Good Evening Everyone!

This has been a wonderful weekend. I want to begin by thanking Ms. McGregor, Mr. Vernon, all the Student Council Officers, volunteers, and staff chaperones for putting together another amazing Homecoming Dance! Thank you and Well Done!

Last week we were informed that we have one additional National Merit Semifinalist:

National Merit Semifinalist - Mei Satler

Congratulations to Mei and her family on this accomplishment!

In addition, this week we were also provided with the names of our WEST National Merit Commended Students - Drew Keenan and Isabelle Orosco. Congratulations to Drew and Isabelle and their families on this recognition!

Mid-Marks

It is hard to believe, but Wednesday is the midpoint of the first marking period. Students - remember to take advantage of the opportunity to see your teachers during Lunch & Learn to get extra help, ask questions, or make up missed work. Teachers are available everyday for assistance and are looking forward to meeting with you. Remember to work hard and start the year off well academically!

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

The learning stairs in the Atrium are now complete, the woodshops are almost finished, and we continue to have new furniture arriving. We continue to work with the contractors to complete the final portions of the project and we look forward to wrapping up punch list items by the end of the month. Once everything is complete we plan to hold an open house to welcome the community to come see the finished project. Please look for more information on this open house opportunity in the early part of October.

• PARKING APPLICATION IS OPEN!! Please see the parking application and other parking related information. Juniors, please note that you will only be able to park at the DYW lot this year. Please see the parking map for more details on parking for students.
  

• 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.

• All DASD families received an email with instructions for how to complete their Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year. This information is now past due and is necessary if your student requires any over the counter medications or prescribed medications from the Nurses Office.

• Applications to the Chester County Student Forum are now available! Please use this link to apply. The application and recommendation are due 9/27/24.

  The Chester County Student Forum exists to strengthen bonds between Chester County high schools and the community and to foster student leadership. These goals are met in the following ways:

  • Volunteer and community service projects
  • Research projects
  • Discussion and exchange of ideas at meetings
  • Interaction with students from different high schools across the county
  • Formation of connections between students and administrators

  The Chester County Student Forum is comprised of student leaders from Chester County's public, charter, and non-public high schools. It is up to the Student Forum faculty advisor to select students to become members of the Forum.

  Members of the forum meet monthly to discuss current issues that are of interest to them and impact their age group. In addition, members participate in a variety of community service projects throughout the year.

• Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd. Pictures were distributed on Friday. If you are not pleased with your photo or missed Picture day in August, please plan to go to the Wagner Gym when your grade and alpha group is called over the PA.

• The yearbook order center is now open! Early bird pricing ends on 11/1, so place your order now to take advantage of our lowest price of the year! Please visit this link to place your order or go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter 13471 as the School Order Number. Books will ship directly home at the end of May.

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: Downingtown WEST - Senior Transcript Request ... In order to have your transcript sent to the college of your choosing, you must complete the Google doc linked above. Transcripts can take up to 10 business days to process. If you have a specific deadline, please make sure your request is entered as early as possible. Any questions or concerns or if you need help with your transcripts, please reach out to your school counselor.

• Thank you to all the seniors that joined the Counseling Team for our yearly Application Boot Camp. If you were unable to attend and would like to review the information that was presented, it is attached here. Should you have any follow up questions re: your college applications, transcript procedures, and requesting letters of recommendation, please see your school counselor.
  

• 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 so that you can put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. The Writing Center is now open. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, use the Pass app, or just drop in to visit us in the Library during Lunch and Learn. 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.

• Class of 2025 Yearbook Baby Ads are now available for purchase. Commemorate your senior’s childhood in this important piece of West history. Please visit this link to place your order or go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter 13471 as the School Order Number. Baby ad orders must be placed by Friday October 4th. Access BABY AD instructions here. Limit: one baby ad per graduating student, no exceptions.
  

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

• Congratulations to Kierstin Deamer, this year’s Homecoming queen!

• 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!

On Friday, September 27, from 5-8 p.m., DASD and Downingtown Community Education Foundation (DCEF) will host the 3rd Annual DASD Culture Fest at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center.

The event will feature:

• Food trucks
• 20+ live performances and music
• Games and activities
• Fun for the entire community!

This free event is open to all DASD students (K-12) and their families. Pre-registration is highly encouraged - Register Now! Carpool if you can, and try to get there early. All proceeds from this event benefit the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center Library.

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, 9/23:
9:43 – University of Richmond
10:32 –University of South Carolina

Tuesday, 9/24:
8:54 – Widener University
9:43 – Seton Hall
10:32 – Rider University
1:11 – Wilkes University

Wednesday, 9/25:
8:54 – Indiana University of PA
9:43 – Sacred Heart University
10:32 – Moravian College
1:11 – Emerson College

Thursday, 9/26:
8:54 – American University
9:43 – University of Tampa
10:32 – York College of PA
1:11 – Quinnipiac University

Friday, 9/27:
8:54 – Ithaca College
9:43 – Seton Hill College
10:32 – Immaculata University
1:11 – Binghamton 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. To register and for more information, visit www.cciu.org/college-fair.

• Revolution Prep will host a free Zoom on “Navigating the High School Transition: Practical Tips for Success” for parents and students on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 7-8 p.m. Topics include how to strengthen executive function, study skills, organization, and good study habits. To register, please visit this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/12056/
  

• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will host webinars in September and October to assist parents and students with financial information and scholarships for college. Join Suzanne Sparrow and Daniel Wray on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at noon to learn more about the financial timeline and search for scholarships. Two additional webinars will take place in October. Registration for the webinars is at https://pheaa.org/virtual/.

• The Downingtown Chamber of Commerce will host Downingtown Fall Fest on Sunday, October 6, 2024, and they need volunteers for event set-up and clean-up! Please use this link for Sign Up Genius if you can help your community with this FUN event!

• Attention future business and entrepreneurship students! …The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), program offers students a unique opportunity to:
  --Develop a business opportunity from start to finish, including creating a business plan.
  --Connect with local entrepreneurs and gain valuable insight into the business world.
  --Pitch their ideas to a panel of investors for the chance to receive startup funding.
  --Gain confidence in their ideas, abilities, and presentation skills—crucial tools for any future leader!
  For more information about YEA visit www.yeaphiladelphia.org. The deadline is September 16th, 2024, and needs-based scholarships are available.
  

• Internship Opportunity!!....The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) is a comprehensive science research training program for high school students interested in scientific careers. Beyond the lab, students also receive one-on-one mentoring with Fox Chase faculty; they learn team building and leadership skills and become part of a family of driven and curious students. This internship will take place at William Tennent High School in Warminster and run on Saturdays from mid-January through mid-April culminating with a research symposium where students will present their research to friends and family and other special guests. The deadline to apply is October 6, 2024, and the minimum age is 14 by 1/25. For more information visit this link: https://www.tripinitiative.com/about-us.html.

• The Friends of the Chester County Library needs volunteers for their book sale October 4,5 & 6, 2024, and volunteers must be 16+. Four shifts are available:
  October 4 - Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  October 5 - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  October 5 - Saturday Noon - 5:00 p.m.
  October 6 - Sunday Noon - 6:00 p.m.
  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alex Draper at 215-859-8200 or
  grahbella@gmail.com.
  

• Rocco's in Exton is looking for part-time help! The minimum age is 16, and the hours are Thursday and Friday, 4:30-8:30 or 9 p.m. Stop in to ask for an application or call 610-363-0405.
  

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.
  
• Exploring Art, Culture & Service in Peru - Summer of 2025 - for more information, please click the link above or see Dr. Simmons.

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.

• September 25 - Mid Marks 1st Marking Period
  

• October 2 - Student Picture Retakes
  

• October 3 - School Closed - Rosh Hashana

• October 5 - SAT Administration

• October 10 - PSAT Testing

• October 18-20 - LINK Weekend

• 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

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).

• Boys Soccer Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 3:45 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium

• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 7:00 pm @ Kottmeyer Stadium

• Girls Tennis Vs. Kennett High School @ 3:30 PM @ Desmond Tennis Courts

• Boys Golf Vs. Bishop Shanahan HS @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club
• Girls Soccer Vs. Coatesville HS @ 3:45 PM @ DSerafino Stadium

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Perkiomen Valley HS @ 11:15 AM @ Wagner Gym

Please save the date for the following event:

• Tuesday October 8, 2024: Interest Meeting, run by the coaches, will be held in the West Library from 7:00-8:00. All current team members and interested team members and parents should plan to attend.

• 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)

• Field Hockey and Cross Country have teamed up for the 4th year in a row for the Downingtown Unites 5k! This 5k is to spread and support mental health in our community right here at West. This year all of the proceeded will be coming right back to West to support our student’s mental health! Grab your friends and family and join us on Sunday, October 13th in the morning! If you are a great runner you could potentially win a gift card to a local restaurant or store!

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.

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