DCA middle school students and their families traveled to Springton Manor Farm on Tuesday, October 2 to connect to science concepts in their curriculum. A huge thank you to Ms. Handley, their science teacher who set up the experience, and to the students and families who joined us for a fun and educational trip.

The DCA Student Council is gearing up to begin again. Are you interested in serving as an officer? Stay tuned for more information!

Students and families, the end of marking period 1 is on October 31st. Please be sure to actively engage in learning the content, participate in class, whether synchronously or asynchronously, and communicate with your teachers to ensure your success! Students who are not engaging in the DCA courses may best benefit from in-person learning. Reach out to your teachers, counselor, or admin for help!

Enjoy the weekend ahead.

Fondly,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal and Curriculum Supervisor

Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator for Online & Blended Learning

• 10/11 - Pennsylvania Youth Survey for 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade full-time students
  

• 10/13 - DCA Coffee & Conversation with Admin @ 12:30 PM

• 10/16 - Aimsweb Plus Reports in IC Backpacks Gr. 6

• 10/18 - PSAT Testing @ DW

• 10/19 - PSAT Testing @ DE

• 10/20 - Aimsweb Plus Reports in IC Backpacks Gr. 7-8

• 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

Please complete our DCA Budget Input Survey for SY2024-2025. Your input is valued and appreciated!

This year, students have the opportunity to receive college credit from Immaculata University for completing some upper-level courses in the DCA. Please read this letter from Dr. Podell for more information.

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

Students who are interested in their school, organizing events, collaborating with classmates, and improving their teamwork and leadership skills should consider running for DCA Student Council! Last year our student council hosted holiday celebrations, orgnaized a book collection, ran a talent show, created a DCA yearbook and did volunteer work.

High school students can run for president, vice president, or secretary. Middle and high school students can also run as a representative.

Students who are intersed in running should complete the 23-24 Student Council Election Form by Wednesday, October 18th at 12:00pm noon. Please email Ms. Handley at nhandley@dasd.org with any questions.

Is your student struggling in a DCA class? Does your student have another class scheduled during their DCA teacher's office hours? Please remind them to attend the virtual Drop-in Help Center on C and E days. Science, social studies, English and math teachers will be available during the drop in center Zoom times to provide assistance.

To download a copy of the DCA Calendar (including letter days) to your device, visit our district website. Click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s)" tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application!

The Reading Regional Airport and Reading Aero Club are inviting Downingtown students to

the Second Annual Reading Aviation Career Fair on Saturday, October 21st in the Reading

Airport Terminal Building. Learn about careers in aviation including Pilot, Air Traffic Control,

Aviation Maintenance, and Drone flying. Aircraft will be on display and fly-overs included!

For more information visit their website .

The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Clothing Drive, scheduled to take place on October 23, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Downingtown Middle School. 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.

DASD is thrilled to announce that celebrated actress April Hernandez Castillo will be the keynote speaker for its Bullying Prevention Month presentation. 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.

The Downingtown Area School District is proud to announce the upcoming program, "Supporting Grieving Students," scheduled for October 30th at 3:45 PM (EDT). 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 Fall Festival re-scheduled for Sunday, October 15th, could use volunteers to assist with clean-up from 4-6 p.m.! Please contact dtownchamber@gmail.com if you can help your community!

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.

The Well Community Center of Downingtown (next to Farmhouse Coffee) is looking for "Study Buddies" for their after school program from 4:15-5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Study Buddies work one-on-one with students in grades K-5 to provide homework help. Please email Sara Magarahan at saramagarahan@gmail.com if you are interested and would like more information.

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!

• A BVA field trip to the Zoo! Stay tuned for more information!
• Parent/Caretaker -Teacher Conferences - November 20-21. Look for communication from your child's BVA teacher.
• Smart Futures Career Readiness Artifacts in Canvas. Students will soon have a course in Canvas to link them to the DASD Class Link and Smart Futures application to access activities that must be completed for career readiness. More information to come!

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