Good Evening Everyone!

National Merit Semifinalists

This week I want to begin our update by congratulating our National Merit Semi-Finalists: Derek Knaak and Pavan Ulaganathan. These students have distinguished themselves by scoring amongst the top 1% of students nationwide! Congratulations to these students, their families, and all the teachers who helped them get to this point - Well Done!

Message from the Health Office

Parents - please complete the Online Registration for your children. This is a yearly requirement and without it, we are unable to administer any over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. Additionally, this registration information provides us with important details regarding any changes to medical conditions previously listed or new medical conditions that your child may have. This is for the safety of your child and enables us to provide the best care possible for them. The online medical registration can be completed by logging onto Infinite Campus with your parent account.

Any student that requires emergency medication, daily medications or as needed medications to be given during school hours MUST provide a signed order from their healthcare provider and a parent/guardian. The medication must be stored in the Health office. No student may carry ANY medication (including over-the-counter medications) on their person with the exception of emergency medication for severe allergic reactions or diabetes as outlined on this DASD Authorization for Medication Administration. Please use this form to obtain an order from your child's healthcare provider if needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at dwnurse@dasd.org. Thank you in advance.

Your School Nurses,

Mrs. Plans and Mrs. Sapper

Homecoming Spirit Week

This is homecoming week! Check out the Student Council section for all of the theme days and buy your tickets now for the Homecoming Dance on Saturday!

Upcoming College Visits

This week we begin welcoming college admissions counselors to WEST. We have a great first week planned, with visits from Gettysburg, Villanova, University of Delaware and many more. Stop into the Career Center or check with your counselor to make sure you are able to visit with the representatives available this week!

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

The learning stairs in the Atrium are now complete, the woodshops are almost finished, and we continue to have new furniture arriving. We continue to work with the contractors to complete the final portions of the project and we look forward to wrapping up punch list items by the end of the month. Once everything is complete we plan to hold an open house to welcome the community to come see the finished project. Please look for more information on this open house opportunity in the early part of October.

• PARKING APPLICATION IS OPEN!! Please see the parking application and other parking related information. Juniors, please note that you will only be able to park at the DYW lot this year. Please see the parking map for more details on parking for students.
  

• Attention Class of 2027: It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. Are you working a sports camp this summer, have you gone back to help with your place of worship, are you volunteering with your local fire company? If you have your idea, please fill out the Graduation Proposal and Mentor form and leave a hard copy in the main office. All details and forms can be found on West’s Website under the activities tab or HERE. Please email Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• All DASD families received an email with instructions for how to complete their Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year. The deadline for parents to complete the confirmation is Friday, September 20th. This information is necessary if your student requires any over the counter medications or prescribed medications from the Nurses Office.

• The yearbook order center is now open! Early bird pricing ends on 11/1, so place your order now to take advantage of our lowest price of the year! Please visit this link to place your order or go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter 13471 as the School Order Number. Books will ship directly home at the end of May.

Don't get stuck, seek assistance- Homework Club is a place to get your homework done with a teacher right there. Check it out!

• Graduation Project Information for proposals and presentations can be found here. Class of 2025 Proposal are now past due!
  
• Music Parents Association: Interested in what is going on in the Music world check out our Music Parents Association page - Downingtown High School Music Parents Association (dhsmpa.org)

• Seniors: Downingtown WEST - Senior Transcript Request ... In order to have your transcript sent to the college of your choosing, you must complete the Google doc linked above. Transcripts can take up to 10 business days to process. If you have a specific deadline, please make sure your request is entered as early as possible. Any questions or concerns or if you need help with your transcripts, please reach out to your school counselor.

• Thank you to all the seniors that joined the Counseling Team for our yearly Application Boot Camp. If you were unable to attend and would like to review the information that was presented, it is attached here. Should you have any follow up questions re: your college applications, transcript procedures, and requesting letters of recommendation, please see your school counselor.
  

• Seniors, as you prepare your college applications, don’t forget to take advantage of the Writing Center! Our writing advisors are here to help you in any stage of writing your college essays or answering supplemental questions. We can brainstorm with you, give you feedback, and help you revise your personal statements so that you can put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. The Writing Center is now open. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, use the Pass app, or just drop in to visit us in the Library during Lunch and Learn. We look forward to seeing you!

• Attention Class of 2025: Do you have your Graduation Project hours completed? If so, get a jump start on completing that obligation before the end of the school year. Graduation Project Teams will hear projects during the school year. Please email Mr. Hassel, bhassel@dasd.org, so that he can get you assigned to your Graduation Project Team.

• Class of 2025 Yearbook Baby Ads are now available for purchase. Commemorate your senior’s childhood in this important piece of West history. Please visit this link to place your order or go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter 13471 as the School Order Number. Baby ad orders must be placed by Friday October 4th. Access BABY AD instructions here. Limit: one baby ad per graduating student, no exceptions.
  

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

• It’s hard to believe but Homecoming is Friday, September 20th! If you’re like us, you like to plan your outfits early.
  
• Monday, 9/16 – PJ Day
• Tuesday, 9/17 – Twin Day
• Wednesday, 9/18 – Beach Day
• Thursday, 9/19 – Tie-Dye Day
• Friday, 9/20 – Blue & Gold

• This year’s OCEAN OASIS Homecoming dance will take place at West on Saturday, September 21st at 7pm in the Wagner Gym, and tickets are now on sale. Click here to purchase tickets! If you need any help, you can look at these resources. If you are still struggling to get the website to work, please contact Brittany McGregor (bmcgregor@dasd.org) and Matt Vernon (mvernon@dasd.org).

• For news and other school updates, follow our Instagram page @dweststudentcouncil.

• All DASD families received an email with instructions for how to complete their Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year. The deadline for parents to complete the confirmation is Friday, September 20th.

• Attention Parents: 2024-2025 Device Fees are now posted in PaySchools! Please review & submit your student’s device payment on PaySchools* Central.
• Please review the Traffic Pattern Links: AM & PM Traffic Patterns & new traffic patterns for the 24-25 school year: Parent Drop Off Map. Parent pick up at the end of the school day should be limited until after 3:00 pm when all buses have left the campus.
• Please visit Aramark for available Menus!

On Friday, September 27, from 5-8 p.m., DASD and Downingtown Community Education Foundation (DCEF) will host the 3rd Annual DASD Culture Fest at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center.

The event will feature:

• Food trucks
• 20+ live performances and music
• Games and activities
• Fun for the entire community!

This free event is open to all DASD students (K-12) and their families. Pre-registration is highly encouraged - Register Now! Carpool if you can, and try to get there early. All proceeds from this event benefit the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center Library.

Matthew McFadden

Prevention Specialist

mmcfadden@dasd.org

Jocelyn White

jwhite@dasd.org

Click the blue button above to learn more about the Prevention Specialists.

If your student needs additional resources following the recent losses in our community, please contact the Counseling Office at 610-269-4400 x 81422.

Monday, 9/16:
9:43 – Bryant University
10:32 – Gettysburg College
1:11 – Automotive Training Center

Tuesday, 9/17:
8:54 – Villanova University
9:43 – Cedar Crest College
1:11 – University of Alabama

Wednesday, 9/18:
8:54 – Bucknell University
10:32 – University of Delaware
1:11 – Elon University

Thursday, 9/19:
8:54 – Kutztown University
9:43 – High Point University
10:32 – Neumann University

Friday, 9/20:
8:54 – Drew University
9:43 – Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield)

• The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) invites high school students and their parents to attend the 2024 Chester County College Fair on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at United Sports! Representatives from over 100 colleges nationwide will be attending and the event is free. To register and for more information, visit www.cciu.org/college-fair.

• Revolution Prep will host a free Zoom on “Navigating the High School Transition: Practical Tips for Success” for parents and students on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 7-8 p.m. Topics include how to strengthen executive function, study skills, organization, and good study habits. To register, please visit this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/12056/
  

• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will host webinars in September and October to assist parents and students with financial information and scholarships for college. Join Suzanne Sparrow and Daniel Wray on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at noon to learn more about the financial timeline and search for scholarships. Two additional webinars will take place in October. Registration for the webinars is at https://pheaa.org/virtual/.

• Attention future business and entrepreneurship students! …The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), program offers students a unique opportunity to:
  --Develop a business opportunity from start to finish, including creating a business plan.
  --Connect with local entrepreneurs and gain valuable insight into the business world.
  --Pitch their ideas to a panel of investors for the chance to receive startup funding.
  --Gain confidence in their ideas, abilities, and presentation skills—crucial tools for any future leader!
  For more information about YEA visit www.yeaphiladelphia.org. The deadline is September 16th, 2024, and needs-based scholarships are available.
  

• Internship Opportunity!!....The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) is a comprehensive science research training program for high school students interested in scientific careers. Beyond the lab, students also receive one-on-one mentoring with Fox Chase faculty; they learn team building and leadership skills and become part of a family of driven and curious students. This internship will take place at William Tennent High School in Warminster and run on Saturdays from mid-January through mid-April culminating with a research symposium where students will present their research to friends and family and other special guests. The deadline to apply is October 6, 2024, and the minimum age is 14 by 1/25. For more information visit this link: https://www.tripinitiative.com/about-us.html.

• The Friends of the Chester County Library needs volunteers for their book sale October 4,5 & 6, 2024, and volunteers must be 16+. Four shifts are available:
  October 4 - Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  October 5 - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  October 5 - Saturday Noon - 5:00 p.m.
  October 6 - Sunday Noon - 6:00 p.m.
  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alex Draper at 215-859-8200 or
  grahbella@gmail.com.
  

• The Chester County Radio Control Club and Civil Air Patrol will host ROCKET DAY on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9 a.m. till noon at their flying field located at 375 Doe Run Rd in Coatesville. This is a FREE event where they will be flying some impressive model rockets and guests are welcome to run their own cars, trucks, planes and drones. No registration is required!
  

• Rocco's in Exton is looking for part-time help! The minimum age is 16, and the hours are Thursday and Friday, 4:30-8:30 or 9 p.m. Stop in to ask for an application or call 610-363-0405.
  

• Hill’s Seafood in Exton is hiring! They offer flexible scheduling and $13/hour. See the attached flyer and application. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dan Carlin at danc@hillsqualityseafood.com or Ryan Seaver at ryanseaver@hillsqualityseafood.com.

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Winter Carnival Quebec City Trip – February 13-16, 2025. For more information, please Mrs. Bigelow or Mrs. Bosco or click on the link above.
• Environmental Sciences goes to Costa Rica - April 12 - April 20, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Saddler or Ms. DiSantis
• School Trip to Berlin, Munich & Salzburg - June 9-17, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Schauer or click on the link above.
  
• Exploring Art, Culture & Service in Peru - Summer of 2025 - for more information, please click the link above or see Dr. Simmons.

Look for more upcoming overseas opportunities for the Summer of 2025 coming soon!

To download a copy of the West Calendar (including letter days) to your device, click here: https://www.dasd.org/news-events/district-calendar

Next, click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s) tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application.

• September 19 - Sophomore Ring Night - 6:00 pm
  

• September 20 - Homecoming Football Game

• September 21 - Homecoming Dance

• September 25 - Mid Marks 1st Marking Period

• September 28 - Cavalcade of Bands

• October 2 - Student Picture Retakes

• October 3 - School Closed - Rosh Hashana

• October 5 - SAT Administration

• October 10 - PSAT Testing

• October 18-20 - LINK Weekend

• October 25 - Battle of the Brandywine Pep Rally

• October 25 - Downingtown West vs. East Football Game - 7:00 pm - Kottmeyer Stadium

• October 29 - End of 1st Marking Period

Please see the link below for important information regrading all home DASD high school athletic events.

DASD Athletics: Spectator Information

All Downingtown High School students who attend home football games will be subject to our passive Breathalyzer as they enter the football stadium.

Students, parents, and community members are reminded that ALL district property and school events are drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. ALL sporting events after 5:00 pm are subject to an entrance fee of $5.00 for students/adults thru Ticket Spicket. District 1 playoff tickets are $7.00 and are purchased through HomeTown Ticketing (see below for link).

• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Unionville High School @ 7:30 pm @ Kottmeyer Stadium

Tuesday September 17th

• Boys Soccer Vs. Unionville High School @ 7:00 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium

Wednesday September 18th 2024

• Girls Soccer Vs. Henderson School @ 7:00 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium

Thursday September 19th 2024

• Girls Golf Vs. Conestoga HS @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Henderson HS @ 6:00 PM @ Wagner Gym

Friday September 20th 2024

• Football Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 7:00 PM @ Kottmeyer Stadium

Saturday September 21st 2024

• Boys/Girls Cross Country - Whippet Invitational @ 8:00 AM @ DW Course

Please save the date for the following event:

• Tuesday October 8, 2024: Interest Meeting, run by the coaches, will be held in the West Library from 7:00-8:00. All current team members and interested team members and parents should plan to attend.

• Spanish Honor Society Fundraiser for Aidan's Heart Foundation at Handel's ice cream in Downingtown, Sept. 18th from 3-9 pm. Must mention you are there for fundraiser and we will receive 20% of sales.

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• Home and School is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in being on the board or even just want to help out, please email westhomeandschool@gmail.com
  
• Stay in the loop and join the west Facebook page. Downingtown West HSA

The Main Office at West is open during the school year from 7:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

DHS West offers a diverse program of study. Our students are involved in academics at all levels. Academic, AP, Honors, Basic, Business Education, Industrial Arts Technology and Vocational-Technical courses are offered throughout our program.

Main Office Phone 610-269-4400

Main Office Fax 610-269-1801
Attendance Fax 215-827-5693
Guidance Fax 610-514-0279
Athletic Fax 610-514-0281