Good Evening Everyone!

Art Madness

On October 23rd from 5:30-7:30pm WEST will be hosting its annual Art Madness event. Each year this is an amazing opportunity for friends and family to come spend the evening creating art. This year we look forward to showcasing our new facilities as well! For more information, please see the Special Announcements section.

WEST Open House

The renovations are almost complete and we are excited to open the doors for the community to be able to tour the building and see the finished student spaces. Our Open House will be held on October 29th beginning at 6pm. For more information, please see the Upcoming Events section below.

End of Marking Period 1

It is hard to believe, but the end of the first marking period is just 2 weeks away. Students - take this opportunity to catch up on any missing work, make up any missing tests or quizzes, and put yourself in the best position possible at the end of the 1st Marking Period.

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

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 to put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, or stop by during Lunch and Learn (you’ll just need a Writing Center appointment pass or a Library pass). 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!

We would like to take this moment to invite the families of our WEST Staff members to our Annual NAHS Community Art Event: ART MADNESS.

This event, taking place on OCTOBER 23rd from 5:30-7:30pm is a FREE event that connects our NATIONAL ART HONORS SOCIETY (NAHS) students with our amazing community, and allows them to share the beauty and fun of making art!

Our NAHS students, led by Co-Presidents James Maiale & Elliot McGowan, Treasurer: Kayley Miller, Secretary: Ishaan Sing and Historian/Documentarian: Brooke Wildes, are excited to be of service to our community and to present this "make and take" event in our new spaces!

The evening consists of elementary geared art experiences including Halloween themed crafts, jewelry-making, and ceramic wheel-thrown pottery, a student run bake sale and more! We invite those of you with family members and friends who might enjoy such an evening to join us for this annual West tradition!

As an added community connection, our chapter of NAHS will be collecting items for the WHIPPET PANTRY throughout our event.

Registration for the Chester County Turkey Trot, benefiting the Downingtown West Cross Country team and the Cure4Cam Foundation, is now open. Please scan the QR code below for more information!

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, 10/14:
No Visits

Tuesday, 10/15:
8:54 –Lebanon Valley College
9:43 – Lynn University
10:32 –Marywood College
1:11 – Elizabethtown University

Wednesday, 10/16:
8:54 –Delaware Valley University
9:43 – Michigan State University
10:32 – University of Tennessee
1:11 – Hofstra University

Thursday, 10/17:
8:54 – Worcester Poly Tech
9:43 – Stonehill College
10:32 – Long Island University
1:11 – Kean University

Friday, 10/18:
8:54 – Mary Washington University
9:43 – Purdue University
10:32 – University of Rochester
1:11 – Embry Riddle 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. Included will be a specialized pre-event program designed for learners with disabilities and their families —Transitioning Beyond High School: Postsecondary Options for All Abilities, from 5-6 p.m. To register or for more information, visit www.cciu.org/college-fair.

• 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

• 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.

• Dog Lovers! To Love A Canine, the rescue that brings puppies into our schools, is looking for volunteers to help with their annual 5K, Miles for Mutts, on October 20th from 7am-12pm. This is one of their largest fundraisers to benefit their rescue dogs and many volunteers are needed. If you are interested, please contact Marie Coladonato marie@tlcrescuepa.com by October 14th!

• Volunteers are needed for Home of the Sparrow's annual Power of the Purse Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 30th, at the Desmond Hotel. The money raised via this event is vital in preventing women and children in Chester County from experiencing the trauma of homelessness. Two shifts are available – 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers will be assigned a single role such as selling raffle tickets. If interested, please email Geisa Corbitt at gcorbitt@homeofthesparrow.org for details and to sign up.

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 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.

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

• 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

• November 6 & 7 - Class of 2025 Cap and Gown orders - Atrium during Lunch and Learn

• November 9 & 10 - Cheer Competition

• November 11 - Veteran's Day

• November 14-16 - Stage West Performance

• November 21 - Powderpuff Game - 7:00 pm at Kottmeyer Stadium

• November 25 - 2 HR Early Dismissal / Professional Development

• November 26 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences

• November 27 - No School - Work Collaboration Day

• November 28-29 - School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

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).

• Girls Soccer Vs. Sun Valley HS @ 7:00 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Sun Valley HS @ 5:00 pm @ Wagner Gym

• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Kennett High School @ 5:00 PM @ Kottmeyer Stadium

• Boys Soccer Vs. Kennett High School @ 7:00 pm @ DiSerafino Stadium
  

• Football vs. Coatesville High School @ 7:00 pm @ Kottmeyer Stadium

Please save the date for the following event:

• 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)

• The girls’ soccer Weaver's Orchard Pie fundraiser starts now through Wednesday, November 6! Please see the attached digital image for all the details and please share with your friends and family! This has been a very successful fundraiser the past 3 years and we're super excited to sell these delicious pies again in this season! We ask each player to strive to sell at least 4 pies and the player who sells the most will receive a gift card! (If you don’t know a girl on the team and you still want to buy one you can just write “Cornine!”) Here is the link to the order form: West Girls Soccer Weaver's Pie Fundraiser Order Form. Pie pick up date will be Wednesday, November 20. Please send any questions our way. Thank you for supporting our Downingtown West Soccer Girls! ⚽💙💛

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.

School Profile 2024-2025

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