Good Evening Everyone!

Thank you to everyone for a great first week! Our staff did an amazing job preparing for the implementation of our new schedule and our students responded by meeting and exceeding our expectations! The student common areas were consistently cleaned, students used the small group rooms appropriately, quiet study areas were honored, and students enjoyed the opportunity to relax with friends, play basketball, or begin working collaboratively on early projects. Let's keep up the great work as we head into the second week!

Students - What a week! Thank you for your cooperation as we begin to roll out our Lunch & Learn schedule. We appreciate your willingness to work with us as we set expectations for Lunch & Learn in your Homerooms and gave our food service staff an opportunity to get adjusted to this new schedule. This week our 9th & 10th grade students will be in Homeroom during Lunch 1 and will eat during Lunch 2. Our 9th grade students will begin their Peer Mentorship orientation with our upperclassmen leaders and our 10th grade students will be introduced to Graduation Project requirements, a Counseling Center Overview, Smart Futures requirements, and Executive Functioning Skills. Our 11th & 12th grade students will go directly to L&L.

Parents - Thank you to everyone for working with us as we implemented our new traffic pattern this past week. We know that there were backups on Manor Avenue and we are working with the Fire Police, Penn Dot, our on-campus procedures, and our busing contractors to help ease some of the congestion. Please know that there are over 4000 students arriving to campus in the morning and while we are working to make improvements, the half hour from 7:20 - 7:50am will always be a heavy traffic time. To that end, I encourage parents to have their children ride the bus, plan to arrive before 7:20am, or plan to make only one drop off on campus rather than going to multiple buildings. The drop off loops at STEM and DMS are significantly less congested and students have sidewalks they can use to get to WEST or the other two buildings. We will continue to have a number of staff in place to help direct traffic on campus but please view the New Traffic Pattern for more information and plan to experiment with our various drop off options to determine which one will get you on and off campus the most effectively in the morning.

Back To School Night

On Thursday evening WEST will be hosting our annual Back To School Night. This night is an opportunity to meet your child's teachers, hear about curricular content in each academic area, and tour the building. This year we are excited to share our newly renovated spaces with all of you and we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to see the facilities that your students will be using on a daily basis here at WEST!

Have a great day WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

While much of the construction will be completed by the beginning of the school year, please know that there will still be a number of finishing touches that need to be completed. While the building will have reached the point of substantial completion, and will be safe for full occupancy, we anticipate that at least through the month of September, a select few contractors will be in and out of classrooms during the day and working in the evenings to address punch list items before the district signs for completion. Please expect to see ceiling tiles removed, trim pieces missing, and paint and spackle in various stages of completion. Our teachers are excited to get into their classrooms and some have already begun to unpack. As more areas are turned over to our staff we are working diligently to have them prepared for students when they arrive.

• 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.

• ACT 10 forms must be completed by Friday, September 13th to opt out of having your student's information shared with Military Recruiters.

• 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)

• Diploma Name Verifications are due by September 13th. If you have not completed the form, please do so before next Friday.

• 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. Requests will be processed starting on Thursday, September 12th.

• 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 will be open beginning Tuesday, September 3. 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.

• Attention Class of 2025! Lifetouch will hold the last sitting of Senior Portraits for the Class of 2025 on September 9 through September 12. All sittings will be held in the Auditorium with check-in being held in the Main Lobby at Downingtown West. To schedule your appointment, please visit www.ouryear.com. For more information, please view the attached flyer by Prestige Photography. If you have any problems with your scheduled appointment time, please contact 1-800-OUR-YEAR™ between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm EST Monday through Friday.

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

• Student Council’s first informational meeting will take place on September 5th after school in the library. Any students interested in joining should plan to attend.

• This year’s Homecoming dance will take place at West on Saturday, September 21st at 7pm. More information to come as the date gets closer.

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

• Please view the Opening of School Parent Update sent out August 14th.

• 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!

What: Club Fair—most clubs will be represented at tables around the track during all periods of the school day. Students have the opportunity to visit the track with their English classes.

When: Tuesday, 9/10/24 - all periods, weather permitting (Rain location - Library)

Structure: English classes are invited to attend the club fair. Classes should arrive with their teachers and teachers should set a time to bring them back to their classes. Classes are asked to gather first on the bleachers for a brief instructions and are then invited to walk the track and visit the club booths.

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)

• Meet the representatives from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the University of Vermont, and the University of Florida at Universities Unite -- a joint presentation to be held at the STEM Academy on Monday, September 9th, at 6:30 p.m. Spaces are limited so see the flyer to sign up!
  

• 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.
  

• Part-time Job Opportunity! Applecross Country Club needs help for banquet set up/breakdown and available shifts are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Please contact David McCracken if you are interested at 302-540-1876 or email David.mccracken@applecrosscc.com.

• 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:

• 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 2 - School Closed - Labor Day Holiday
  

• September 5 - StuCo Meeting in Library afterschool

• September 5 - Back to School Night - 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• September 9-12 - Final Senior Portrait sitting by Prestige Portraits starting at 3:00 pm - Auditorium

• September 9 - First meeting for Spanish Honor Society - 7:15 am in Room 230
  

• September 10 - Club Fair - DW Track

• September 13 - Freshmen Class Elections

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

• September 20 - Homecoming Football Game

• September 21 - Homecoming Dance

• September 28 - Cavalcade of Bands

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).

Tuesday, September 3rd

• Girls Tennis Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 3:30 PM @ Desmond Tennis Courts

Wednesday, September 4th

• Girls Golf Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club
• Girls Volleyball Vs. Oxford High School @ 6:00 PM @ Wagner Gym

Thursday, September 5th

• Boys Golf Vs. Coatesville/WC East High School @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club
• Girls Golf Vs. Great Valley High School @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club
• Girls Soccer Vs. Oxford High School @ 3:45 PM @ DiSerafino Stadium
  

Friday, September 6th

• Girls Tennis Vs. Lower Merion High School @ 3:30 PM @ Desmond Tennis Courts

• Football Vs. Perkiomen Valley High School @ 7:00 PM @ Kottmeyer Stadium
  

Please save the date for the following events:

Sunday September 15, 2024: Welcome Pool Party @2:00. All current team members and interested swimmers/divers are welcome to attend. Email dwestswimanddive@gmail.com for the party details.

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.

• D-West Girls Soccer Fundraiser - Stock's Pound Cakes! Orders are due Wednesday, August 21! Please see and share the attached digital flyer and google order form below with family, friends, and social media. All orders can be placed via this form: Stock's Bakery Order Form - D-West Girls Soccer These cakes are DELICIOUS and sales will benefit our players!

• 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

• Stop by our table at Back to School Night to find out all the great things we have planned for this year!! We will also be selling deeply discounted Spirit wear. Sizes are limited!
• 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