Next week is the last week for Marking Period 1.

• Week 9 begins on Monday, 10/21 and will be extended to Tuesday, 10/29.
• Marking Period 2 begins on Wednesday, 10/30.
• Week 10 will begin on 10/30 and will be extended to Sunday, 11/3.
• Both weeks will have 7 school days versus 5.
• All work for Marking Period 1 is due by 10/29.

Our DCA Goal is to have 100% of our students pass all of their classes and reach their highest potential. Current results indicate that we are within reach of our goal. Students, please work with your teachers to help you get your work submitted and for any help with concepts. We have some of the BEST teachers, not only in the district, but in the WORLD. We can achieve anything as we work together.

Hunker down for the weekend, study, complete work, and rest. Looking forward to celebrating our success soon!

Students who are full-time in the DCA grades 7-9 will take the BASC-3- BESS Screening Assessment in their advisories this week. Please see the attached letter. - This universal screening assessments helps us to identify any student who may be in need of additional social-emotional supports. Parents/guardians will be immediately contacted via phone if there are any concerns. Students will need to Zoom for this assessment. Teachers will communicate the specific day and time.

Families, students, and staff should have received communication about completing the PA Climate Survey. When completing the survey, be sure to respond to the Downingtown Cyber Academy separately from your child's home school building, if your child attends part-time.

THIS MEANS YOU WILL TAKE THE PA CLIMATE SURVEY TWO TIMES - ONCE FOR DCA AND ONCE FOR YOUR HOME SCHOOL BUILDING

It is important to differentiate responses for the DCA versus the home school building. Let us know if you have any questions. We use the data help us celebrate school climate successes and make plans to improve in areas of need. We hope that each of you will take time to complete it.

Have a lovely weekend ahead!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kecia Nesmith

Principal of the Downingtown Cyber Academy and Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

10/16 - 11/20 - PA Climate Survey - DCA and Home School - Families, Staff, Students

10/21-10/25 -BASC-3 BESS Assessment for Grades 7-9 Full Time Students Only

10/28 - Cultural Equity Task Force Meeting

10/29 - Last Day of Marking Period 1

10/31 - Halloween

11/1 - No School Diwali; All Saint's Day

11/5 - No School - Election Day

DCA/BVA K-6 students will follow the CCIU Brandywine Virtual Academy calendar. See more in BVA sections below.

DCA 7-12 students will follow the same calendar and letter day sas the DASD brick-and-mortar schools, including early dismissals, two-hour delays, and inclement weather days.

DCA Students in Grades 7-9 will take the BASC 3 - BESS Assessment in their Advisory classes on a day designated by the teacher during the week of 10/21 - 10/25. See the letter from Pupil Services below.

Neurodivergence In The Classroom

In recent years, educators have become increasingly aware of the need for practical and effective tools to address the unique learning styles of their neurodivergent students. In this hands-on workshop, Rick Silver, MD and Mary Jo Puglisi, LCPC will provide participants the opportunity to assess their own strengths and challenges working with this population of students; and to develop customized solutions to specific issues they face in the educational setting. This workshop will allow participants to manage learning-limiting behaviors and mindsets, build a more supportive learning environment and decrease classroom stress.

Register: Click Here

Next CETF Meeting will be October 28th, 2024 at 3:45 pm

The purpose of the DASD Cultural Equity Task Force (CETF) is to ensure equity for students, staff and families by eliminating bias and inequities in our classrooms and in our schools.

The CETF supports enacting policies, procedures and practices that are both culturally responsive and culturally sustaining. Join our team by contacting JBrown@dasd.org.

All DCA students are considered students in their home buildings even if they are full-time DCA. Please check your child's school below for upcoming events and activities in which they can participate!

We are partnering with the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) within the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to provide instruction and teachers for students in grades K-6 who wish to learn online. Students will follow the school year calendars provided by the BVA.

• Virtual Voyagers hosts monthly events where students converse, connect, collaborate, and create. Virtual event themes include family & community events, special guests, game days, specials activities (art, music, movement), and STEM opportunities. Join us on the second Wednesday each month here: https://cciu.zoom.us/my/virtualvoyagers

Please visit our DCA website at dc.dasd.org for more information.

Backpack Resources

K-6 Brandywine Virtual Academy website - https://www.cciu.org/bva

Email: cyberacademy@dasd.org
Website: dc.dasd.org
Location: 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-8460
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dca
Twitter: @dasd_dca