
Principal’s Weekly Update
October 18th, 2024

Upcoming Events
October 21st through October 25th: Spirit Week
October 25th: Downingtown East vs. West Football Game 7 pm Kottmeyer Stadium
October 24th: Lifetouch picture re-takes
November 1st: School Closed for Diwali
Monday October 21st: Hawaiian Day
Tuesday October 22nd: Tie-Dye Day
Wednesday October 23rd: Western Day
Thursday October 24th: Pajama Day
Friday October 25th: Beat West Blackout
Beat West T-Shirt Sale!
- When: On sale starting Monday October 21st during Lunch until they are sold out!
- Cost: $15 cash or check.
- Where: Shirts will be available for purchase in room 154 (the new foods room) the lower level of the learning commons.
Penny Wars collection is in room 154 through Thursday October 24th!
The winning class will be announced at the Pep Rally on Friday.
The winning class will receive 50% of the earrings and soft pretzels!
How does a Penny War work?
Pennies= 1 point
(put those in YOUR classes jar!)
Nickel= -5 points
Dimes= -10 points
Quarters= -25 points
Dollars= -100 points
(give those to the OTHER classes!)
The Chester County Technical College High School
This week, our 9th graders had the opportunity to tour the Brandywine campus of The Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS) and learn about all of the amazing programs. Applications for the 2025-2026 school are now being accepted for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This could be just the addition to your student’s academic day that sets them up success. If your student shows an interest in working with their hands and prefers jobs where they can move around and be active, then they may want to see what TCHS has to offer. As industries become more tech-driven, there will be increasing demand for skilled workers with specialized training in these areas, leading to strong job prospects and competitive salaries.
The Technical College High School is a part-time, career-focused program for high school students with several campuses throughout Chester County. The Downingtown area is served by the Brandywine Campus, and our students who attend TCHS receive academic instruction at DEHS in the morning and their career and technical education at the TCHS in the afternoon. TCHS is a community of educators, as well as industry and college partners, that support students as they apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Graduates receive their high school diploma from their sending school district and a standards certificate from the Technical College High School, confidently walking away with plans for their future.
Vocational training can be just the thing to help your student build self-esteem, prepare to make a great living doing what they love, and avoid the debt that accompanies the high cost of universities. Be sure to mark your calendars for the TCHS Brandywine’s December 5th Open House from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm, and information about the 20+ programs available can be found at: https://www.cciu.org/tchsbrandywine
Job Opportunities
JUNIORS and SENIORS…
Opportunity to work the polls for the November election. Students must be at least 17. 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.
***Complete details and the Interest Permission form can be found at this link: https://pa-chestercounty2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/34817/Student-Poll-Workers?bidId=
Local author of children's books needs computer help approximately four hours/week and will pay $20/hour. Please contact Johanna Smith if you are interested at maytell12@gmail.com.
Kumon Math and Reading Center is hiring all grade levels!
Kumon Math and Reading Center in Downingtown is hiring all grade levels for various positions! If you are strong in math and reading skills, and time management, visit the website for more details www.kumon.com/downingtown.
Part- time Job Opportunity! Primo Hoagies Chester Springs
The Primo Hoagies in Chester Springs is hiring a cashier and sandwich dressers for some closing shifts during the week and some weekend shifts. For more information contact Mike 610-321-0499 or visit their website: https://www.primohoagies.com/Chester-Springs-PA?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory-listings&utm_campaign=Chester-Springs
Part-time Job Opportunity! Applecross Country Club
needs help for banquet set up/breakdown and available shifts are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Please contact David McCracken if you are interested at 302-540-1876 or email David.mccracken@applecrosscc.com
Part-time Job Opportunity! Thorndale United Methodist Church
Tech savvy student needed for part-time job at Thorndale United Methodist Church to assist with YouTube streaming on Sunday mornings from 8:30am to 10:30am. The schedule will be two weeks in the fall and more weeks in the spring. Please contact Rosemary Moore at 610-420-4785 or rosec21@verizon.net for more details!
Volunteer Opportunity
Downingtown East boys’ basketball Team Needs 1-2 Managers
The boys basketball team needs 1-2 managers for the team to attend road games and practices, work the game book at away games and help manage the clock at practices. This could be a grad project! Please contact Brian Grashof if you are interested at bgrashof@dasd.org.
Volunteers needed for 5K!
Dog Lovers! To Love A Canine, the rescue that brings puppies into school, 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!
- 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.
Volunteers are needed for Valotta Studios Fall Recital weekends
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.
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 Child watch/Babysitting, Birthday Parties, Community & Family Events
Wellness – Attendants, Strength & Cardio Equipment Upkeep, Member Onboarding, Community Pantry
Contact: Laura Mackiewicz – lmackiewicz@ymcagbw.org
College visits through the Career Center
College visits week of 10/21 include:
- Ursinus College
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Penn State University
- Leigh University
- Alvernia University
- James Madison University
- College of Charleston
- Lafayette College
- University of New Haven
- Christopher Newport University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Duquesne University
- Kings College
- Eastern University
To sign up for a college visit...
1. Ask teacher permission to miss class
2. Sign up on Naviance to register for the visit
3. Create and E-Pass to the Career Center, Seniors who are in blended learning do not need an E-Pass.
*The weekly visits will also be posted in the College and Career Center Schoology Course.
2024-25 AP Exam Payments
PaySchools Central will open Sunday, October 6 and will close Sunday, October 27 for AP Exam payments. Your child’s account will show an AP Exam fee for each AP course they are taking.
You should pay for the exam(s) that your child wants to take in the spring.
Any exams ordered AFTER College Board’s deadline OR exams that are CANCELED/UNUSED will incur a $40 penalty by College Board.
2024-25 AP exam fees:
Exam fee for on-time order
$99 per exam
AP Capstone Exams (AP Seminar or AP Research)
$147 per exam
Late order fee
$40 per exam
Canceled/Unused Exam fee
$40 per exam
**Students are required to take the AP exam to earn AP weighted grading of 1.0 credits. Students enrolled in AP classes, but NOT taking the exam, will earn Honors weighted grading of .5 credits.**
Exam Registration:
AP students must register themselves through their College Board accounts for the online AP Classroom associated with each of their AP classes. Teachers have given students a unique “join code” for each class to do that. AP Classroom is an online platform by College Board that offers many resources to support students in exam preparation. This is also how students register for their exams.
If students do not join their online AP Classroom, an exam cannot be ordered for them.
Students can go to myap.collegeboard.org to join their online AP Classroom. If students are having an issue with their College Board account, they must contact College Board: 888-225-5427.
Note: All AP Exams are DIGITAL this year.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the AP Coordinator, Ms. Hanna at ahanna@dasd.org.
Senior Cap and Gown Information From Herff Jones
Welcome to senior year! Though it may seem like graduation is a long way away, preparation for the big day starts now. As your school’s official graduation provider, we want to make sure that every senior can celebrate their achievements in their own special way. The graduation process starts with these three easy steps!
1.Provide your contact and sizing information by clicking visiting https://scholastic.m.herffjones.com/dcc-form. This information will ensure your gown fits appropriately, and that we can contact you and your family about any critical graduation information throughout the year. Please note providing this information does NOT constitute as placing an order. See below steps for more info on ordering!
2. Check out our digital catalog by visiting https://www.herffjones.com/catalogs/graduationcatalog/. Herff Jones provides a variety of products that are guaranteed to meet your needs for the celebration. (Please note, all Senior clothing in catalog is not available in all areas. Classic T-Shirt and Class Hoodie are available and pictured above).
3. Your school’s official announcements and cap and gown packages can only be purchased by visiting https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/school/PA/Downingtown%20High%20School%20East/37000580000/4279/buildpackage/1or over the phone (215-942-6807).
4. Physical Order Forms are available inside the main office. You can also order online!
****Order by November 1st to avoid late fees!**
5. It’s not too late to order your OFFICAL CLASS RING! Click here to see our online ring catalog
www.herffjones.com/catalogs/hs-ringcatalog/
Below are the Cap and Gown Packages
BASIC PACKAGE (B): $20.55 (includes sales tax)
Includes Cap, Gown, Tassel
SPECIAL SENIOR PACKAGE (I): $52.00
Includes items in Basic Package plus:
- 2025 Graduation T-Shirt (Class of 2025 design) Value $21.95
- Memory Tassel- School colors with gold 2025 signet Value $9.95
Includes items in Basic Package plus:
- Class of 2025 Hoodie (Black with “Class of 2025 design) Value $31.95
- Mini Tassel Keychain- School colors with gold 2025 signet Value $9.95
**For ordering assistance, please contact us! Email: Sbgerhart@herffjones.com or via phone 215-942-6807**
Yearbook and Senior Ad Sales
Yearbook and Senior ad purchase center Access code: 4846
Please visit https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/ to place your order
**The Senior ad section of the yearbook is 50% full. If you plan on purchasing a Senior ad please have the purchase completed by 12/6.**
Ad prices: full page $240, half $130, 1/4 $85, 1/8 $60 or when 30 ad pages are full. Having trouble ordering? Call HJ's customer service at 866-287-3096
Picture Day Retake Information
- Picture retakes will be on Thursday, October 24th
- If you would like to order picture retakes please visit www.mylifetouch.com and use the Picture Day ID: EVTQ3M6K9 or scan the QR code on the picture retake flyer.
A Message from the Home and School Association
HSA Sponsored Event
Studies have shown that taking a practice test is the best way for students to preview what’s ahead and to help inform their decisions about submitting a test score in their college application.
Our friends at Revolution Prep are offering the following practice exams, with all proceeds benefitting the Downingtown East HS Home and School Association:
ACT Practice Exam: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | Noon - 4:00 PM ET* | Live Online | $10
ACT Practice Exam: Sunday, October 27, 2024 | Noon - 4:00 PM ET* | Live Online | $10
SAT Practice Exam: Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9:00 AM - Noon ET* | Live Online | $10
SAT Practice Exam: Sunday, November 17, 2024 | Noon - 3:00 PM ET* | Live Online | $10
*Please note that these live exams are proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation, go ahead and register for the exam, then use this ACT self-proctoring manual or this SAT suite self-proctoring guide to walk you through the process of using our on-demand video proctor with extended time.
Step 1: Register here at www.revolutionprep.com/partners/84654
Step 2: Schedule a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to help you interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare. Please schedule this appointment for the few days after the exam. You can pre-schedule this Score Report Review here at https://www.revolutionprep.com/diane-fein
Step 3: Attend the mock exam and get your results immediately with Revolution Prep’s mobile scoring app!
Questions? If you have questions or want to learn more about Revolution Prep, you can reach out to Diane Fein at (484) 845-5556 or by email at diane.fein@revolutionprep.com.
All Night Senior Party aka Post Prom
- If you have a certain skill set that may be helpful we would love to have your input and assistance!
- Please sign up if you are interested in helping with future planning of this event!
Varsity Games- Go Cougars!
- 10/21: Field Hockey District Playoffs TBD
- 10/22: Girls Soccer District Playoffs TBD
- 10/23: Field Hockey District Playoffs TBD
- 10/24: Girls Soccer District Playoffs TBD
- 10/25: Cross Country at Districts 9:30 am
- 10/25: Football vs. West 7:00 pm
- 10/26: Cheerleading vs. West 7:00 pm
Cheer on the Downingtown East Ice Hockey Team!
The Downingtown East Ice Hockey Team would like to invite you to watch their games!
Come out and show your support to our team!
Schedule:
- Monday 10/28: DE vs. Boyertown- Ice Line- Rink 1- 8:00PM
- Thursday 11/7: DE vs. WCEast- Ice Line- AAA Arena- 4:30 PM
- Friday 11/8: DE vs. CB South- Ice Line- AAA Arena- 7:50 PM
- Monday 11/11: DE vs. Harriton- Ice Line- Rink 1- 9:40 PM
- Monday 11/18: DE vs. WC Henderson- Ice Line- Rink 1- 9:40 PM
- Friday 11/22: DE vs. Lower Merion- AAA Arena- 7:50 PM
- Monday 11/25: DE vs. Kennett- Ice Line- Rink Rink 1- 9:50 PM
- Wednesday 11/27: DE vs. DW- Ice Line- AAA Arena- 6:45 PM
- Friday 12/6: DE vs. Avon Grove- Patriot Ice- 6:15 pm
Fundraisers
Unified Sports Car Wash!
- When: Sunday October 20th from 9AM-12PM
- Where: Downingtown East High School
- All proceeds will support the DEHS unified Bocce and Track teams!
Support The Downingtown East Marching Band!
- Buy movies tickets through the Regal Back-to -School Fundraiser!
- The tickets can be used for any movie of your choice.
- Orders must be placed by October 24th.
- 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the DE Marching Band!
- Please visit: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/48925?utm_source=offers_promo&utm_medium=sms&utm_campaign=regal_cinemas&utm_content=a#cta-form or scan the QR code on the Flyer.
- Bundles are $30 and they include: 2 Movie Tickets redeemable at any Regal location nationwide.
Support the Downingtown East Varsity Swim and Dive Team!
- Head to Eagleview Town center on October 22nd and visit Twin Valley Coffee.
- Any drink, coffee beans, and merchandise purchased they will donate 25% back to the Varsity Swim and Dive team!
- Address: 569 Wellington Square, Exton PA 19341
Marchwood Tavern BINGO Nights to support the Downingtown East Boys Basketball Team!
What: Bingo at Marchwood Tavern
When: Tuesday October 22nd and 29th
Time: 7-9 pm
Address: 3 Marchwood Road Exton Pa 19341
If you would like to reserve a table ahead of time please call 610-363-7300
Don't forget to mention that you are there to support the team!
Downingtown East Cheerleaders are Going Pink for a Cure!
Through the month of October, the cheerleaders are Going Pink for a Cure and will be raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For each donation we will add a pink ribbon to our “Rope For Hope” that will be displayed at all home football games this month! Donations can be made via the following link: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/DEAST_CHEER24 or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Thank you for helping us reach our goal!
Other Events
East Girls Basketball Day
When: December 6th 7:00 pm
Where: Downingtown East Boyer Gym
Admission: Students are free with a canned good donation and adult tickets will be sold online.
*For more information please contact Coach Domsohn- ddomsohn@dasd.org
10th Annual Miles for Mutts
What: 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk
When: October 20th 8 am to 12pm
Where: Wilson Farm Park Wayne, PA
- There will be adoptable dogs and puppies
- All proceeds benefit TLC Rescue
- Prizes, Swag, Fun and More!
To register please visit: https://www.tlcrescuepa.com/milesformutts or scan the QR code on the flyer
The Chester County Turkey Trot
Join the Downingtown community Thanksgiving morning for the Chester County Turkey Trot!
- When: November 28th
- Where: Downingtown West High School
- Bring the whole family!
- 5k Gold and Blue races, 2k Walk, and a kids fun run!
- Register online at https://runsignup.com/ccturkeytrot or by scanning the QR code in the Turkey Trot flyer.
Administration and Other Staff Contact List
Counselors Contact Information
Ms. Kristina Cole: 9th - 11th Grade Students: A to Col
12th Grade Students: A-Cov; krcole@dasd.org- Ext. 41041
Ms. Stephanie Chupela: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Con- Gan
12th Grade Students: Cox-Gl; schupela@dasd.org- Ext.41040
Ms. Katherine Dill: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Gar- Ke
12th Grade Students: Go- Ke; kdill@dasd.org- Ext. 41042
Ms. Angela Hanna: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Ki- McD
12th Grade Students: Ki- Mar; ahanna@dasd.org- Ext.41043
Mr. Michael Matta: 9th - 11th Grade Students: McE- Ras
12th Grade Students: Mas-Pl; mmatta@dasd.org- Ext. 41045
Ms. Caroline (Gregory) Hallam : 9th - 11th Grade Students: Rat- Sta
12th Grade Students: Po-So; cgregory@dasd.org- Ext. 41046
Mr. William Davis: 9th: 11th Grade Students: Ste- Z
12th Grade Students: Sp-Z; wdavis@dasd.org- Ext. 41044
Prevention Specialist
Psychologists
Athletics
Athletic Director: Corey Sigle – csigle@dasd.org
Associate Athletic Director: Michael Semar- msemar@dasd.org
Assistant Athletic Director: Renee Harty – rharty@dasd.org
Administration Contact Information
Paul E. Hurley III, Principal – phurley@dasd.org
Assistant Principal: Lakesha Costello: 9th grade and 10th grade: A thru Ha – lcostello@dasd.org
Assistant Principal: Eric McComsey: 11th grade and 10th grade: P thru Z – emccomsey@dasd.org
Assistant Principal: (Frances) Jill Whalen: 12th grade and 10th grade: He thru O– fwhalen@dasd.org