Good Evening Everyone.

Let me begin this update by wishing all the mothers in our West community a Happy Mother's Day!

I want to thank the Junior Class officers and Mrs. Skoglund for putting together a wonderful Junior Prom. The decorations looked great, the photo booth was a huge hit, and everyone who attended enjoyed the night thanks to all of your efforts. Well Done!

This is the last week of AP Exams and we are beginning Keystone Exams tomorrow morning. Please see the link below which outlines our testing schedule for each day of Keystone Exams this week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_W3pchM2X0SJbnLp-f-lrz0fcorqYV3/view?usp=sharing

Unfortunately, the Special Olympics was rained out on Friday, but thankfully it has been rescheduled for this coming Friday, May 17th! Thank you to all our staff who help ensure this wonderful event is able to take place each year, and let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather on Friday!

Seniors - Check out the information below regarding the Elementary Walk the Halls opportunities and continue to work on clearing all your obligations for the end of the year. If you have questions about your obligations, please see Mrs. Kennedy in the Main Office. Additionally, all seniors must complete the Senior Survey by May 15th. For more information, please see the Road to Graduation section below.

Finally, mark your calendars and plan to come see our Theatre Arts students perform their Spring Play, One Act Wonders, on May 15 & 16 in the Auditorium at 7pm.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will see you all on Monday, May 13th!

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.

• 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.

An exciting opportunity to be a part of the Homecoming traditions sponsored by the Downingtown Alumni Association. For more information, view the letter and application linked here.

Lifetouch will begin the first sitting of Senior Portraits for the Class of 2025 on June 10th through June 14th, and June 17th through June 20th. All sittings will be held in the Auditorium with check-in being held in the Main Lobby at Downingtown West. To schedule your appointment, please visit www.ouryear.com. For more information, please view the attached flyer by Prestige Photography.

If you have any problems with your scheduled appointment time, please contact 1-800-OUR-YEAR™ between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm EST Monday through Friday.

Applications are now open to join our Danish Exchange Program for 2024/2025 school year! This is a unique opportunity for life changing, affordable travel that includes cultural immersion and cross-cultural relationship building. Students can join the Schoology page to access the application and for more information: WMDJ-6N3H-S9B8V.

There will be a informational session for students on May 14 after school and an informational zoom session for parents on May 22 at 7:30. Please contact Mrs. Nass or Dr. Mapes for more information! mnass@dasd.org / jmapes@dasd.org.

Please join me in congratulating Clara Hollenbeck and Elliot McGowan, our PBIS winners for the monthly drawing for April! Both Clara and Elliot received a $25 gift card for showing their being real DAWGS!

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: 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!

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.

We know the senior class has been looking forward to celebrating their years of hard work with a traditional commencement ceremony, and we thank you for working with us to give the Class of 2024 the best graduation ceremony possible.

Please see the attached letter for information about the dates, times, and inclement weather plans for our Commencement Ceremony.

Accessible Parking and Seating is also available for those family members who may need them. A link for requesting Accessible Parking/Seating is located here. New this year, we will have a drop-off location at the Rock Raymond Road covered sidewalk for ease of getting your loved ones to the stadium for the ceremony. Carts will be available to take those family members to the stadium who cannot walk a far distance. Click here to view the drop-off location on a map.

· May 15 - Deadline to complete Senior Survey (Obligation)

· 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

Attention Seniors: Completion of this survey is a graduation obligation. Due date for completion is May 15th. Any responses received after May 15th will not be included for recognition in the graduation program. Please answer all questions honestly. In order to enroll at your chosen college next year, you must provide that college with a final transcript proving that you are graduated. Please provide consent for the Counseling Department to send that transcript in Question #5. Lastly, please provide the best estimate re: scholarships received from all colleges which accepted you, not just the college you plan to attend. We do understand that financial aid offers are delayed due to complications with the new FAFSA and recognize that you may not be able to provide this information at this time. Thank you for your help and participation.

Link to Survey

DASD Technology extends their sincerest congratulations on your child’s upcoming graduation. As we prepare for the end of the school year, all district-issued laptops and chargers must be returned. Student email accounts and Google Drive will be active until June 30, 2024. Students will need to move any files from their Google Drive that is associated with their email account to a personal account. Please note that the laptop buyout program has ended.

Prepare for collection:

• Please place the laptop & charger in a large bag to keep items together.
  All laptops should be fully charged and will be inspected upon return.

• Laptop collection will be in the Lab inside the Library. Laptop collection is Wednesday, May 29th.

See the schedule below for the collection. Please come during your appointed time.

Last Name Time

Adams - Chappell 7:30 - 8:15

Chavez - Etter 8:15 - 9:00

Feather - Howard 9:00 - 9:45

Hudson - Manning 9:45 - 10:30

Mantrabuddi - Olson 10:30 - 11:15

O’Neill - Rozecki 12:00 - 12:45

Russell - Sweatman 12:45 - 1:30

Torquato - Zwerling 1:30 - 2:15

As the end of the school year approaches, we wanted to take a moment to inform you about any remaining funds left in your senior student's meal account. If your senior student has funds remaining in their meal account, you have several options:

1. Request a Refund
2. Transfer Funds
3. Donate

For more information, please see the account funds letter and Food Service Account Refund Application.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Karen Mapes Whippet Pride Award! Family members were present as we celebrated these deserving seniors!

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!

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!!).

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.

Graduation Projects must be completed and present in order to graduate. There is approximately 1 week 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.

Co-Presidents: Altrean Alan and Paige Haltom

Vice President: Hanya Simon

Treasurer: Omar Helali

Secretary: Abigayle Prinder

We are honored to welcome Ruth Kapp Hartz to the Downingtown Area School District on May 20th at 6pm in the West Auditorium. Ruth's journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope, and her story is one that will undoubtedly inspire and educate all who hear it.

Ruth Kapp Hartz's early years were marked by the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust. As a four-year-old hidden child in southern France, Ruth had to assume the identity of "Renee" to conceal her Jewish heritage from the occupying forces. Sheltered by an ordinary French farm family and later taking refuge in a small Catholic convent, Ruth faced constant danger as informants threatened to reveal the presence of Jewish children to the authorities.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, Ruth's family miraculously survived the war and returned to Paris. Ruth's resilience and determination led her to pursue higher education, eventually earning a degree in Biochemistry from Sorbonne University. In 1958, she embarked on a new chapter in the United States, where she built a life,

Join us on May 20th at 6pm as Ruth Kapp Hartz shares her remarkable journey of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. This event promises to be a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear Ruth's story firsthand. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Mark your calendars and spread the word. We look forward to seeing you there!

Link to register: Click Here

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!

• Attention GIRLS in grades 9-12!! Girls Spark will be hosting the "Empowered Girls, Empower Summit", on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Penn State Brandywine from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many workshops will be offered on a variety of topics including healthy relationships, budgeting, mindset, workplace tips, self-defense and more! Seats are limited, so register ASAP at www.girlsspark.org/annual-summit!! Free busing from the Downingtown West parking lot – more details to come!

• The Montgomery School in Chester Springs is currently recruiting for their after-school program in the fall. The minimum age is 16, days and hours are flexible, and they will work around athlete schedules. If you are interested, please contact Kelly Kunsch at kkunsch@montgomeryschool.org.

• Exton Senior Living in Exton is looking for dining servers, and they offer part-time, flexible hours. The minimum age is 14 and the pay is $13/hour. For more information, or to apply, contact Marti Drozel at mdrozel@integracare.com or visit https://jobs.integracare.com/positions/.

• 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 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!

• 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

• 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.

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.

• May 13 - 17 - AP Exams

• May 13, 14, 16, and 17 - Spring Keystone Exams
  

• May 15 & 16 - Theatre Arts presents One Act Wonders - 7:00 pm - Auditorium

• May 17 - Special Olympics - Rain Date

• May 24 - READY DAY!

• May 27 - Closed for Memorial 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.

Monday, May 13

• Girls Softball Vs. West Chester East School @ DWHS Fields @ 3:45 PM

Tuesday, May 14

• Girls Lacrosse Vs. District BYE @ TBD @ TBD
  
• Boys Lacrosse Vs. Districts @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf) @ 3:45 PM

Thursday, May 16

• Girls Lacrosse Vs. Districts @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf) @ 7:00 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!!!
• Parents of ALL grade levels: The time has come. WE NEED YOUR HELP. We have been planning all year but it will not be a success without your help. Please sign up to volunteer for this year’s Post Prom Party! We are looking for volunteers to help us decorate, chaperone and undecorate beginning on May 30th, through June 1. Any and all time you can offer is greatly appreciated. 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 transforming the school into a Beach Party for seniors for an overnight celebration. 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. https://tinyurl.com/2024-Post-Prom-Volunteers
  
• 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