections to our middle school content. Today is the last day to RSVP! Please scroll down in this newsletter for more information about this fun learning event!

In observance of Yom Kippur, the Downingtown Area School District will be closed on Monday.

Wishing you all a restful weekend!

Fondly,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal and Curriculum Supervisor

Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator for Online & Blended Learning

• 9/25 - No School - Yom Kippur
  

• 9/27 - Night of Remembrance 6 pm @ DHSW

• 9/30 - DEHS Homecoming Dance @ 7:00 pm

• 10/3 - DCA Gathering at Springton Manor Farm

• 10/7 - DHSW Homecoming Dance @ 7:00 pm

• 10/7 - SAT Testing

• 10/11 - PAYS Survey for 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade full-time students during Advisory

• 10/18 - PSAT/NMSQT Testing @ DW

• 10/19 - PSAT/NMSQT Testing @ DE

• 10/24 - STEM Application Essay for LMS Students @ 2:40 pm

• 10/26 - STEM Application Essay for DMS Students@ 2:40 pm

• 10/28 - ACT Testing

The DCA is taking part in the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The survey will ask questions about the behaviors of students in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, including questions about school climate, mental health, violence, bullying, and substance use.

A letter with more information about the survey as well as instructions on how parents can opt out was sent home earlier this week.

All DCA students are welcome to join clubs at their respective home buildings. For a list of clubs available, go to the student's home school's webpage, click on "resources" and then "activities."

Do you want to make sure that your student has logged their attendance before they come up absent? Watch this brief tutorial on viewing your child's attendance on Infinite Campus.

For high school students who are unable to attend their teachers' scheduled office hours, we have a virtual Drop-in Help Center on C and E days throughout the day. Please check your Schoology calendar for days and times!

A science, social studies, English and math teacher will be available during the drop in center times to provide assistance.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable assistance during last year's Indian Heritage Month. Your dedication and hard work played a significant role in making the event a resounding success.

As we approach this year's Indian Heritage Day, we are excited to invite you once again to join us in celebrating and showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian culture. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and learn about the vibrant traditions and heritage of India.

We believe that the success of Indian Heritage Day hinges on the participation of our parents. We're reaching out to request your help in various aspects of the event, and we want to emphasize that you don't need to be an expert in Indian culture to contribute. We need assistance with:

• Set-Up: Helping us prepare and decorate the event area to create an immersive experience.
• Student Assistance: Assisting with the smooth movement of students during the event to ensure their safety and enjoyment.
• Take-Down: Helping dismantle and clean up after the event to leave our school grounds as we found them.
• Activity Running: Leading or assisting with various activities and workshops that will engage our students and guests.

We understand that everyone has different schedules and commitments, so any amount of time you can spare is greatly appreciated. Your involvement is crucial in making this event a success once again.

Take a look at last year’s events district-wide: https://www.flipsnack.com/F5DF5766AED/2023-celebrating-indian-heritage-booklet/full-view.html

Please let us know if you would be interested in being part of this exciting endeavor by replying to this email. We are in the process of assembling our team of dedicated parents, and your willingness to participate would be of immense value.

Thank you immensely for considering our request, and we eagerly await your response. Together, we can make this year's Indian Heritage Day even more memorable and enriching for our students.

Warm regards,

Justin L. Brown, M.A.

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Personal Pronouns (*He/Him/His)

P: 610-269-8460 ext. 11150

E: jbrown@dasd.org

Fax: 610-873-0964

Thank you to all the families who joined us for Back-to-School Night last Wednesday. If you missed the event, please watch the recordings below.

Back-to-School Night 6th-8th grade

Back-to-School Night 9th-12th grade

Also, the cyber teachers have created Back-to-School videos to introduce themselves and to give course overviews. Please take a moment to view them!

Click the images below to learn more and register!

Junior & Senior Girls!! Volunteers are needed for the Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) Expo to be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center from noon to 5 p.m. This is an awesome opportunity to connect with women in STEM careers! Contact Leigh Craig at lcraig@ccedcpa.com if you are interested.

All DCA students are considered students in their home buildings even if they are full-time DCA. Please check your child's school below for upcoming events and activities in which they can participate!

You should have received communication about scheduling a time to have your child take the Aimsweb Plus math and reading benchmark tests within the next two weeks at their home school building.

Aimsweb Plus data is used to determine areas of strength and weakness with regard to reading and math skills. Each Aimsweb Plus test results in a single score, usually the number of correct responses within a brief time limit. We will use this data to determine the need for additional support in these areas.

It is pertinent that families make arrangements with the home school building to have students take assessments so that we can ensure the necessary supports for learning. Please be sure to schedule with the home school building administration.

Please visit our DCA website at dc.dasd.org for more information.

Backpack Resources

K-5 Brandywine Virtual Academy website - https://www.cciu.org/bva

Email: cyberacademy@dasd.org
Website: dc.dasd.org
Location: 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-8460
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dca
Twitter: @dasd_dca