Good Evening Everyone.

April is almost over and the summer weather is here- it is hard to believe that tomorrow will be in the mid 80s! I am hopeful that everyone has been able to enjoy some time outside this afternoon as we wrap up the weekend and get ready for another great week at WEST. This week is the last week before we begin testing season. AP Exams begin next week on May 6th and Keystones begin the following week on May 13th. I want to thank all of our teachers for diligently preparing our students for these exams and I want to thank our students for all the effort they have put into their studies this year. Students, please take advantage of the review sessions available, rest up, and give each of these exams your best effort - you got this!

Seniors - Senior Prom tickets go on sale tomorrow, April 29th, and details about Graduation will be sent out this week, so be on the lookout for a separate email message coming soon! Check out the information below regarding the Elementary Walk the Halls opportunities and continue to work on clearing all your obligations so you are able to purchase a Prom Ticket this week. If you have questions about your obligations, please see Mrs. Kennedy in the Main Office.

As we wind down the year, please take a moment to review the Upcoming Events section. There are many events and activities taking place in the next few weeks and we look forward to enjoying each of them with you. Check back each week and mark you calendars so you do not miss anything.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will see you all on Monday, April 29th!

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

It has been a while since our last construction update and a lot has been accomplished. The contractors have sealed up the new additions and connected them through to the existing building. Many windows have been put in place, drywall is hung, and floors are scheduled to be installed. This week, plywood safety barriers have been removed from the windows and many of our classrooms have been able to once again welcome in the sunshine! While there is still much work to be done, the additions are beginning to take shape and the spaces are starting resemble a school. We look forward to seeing them completed in the next few months as we plan to open the school year with full access to our newly renovated spaces.

• Summer School Information: The Downingtown Cyber Academy (DCA) will once again host both Original Credit and Credit Recovery Options this summer. Registration and dates that the courses run are different for the two options. Please visit this link for the most up to date information regarding registration, pricing and content delivery - https://www.dasd.org/departments/teaching-and-learning/summer-school. The deadline for Original Credit Summer School ends Friday, May 3rd.

• The Math Department will be offering Keystone Review sessions after school. See the flyer below for more information.

Biology Keystone Review Dates are posted below.

Shout out to Merhawy Keleta-Williams and Kendall Huffman, our PBIS winners for the monthly drawing for March! Both Hawy and Kendall received a $25 gift card for showing their true DAWG behaviors. Keep submitting your DAWG tags to be entered to win our weekly and monthly drawings!

To keep up with our DAWG Pack, follow us on Instagram: @dw_dawgs

• Parking permit sales are closed due to lot capacity and only seniors with parking permits should be parked on campus. Juniors and students without permits must park at the DYW facility. Security is now ticketing! Please come to the main office to clear your parking tickets before the end of the year!
• Graduation Project Information for proposals and presentations can be found here. Class of 2025 Proposal are now past due!
• 2024 Yearbooks: YEARBOOK PRE-ORDERS CLOSED ON 4/13. Limited cash sales will be available at West after Memorial Day on a first come, first served basis. Yearbooks that were pre-ordered will ship home at the end of May.
• Music Parents Association: Interested in what is going on in the Music world check out our Music Parents Association page - Downingtown High School Music Parents Association (dhsmpa.org)
• Whippet Studios: Subscribe to video alerts: Linktr.ee/WhippetStudios Announcements will be broadcasted through Youtube at 7:42 AM daily. Please follow @WhippetStudios on Instagram for original content & announcements.
• LOOKING FOR HOMEWORK HELP? Come to Homework Club every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm . No need to sign-up, just stop in!
• Science - Tuesday - Room 176
• Math - Thursday- Room 239
• English and All Other Subjects -
• Tuesday/Thursday - Room 161
• DID YOU KNOW that there is a Writing Center in the library? Writing advisors are there every day to help you with ANY writing assignment for ANY class!

Currently, Graduation plans are as follows: Graduation will be held on Thursday, June 6th at 6:00 pm at Kottmeyer Stadium. In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by 1:00 pm and posted on the website about moving indoors to the Wagner Gym. All Seniors will receive a total of 10 tickets which can all be used if we are outdoors. The Graduation Ceremony will also be live streamed. The Graduation FAQs will be posted on the Website next week.

· April 29 - May 3—Senior Prom Tickets will go on sale

· May 3—Deadline for seniors to Present Graduation Projects to be eligible to purchase Prom Tickets

· May 10—Whippet Pride Awards @ 2:00 pm in Auditorium

· May 21—Senior Department Awards Assembly @ 8:40 am in Auditorium

· May 21—Senior Scholarship Awards Program @ 6:30 pm in Auditorium

· May 29—Senior Laptop Collection

· May 30 - Deadline for seniors to Present Graduation Project to be eligible to participate in Graduation

· May 31—Senior Prom @ 7:00 pm at Drexelbrook

· May 31—Post Prom Party following Senior Prom at Wagner Gym

· June 4th & 5th - Elementary Walk the Halls for the Class of 2024

· June 4—West Graduation Indoor Practice @ 11:00 am (students report at 10:45 am)

· June 5—West Graduation Outdoor Practice @ 11:00 am (students report at 10:45 am); Senior Picnic immediately following practice - tickets required for picnic

· June 6—West Commencement Ceremony @ 6:00 pm in Kottmeyer Stadium* (students report at 4:45 pm) *weather permitting

Prom time is here again and we are busy preparing for this annual celebration for the Class of 2024. The Senior Prom will be held on Friday, May 31st at Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill. Tickets will be on sale starting April 29th and the cost is $80.00 per person. Please review the Senior Prom Letter by Dr. Barker for details about the Senior Prom. Ticket purchases and required signatures can also be completed online via the MySchoolDance website using their DASD email address. Any student attending the prom must satisfy all school obligations before being permitted to purchase a ticket. When you are accessing the MySchoolDance website, if you receive a message that indicates you are "not eligible to purchase a ticket", the reason is most likely that you have an obligation and need to contact the Main Office to get it resolved.

Types of obligations include technology fees, textbooks, library books or fines, parking tickets and your graduation project. Currently, there are over 150 seniors who have not yet scheduled a time to present their graduation project. This is an obligation and must be completed prior to purchasing tickets. Faculty members are available before and after school almost everyday of the week— sign up now with Mr. Hassel (bhassel@dasd.org) to get this obligation cleared.

To see if you have any obligations, please see Mrs. Kennedy in the Main Office.

Registration is open for the 2024 Post Prom Party!!! The event is FREE!! The event is NOT a LOCK-IN EVENT!! You DO NOT have to attend Prom to attend the Post Prom!! Register early even if you don't have your plans finalized, register for the event. Registration allows for quick entry.

• Seniors/Senior Parents: The time to register is HERE!!!

Please see the registration link for the upcoming Post Prom Party: 2024 Post Prom Party Registration BEACH PARTY! When students register, parents will be sent a waiver form link. Both documents MUST be completed to ensure quick entry into the event. 2024 Downingtown West Post Prom Party Parental Waiver Form

A raffle drawing will be held for those that pre-register.

Walk-ins are welcomed but will require a call to parents before entry (at midnight!!).

Each year the graduating seniors are invited to walk the halls of their elementary school wearing their cap and gowns. Please use this link for the specific date and time your elementary school will welcome the Class of 2024!

Graduation Projects must be completed and present in order to graduate. There is approximately 3 weeks of school left to complete this obligation. Faculty members are available before and after school almost everyday of the week— sign up now with Mr. Hassel (bhassel@dasd.org) to get this obligation cleared by scheduling your Graduation Project presentation.

If you have not started your graduation project and need assistance with an idea, please see Mr. Falconio or your guidance counselor.

Information on senior obligations have been sent out via email. All obligations must be cleared before you can attend Senior Prom or receive your cap and gown for Graduation. If you have any questions about an obligation, please contact the teacher listed in the email or Mrs. Kennedy in the Main Office.

Cap and gown orders have been received at the school! If you haven't placed your order, please follow these instructions:

1. Go to www.highschool.herffjones.com to place order
2. Type in DOWNINGTOWN HS WEST in the box at the top of the page to find your school
3. Click SHOP GRAD PRODUCTS, scroll to the bottom of the page
4. Click CAP & GOWN GRAD PACKS and the cap and gown packages will appear

If you would like to reuse a cap and gown from a sibling who graduated from the Class of 2015 - 2023 instead of purchasing a new one, you only need to order a 2024 tassel. Please contact our Sales Representative, Scott Gerhart, directly to order the tassel and make payment so that you do not have to pay the shipping fees. (Please see his contact information below.) The tassel will be shipped directly to the school along with all the cap and gown orders that will be distributed to seniors on the first day of Graduation Practice in June.

SCOTT GERHART

sbgerhart@herffjones.com

215.942.6807

www.herffjones.com

Co-Presidents: Altrean Alan and Paige Haltom

Vice President: Hanya Simon

Treasurer: Omar Helali

Secretary: Abigayle Prinder

Join us for an insightful virtual presentation on addressing student anxiety and unmet needs with Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., M.S.!

• Date: Tuesday, April 30th
• Time: 3:45 PM
• Location: Online via Zoom

Register Here: https://downingtown-area-school-district.ticketleap.com/anxiety--unmet-needs-with-brendan-mahan/details

In collaboration with the Downingtown Area School District, Brendan Mahan brings his expertise to shed light on crucial strategies to support our students in overcoming anxiety and reaching their full potential.

During this engaging 30-minute session, Brendan will delve into the intricacies of anxiety, exploring its impact on student behavior and performance. Drawing from his wealth of knowledge, he will introduce practical approaches rooted in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, offering valuable insights into addressing the underlying causes of anxiety.

What to Expect:

• Understanding the mechanics of anxiety and its effects on student performance.
• Exploring Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a framework for identifying and addressing student anxieties.
• Learning effective communication strategies to help students manage and reduce anxiety levels.
• Empowering students to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.

This presentation is not just about understanding anxiety but equipping ourselves with actionable tools to support our students in their academic and personal growth journey.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and effectiveness in fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.

Secure your spot now and join us for an enlightening discussion with Brendan Mahan!

If your student needs additional resources following the recent losses in our community, please contact the Counseling Office at 610-269-4400 x 81422.

College admission representatives have started their visits! The complete schedule of college visits is posted on Naviance under the College tab. Juniors and Seniors are invited to meet the representatives by signing up on Naviance and requesting teacher permission to participate. These representatives typically visit once each fall, and are very helpful with the admissions process! Schedules can change so visit Naviance for the most up to date visits!

• Summer Employment Opportunity! Marsh Creek and French Creek Pools are hiring lifeguards, food prep/cook and cashier positions. They offer lifeguard certification at their location plus financial assistance to cover the cost at other locations! The minimum age is 15 with working papers for lifeguards and 14 with working papers for food concession. The hours are 11 am - 6:30 pm weekdays and 11 am - 7:30 pm weekends. Flexible schedules and commensurate with experience. For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.marshcreekpool.com and click "Employment Application" link on the employment page or contact (610)458-8535 or info@marshcreekpool.com.

• Summer Employment Opportunity for Juniors and Seniors! Town & Country Moving and Storage in Chester Springs is looking for summer help. Contact Mike DelFra if you are interested at 610-524-9099 or mike@towncountrymovers.com.

• Kumon in Downingtown needs part-time office assistants and graders and early learning assistants! Must be proficient in math through algebra level and strong English skills. Contact heemashah@ikumon.com if you are interested in applying.

• Attention Girls! Code Her World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by juniors Shivika Varshney and Esha Sehgal at the Great Valley High School and Downingtown STEM Academy respectively. The organization’s mission is to encourage girls to pursue a career in computer science and break the gender gap in the field. Their first in-person event will be held with Microsoft in Malvern on Thursday, May 16th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is limited and the form is below. The deadline to register is May 8! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxJEl21858WVTh09iZCou-aNIZ8zI0aMndSk0wwOalxoQiYw/viewform For more information on Code Her World visit: https://linktr.ee/codeherworld

• The FBI Philadelphia Summer Teen Academy is now open to students in grades 9-12 that will take place on June 24/25 in Abington, PA. This program gives high school students an opportunity to get a first-hand look into today’s FBI, and a chance to check out different aspects of the FBI, from national security to cyber, and violent crimes. Topics covered include terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, polygraph exams, evidence response, SWAT, and the day-to-day operations of a typical FBI office. Students also learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with cases. The deadline is April 30 to apply! For more information visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/community-outreach

• Attention JUNIORS… if you are thinking of a career in engineering, Millersville University is offering a chance to “test drive” Applied Engineering at a FREE two-week summer intensive program designed to introduce advanced manufacturing career pathways to rising high school seniors with academic and mechanical aptitude and a STEM mindset. This program runs July 15-26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and participants who attend all sessions and complete all CMfgA (Certified Manufacturing Associate) online courses and pass the CMfgA exam within 12 weeks will receive $950. For more information, contact: Cindi Moses at cindi@mantec.org. Limited spaces are available!

• Divine Float Spa in Lionville has an entry level position open to greet guests, help with inventory, cleaning, and assist with administrative tasks. Minimum age is 14 and the hours are Tuesday-Friday, 4-7 p.m. and weekends as needed. Apply directly to the website at https://divinefloatspa.com/employment/spaback/.

• The Chester County Radio Control Club presents "Introduction to Model Aviation" on May 6th, 5pm-7pm at the Henrietta Hankin branch library where members will display models, explain equipment, and provide RC flight simulators to try! This program is for ages 14+. Registration is required at: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/12336896

• Volunteers Needed for Tough Mudder Philly taking place on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, at Plantation Field, 387 Green Valley Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. Help with participant check-in, guide racers, hand out gear and refreshments, and create a great experience for racers! Sign up to help at https://mvp.rosterfy.com/event/OaG82yxGBEXFrAps6kyj3GpQKbfZPQ6iW8K0YWoG. Questions? Contact Vanessa Taylor at vanessa.taylor@spartan.com VOLUNTEER SHIFTS: Saturday, May 18th: Morning: 6am-2:00pm | Full Day: 6am-6pm | Afternoon: 12pm-7pm | Night: 6pm-2am| Overnight: 1am-9am Sunday, May 19th: Morning: 7am-2:00pm | Full Day: 7am-6pm | Afternoon: 12pm-7pm

• JUNIORS and SENIORS! Universal Technical Institute is offering their Summer Ignite Program that allows you to explore STEM career training while learning in-demand, real-world skills used in today’s transportation industry—at NO COST! Students who successfully complete the course can earn credits towards an education at UTI. For more information: info@uti.edu or visit: https://www.uti.edu/locations/pennsylvania/exton

• Summer Golf Internship & Career Opportunity!! Are you looking for a fun, outdoor, summer job that could lead to a debt-free career in golf and a starting salary of $60,000+ upon graduation? The Chester Valley Golf Club is currently hiring summer staff starting at $17/hour with flexible scheduling, and would like to find a motivated individual(s) interested in golf course maintenance as a career. They will pay for their two-year Turf Certificate in Professional Golf Turf Management School at Rutgers University! The Grounds staff at Chester Valley takes education seriously and their mission is to help students achieve their goals and success. If you are interested, please contact Derek Mohler (Golf Course Superintendent) at dmohler@cvgc.org or (717) 823-0332.

• SENIORS….If you are thinking of going directly to the workforce, CHESCO Coring & Cutting is a family-owned, premier provider of professional precision cutting services in the Greater Philadelphia area and Mid-Atlantic States, and they are hiring graduating seniors! Downingtown East grad TJ Cliggett has reached out to recruit other D-town students…check out the website at: www.chescocoringandcutting.com!

• Summer Help Needed at Paradise Farms Camp! Gain leadership and teamwork skills, build your resume and be a positive influence! For more details visit: www.paradisefarmcamps.org.

• Volunteers Needed! The Upper Uwchlan Township Historical Commission needs help for their summer walking tour of Upland Farm on June 27th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and volunteers would need to arrive no later than 4:45 pm. Volunteers are needed for the following spots:
  • Lead groups of 15 or so people around Upland Farm to each historic building where an historical commission member will be presenting on the building
  • Help with registration
  If you can assist, please contact Vivian McCardell at vsmccardell@icloud.com.
  

• Grad Project Opportunity!!! Valotta Studios needs assistants for Summer Camps: Summer camps will run from June 10-August 23 and 13 high school camp assistants are needed. Students will complete 2 weeks of a half day camp to fulfill their 40 hours. During these music & arts camps, they will assist the teacher, lead a music or art activity depending on ability/comfort level, help with the final performance at the end of the week and have experience working with young children! If you are interested in applying, contact Jen Smollinger at jen.valottastudios@gmail.com.

• Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is now accepting applications for current sophomore and juniors for this summer! The low cost of this week is due to corporate sponsors, and PFEW offers great career exploration, a chance to build self-esteem and confidence, gain exposure to college life, and develop critical thinking skills, communication and teamwork skills! For more information visit: https://www.pfew.org/uploads/resources/705912_2024-pfew-student-informational-flyer.pdf
  

• Indian Springs Summer Camp is hiring for camp counselors, junior counselors, and lifeguards for their day camp that runs June 24-August 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – no weekends or nights. Visit www.indianspringdaycamp.com for more information, and contact Lori Plans at lplans@dasd.org if you are interested in applying! Current seniors may apply for lead counselors.

• SENIORS….If you enjoy working outdoors, and are undecided about your future after graduation, consider a career as an arborist! Shreiner Tree Care offers on the job training, great mentoring, benefits, and guidance in learning skills to become a professional arborist. Earn while you learn! For more information see the attached flyers and/or contact Ashley Faust at Ashley@shreinertreecare.com.

Trips for this summer of 2024:

• Language and Culture tour of France and Switzerland - June 17 - June 25, 2024
• Culture and Service in Thailand - July 11 - July 22, 2024
• Cuisine and Culture in Northern Italy - July 25 - August 5, 2024

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Environmental Sciences goes to Costa Rica - April 12 - April 20, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Saddler or Ms. DiSantis

Look for more upcoming overseas opportunities for the Summer of 2025 coming soon!

To download a copy of the West Calendar (including letter days) to your device, click here: https://www.dasd.org/news-events/district-calendar

Next, click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s) tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application.

• April 29 - May 3 - Senior Prom Ticket sales thru MySchoolDance.com
  

• May 2 - 17 - AP Exams

• May 3 - Mid-Mark 4th Marking Period

• May 3 - Deadline to register for Original Credit Summer School

• May 4 - SAT testing at West

• May 6 - Holocaust Memorial

• May 6 - Home and School Meeting - 7:00 @ Anthony's restaurant

• May 11 - Junior Prom - 7:00 pm in the Cafeteria

• May 24 - READY DAY!

• May 31 - Senior Prom - 7:00 pm at Drexelbrook

• June 6 - End of 4th Marking Period - Last Day of School - ends at 10:40 am

• June 6 - West Graduation at 6:00 pm - Kottmeyer Stadium (weather permitting)

Please see the link below for important information regrading all home DASD high school athletic events.

DASD Athletics: Spectator Information

All Downingtown High School students who attend home football games will be subject to our passive Breathalyzer as they enter the football stadium.

Students, parents, and community members are reminded that ALL district property and school events are drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. ALL sporting events after 5:00 pm are subject to an entrance fee of $5.00 for students/adults thru Ticket Spicket.

• Boys Baseball Vs. Coatesville High School @ Varsity Baseball Field @ 3:45 PM

Tuesday, April 30

• Boys Volleyball Vs. Lansdale Catholic High School @ Wagner Gym @ 5:15 PM
• Girls Lacrosse Vs. Kennett High School @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf) @ 7:00 PM

Wednesday, May 1

• Girls Softball Vs. Sun Valley High School @ Varsity Softball Field @ 3:45 PM

Thursday, May 2

• Girls Softball Vs. Avon Grove High School @ Varsity Softball Field @ 3:45 PM
• Boys Baseball Vs. Methacton High School @ Varsity Baseball Field @ 4:00 PM
• Boys Lacrosse Vs. Unionville High School @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf) @ 4:30 PM
• Boys Volleyball Vs. Avon Grove High School @ Wagner Gym @ 5:00 PM

Downingtown West baseball is selling Wawa shorti coupons! Each coupon is $6 and is good for one Wawa shorti, valid at any location, with no expiration. If you’re interested, please complete the attached form! Thank you for your support! Click here for ordering: DWEST Wawa Shorti Card Sale

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Michelle Nielsen

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• Home and School is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in being on the board or even just want to help out, please email westhomeandschool@gmail.com
  
• Stay in the loop and join the west Facebook page. Downingtown West HSA
  
• Graduation is right around the corner!! Please consider helping out with this year’s Post Prom Party celebrating the Class of 2024.
  
• Decorating Sessions: There are only a few sessions left before the Post Prom Party. Please join us on Monday evenings in the cafeteria between 6 and 9 pm to work on our decorations for this year’s event - Beach Party. Please join us as often as you can. We will have projects to work on each week. No artistic ability needed, but always accepted!!!
• We continue to meet monthly to plan for the event. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6th at 7 pm in the cafeteria.
• Parents of ALL grade levels: Please keep an eye out for our sign up genius coming soon to help us decorate, chaperone and undecorate this year’s Post Prom Party on May 31-June 1. Parents of 9th-11th grade are highly encouraged to help in order to keep this tradition going for future classes at Downingtown West. We will be looking to transform the school into a Beach Party for seniors and their guests for an overnight celebration. But WE WILL NEED YOUR HELP. We have been planning all year but it will not be a success without your help. Please come see what it is all about to ensure that students of future classes can be provided a fun (and safe) year end celebration.
• Seniors/Senior Parents:

  • The time to register is HERE!!!

  • Please see the registration link for the upcoming Post Prom Party under Road to Graduation: 2024 Post Prom Party Registration BEACH PARTY! When students register, parents will be sent a waiver form link. Both documents MUST be completed to ensure quick entry into the event. 2024 Downingtown West Post Prom Party Parental Waiver Form

  • Early registration places you in several raffle drawings throughout the month of May. Registration is highly recommended for easy access to the event.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @DWest Post Prom for updates. Please contact us at DTownWestPostProm@gmail.com with any questions.
  

The Main Office at West is open during the school year from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

DHS West offers a diverse program of study. Our students are involved in academics at all levels. Academic, AP, Honors, Basic, Business Education, Industrial Arts Technology and Vocational-Technical courses are offered throughout our program.

School Profile from 2023-2024

Main Office Phone 610-269-4400

Main Office Fax 610-269-1801
Attendance Fax 215-827-5693
Guidance Fax 610-514-0279
Athletic Fax 610-514-0281