Good Evening Everyone!

Marching Band - Congratulations to the Marching Band for taking 1st Place in the North End US Bands Competition! Not only did they earn the highest marks, 86.6 in the Group 5 Open Division, but they also did an amazing WEST Cheer to celebrate their victory. Congratulations and Well Done!!

This week, all 10th and 11th grade students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT during the school day on Thursday, October 10th. This is an excellent chance for students to identify areas of strength as well as areas for continued improvement prior to taking the SATs. The results are typically provided to students in December and can be uploaded to Khan Academy for individual skills practice.

In our Upcoming College Visits section we are excited to highlight a number of colleges and universities this week. Boston University, West Chester University, and Stevenson University will all be available this week along with many others. Check out the college visits section for more details about all the schools that will be at WEST this week!

Athletics - This week there are several East/WEST contests to enjoy and the football game will be played at home on Thursday Night instead of Friday due to the observance of Yom Kippur. Check out the Athletics section for all the times and locations.

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• PARKING APPLICATION IS OPEN!! Please see the parking application and other parking related information. Juniors, please note that you will only be able to park at the DYW lot this year. Please see the parking map for more details on parking for students.
  

• Attention Class of 2027: It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. Are you working a sports camp this summer, have you gone back to help with your place of worship, are you volunteering with your local fire company? If you have your idea, please fill out the Graduation Proposal and Mentor form and leave a hard copy in the main office. All details and forms can be found on West’s Website under the activities tab or HERE. Please email Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• All DASD families received an email with instructions for how to complete their Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year. This information is now past due and is necessary if your student requires any over the counter medications or prescribed medications from the Nurses Office.

• The yearbook order center is now open! Early bird pricing ends on 11/1, so place your order now to take advantage of our lowest price of the year! Please visit this link to place your order or go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter 13471 as the School Order Number. Books will ship directly home at the end of May.

Don't get stuck, seek assistance- Homework Club is a place to get your homework done with a teacher right there. Check it out!

• Graduation Project Information for proposals and presentations can be found here. Class of 2025 Proposal are now past due!
  
• 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)

• Seniors, as you prepare your college applications, don’t forget to take advantage of the Writing Center! Our writing advisors are here to help you in any stage of writing your college essays or answering supplemental questions. We can brainstorm with you, give you feedback, and help you revise your personal statements so that you can put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. The Writing Center is now open. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, use the Pass app, or just drop in to visit us in the Library during Lunch and Learn. We look forward to seeing you!
  

• Attention Class of 2025: Do you have your Graduation Project hours completed? If so, get a jump start on completing that obligation before the end of the school year. Graduation Project Teams will hear projects during the school year. Please email Mr. Hassel, bhassel@dasd.org, so that he can get you assigned to your Graduation Project Team.

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

• Gear up, because the next big event is the East v. West game. This will include part 2 of the Spirit Wars, a spirit week, and a pep rally. More information to come.
  

• For news and other school updates, follow our Instagram page @dweststudentcouncil.

• The Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year is now past due. Please take the time to complete this information if you haven't already. This is a yearly requirement and without it, our Nurses are unable to administer any over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. This information can be completed by logging onto Infinite Campus with your parent account.

• Any student that requires emergency medication, daily medications or as needed medications to be given during school hours MUST provide a signed DASD Authorization for Medication Administration order from their healthcare provider and a parent/guardian. The medication must be stored in the Health office. Please reach out to dwnurse@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• Attention Parents: 2024-2025 Device Fees are now posted in PaySchools! Please review & submit your student’s device payment on PaySchools* Central.
• Please review the Traffic Pattern Links: AM & PM Traffic Patterns & new traffic patterns for the 24-25 school year: Parent Drop Off Map. Parent pick up at the end of the school day should be limited until after 3:00 pm when all buses have left the campus.
• Please visit Aramark for available Menus!

Downingtown West will host the Fall 2024 PSATs for our sophomore & junior classes on October 10th. On this day, our Freshmen class will attend an assembly in the West Auditorium, 8:00am – 9:15am, with DEI Director Mr. Justin Brown. Afterwards, West’s Freshmen will attend our Annual TCHS Tour! Accompanied by West staff, this tour will allow for our Freshmen class to gauge their interest in TCHS programs by meeting CCIU staff, exploring the facility, learning about specific programs, and by viewing application procedures. Our Freshmen will depart from West at 9:15am and will return to West at approximately 11:17am, at the start of Lunch & Learn. At this point, students will follow the day’s bell schedule. The deadline has passed for opting your child out of the TCHS Tour. Please contact Mr. Williams, jawilliams@dasd.org, if you have any questions or concerns.

In recent years, educators have become increasingly aware of the need for practical and effective tools to address the unique learning styles of their neurodivergent students. In this hands-on workshop, Rick Silver, MD and Mary Jo Puglisi, LCPC will provide participants the opportunity to assess their own strengths and challenges working with this population of students; and to develop customized solutions to specific issues they face in the educational setting. This workshop will allow participants to manage learning-limiting behaviors and mindsets, build a more supportive learning environment and decrease classroom stress.

Register: Click Here

Matthew McFadden

Prevention Specialist

mmcfadden@dasd.org

Jocelyn White

jwhite@dasd.org

Click the blue button above to learn more about the Prevention Specialists.

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

Monday, 10/7:

8:54 – Harrisburg University of Science & Technology
9:43 – Haverford College
10:32 – University of Rhode Island
1:11 – Boston University

Tuesday, 10/8:
8:54 –Chestnut Hill College
10:32 – University of Pittsburgh/Johnstown
1:11 – University of Pittsburgh/Bradford

Wednesday, 10/9:
8:54 –West Chester University
1:11 – Susquehanna University

Thursday, 10/10:
PSAT – no visits

Friday, 10/11:
8:54 –Pace University
10:32 – Clarkson University
1:11 – Stevenson University

• The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) invites high school students and their parents to attend the 2024 Chester County College Fair on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at United Sports! Representatives from over 100 colleges nationwide will be attending and the event is free. To register and for more information, visit www.cciu.org/college-fair.
• For any students interested in applying to West Point or other Service Academies….an Admissions Briefing will be held at Robert Morris University on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. in Moon Township, PA. Representatives from each organization will be present at the event to answer any questions. For more information visit: https://apply.westpoint.edu/register/EPASAD2024

• For any students interested in the University of California system --The University of California will be in our area on Thursday, October 10th, 6-8PM at Conestoga High School. Hear from UC Berkeley, Irvine, Davis, Riverside, and Santa Cruz admission reps about their campuses and the general UC application. RSVP: https://apply.admissions.uci.edu/register/UCNightPA

• Need a grad project?? The Lionville YMCA is looking for volunteers!
  
• Youth Sports--Basketball & Soccer Coaches and Assistant Coaches, Scorekeepers, Referee, Snack bar Helpers
  Early Childhood Development--Afternoon and Weekend Childwatch/Babysitting, Birthday Parties, Community & Family Events
  Wellness – Attendants, Strength & Cardio Equipment Upkeep, Member Onboarding, Community Pantry
  Contact: Laura Mackiewicz – lmackiewicz@ymcagbw.org
  

• Volunteers are needed for Valotta Studios Fall Recital weekends!! Students will learn what it takes to host a performance, assist in taking performer attendance, take photos during each recital, as well as help with coordination of students & assist the head teacher. Interested students should reach out to Jen Smollinger at jen.valottastudios@gmail.com.
  

• Volunteers Needed! The Well Community Center (next to Farmhouse Coffee) is looking for volunteers to act as “Study Buddies” for elementary students on Mondays and Wednesdays (4:15-5:00pm) throughout the school year. Volunteers will work with K-5th graders on their homework and act as mentors. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in teaching to build their resume! To learn more about the commitment, please reach out to Amy Straub -amypstraub1@gmail.com.
  

Students who are 17 may work a half day (6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.), and students who are 18 may work a full day (6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.). Students may be compensated with service hours or payment by check: Half day=$62.50 and Full day= $125.

Students are REQUIRED to attend training on Monday, October 28th at 5pm at the Government Service Center Building in West Chester for additional hours credit or $50 on paycheck.

Eligibility Requirements:

· Must be at least age 17 or older on Election Day - November 5th, 2024

· Be a United States citizen AND a resident of Chester County

· Be enrolled in a secondary educational institution with exemplary academic record as determined by the educational institution

· Be approved by the Principal or Director of the secondary educational institution (***The form also shows Guidance Counselor in the School Consent Form)

· Have obtained the consent of their parent or guardian

The SIGNED and COMPLETED student interest permission form MUST be received by Chester County Voter Services no later than Tuesday, October 15th.

***Students will be placed in their home precinct, when possible. If space is unavailable, they will be placed at the next closest precinct. All this information - and the Interest Permission form can be found at the link below:

https://pa-chestercounty2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/34817/Student-Poll-Workers?bidId=

Additional information from Chester County Voter Services can be found at: https://www.chesco.org/287/Poll-Workers

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Winter Carnival Quebec City Trip – February 13-16, 2025. For more information, please Mrs. Bigelow or Mrs. Bosco or click on the link above.
• Environmental Sciences goes to Costa Rica - April 12 - April 20, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Saddler or Ms. DiSantis
• School Trip to Berlin, Munich & Salzburg - June 9-17, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Schauer or click on the link above.

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.

• October 10 - PSAT Testing
  

• October 18-20 - LINK Weekend

• October 23 - Art Madness

• October 25 - Battle of the Brandywine Pep Rally

• October 25 - Downingtown West vs. East Football Game - 7:00 pm - Kottmeyer Stadium

• October 29 - End of 1st Marking Period

• October 29 - Open House for Community - 6:00 - 7:30 pm

• October 30 - Home and School Meeting - 7:00 pm - Library

• November 1 - School Closed - Diwali

• November 2 - SAT Administration

• November 5 - No School - Professional Development Day

October is a meaningful month for our community as we observe both LGBTQ+ History Month and Bullying Prevention Month. These observances remind us of the importance of fostering a space where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Let’s continue to build on our commitment to understanding, kindness, and acceptance.

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. District 1 playoff tickets are $7.00 and are purchased through HomeTown Ticketing (see below for link).

• Boys Soccer Vs. Downingtown East HS @ 7:00 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium

• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Downingtown East High School @ 7:00 pm @ Kottmeyer Stadium

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Bishop Shanahan High School @ 5:00 PM @ Wagner Gym

• Girls Soccer Vs. Bishop Shanahan High School @ 3:45 pm @ DiSerafino Stadium
  
• Football vs. Bishop Shanahan High School @ 7:00 pm @ Kottmeyer Stadium

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Conestoga High School @ 5:00 PM @ Wagner Gym

Please save the date for the following event:

• Tuesday October 8, 2024: Interest Meeting, run by the coaches, will be held in the West Library from 7:00-8:00. All current team members and interested team members and parents should plan to attend.

• November 18 and 19, 2024: Swim Team Tryouts. Tryouts will be held directly after school at the Lionville YMCA. Bus transportation will be provided. 2023-2024 swimmers who achieved district consideration times do not need to tryout.

Coach Breese will be in the school on Monday Oct. 14th. He will be in the Wagner Gym lobby, by the athletic office from 11:30-12:30 with information and to answer any questions you may have. Please make time to stop by and see him. We are starting our 2nd season for our girls team and this will be a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor and help build a strong girls team. Also, we are always looking to strengthen our boys team, so please come and see Coach Breese.

• The Downingtown West Boys Volleyball Team Booster Club is hosting a fun event at Board and Brush on Wednesday, October 16th at 6:30pm. Come out and support our boys, make something for your home or a gift for someone special, while meeting other Downingtown West families. This is an adult only event. We will have snacks and water and the studio is BYOB. Register online before October 6th.

  Pick Your Project Workshop Fundraiser | 10-16-2024 | Board & Brush - Downingtown (boardandbrush.com)

• Field Hockey and Cross Country have teamed up for the 4th year in a row for the Downingtown Unites 5k! This 5k is to spread and support mental health in our community right here at West. This year all of the proceeded will be coming right back to West to support our student’s mental health! Grab your friends and family and join us on Sunday, October 13th in the morning! If you are a great runner you could potentially win a gift card to a local restaurant or store!

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• Home and School will only be meeting four times this year, so mark your calendars with these dates.

  October 30th

  December 11th

  February 19th

  April 16th

• 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

The Main Office at West is open during the school year from 7:15 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.

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