Good Evening Everyone!

Playoffs

This week I am thrilled to share with our WEST community that our Girls Soccer team has won the PIAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! The team defeated a tough Conestoga team in overtime by a score of 3-2. Congratulations to all the girls on the team, their families, and the coaches on an incredible season that culminated in them being named State Champions! Thank you to all the students, staff, and community members who came out for the send off on Saturday morning, and to everyone who made the trek to Mechanicsburg to cheer the girls on to victory - West was well-represented! Congratulations and Well Done!!

WEST Football defeated CB West on Friday night by a score of 28-23 the District Semifinals. With that win they will now face North Penn in the District Championship Game at home this Friday night at 7pm in Kottmeyer Stadium! Clear your schedules for Friday night and lets plan to pack the stadium one last time this season as we cheer the team on to a District Championship here at home! Go WEST!

Parent Teacher Conferences

As a reminder, parent teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 26th. Please use the registration link below in the Whippet News section to schedule your conference.

COLLEGE and BEYOND

Parents - Please take a moment to review the Build Your Future: Be Your Own Architect information below in the Upcoming Events section. Each year this program alternates between East and WEST and this year it is being hosted at DHS East. The evening will provide a number of opportunities to here from college admissions counselors and financial aid advisers. If you have a Sophomore or Junior this year, make sure you register today!

Indian Heritage Day

Thank you to our SASA students and their parents for organizing our annual Indian Heritage Day which will be held in the Library on Monday, November 18th. Each year we look forward to this wonderful opportunity for our freshmen to learn more about the Indian culture and heritage and we are so appreciative of those in our Indian community who help to pull this together for our students. Thank you!

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• The 18th annual Powderpuff Football game is Thursday, November 21st @ 7pm at Kottmeyer Stadium. Tickets are 5.00 at the door, and the proceeds will be donated to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Cure4Cam Hero Fund. Please come out to support a great cause!

• Military Recognition Wall: As the Military Recognition Wall is completed this year, please know that we view this as a work in progress. If there are any names that we have missed, please email Sherry Tuerk (stuerk@dasd.org) and we will get names updated with the Class of 2025 at the end of the year. Thank you!

• Attention Class of 2026: Graduation Project Proposal and Mentor forms are now past due! Please drop them off in the main office as soon as possible once both of these forms have been filled out. Mr. Hassel will sign for approval, scan and email them back to you. 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.

• Attention Class of 2027: It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. 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.

The online registration for Parent Teacher Conferences is now active. While we are looking forward to hosting conferences in person, we also know that some parents may prefer to schedule their conference via zoom. If you would like to participate via zoom, please use the following format when registering for an appointment: Student Name: “John Smith – Zoom”. The teacher will then email you a link for the Zoom conference. Conferences with your student’s teachers will be held by appointment only. It's a great time to meet privately with your child's teacher, ask specific questions regarding your child's progress, and discuss curriculum. The letter which provides the scheduler link and explains the process for reserving a time to meet with your child's teacher can be viewed by clicking the above link. You will also find the teachers' room assignments during the conferences linked here.

TCHS Brandywine will be holding an open house on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

All 2025-26 TCHS applicants who are offered acceptances will be required to respond to their offer by the listed deadline that corresponds with their application date. If a student does not officially respond to their offer by the deadline, their seat will be offered to another student, and they will be put on the waitlist with the potential of being offered the seat again at a future date. The TCHS application will close during the 2025-26 summer months and will reopen on August 1st, 2025 for students wishing to be considered for 2025-26 Fall Rolling Admissions.

Class of 2026, SAT Prep Class

Downingtown West High School will be offering courses to assist students with preparation for the upcoming SAT. College-bound juniors typically take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and repeat the exam in the fall of their senior year if necessary.

Test Information: SAT test dates for this spring are March 8 and May 3 at the Downingtown West Campus. Students should register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.org and should use school code 391-033 to indicate they attend Downingtown West High School. The West Campus test center code is 39228.

SAT Prep Class Information: All classes will be offered in person or on zoom for six weeks with dates and times listed below. The registration fee is $60.00 per course and $120 for two courses. Please reach out to Mrs. Kennedy (mkennedy@dasd.org) with any questions. An online SAT practice book is included in the price of the course. It is not possible to attend both a Math and a Verbal class during the same time slot on a single day; choose one Math class and one Verbal class per time slot.

Please use the following SAT Prep Registration Form to sign up for SAT Prep Classes. You will be notified via email when your registration fee is available to pay on payschoolscentral.com. All Registration fees must be paid on payschoolscentral.com before the first class session to receive the required textbook.

Class size is limited, so EARLY registration is recommended. Please submit the registration form by December 18, 2024.

Tuesday Sessions: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18 - Makeup Dates: February 20th and 25th

Math - In person 3-5 pm, Virtual 5-7 pm

Verbal - In person 3-5 pm

Wednesday Session: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 11, 19 - Makeup Date: February 24th and 26th

Verbal - Virtual 5-7 pm

Thursday Sessions: January 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20 - Makeup Date: February 25th and 27th

Math - In person 3-5 pm

Verbal - In person 3-5 pm

Questions regarding the course can be directed to Mrs. Kennedy at mkennedy@dasd.org at 610-269-4400 ext. 42003. Additional resources are under college and career planning located here.

Please join me in congratulating Juliette Kalogredis and JD Weller, our PBIS winners for the October monthly drawing! Both Juliette and JD received a $25 gift card for showing they are real DAWGS!

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!
• Class of 2026 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)

• Online Ordering steps:

• Go to: Herff Jones SHOP Grad Products Website.

• Or visit Highschool.herffjones.com
• Type in DOWNINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WEST in the box to find your school.
• Click SHOP GRAD PRODUCTS and the cap and gown packages will appear. (For the cap, gown and tassel only, click GRAD GEAR & APPAREL)
• The price for the Cap and Gown Basic Package (B) Includes Cap, Gown, and Tassel is $20.55 (includes sales tax).

• Our parents from the Home and School Association are already beginning to plan the Post Prom Party at the end of the year and are looking for your feedback. Please take a moment to respond to this quick survey so they can use your feedback to make this event a success! https://forms.gle/ioHf41AcxRCZywo49

• 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

• 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!

This special event, hosted by the Downingtown Area School District in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, features Jeremy Johnson, Cultural Education Director of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. As a member of the Lenape, Absentee Shawnee, and Peoria tribes, Jeremy is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Lenape culture and language. With over 18 years of experience as an educator and coach, he brings invaluable insights into Indigenous cultures.

Register Here: Click Here

Don’t miss this chance to engage with history and culture—mark your calendars and join us! 🌍✨

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.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a seminar, “Think Before You Post”, for students and parents on how their digital decisions can impact college admissions, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. Speakers from their office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Emergency Services, and the FBI will be participating. The date is Friday, December 13th, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Chester County Justice Center, Courtroom #1. Please use the registration link below if you are interested in attending:
https://forms.gle/WQ2WkCqjm7HTRZr9A

• 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

• Beaver Creek Elementary School needs volunteers to assist with their 5th grade intramurals program from 3:45 – 4:45 pm on Mondays, 11/1/2024 – 2/10/2025. Assist with games and sports and help with dismissal at 5 p.m. Please contact Annmarie Kopey at akopey@dasd.org if you can help out!

• JUNIORS….The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) is a rigorous, highly selective, summer enrichment opportunity focused on science with instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and more. The application is now open to current JUNIORS, and the deadline to apply is January 31, 2025. The program is free to students, and students live on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. For more details on the program, visit https://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org/. Application link: https://pgss-applications.pa-gov-schools.org/users/sign_up

• Grad Project Opportunity! The Repair Café is looking for volunteers to assist with their Repair Café events! They repair items for FREE! Items include dolls and stuffed animals, computers and electronics, jewelry, wood items, clothing and textiles and bikes! Volunteers can assist with social media, website maintenance and advertising campaigns, and use technical skills to actually help with repairs. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact repaircafe165@gmail.com.

• Exton Senior Living needs part-time help with their dining services! Help with setting tables, folding napkins, filling water glasses, providing and refilling condiments, food prep as needed, serve meals to residents in a courteous and professional manner, and remove dishes from tables to kitchen. They hire at 14, offer a flexible schedule, and pay $13/hour! Contact Marti Drozel at mdrozel@integracare.com or visit https://jobs.integracare.com/positions/

• 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.

• Faraway Farms Country Corner in Glenmoore needs a part-time cashier 1-2 days a week from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and every other Saturday. Must be 16 years + to apply. Please contact Cara at fafcatering@gmail.com if you are interested.
  

• The application is now open for the St. Jude Leadership Society volunteers. The St. Jude Leadership Society is a group of high-achieving students passionate about leadership, service, and community. Members will participate in monthly leadership development sessions starting in January, inspired by St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. These sessions will cover traits like good citizenship, gratitude, grit, integrity, empathy, and courage. This program also offers a chance to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children. Applications will be accepted through January 10, 2025, with interviews starting mid-December. A Zoom information session will be held on November 26, 2024, at 6 p.m. for more information. Register for the Zoom session HERE. Contact Courtney Cooke at Courtney.cooke@alsac.stjude.org with any questions.

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Winter Carnival Quebec City Trip – February 13-16, 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 the DASD logo. Next, click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s) tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application.

Downingtown Celebrates Indian Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month Belonging

This November, Downingtown Area School District is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Indian Heritage Month with a variety of enriching educational opportunities. Organized by parents, guardians, students, and community members, these events will shine a light on the unique histories, traditions, and contributions of both communities.

Through these celebrations, the district reaffirms its dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools, creating a more inclusive and culturally aware environment for all.

#ThisIsDEI #InclusionMatters

• November 19 - First Day of Winter Sports

• November 20 - College Night - DEast - 6:30 - 8:30 pm

• November 20 - An Evening with the Lenape Community - 6:00 pm via zoom

• 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

• December 2 - School Reopens

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 Ice Hockey Game vs. Conestoga @ 8:00 at Ice Line

Tuesday, November 19th

• First Day of Winter Sports

Friday, November 22nd

• District Playoff Game - Football vs. North Penn @ 7pm in Kottmeyer Stadium

• On Sunday November 3 the High School Girls team from Downingtown Rugby Football Club defeated the West Pittsburgh Girls Rugby team to win their first State Championship since 2019. The Girls team led the league the entire Fall 7s season finishing with 26 wins and 3 losses including the state finals tournament. The rugby club team draws from all three Downingtown High Schools with multiple players coming from DWHS. The team will look to continue their success into the Spring 15s season beginning in February 2025. Congratulations girls!

  Downingtown Rugby players from DWHS:

  Liv Amann

  Bella Dolph

  Erin Mordosky

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.
  

The DWest Swim and Dive team is having a Dine & Donate event at R Five Wines next Friday, November 22nd, 10% of all proceeds of the night benefit the team. Please see the flyer with more details.

The Class of 2026 invites you to participate in our

Cornhole Tournament!

When: During Lunch & Learn on Friday, 12/6

Where: In the small gym

Cost: $5.00 to participate - cash or Venmo (@dwstuco with your name and ‘Cornhole’)

2 members per team

See Ms. Tuohey in F103 to sign up or talk to one of our class officers during L&L in the Cafeteria and Atrium. Sign up by Wednesday, 11/20.

Winning pair gets gift cards to Wawa!

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!

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.

  
  

  December 11th - we will be discussing our biggest fundraiser Designer Bag Bingo.

  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

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @DWest Post Prom for pictures and updates for the Post Prom Party for the Class of 2025! Contact us at DTownWestPostProm@gmail.com with any questions.

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