Downingtown Cyber Academy Update

October is upon us! Please join us in recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Principals' Month among several cultural heritage months.

Our first DCA Gathering of the year will be held this Tuesday, October 3rd at Springton Manor Farm. We are looking forward to seeing our students.

All 10th and 11th graders in the Downingtown Area School District are eligible to take the PSAT for free this month in their home buildings, including all full-time DCA students. The high schools will adminster the test during the third week of October. There are several reasons why it is beneficial for sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT.

Students can:

• get practice in what it's like to take the test.
• get useful information about where they need more practice.
• strategize as they think about their college applications.
• qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If you have any questions about your student taking the PSATs, please contact Dr. Whalen at Downingtown East at fwhalen@dasd.org or Mr. Jarvis at Downingtown West at jawilliams@dasd.org.

Enjoy the weekend ahead.

Fondly,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal and Curriculum Supervisor

Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator for Online & Blended Learning

• 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 - Pennsylvania Youth Survey for 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade full-time students

• 10/18 - PSAT Testing @ DW

• 10/19 - PSAT 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

• 10/31 - Last day of Marking Period 1

• 11/7 - No School/Teacher In-service Day

• 11/20 - Early Dismissal

• 11/21 - Parent/Teacher Conferences via Zoom

• 11/22-24 - No School for Thanksgiving break

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 in mid-September. If you would like another copy of the letter, please email cyberacademy@dasd.org.

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."

Please read the information below regarding requirements for school vaccinations. These requirements apply to all cyber students as well.

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.

October got its name from the Latin/Greek word octo, meaning eight, because it used to be the either month of the year in the Roman calendar.

Attention Future Engineers and Space Lovers! Lockheed Martin will host "Space Day" on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at their King of Prussia facility, and students in grades 10-12 are eligible to attend. Students MUST be a US citizen and MUST provide their own transportation. Spaces are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents must complete the following form to give permission for their student to attend: https://forms.gle/VzpyT2irkMK5eHf7A

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.

Nordstrom is currently taking applications for their Ambassador Program. This program is open to students 14+, and is an opportunity to gain mentorship and career exploration with a supportive network of professionals in the retail world, access to scholarships and leadership positions. The deadline to apply is September 15th and interested students may use Emma Dyas' name (Downingtown West grad) in the “who referred you” section! For details please visit: https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/theambassadorprogram

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!

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