Principal’s Weekly Update
November 22, 2024
Upcoming Events
November 25th: Two Hour Early Dismissal
November 26th: Parent Teacher Conferences
November 26th & 27th: No School for Students
November 28th & 29th: School/ Offices Closed
December 23rd - January 1st: School/ Offices Closed
PSAT Scores were Released Earlier this Month
Your student's PSAT/NMSQT score serves several valuable purposes. It provides a reliable indication of their potential SAT performance before any additional preparation, helps them become familiar with the test format, and may unlock opportunities for scholarships and academic recognition. Students that provided a cell phone number when they took the PSAT back in October and received a text prompting them to download The BigFuture School Mobile App. In the app, they got notification that their scores were ready to view, along with directions on how to understand them. They may have also received an email notifying them of the release of their scores if they opted to provide an email address instead. The email will have a unique code that connects students to their scores online, or your student can also access their scores by Creating their own College Board account. Having a personal College Board account is really useful, giving your student access to various College Board programs and services. Furthermore, students need a College Board account to register for AP classroom, SAT testing, viewing and sending scores, and to gain access to other useful resources on the College Board site, such as the Big Future college and career tools.
Students can access free test prep for the SAT can be found through the Khan Academy, where students can Maximize their score with Free Official Digital SAT Prep. Khan Academy's digital SAT course content includes videos, articles, and worked examples designed to help your student understand and experience the digital SAT Suite of Assessments. Additionally, Downingtown East SAT Prep sessions taught by DE teachers will be held January - February. More information and registration information to come in December.
While many colleges remain test-optional, there are certain states that have voted to mandate college entrance exams. Examples of these states and colleges include, but not limited to, Florida: Florida State University, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University; Tennessee: University of Tennessee; Georgia: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech; Others: Purdue University, MIT, Georgetown, most of the United States Service Academies. Test-optional policies change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to take the SAT at least once.
Dear 10th and 11th Grade Parents,
The College Board has released PSAT/NMSQT scores for students who completed the exam.
To Access PSAT/NMSQT scores:
- Students can access their scores in the BigFuture School mobile app if they provided their mobile number during testing for access to the app. They will get an alert via the app when their scores are available.
- Students can also use their personal College Board accounts to access their score.
You are encouraged to review College Board’s Understanding Scores Guide for information on how to access your scores, understand your score report, and learn about resources available through College Board. This includes test prep, exploring paths to take after high school, and scholarship information. You can also view this helpful video as well.
Please note that the counseling department cannot assist with account access issues. If for some reason you cannot log into your College Board account, or your scores aren’t available, please reach out to customer service at College Board (866-630-9305).
Job Opportunities
Earthwise Pet in Lionville needs retail associates and retail assistants! They are very flexible with busy schedules, offer employee discounts and free pet food! See the attached flyer for more details, and contact Janette at janette.exton@earthwisepet.com to request an application.
Exton Senior Living needs part-time help!
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/
Faraway Farms Country Corner needs a part-time cashier!
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.
Volunteer Opportunity
Vital Touch Wellness is looking for a tech savvy student!
Vital Touch Wellness is looking for a tech savvy student to help with social media posting, video production and editing, and marketing. Must have excellent time management, communication and productivity skills! This could be a grad project, and a great resume builder! Interested students should contact Jen McLamb at vitaltouchmassage@yahoo.com or 484-341-8411.
Other Opportunities
Join the Teen Advisory Board at Chester Springs Library and make your voice heard!
- This is your opportunity to shape future library programs, explore exciting volunteer roles, and even create new clubs that match your interests. Whether you want to help run fun events or come up with fresh ideas, your input will make a real impact.
- For more info or to get involved, contact Ms. Sam at sheckleroconnor@ccls.org. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference and connect with other passionate teens!
- The Teen Advisory Board allows students to gain leadership experience, develop organizational skills, and build connections with peers who share their passions. I believe it would be an excellent fit for many of our students who are eager to contribute and grow. Thank you so much for your time and please let me know if you need any additional information.
Lockheed Martin Summer Internship
The Lockheed Martin Summer Internship application will open November 26th, 2024, and end on January 5, 2025. An information session will be held on Monday, November 25th, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, OR Tuesday, December 17th, 5:30 p.m. Once a registration is submitted, their team will follow up prior to the information session with the virtual link to attend.
Students must be 16 at the start of the internship and capable of demonstrating knowledge and passion for a STEM career.
Registration link: https://app.smartsheetgov.com/b/form/a98e8da349df4d98b902cbcfec4e315d
West Point Admissions Session
Any student interested in applying to West Point or ROTC is invited to attend a West Point Admissions Session, hosted by a current cadet from Philadelphia, on Monday, November 25th, from 7-9 p.m. at the American Legion Post at 3220 Concord Rd., Ashton, PA.
JUNIORS….The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences
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.
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 3/4 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
A Message from the Home and School Association
Help DE Families this Holiday Season!
- The HSA is collecting $25 gift cards for DEHS families who could use some help this holiday season.
- If you are able and willing to help, please send them into the main office “Attention: HSA” by Friday, Dec 13
Handle's Pint Card Fundraiser!!!!
Dear Parents:
The Downingtown East Home & School Association has teamed up with Handel’s Ice Cream of Downingtown to offer a “Very cool” and affordable fundraiser.
We will be selling Handel’s pint cards. Each pint card is good for one pint of any flavored ice cream at any Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream location. Each pint card will be sold for $6.75, the actual retail value and Handel’s will donate $1.65 back to our HSA on each pint card sold. Handel’s has THE BEST SEASONAL
(and standard) flavors to go with your Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts! And they are open year round plus all of their ice cream is made fresh in store and is widely accepted as “The best ice cream on the planet!” This small gift card is the perfect “pint sized” holiday gift for :
• Stocking stuffers
• Gift toppers
• Your trash collectors
• Your hair dresser
• Your babysitter
• Your kids’ coaches
• Your support staff
• Your neighbors
• Your mailmen and UPS drivers
• Teachers
• Donating to post prom as door prizes
• Anyone on your list!
The sale will run through December 3rd. Pickup will be at lunch Dec. 9th. If your student does not stay for lunch, please indicate that in your payment and we will contact you to make arrangements for your student to pick up at another time during the day.
To order: Send a check for the exact amount to the office in an envelope addressed to “HSA fundraiser” by December 3rd or Venmo / PayPal the HSA and include your phone number, your student’s first and last name and indicate how many cards you are ordering.
As always, your participation in these fundraisers helps us to provide fun giveaways for the students and nice lunches for our staff appreciation events. We cannot thank you enough for your support!
All Night Senior Party (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!
- Scan the QR code in the flyer or visit this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfggXm_KeC3VOguisrr6Oe2Kq4G4vLX3w0GwAfHK0FSQ-E6hA/viewform?scrlybrkr=673c5e57
Varsity Games- Go Cougars!
- 11/23: Wrestling at Sun Valley 9:00 am Scrimmage
- 11/23: Boys Basketball vs. Rustin 10:00 am Scrimmage
- 11/25: Girls Basketball at Carroll 5:00 pm Scrimmage
- 11/27: Boys Basketball vs. Interboro 11:00 am Scrimmage
- 11/29: Boys Basketball 2:15 pm at Haverford
- 11/30: Wrestling at Spring Ford 8:00 am Scrimmage
- 11/30: Boys Basketball 12:00 pm vs Octorara
- 11/30: Girls Basketball at Methacton 12:00 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:
- 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
Support the Boys Basketball Team!
- East Boys Basketball team gear available for the entire family.
- Two shopping windows available - Friday 11/15/24 - Saturday 11/30/24 (guaranteed delivery for the holidays) and Sunday 12/1/24 - Sunday 12/15/24 (delivery after the New Year).
- Visit: https://www.promoplace.com/dehsboysbasketball/Apparel.htm to order merchandise. Please share this link with others as a portion of the sale goes to our team.
Support the Boys Baseball Team!
Twin Valley Coffee Online Fundraiser
When: Nov 15th - Dec 13th
Shop: https://twinvalleycoffeefundraisers.com/pages/downingtown-east-baseball-booster-club-2024
Support the Ice Hockey Team!
Ice Hockey Team's Bingo Fundraiser!
Where: Marchwood Tavern
When: Tuesday December 3rd and Tuesday December 10th
Time: 7 PM
Junior Class Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Shop with us! Chocolate, wrapping paper, holiday gift guide, baking, cooking and so much more!
- Items will be delivered directly to your home
- Portion of the sales benefit the class of 2026
- Scan the QR code in the flyer or shop online using this link: https://shopcharlestonwrap.com/?student1ID=2428703W947J8&student1FNM=Organization&student1LNM=Credit%20Only&progid=&inviteID=&channelID=gateway&school1NM=Downingtown%20East%20High%20School&school1STC=&school1STS=&school1STSE=2024_11_08#/cw_token=2024FSdVK3iZ3hRygKHG09s9h9/
Other Events
Bocce Tournament
Come out and support Unified Sports at Dtown East!
- When: Saturday November 30th
- Where: Downingtown East Boyer Gym
- Time: 4pm to 7pm
Grand Prize $100
Teams of 4
To register please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccKiTYTTZXx56HUuX82xSD8J2KSwTZP6woynXELAZJDArDsA/viewform?scrlybrkr=673c5e57 or scan the QR code on the flyer below! Registration is $10 and is open until 11/25
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
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.
Blood Drive
In Honor of Ella
When: December 30thTime: 10am to 3pm
Where: Downingtown Middle School 115 Rock Raymond Road Downingtown PA 19335
Schedule an appointment by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time
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