DCA Weekly Update

October 25, 2024

Message from the Principal

Greetings DCA Students & Families,

Marking Period 1 ends on Tuesday, October 29th.

All work must be turned in by 11:59 PM on 10/29.
We will begin Week 10 on Wednesday, 10/30, which will give students extra time to complete work for the first week of the 2nd marking period.
Week 10 will end on Sunday, November 3rd.

Our DCA Goal is to have 100% of our students pass all of their classes and reach their highest potential. If a student is in danger of failing one or more courses in the DCA, a referral will be made to our Student Support Team. It is expected that all students work on their courses to complete all assignments each week. If students cannot maintain the workload in the online learning environment with support, they should consider returning to the building.

Families, students, and staff should have received communication about completing the PA Climate Survey. When completing the survey, be sure to respond to the Downingtown Cyber Academy separately from your child's home school building, if your child attends part-time.

THIS MEANS YOU WILL TAKE THE PA CLIMATE SURVEY TWO TIMES - ONCE FOR DCA AND ONCE FOR YOUR HOME SCHOOL BUILDING

It is important to differentiate responses for the DCA versus the home school building. Let us know if you have any questions. We use the data help us celebrate school climate successes and make plans to improve in areas of need. We hope that each of you will take time to complete it.

Finally, registration for DCA courses in grades 7-12 is now closed for the remainder of the year. If you wish to take online courses in the 2025-2026 school year, please indicate that during course selection in January.

Have a warm and relaxing weekend ahead!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith

Principal of the Downingtown Cyber Academy and Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

Dr. Kecia Nesmith

DCA Principal & Supervisor of

Teaching and Learning

Week Nine extends to 10/29.

This is the last week for MP1. It ends on Tuesday, October 29.

🎃 Week Ten is 10/30-11/3.

Calendar items

10/16 - 11/20 - PA Climate Survey - DCA and Home School - Families, Staff, Students
10/28 - Cultural Equity Task Force Meeting
10/29 - Last Day of Marking Period 1
10/31 - Halloween
11/1 - No School - Diwali; All Saint's Day
11/5 - No School for Students- Election Day / Teacher Professional Development Day
11/18 - 11/22 - American Education Week
11/25 - Two-hour Early Dismissal - Parent/Guardian / Teacher Conferences - Gr. 7-8 (Day/Evening)
11/26 - No School for Students - Parent/Guardian /Teacher Conferences - Gr.7-8 (Day) /9-12 (Day/Evening)
11/27 - No School for Students - Teacher Work Collaboration Day
11/28 - No School - Thanksgiving Day
11/29 - No School

Information for Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

PA Climate Survey for Parent(s)/Guardians(s)

Tips for Parents/Guardians on Student Attendance

Click here to learn more about how to help your child attend and engage in school.

DCA Student Council Information

Cultural Monthly Recognitions

Upcoming Events

Neurodivergence In The Classroom

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

Cultural Equity Taskforce is Back!

Next CETF Meeting will be October 28th, 2024 at 3:45 pm

The purpose of the DASD Cultural Equity Task Force (CETF) is to ensure equity for students, staff and families by eliminating bias and inequities in our classrooms and in our schools.

The CETF supports enacting policies, procedures and practices that are both culturally responsive and culturally sustaining. Join our team by contacting JBrown@dasd.org.

Click Here to access A-Z Topics on DCA Archived Newsletters.

You can access IMPORTANT A-Z Topics on DCA Archived Newsletters from August 30 - September 13.

Community Bulletin

Click here to learn about community events, volunteer opportunities, and more!

Secondary Schools' Newsletters

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!

DMS Newsletter

Check here for newsletters from Downingtown Middle School.

LMS Newsletter

Check here for newsletters from Lionville Middle School.

DEHS Newsletter

Check here for newsletters from Downingtown East High School.

DWHS Newsletter

Check here for newsletters from Downingtown West High School.

STEM Newsletter

Check here for newsletters from the Downingtown STEM Academy.

Brandywine Virtual Academy Information

Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) Partnership - Grades K-6 ONLY

We are partnering with the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) within the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to provide instruction and teachers for students in grades K-6 who wish to learn online. Students will follow the school year calendars provided by the BVA.

***Virtual Voyagers Club

Virtual Voyagers hosts monthly events where students converse, connect, collaborate, and create. Virtual event themes include family & community events, special guests, game days, specials activities (art, music, movement), and STEM opportunities. Join us on the second Wednesday each month here: https://cciu.zoom.us/my/virtualvoyagers