The Golden Knight

It is a true honor to serve as the next principal of Rustin High School. I am grateful for the opportunity to join a school community that values academic excellence and is committed to the success and well-being of every student.

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to connecting with students, families, and community members. Building strong relationships will be a top priority for me as we work together to ‘educate and inspire all students to achieve their personal best.’

Thank you for welcoming me to the Rustin community. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Go Golden Knights!

Sincerely,

Maggie Hunt, Ed.D

Rustin students’ talents and hard work were highlighted in multiple ways last week.

Under the direction of Ms. Shafman, Rustin Orchestra Students welcomed and amazed a large audience of family and friends at their final concert of the school year on Tuesday evening. The performance was simply outstanding.

One of our Golden Knights was literally in the presence of Royalty on April 30th. You might recognize Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh pictured below with Rustin Senior, Victoria D’Ulisse. The Prince was in Philadelphia to promote the benefits of non-formal education and to present the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to a very select few students in our region. Victoria was one of just two students awarded a Gold Award — the highest honor one can receive. The award recognized Victoria’s charity that she founded in memory of her father who passed away from leukemia. She provides care packages that help patients feel mentally stimulated while hospitalized.

Also pictured are a team of fantastic pastry and cooking students from Mrs. Coley’s Foods Class. These students prepared and served a delicious breakfast for our esteemed guests at the Founders Breakfast held at Rustin on Wednesday morning. The breakfast is to thank local businesses who donate to and support the WC Education Foundation which helps fund enriching and unique experiences and programs for students. The Foundation funded an exciting trip to Lancaster for our student members of HOSA-Future Health Professionals led by Mrs. Steimel, our school nurse. Joy Stigora, Siri Srinivasa, and Jake Ellefson spoke at the breakfast to thank the Foundation and share their experience.

And lastly, speaking of money…. Friday, May 2nd was our annual Spike the Rock event with over 70 student teams participating. The friendly competition certainly proved to be a terrific way to end the week, but it was so much more than just a fun day. Astoundingly, this year’s event exceeded expectations by raising over $55,000 for “Bringing Hope Home”. A local organization committed to cancer research. Congratulations and thank you to Mr. D’Urbano and Mrs. Hammond for leading and inspiring our students to such heights.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s high school experience.

Clif Beaver, Ed. D.

Interim Principal, Rustin High School

LINKS in Image:

RHSAttendance@wcasd.net

WORKING PAPERS

May

5-9: AP testing

6: Summer Credit Acceleration Program, Parent Information Night, 6pm

7: Spring Band Concert 7pm

9: Deadline for current 10th & 11th grade students to order Class Rings

9: Senior Prom

12-16: AP testing

13-15: Keystone Exams (students not testing are to stay at home for asynchronous, virtual learning)

14: RHS Spring Choral Concert, 7 pm

19-23: Late (make-up) AP testing

21: Spring Jazz Café, 7pm

21: SENIORS! return of laptop/charging cable to Tech Office begins (5/21-23, room A105)

23: Senior Last Academic Day

26: Deadline to apply for Girls Leadership Summer Expedition

June

4: Graduation

13: Last day of school (grades 9-11)

THIRD marking period Honor Roll recipients/families were recently notified via email of this accomplishment. If you would like to request a printed copy of the certificate (to be distributed during Lunch & Learn), please click the link: RHS Honor Roll - Request for PRINTED Certificate and complete the form.

Dear Rustin High School Parents,

As a parent, you know how quickly these high school years pass. Now is the perfect time to honor your student's achievements with a custom Rustin High School class ring—a cherished keepsake that symbolizes their unique journey and the pride you feel watching them grow. Our Class Ring Program is open to current sophomores and juniors, with rings delivered to your home in time for the first day of school, so your student can proudly wear their ring from the very start of the fall semester. Act now—orders must be placed by Friday, May 9th!

Why a class ring matters:

• A tangible reminder of their hard work, friendships, and milestones at Rustin.
• Fully customizable to reflect their individual personality, activities, and achievements.
• A tradition that connects them to the Rustin community for years to come.

How to order before the May 9th deadline:

1. Watch our brief class ring video presentation [click here] to see the designs and learn about options.
2. Explore our digital class ring brochure [here] for inspiration and details.

3. Complete the attached order form [Class Ring Order Form] and submit it by Friday, May 9th, to ensure delivery before the school year begins.

Ordering is simple:

• Visit sscrings.com to browse designs, view all ordering materials, and submit your order online. You’ll receive an instant order confirmation.

• Prefer email? Complete the order form from the link above and send to: info@studentservicesco.com - we’ll confirm receipt within 1-2 business days.

Have any questions? We’re here to support you!

📞 Call us at 610-539-1330

📧 Email rings@studentservicesco.com

This is more than a ring—it’s a celebration of your student’s high school story and the bright future ahead. Don’t wait—secure this timeless keepsake by May 9th!

With warmest regards,

The Student Services Co. Team

Asynchronous Learning for grades 9-12 and the Keystone Exams May 13, 14 & 15

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Keystone Exams will be administered on May 13th, 14th, and 15th. Each day, students who are testing will complete both modules for the designated subject area. The exam schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, May 13th: Algebra Keystone
• Wednesday, May 14th: Literature Keystone (Algebra make-ups)
• Thursday, May 15th: Biology Keystone Exam (Algebra and Literature make-ups)

In-Person Attendance:
Only students scheduled to take the Keystone Exams are to report to Rustin on test days.

Asynchronous Learning for Non-Testing Students (grades 9-12):
Students who are not scheduled to take one or more of the Keystone Exams 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.

Students will receive notification of the test room location for the test(s) they are scheduled to take during Advisory on Friday, 5/9.

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

Dear WCASD Secondary Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming summer, we are pleased to announce the Summer Credit Acceleration Program for students enrolled in the West Chester Area School District. This program offers students the opportunity to earn original credit during the summer months, while providing increased flexibility in their academic schedules for the 2025–2026 school year.

The program will run from Monday, June 23, 2025, through Thursday, August 7, 2025. Only students who are registered or pre-registered in the WCASD can enroll in the WCASD Summer School programs. Registration is open from April 28, 2025, through June 2, 2025.

Please note that the Summer Credit Acceleration Program is open exclusively to currently enrolled WCASD students.

Courses offered through this program are designed and taught by WCASD faculty and will follow a blended learning model, combining both in-person and online instruction. Students are expected to attend in-person sessions every Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Fugett Middle School.

*Please be advised that there will be no classes held on July 3 or 4, 2025 due to the Independence Day holiday.

If you are interested in learning more about the Summer Credit Acceleration Program, we encourage you to attend our upcoming Parent Information Night on Tuesday, May 6, from 6:00-7:00 PM. This session will include a detailed overview of the program, a review of important expectations, and an opportunity to ask questions. Please use the registration link below to sign up:

Parent Information Night for Summer Acceleration Program

Please refer to the Summer Credit Acceleration Program Information for additional details about the Summer Credit Acceleration Program, including course offerings, eligibility requirements, program dates, and technology expectations. This information is intended to help you make an informed decision about your student’s participation.

We hope the information provided offers a clear and comprehensive overview of the Summer Credit Acceleration Program, including key dates, course offerings, eligibility requirements, and technology expectations. Our goal is to ensure families have the necessary details to make an informed decision regarding their student’s participation. Should you have any questions after reviewing the information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor.

Sincerely,

Dr, James Conley

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education

Open to any female WCASD student who is a rising 9th-12th graders. This is a great opportunity to build leadership skills this summer! The expedition is put on through the Philadelphia Outward Bound School. There is a scholarship available to help assist with the cost to attend. All you need to do is fill out the application. Limited spots are available.

PLEASE NOTE: Application deadline has changed to May 26th

https://outwardboundphiladelphia.org/merit-award-courses/westchester-girls-canoeing/

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: SchooLinks

Rustin Athletics Website: https://rhs.wcasd.net/our-opportunities/athletics

LINK to full 2024-2025 Athletics Schedule: https://rustin.digitalsports.com/

Click here for the 2025-2026 Rustin Fall Sports & Activities Newsletter! This includes key contact information for coaches, club/activity advisors, and all opportunities offered during the fall season at Rustin High School. Fall sports officially begin Monday, August 11th (Football & Golf begin Monday, Aug. 4th). All athletes must be registered in Family ID with an updated physical and PIAA physical form by Friday, August 1st. All physicals must be dated May 1, 2025 or later.

Class of 2026 - Senior Portrait Information - CADY

If you did not attend the Junior Class meeting, stop by A333 to fill out the information card for the Senior Portrait photographers, ASAP.

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!

Less than one week 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

instagram.com

All grades would love additional post prom decorating help: Friday, May 9 - anytime from 2:30-8pm. The school will be transformed in just a few hours and we could use more helping hands. Lower level - cafeteria, gyms and the hallways in between. Look forward to seeing you there!

"KNIGHT IN PHILLY" - Post Prom Public Walk-Through - Friday, May 9th 8-9:30pm
Rustin will be be hosting a community walk through of the post prom areas just before the event on Friday May 9th. Bring the family and invite friends/younger siblings. Donations are appreciated at the door to support the Class of 2026 and their Post Prom. Autograph posters will line our University City Hallway. Please sign and support the Seniors that you know. Look forward to seeing you there.

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

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.

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'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:

1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (fees waived)

1. 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.