Downingtown Cyber Academy Update

Happy March! There are only three weeks left in Marking Period 3; we will be wrapping up before spring break. This vacation time free from academic responsibilities promotes students' overall well-being and mental health.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal & Supervisor of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator of Digital and Blended Learning

• 3/11 - No School - Staff Professional Development
  

• 3/22 - (Fri) Week 28 work due at 3 pm/DASD Unity Day

• 3/25 - 3/29 - Spring break

• 4/10 - No School - Teacher Work Collaboration Day

• 4/22-5/3 - PSSA testing in person

• 5/13-5/24 - Keystone Testing in person

DCA staffing for next year will begin in just a few weeks! Please visit our enrollment page to sign up if you haven't already done so.

DASD will be on spring break for the last week in March. Spring break serves as a valuable opportunity for our students to take a break from academic responsibilities, promoting their overall well-being and mental health. Encouraging a healthy balance between academic commitments and relaxation is crucial for fostering a positive attitude towards learning. By taking a step back during spring break, students can return with renewed enthusiasm, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Therefore, all work for Week 28 will be due on Friday, March 22nd at 3 pm. (We will open Week 28 early so students can work ahead.) Week 28 will also be the last week of the marking period. Finishing the work by Friday will allow students to relax over spring break and start fresh when they return.

Downingtown Area School District Unity Day is scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2023, the Friday before Spring Break. On this day, we aim to unite our diverse community under the shared values of unity, respect, inclusion, kindness, and empathy. It's an opportunity for all of us to come together as one, celebrating the strength that comes from embracing our differences.

In the spirit of fostering a positive atmosphere, we encourage all teachers, staff, and students to wear blue and gold on Unity Day. This collective effort will serve as a powerful visual representation of our unity and shared values.

Advisory teachers will also be planning a Unity Day activity!

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing for grades 3-8 will be held the week of April 22nd - May 3rd. All Downingtown Cyber Academy students are required to come to their home school for in-person state testing. Building principals will send home communication with more specific details about dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office of your home school.

Keystone testing for students in Algebra I, 10th Grade English and Biology will be held the week of May 13th-May 24th. All Downingtown Cyber Academy students are required to come to their home school for in-person state testing. Building principals will send home communication with more specific details about dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office of your home school.

Downingtown Area School District is thrilled to announce that Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end, Brandon Graham, will be visiting Downingtown Highschool East on March 4th, 6-8 pm, for a special program titled "The Importance of Community." The event is organized by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, showcasing Graham's insights on fostering unity, looking out for one another, and sharing lessons learned during his time with the Eagles, including his experience as part of a Super Bowl-winning team.

To register: Click Here

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!

This is just a reminder that our elementary students should be following the BVA calendar for school. Please note that BVA's spring break will be March 28th-April 1st. As always, if students are going to be absent when BVA is in session, please send an excuse note to cyber_attendance@dasd.org. Thank you!

If your child is in K-5, receives instruction from the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) and wishes to return to their home school building, please follow the procedures outlined below:

1) Send and email to cyberacademy@dasd.org and complete the K-5 DCA/BVA Withdrawal Form 2023-2024.

2) An admin from the DCA will reach out to your child's home school building principal and the BVA admin to make a determination.

3) Once it has been determined that your child can return to the home school building, the building admin will reach out to you regarding information for the start date, the bus, classroom teacher, etc.

*All admin from the DCA, BVA, and Home School building should be included on correspondence.

Please visit our DCA website at dc.dasd.org for more information.

Backpack Resources

Email: cyberacademy@dasd.org
Website: dc.dasd.org
Location: 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-8460
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dca
Twitter: @dasd_dca