West Chester Area School District
March Newsletter
A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. DAVID CHRISTOPHER
Dear WCASD Community,
Spring is on its way - even if the weather likes to keep us guessing at times! With each longer day and glimpse of warmer sunshine, there’s an extra spark of energy in our schools. Students (and staff!) are eager to get outside, and while we’d love to say this leads to calmer classrooms, seasoned educators and parents know that "spring fever" is very real.
This time of year is always packed with incredible student events, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the school calendar. Whether it’s a musical performance, an athletic competition, an academic showcase, or a theater production, our students are thriving in so many ways. Their hard work and talents are on full display, and I encourage you to come out and celebrate their achievements.
We also enjoy taking the time to celebrate our staff. This past month, we began recognizing two outstanding West Chester Way Makers each week. In February, we were able to surprise EXE's Yenys Mundell, GAE's Kelly Brunner, SMS's Danielle Dinatale, and MCH's Jessica Pezone. The dedication of our every member of our WCASD team is what makes this district such a special place, and we look forward to honoring even more of them in the weeks ahead.
As always, thanks for being such an important part of our community—I’m looking forward to all that’s to come. I’ll see you as we walk the West Chester way together!
To make sure that you don’t miss any of WCASD's exciting events, check out the list of upcoming events below and our Celebrate the Arts Flyer at the bottom of this newsletter.
Important Dates:
March: Arts Education Month | Music in Our Schools Month | National Nutrition Month |
National Women's History Month
March 2-8: National School Social Worker Week
March 5-7: K-5 Parent Conferences
March 5: Half-Day for Elementary School; Full Day for Middle and High School
March 6: Half-Day for Elementary School; Full Day for Middle and High School
March 7: No School for Elementary; Full Day for Middle and High School
March 11: Family Session: Can we Disagree Better | 6:30 p.m.
March 14: Pi Day
March 17: Policy Review Committee Meeting | 5:30 p.m.
March 17: Property & Finance Committee Meeting | 6:00 p.m.
March 17: Teaching, Learning and Equity Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
March 19: Inservice Day; No School for Students
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 24: Personnel Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
March 24: School Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
March 28: Harlem Wizards Basketball Game at East High School
March 31: Eid Al Fitr | Schools Closed
WCASD Schools Have Special Visitor
West Chester Borough Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste stopped by several of our schools to share insights into her role as mayor.
She spoke about her daily responsibilities, favorite activities, and the challenges she faces, all while inspiring students to dream big. Her message was clear—with dedication and hard work, anything is possible!
Penn Wood Students Inspired by Author & Scientist Dr. Theanne Griffith
Penn Wood Elementary students had the exciting opportunity to connect with award-winning children's book author and neuroscientist Dr. Theanne Griffith! During a virtual visit, she captivated young readers with her STEM-themed books, shared her journey in both science and storytelling, and encouraged students to stay curious about the wonders of the world around them.
Exploring STEM Careers with Science Speaker Series
Henderson High School’s Science National Honor Society hosted a Science Speaker Series!
Students learned from experts in engineering, environmental science, and more, including a virtual visit from Beverly Case, a Mechanical Engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Celebrating 101 Days of Excellence at Mary C. Howse
Mary C. Howse first graders swapped their dragon tails for dalmatian spots as they celebrated the 101st day of school.
Even teachers joined on the celebration - dressing up as Cruella. It was "spot-on" celebration of 101 days of learning and growth!
We had an amazing time at Kindergarten 101 welcoming so many families and sharing what to expect as their little one begins their WCASD journey! From purposeful play to bus schedules (and everything in between!), our elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent Dr. David Christopher loved answering questions and getting to know our future families.
If you missed the event or want to revisit the information, check out our Kindergarten 101 Digital Brochure for helpful information and resources!
Peirce Middle School students Molly and Sebastion proudly led the salute to the flag and shared an update on all the exciting things happening at their school during the February School Board Meeting.
They spoke about their experiences this year, what they’re currently learning, and what they’re most looking forward to in the months ahead. It was a great opportunity for the board and community to hear directly from our students and celebrate their achievements!
The Power of Our Labor: Henderson High School's Black Student Union Honors Community Leaders at the Annual Alice Thomas Scholarship Banquet
Henderson High School's Black Student Union (BSU) celebrated its 41st Annual Alice Thomas Scholarship Banquet, highlighting the significance of community, leadership, and dedication.
This year, BSU honored Trinity Assembly of God Church, Dr. Una Martin and Mrs. Denise Gallimore, who have exemplified the values of BSU. Special thanks to Shanelle Dorsey and Gerri Okolosi for their dedication in making the celebration a success.
East Bradford Elementary Celebrates Black History Month with Interactive Scavenger Hunt
East Bradford Elementary students and staff worked together to decorate classroom doors, each highlighting an influential figure and their unique impact.
Students then participated in an exciting schoolwide scavenger hunt, exploring each door and uncovering fascinating facts along the way.
Serving Up Inspiration at Exton Elementary's Black History Month "Book Tasting"
Students and special guest Dr. Brown, read about the lives of inspiring individuals who’ve shaped history and continue to inspire others.
Big changes are coming to WCASD high schools! After years of research and stakeholder input, WCASD is introducing a Drop 2 Rotating Schedule for the 2026-27 school year. This new schedule will provide longer instructional periods, increased flexibility, and more opportunities for student support and engagement. A key feature is the Lunch and Learn period, ensuring all students have time for lunch while also allowing access to teachers, enrichment, and intervention.
Learn more about the recommended schedule and what it means for our students by clicking the blue button!
Greystone Elementary celebrated its annual Culture Day, giving students the chance to explore and learn about global traditions and customs!
Students spent the day exploring different cultures through fun and engaging presentations about various countries, led by GSE’s very own family and friends! They also joined in an interactive assembly, where they learned the art of expressive storytelling through Indian hand gestures.
Please join us at our next parent workshop, “Can We Disagree Better? Kids Learn by Listening.” This virtual presentation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30 pm. This month’s workshop provides a fascinating discussion on parenting and the art of disagreeing better. Some topics include: The Us vs. Them Mentality, the value of unity in child development, strategies to help youth and us embrace mental toughness and develop strong, but not fixed identities, and much more!
Please see the flyer for more information and a link to register. We hope to see you on the 11!
Jumping for a Cause
WCASD elementary schools recently participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, supporting the American Heart Association and the fight against heart disease.
Students spent time learning about healthy heart living and put their knowledge and skills to the test and jumped for 50 minutes, raising funds to support the cause!
We are thrilled to recognize our first West Chester Way Makers—staff members who go above and beyond to support our students, schools, and community!
This month, we honored Yenys Mundell, Head Custodian at Exton Elementary; Kelly Brunner, Second Grade Teacher at Glen Acres Elementary; Danielle Dinatale, Intervention Specialist at Stetson Middle School; and Jessica Pezone, Fifth Grade Teacher at Mary C. Howse Elementary. Their dedication to educating and inspiring students makes a lasting impact, and we are so grateful to have them as part of the WCASD team!
We look forward to continuing this program each month, recognizing even more outstanding staff members—and soon, expanding to include peer nominations. Join us in celebrating these incredible individuals, both in person and on social media, as we highlight the people who truly make WCASD a special place!
The West Chester Area School District is committed to continuous improvement and future-focused planning. After months of collaboration with educators, families, students, administrators, and community members, we are excited to share the draft 2025-2028 Comprehensive Plan for public review on our district website!
We invite our community to review the plan and provide feedback during a 28-day public review period before it is presented to the WCASD School Board for consideration and potential approval. Once finalized, the plan will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of WCASD!
Henderson High School students from the Aidan’s Heart Club and Fellowship Volunteers visited Peirce Middle School to teach 7th graders the essential skills of CPR and AED use. Through hands-on training, students learned how to respond to emergencies, perform CPR, and properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Thank you to HHS, Aidan’s Heart, and the Fellowship Volunteers for dedicating your time to equipping PMS students with these life-saving techniques!
The Giant Feeding School Kids Initiative is still going on now through March 31! Every time you round up at the register, you’re helping us fight childhood hunger in our community.
Funds raised will directly benefit WCASD students by expanding meal programs, providing extra weekend meals, and eliminating outstanding student meal debt.
Together, we can make a difference for our students and ensure no child goes hungry. Thank you for your support!
If you haven't already, you can now explore the wide array of courses and educational opportunities available for next school year! These guides provide valuable insights into the curriculum, electives, and pathways that await WCASD students as they move forward on their educational journey.
Visit our website by clicking the blue button or the course selection photo to explore the WCASD Course Guides for 2025-26.
A Wonderful Night of Art, Music, and Creativity at NAHS Coffeehouse!
East High School’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) once again brought the arts to life with its annual Coffeehouse event! This student-led celebration showcased the incredible creativity of our East artists, featuring stunning gallery displays and live musical performances. Families, staff, and students gathered to enjoy an inspiring evening filled with artistic expression.
A huge shoutout to NAHS for organizing this wonderful event and for their continued dedication to supporting the arts at East. Proceeds from the event help fund future artistic initiatives, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in our school community!
A Very Musical Match for Henderson, Kennett and Owen J Robert’s High Schools!
On Friday, February 28th the Henderson Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jonathan Kreamer and Katrina Kelly had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Kennett and Owen J Robert’s High Schools Chamber Choirs and Chamber Orchestras.
During the day, students rehearsed at Immaculata University under the baton of Dr. Kimberly Dunn Adams, new choral director at West Chester University. The students then jointly performed Kim Andre Arnesen’s Requiem of Solace and a few other pieces.
Congratulations to all of the students involved for a very moving performance!
Celebrating the Highest of Musical Honors
6 WCASD Students performed in the PMEA Region 6 Orchestra Festival held at Girard Academic Music Program in Philadelphia on February 20th - 22nd.
The six students were, from East, Meghan Cherry (Viola), Dinith Halambage (Bass), from Henderson, Ajay Anne (violin), Charlie Platt (bass), Nate Niederman (bassoon) and from Rustin, Vidhu Sriram (violin). The concert was incredible and we are proud to announce that Vidhu Sriram, Charlie Platt and Dinith Halambage have successfully auditioned to move onto All-State. This is the highest honor a PA High School Musician can receive!
Fugett’s Mr. Hill Guest Conducts Blair County Choral Festival
Fugett Middle School’s Mr. Matthew Hill had the honor of guest conducting the Blair County Middle School Choral Festival on February 11-12 at Bellwood-Antis High School in Altoona, PA. This festival brought together over 100 top middle school singers from seven schools for two days of rehearsals, culminating in a concert featuring a diverse selection of music, including two pieces premiered by Fugett choruses!
Mr. Hill was invited by Bellwood-Antis Choral Director David Logue, a longtime colleague with ties to WCASD. The event provided a memorable and enriching experience for both students and teachers, celebrating the power of music education.
Henderson Concert Choir Shines at Upper Darby Choral Festival
On Friday, January 31, Henderson High School Concert Choir performed at the Upper Darby Choral High School Festival along with choirs from Penncrest, Springfield, Kennett, Strath Haven, Ridley, and Upper Darby High Schools.
The choir was conducted by Jonathan Kreamer and Katrina Kelly and was joined by members of the WCASD Senior Strings. The choir sang Tundra by Ola Gjeilo, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel arr. By Moses Hogan, and Wild Forces by Jake Runestad. The evening was an amazing evening showcasing local high school singers.
Henderson Concert Band Performs at National Band Association Symposium
In February, the Henderson High School Concert Band, under the direction of Kendra Woywod, performed at the National Band Association’s annual High School Wind Band Symposium.
Throughout the day, students participated in rehearsals and clinics with esteemed directors, including Dr. Andrew Yozviak, Dr. Hannah Morrison, and Dr. Adam Gumble from WCU, as well as Dr. Mary Schneider of Eastern Michigan University and Andrew Hitz of XO Brass. The event concluded with a showcase performance featuring the invited bands and the WCU Wind Ensemble.
This was an incredible opportunity for HHS musicians to refine their skills, learn from top educators, and proudly represent Henderson in the band community!
Get ready for an unforgettable night of trick shots, slam dunks, and non-stop entertainment as the Harlem Wizards return to West Chester! The West Chester Area Education Foundation (WCAEF) proudly presents this fan-favorite event on Friday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at West Chester East High School.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, March 8, at 8:00 a.m.! These sell out fast, so be on the lookout for the ticket link in your inbox Friday, March 7, and again Saturday morning.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. – Grab dinner, souvenirs, and a great seat before the action starts!
Best of all, this event supports the WCAEF, funding classroom mini-grants and unique student opportunities. Don’t miss out on this high-energy, community-fueled night of fun!
Form for the 2024-25 School Year!
At various times throughout the year, community members may request a review of instructional materials or books related to the WCASD or the District may begin the process of considering new instructional materials. When either occurs, the Superintendent or their designee can create a committee to review the materials. Parents and community members are an important part of the committee and review process.
If you would be interested and willing to serve on review committee if the need should arise, we encourage you to complete a brief interest form by clicking the blue button. Please be aware, if you signed up to participate last year, you will need to sign up again as it is our goal to keep this list as current as possible year-to-year. Thank you!
Did you know that the WCASD offers a Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program designed to assist Senior Citizens with the burden of Real Estate Taxes? In return for volunteering their services through this program, senior citizens may be entitled to a rebate of property taxes in accordance with the guidelines outlined on our Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program webpage.
Before applying to the program, we encourage those interested to review the attached brochure below and the guidelines on our website.
