
The Golden Knight
January 10, 2025

The Golden Knight - April 7, 2025
Greetings Rustin Families
Rustin was well represented at the 27th Annual Spellman Humanitarian Awards Evening held on April 2nd at the Spellman Education Center. The Spellman Award is named for Dr. Elwood Spellman, past WC School Board Member and President whose legacy is that of selfless service to his community. The award is presented to students who embody the same spirit of service and citizenship! Our Rustin Award recipients serve their community in a variety of ways: combating hunger, comforting cancer patients, creating opportunities for children with special needs, fundraising for non-profits, organizing special events for children, helping animal populations through the SPCA, leading community clean-up efforts, volunteering with hospitals, creating multi-lingual literacy experiences for children, and assisting with efforts to help those struggling with addiction. In other words, these students are making a big, positive difference to a lot of people through their service! Congratulations to Emma Skinner, Diana Munoz-Lopez, Emily Miller, Henry Matonis, Diya Lakshmanan, Elina Huang, Drew Gaffney, Macy Fisher, Victoria D’Ulisse, and Leah Ambrosine for this prestigious honor and award. Well deserved!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s high school experience.
Clif Beaver, Ed. D.
Interim Principal, Rustin High School
We Can Help
Important Upcoming Dates
- Informational Meeting - Trip to Italy (2026): Tuesday, April 8 at 6pm in D108
- High School Art Exhibition - April 9 through 19
- RHS Scholarship Application deadline: Friday, April 11
- Jr. Prom - Saturday, April 12 from 7pm-10pm
- Rustin Speaking Contest -Tuesday, April 15 from 9:30-11am
- No School - Spring Break: April 17, 18, & 21
- Rustin Theater's Final Show of the Year - April 25 & 26 at 7:00pm in the Auditorium
- Tuesday, May 13: Algebra Keystone Exam
- Wednesday, May 14: Literature Keystone Exam (& Algebra make-ups)
- Thursday, May 15: Biology Keystone Exam (& Algebra and Literature make-ups)
Lost & Found
Has your student misplaced something?
Perhaps a water bottle, lunch box, hoodie, or jacket?
These items are kept in the Attendance Office and Cafeteria.
Encourage your student to stop by and have a look.
All items not claimed by April 16th will be donated to charity.
Art Exhibition
Over 30 Rustin student artworks will be featured in the Chester County High School Exhibition, which kicks off April 9th with an opening reception at the Chester County Art Association at 5:00PM.
The exhibit will feature art from high schools all over Chester County and will be open through April 19th, during regular gallery hours. Come support the visual arts at Rustin!
From the Counseling Office
We are very excited to introduce our college and career readiness platform, SchooLinks to the Class of 2026 and beyond! Click here for more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y7STFk4tE-8_siTAqhPXM2D-1A9okuPtNXNFQOl9whc/edit?usp=sharing
Join Us for Rustin Theater's Final Show of the Year! 🎭✨
Don't miss out on an unforgettable evening of Broadway hits! Rustin Theater is wrapping up the season with a special performance featuring a collection of iconic songs and scenes from Broadway through the years.
📅 Dates: April 25 & 26
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $10 (Available at the door)
Come enjoy the magic of Broadway in your own backyard!
RHS Clubs and Activities
Culture & Cuisine in Northern Italy - June 2026
Informational meeting:
Tuesday, April 8th at 6pm, in D108
Announcing an unforgettable trip to Italy, June 2026! This is more than just a trip – it’s a hands-on and cultural experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime.
For more details, contact: mcoley@wcasd.net
RHS Dance Team Tryouts
Rustin Dance Team is holding tryouts for their 2025-2026 team on Monday, May 5th from 3:15-4:45pm in Rustin's Main Gym.
All current Rustin students are welcome to audition.
Any questions, email the team at: rustindanceteam@gmail.com
RHS Sports Information
Spring Sports Schedule - UPDATED
A Look Ahead
Important Information for ALL STUDENTS
Asynchronous Learning for grades 9-12 and the Keystone Exams May 13, 14 & 15
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We want to inform you that the Keystone Exams will be administered on May 13th, 14th, and 15th. Each day, students who are testing will complete two modules for the designated subject area. The exam schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, May 13th: Algebra Keystone Exam
- Wednesday, May 14th: Literature Keystone Exam (Algebra make-ups)
- Thursday, May 15th: Biology Keystone Exam (Algebra and Literature make-ups)
In-Person Attendance:
Only students who are scheduled to take the Keystone Exams on a given day will report to Rustin in person.
Asynchronous Learning for Non-Testing Students (grades 9-12):
Students who are not scheduled to take the Keystone Exams on these dates will not attend school in person. Instead, they will be expected to complete asynchronous assignments provided by their teachers. These assignments should be completed independently at home and will be an essential part of their learning during this time.
We will provide additional details as the testing dates approach, including specific instructions.
Thank you for your support in ensuring a smooth and successful testing experience for our students.
Dr. Corey J. Fields
Assistant Principal
Bayard Rustin High School
1100 Shiloh Road
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 484-266-4302
Fax: 484-266-4366
Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy Award
Is your student a junior or a senior who can read, write, speak and understand another language? The spring testing window will be opening in April for those interested in testing for the PA Seal of Biliteracy award. Please contact Sra. Anskis lanskis@wcasd.net to see how your student can qualify for the PA Seal of Biliteracy award upon graduation.
RHS Prom Closet - CLOSED
Thank you to all who donated to Rustin’s Prom Closet.
We wish everyone attending prom a magical night!
Jr. Prom Volunteers - WE NEED YOU!
We need your help in making the Junior Prom a smooth and successful night... from Friday, April 11th (as early as 1:30pm) to Sunday morning clean-up! Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated!
We need trucks and ladders so please note in the comment section if you have either. Thank you again for your help, time and support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E44AEA922A20-55845262-junior#/
Sign-Up Genius for Jr. Prom - Donations
Sign-Up Genius for Donations
Class of 2026 Fundraiser
Unlock incredible savings with the Rustin High School Class of 2026 Discount Card fundraiser! For just $20, you’ll gain access to exclusive discounts at 20 local businesses. The cards are valid through December 31st, 2025! Cash and Venmo accepted. The order form includes all payment and pick-up information. Your child does NOT have to be in the Class of 2026 to purchase these! This fundraiser is open to all families and the community. Every card purchased supports the Class of 2026 Prom. Get your card today and start saving while supporting a great cause!
ORDER FORM: https://forms.gle/koVFGjNCXUR53Hoz5
Contact Jenny Raimondo (jennyraimondo@comcast.net) if you have any questions!
Thank you for your support!
Fundraiser Flyer
Discounts List
Post Prom Instagram Info
Less than 6 weeks until Prom/Post Prom! The post prom planning committee invites you to follow the Class of 2025 Post Prom Instagram for all the updates on entertainment, food and prizes!
Class of 2025 Post Prom (@2025postprom) • Instagram photos and videos
Messages from Post Prom Committee to SENIOR Parents
1. - Prize Baskets for Post Prom - Help us fill up our Prize Baskets! Adding to the Post Prom event's excitement is the drawing for the prize baskets. The Post Prom committee will be purchasing the larger items from funds already raised, we are looking for your help in adding to the prizes that we can offer. Please see the sign up genius for suggestions of items and gift cards. Consider teaming up with friends to purchase larger items/basket themes. We are also looking for basket making supplies (baskets, bows, ribbon etc) We would like items in hand by April 4th.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A44A8AA2BA57-54962146-rustin#/
2. - Important change - the Post Prom Committee will NOT be sending out a sign up genius for senior class area decorations. If you were planning to contribute to decor, please consider a donation for prizes instead. We will also ask for volunteers as we get closer to the event for set-up and during the Post Prom event itself. Please reach out to Sherri Wark sherriwark@yahoo.com with any raffle questions.
Would your business like to sponsor a raffle basket? We would love to talk with you about this opportunity.
Thanks for your support of the Class of 2025!!!
Post-Prom Message to: SOPHOMORE PARENTS
MESSAGE from the Senior Post-Prom Planning Committee to SOPHOMORE PARENTS
Hi Sophomore Parents - It's a Rustin tradition for the lower grades to support the Seniors' Post Prom event. We are currently planning and gathering our supplies to decorate the Sophomore areas. We need volunteers for the event decorating/hanging fabric and donations of items. Please see the attached sign-up genius to sign up to donate your time or a few things from the list. We could also use more help in the planning phases. If you have any questions about this sign-up, please contact Sherri Wark sherriwark@yahoo.com. It will be our turn soon - next year's Junior Prom planning starts in the fall! Thank you to those who have already donated!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CACAD2BAB9-55754405-class#/
Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors
SENIORS - please remember to check the Senior Scholarship Schoology page regularly for scholarships that are available. This page is updated frequently, and all seniors receive an email when there is a new post on the page.
Rustin Scholarship Committee offers a terrific opportunity for students to be nominated for one of the scholarships available. Students nominated by the committee will be awarded a scholarship they'll receive at graduation.
Students must complete the entire Google Form to apply and SUBMIT it by Fri., 4/11 at 2:30PM
GOOGLE FORM: https://forms.gle/BcKRhyHaaxB5jKqr8
(You can only access this form via your WCASD email address)
Any questions, reach out to your guidance counselor:
Mrs. Demers (A-Da) cdemers@wcasd.net
Mr. Brown (De-Hy) sbrown3@wcasd.net
Ms. Barry (Ia-McG) gbarry@wcasd.net
Ms. Cerullo (McH-Sca) ccerullo@wcasd.net
Ms. Selgrath (Sch-Z) hselgrath@wcasd.net
Commencement Photographs, Bouquets & T-shirts
Commencement Photos
Below are the instructions for SENIOR parents to order Commencement images:
- Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events or by going to: https://entry.imagequix.com/legacy/
- Please use code 4670E25 to view your images on the website.
- Please note that if your images have not yet been uploaded to the site, when entering that code, you'll receive a 'Gallery not found' notification. Please allow 5 days after Commencement before trying to access your images to avoid any frustration.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out: CustomerCare@Legacystudios.com
Commencement Gifts
Senior parents please use the link below to order commencement gifts.
Note from the Nurse's Office
Spring is in the air!
We are seeing all sorts of students with seasonal allergies in the nurse's office: burning eyes, congestion, sneezing. Sadly, we do not carry allergy medicine in the nurse's office. Please consider having allergy medicine on hand at home if your child has a history of allergies.
Parents of 10th Graders – Please Note:
A physical exam completed by a qualified medical professional is required for all students entering the 11th grade. Any physical completed after 9/1/24 will fulfill the requirement. Please email the physical to the nurse's office at: jsteimel@wcasd.net or have the physical faxed to 484-255-4391, Attention School Nurse. Your student can also hand deliver the physical to our office.
There is no special form for this. Any visit summary from your child’s doctor’s office, patient portal or PIAA physical form will meet the requirement. Contact the nurse's office with any questions: jsteimel@wcasd.net
Parents of 11th Graders, Please Note:
Meningitis Vaccination Required for 12th Grade
A Second Meningitis ACYW Vaccination is required for entry into the 12th grade. If your child is over the age of 16 and has seen their doctor, they should have received this vaccination. It is a state requirement for attendance in school that they receive this vaccination before the start of 12th grade. Please send proof of vaccination to the nurse’s office at jsteimel@wcasd.net or have your student drop it off to our office. If you have a religious exemption on file, that has been noted in our records, no further action is needed. Please email if you have questions: jsteimel@wcasd.net
Attendance Policies & Procedures
Follow this LINK to view the expectations and rules that Rustin Administration discussed during the January class meetings. Thank you for your help and support with these important processes.
All late arrivals to school, even if entered in PickUp App or accompanied by a parent note, accumulate toward the "8 lates = detention" - unless a note from a doctor/dentist is turned in within 3 days of the late.
Attendance Policy
- Students are to be in 1st period by the 7:30 bell.
- Students not present when their 1st period teacher enters attendance are marked absent (LAW) - this triggers an automated absence call.
- Unfortunately, if a student arrives late and the attendance is changed, the call has already been triggered. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- All students entering the building after 7:30 or leaving early for any reason must sign-in/sign-out in the Attendance Office.
Pickup Patrol App
NOTE: a doctor's note is required if the absence, early dismissal, late arrival was due to a doctor/dentist appointment.
If you're not using the Pick Up Patrol app and would like the link sent to you so that you can begin using it, please email attendance.
New for 2024-2025
If you prefer email to the app, you can contact Attendance at: RHSAttendance@wcasd.net that email will take the place of the written parent note for absence, early dismissal, and late arrival.
NOTE: We need a written note, email or use of Pick-Up Patrol to document student absence, early dismissal, and late arrival. Phone calls to the Attendance Office are not accepted for documentation purposes.
Visitors, Volunteers, and Chaperones
Visitors and Volunteers
We are excited to welcome visitors and volunteers into our school buildings! Upon your visit, please be prepared to show your photo ID in the school's main office or security greeter booth.
All visitors and volunteers must show a photo ID. We will scan your driver's license and issue you a visitor pass. Volunteers/Chaperones must have clearances on file (see volunteer/chaperone policy below).
WCASD Volunteer/Chaperone Policy
WCASD's volunteer policy applies to parents and all other members of the WCASD community who wish to volunteer in our schools and/or serve as overnight chaperones. The policy requires criminal history and child abuse clearances, including reports from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, and an original federal criminal history report.
1 & 2 are required for all applicable volunteers:
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (fees waived)
- ChildLine (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services) (fees waived)
In addition to 1 & 2, one of the following is required for applicable volunteers:
3a. If a resident for the past 10 years, a signed Disclosure Statement for Volunteers (download from PA.GOV website) affirming no charges in other states that would prohibit selection as a volunteer;
OR
3b. If not a resident for the past 10 years AND the volunteer has received certification at any time since residency established, the volunteer must provide a copy of the certification received since residency established;
OR
3c. If neither 3a or 3b apply, FBI Criminal Background Check required (fingerprint check) for federal criminal history records (fee charged)
Volunteers at the WCASD use the service code 1KG6ZJ
For FBI Clearance - Please check your email within 30 days after fingerprints are taken. You will receive an email with your UEID# and the results. You need to save this email as a file and bring a copy to your child's school. You will only be able to access the email one-time, and you will have a 30-day window to access the email from the date it was sent.
It's essential that we create and maintain the safest possible environment for our students, and this policy is part of that assurance.
Many school districts nationwide are instituting similar policies as our entire educational system focuses on safety. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Beaver, Interim Principal of Bayard Rustin High School. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.