

Downingtown Cyber Academy Update
February 16, 2024
Dear DCA Families,
As we near Presidents’ Day and the long weekend, we encourage you to check in with your children about how they are progressing in school, discuss important family topics, and highlight the importance of understanding the history around our country and the democratic process that led to the US presidency. Knowledge is power!
Enjoy the long weekend and be safe with the light snow coming on Saturday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal & Supervisor of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator of Digital and Blended Learning
Week 24 begins on Tuesday, February 20th
Calendar items for Grades 6-12
- 2/19 - No School for Presidents' Day
3/11 - No School
3/22 - (Fri) Week 28 work due at 3 pm
3/25 - 3/29 - Spring break
4/22-5/3 - PSSA testing in person
5/13-5/24 - Keystone Testing in person
End of Marking Period 3
DASD will be on spring break for the last week in March. Spring break serves as a valuable opportunity for our students to take a break from academic responsibilities, promoting their overall well-being and mental health. Encouraging a healthy balance between academic commitments and relaxation is crucial for fostering a positive attitude towards learning. By taking a step back during spring break, students can return with renewed enthusiasm, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Therefore, all work for Week 28 will be due on Friday, March 22nd at 3 pm. (We will open Week 28 early so students can work ahead.) Week 28 will also be the last week of the marking period. Finishing the work by Friday will allow students to relax over spring break and start fresh when they return.
PSSA Testing
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing for grades 3-8 will be held the week of April 22nd - May 3rd. All Downingtown Cyber Academy students are required to come to their home school for in-person state testing. Building principals will send home communication with more specific details about dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office of your home school.
Keystone Testing
Keystone testing for students in Algebra I, 10th Grade English and Biology will be held the week of May 13th-May 24th. All Downingtown Cyber Academy students are required to come to their home school for in-person state testing. Building principals will send home communication with more specific details about dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office of your home school.
Events
DCA Cultural Event with Special Guest via Zoom
Opportunity for DCA Students to participate in a Q &A with an American Civil Rights Activist who will be on Zoom
Who: All DCA StudentsWhen: February 27th at 1 pm
What: Come in person to participate live with a special guest via Zoom. Details will be emailed to families.
Where: Students must come in person to the Admin building in order to participate in the virtual event.
Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024, 01:00 PM
540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Downingtown Area School District is thrilled to announce that Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end, Brandon Graham, will be visiting Downingtown Highschool East on February 26th, 6-8 pm, for a special program titled "The Importance of Community." The event is organized by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, showcasing Graham's insights on fostering unity, looking out for one another, and sharing lessons learned during his time with the Eagles, including his experience as part of a Super Bowl-winning team.
To register: Click Here
Cornelius Minor, a distinguished Brooklyn-based educator is set to lead a transformative training session for the Downingtown Area School District (DASD) Cultural Equity Taskforce. The training, scheduled for February 26th at 3:45 pm, will take place on the Zoom platform and is open to teachers, staff, and community members. This event is offered free of charge, aligning with Minor's commitment to advancing equitable literacy reform.
Date: February 26th
Time: 3:45 pm
Location: Zoom Platform
Registration: Click Here
DASD has an opening for a part-time position in our Print Center as an assistant. Perfect position for those that are at home patents and looking to join the DASD work community.
Secondary Schools' Newsletters
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!
Elementary
BVA Calendar
This is just a reminder that our elementary students should be following the BVA calendar for school. Please note that BVA's spring break will be March 28th-April 1st. As always, if students are going to be absent when BVA is in session, please send an excuse note to cyber_attendance@dasd.org. Thank you!
Procedures for Returning to Home School Building
If your child is in K-5, receives instruction from the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) and wishes to return to their home school building, please follow the procedures outlined below:
1) Send and email to cyberacademy@dasd.org and complete the K-5 DCA/BVA Withdrawal Form 2023-2024.
2) An admin from the DCA will reach out to your child's home school building principal and the BVA admin to make a determination.
3) Once it has been determined that your child can return to the home school building, the building admin will reach out to you regarding information for the start date, the bus, classroom teacher, etc.
*All admin from the DCA, BVA, and Home School building should be included on correspondence.
DOWNINGTOWN CYBER ACADEMY
Please visit our DCA website at dc.dasd.org for more information.
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