Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

Ms. Kelly Stauffer, Admin. Asst. to the Head of School

Below are some key items to make note of for the month of January. (Please note, if there are any schedule changes due to weather, changes to the schedule below will be shared at that time.)

• January 20: No School for Staff/Students (Martin Luther King Day of Service)
• January 21: End of the 2nd Marking Period
• January 22: 9th and 10th grade students will watch screencasts in assigned advisory rooms about the course selection process.
• January 23: Course Selection Info Night for Parents (6:00-8:00 pm): The same screencasts viewed by 9th and 10th grade students will be played via YouTube for families to watch at home. Like in past years, Zoom rooms will be available for families to ask questions about courses starting at 6:30 pm.
• Jan. 29-Feb. 7: The online portal for current 9th and 10th grade students will be open for students to submit their requests for next year.

Please see the important Course Selection Information for students currently enrolled in grade 9 and 10, for the 2025-2026 school year. The Course Selection Informational session for parents and students will take place on Thursday, January 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

The purpose of this letter is to provide information about the course selection process and to provide students with several opportunities to ask questions in order to help make an informed decision about their course selections for next year.

Course selection will begin on January 29, 2025 and will end on February 7, 2025. If there are any questions, please contact the counseling office, 610-269-2420 x 43031.

Greetings and Welcome Back,

I hope this message finds you well. For the first time at STEM, students currently enrolled in 10th Grade have the ability to earn an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts alongside their High School Diploma. This is a tremendous opportunity for students and families to save money and time in pursuit of their Bachelor's (4-year) Degree.

Please join me for an Information Session Zoom on Tuesday, 1/7 at 8 PM. The link is here: https://dasd-org.zoom.us/j/9547650853?omn=94799418887

If you are unable to join us, please do not worry. I will post a link to the recording in Schoology, and email it out to students and parents/guardians.

Due to the volume of questions I may receive, I will respectfully ask that you refrain from reaching out until you have attended the Information Session, or viewed the recording afterward. At that point, it will be my sincere pleasure to provide any clarification needed.

Dr. Troy Podell

Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning:

K-12 Social Studies, Career Readiness, and Dual Enrollment

Important information for Student Drivers

Please review the important information below if you drive to school daily. This information was emailed to 11th and 12th grade families mid-December.

It has been brought to our attention that many students have been parking across the street at the church and at St. Martha's.

As a reminder, parking across the street at the church/St. Martha's Villa was never an option provided for acceptable parking as noted in the letter sent out to eligible Junior and Senior Class families earlier this year. We have received numerous emails regarding concern for the number of students that are crossing Manor Ave. during peak traffic hours and throughout the day. Additionally those spaces are reserved for staff and visitors in those facilities.

For the safety of all students and as a courtesy to community members navigating Manor Ave daily, any DASD student intending to drive to school daily should be parking in the student lots on campus or at the DYW lots only.

Parking permits are still available and students should apply using the links below. Please review the Parking Map for 2024-2025. Students are permitted to park in any of the areas outlined in green.

24-25 STEM Academy Parking Permit Application

Below are a few key items to remember when applying for a parking permit. All fields on the application are required.

Applications will be processed in the order that they are received.

• Students with a learner’s permit are not permitted to apply for a parking permit. Only those with a valid driver’s license will be permitted to apply.
• Seniors must have cleared all outstanding obligations and have a copy of their 11th grade physical on file with the Nurse.
• Fees: The parking permit fee is $50 and must be paid via PaySchools prior to pick up. Please note that once the application is completed, it could take up to 7 business days for the fees to be added to your PaySchools Account. Payments must be received prior to permit pick up. Applicants will be required to bring a valid insurance card, car registration and driver's license to verify information when picking up the parking permit. You may not transfer your permit to another vehicle. If a new vehicle is purchased during the year, the old permit must be returned in order to receive a new permit. In the event that this occurs, students should stop by the main office for assistance.
• Students are not permitted to park off campus at the baseball fields located on Manor Avenue, at St. Martha’s Villa/the church, at the local Royal Farms, or any side street, etc. Students should only be parking on campus for the safety of all students.

************************************************************************************************

Pick up and Drop off Reminders

Please be reminded of the following as we have recently begun to receive an influx of concerns/complaints from community members regarding students being dropped off and picked up on Manor Ave., etc.

Please do not drop off or pick up students on Manor Ave!

• Students should only be dropped off and picked up on Campbell Drive, in the parent line that forms behind the building.
• Students should not be dropped off over at the church and they should likewise not be picked up at the church.
• We also have been notified that parents are lining up at the church to pick up in the office area....we have been asked to remind parents not to do that as well.
• Having your students cross the street poses a huge safety hazard, on such a busy street. We appreciate the assistance of everyone with keeping safety as our first priority.

Submitted by Dr. Justin Staub, DECA Advisor

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, 388 total high school students from across Chester, Lancaster, and Berks Counties competed at the PA DECA District 06 Career Development Conference.

STEM had 121 total attendees (31% of the competition). Of those 388 competitors 221 students move on to the state conference in February. Of STEM’s 121 competitors, 93 students qualified to move to the state conference- 77% of our entire group.

We have many remarkable results to report. Please see all of the results on our website.

Thank you for supporting our students in this academic competition. I look forward to reporting results once we move to the next level!

On Monday, January 27th, we have an incredible opportunity to virtually host Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez for a special and one-of-a-kind Zoom session. Since Cristopher Sánchez speaks only Spanish, this entire session will be conducted in Spanish. This is a fantastic opportunity creates a special event for our Spanish speaking population of students. This also includes our high level world language students. Cristopher will share inspiring messages about not letting language barriers hold you back, making the most of your school experience, and achieving your dreams. The session will be held in Q&A format for your students to ask him questions. If you’re interested in attending, please make sure to join the call and connect with Cristopher during this special event!

If you have students interested in joining us, please let me know and use this zoom link on the day of the event.

Zoom Link: https://dasd-org.zoom.us/j/97645629479?from=addon

Cultural Equity Taskforce will be back in February!

Next CETF Meeting will be February 24th 2024 at 3:45 pm

Join our team by contacting JBrown@dasd.org.

As we dive into the second half of the school year, we wanted to share some exciting updates and stories from around the Downingtown Area School District. From student achievements and innovative programs to upcoming events and initiatives, there’s plenty to catch up on.

Take a moment to explore the latest DASD news articles below—you won’t want to miss these highlights!

Stay informed and inspired by all the amazing things happening in our district. Check out the links and see what’s new!

Downingtown Area School District Hosts Inaugural Student Leadership and Belonging Conference

Downingtown West High School Hosts Successful 'Making Connections' Program with Local Law Enforcement

Miss Pennsylvania Celebrates World Kindness Day with Students in Downingtown Area School District

Downingtown High School East Student Committee Raises $2,000 to Support Inclusivity Efforts

Lionville Elementary Students Embrace Fitness and Teamwork with Flyers Recess Program

Lionville Middle School and YMCA of Greater Brandywine Partner to Promote Health and Wellness for Students

West Best Buddies Chapter and Girls' Varsity Basketball Team Host Inaugural 'Everybody Belongs' Basketball Game

Mr. Michael Sheehan, Dean of Currciulum and Instruction

Ms. Meghan Schell, Administrative Assistant

2024-2025 Program of Study

STEM Academy Class of 2025 IB Fees Letter: IB Fee Payment #6 is due January 15, 2025.

New Schedule! Mark your calendars. Updated as of 1.3.2025: 2024-2025 IB Testing Schedule

Ms. Alyssa Sherlock, CAS/EE Supervisor

Class of 2025 IB Fees Letter with Payment Schedule : IB Fee #6 is due 1/15/2025

2024-2025 IB Exam Schedule: Mark your calendars! (Updated schedule as of 10.28.2024)

Cap and Orders: We still are missing several orders. Please place your order asap! Individual email reminders will be forthcoming.

In order to make sure everyone has all of the items needed for commencement, it is important that orders be placed. The initial deadline was November 1, and then extended through December 15.

Follow the instructions below to place your order:

• Caps/Gowns and Stoles: Each graduate is responsible for purchasing a cap, gown and stole for graduation. The cost of this package is $32.55. Other items are available for sale as well through the website. The Cap/Gown Stole orders should be placed as soon as possible. Once shipped, they will remain at STEM until graduation in June.
• Online Ordering steps:
  Go to: Herff Jones SHOP Grad Products Website.
  Click the Grad Gear & Apparel tab (located next to Announcements & Accessories) Scroll down to Grad Essentials.
  Choose Cap, Gown, Tassel and Stole: $32.55 (includes sales tax)
  Includes Cap, Gown, Tassel and Silkscreen Stole. Be sure to enter height and weight information that is requested.

Senior Early Dismissal/Late Arrival Form (Senior Privileges) 24-25: This form is for Early Dismissal/Late Arrival permission for Senior Class students.

All of this information for the Class of 2025 can be found on our website throughout the year: STEM Academy Class of 2025 Important Reminders.

Picture Credits: Senior Mantle Design Winner: J. Nolan Dobry

Quote: “Throw me to the wolves, and I'll return leading the pack.”

Downingtown High School Senior Mantle Designs Through the Years

https://www.downingtownseniormantle.org/index.html

Dr. Troy Podell

Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Attention 10th -12th Grade High School Students

2025 PARS Program now accepting applications for a free research experience in Penn labs!

Ever wonder what an embryo look like as it develops? Want to know how the environment effects development and how clinicians treat patients with infertility? Want to gain research experience and network with scientists and doctors? If so, then you should apply to the Penn Academy for Reproductive Sciences (PARS)! We invite high school students (grades 10-12) who are interested in science and medicine, to apply. PARS will run 4 consecutive Saturdays (March 1, 8, 15, and 22), from 9-1 each day at the University of Pennsylvania. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions of the workshop to apply. PARS is free and transit cards can be provided. Teacher are asked to complete a brief recommendation survey HERE. Find out more information on the curriculum and how to apply HERE. Deadline for applications is Jan. 17th.

The schedule below outlinesthe remaining MEA Softskills trainings that will take place during the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you HSA for the funding provided for these events.

Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Jan. 2-16 Service for Animals T-Shirt Collection

Jan. 10 Open Mic Night 6:00-9:00 pm: Tonight STEM will be having an open mic night, all are welcome. If you can make it, we will be streaming it as well. Here is the link if you are interested.

https://youtube.com/live/Dq_UsRYJaAM?feature=share

Jan. 30 STEM Pinky Swear Club: Urban Air Fundraiser

Any questions? Please contact Ms. Janette Romano or Ms. Megan Dunn, Yearbook Advisors

Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz, Counseling Secretary/Registrar

• To schedule an appt. to visit your school counselor, please complete the following form: Counseling Appointment Request Form
• Additional Resources from the STEM Counseling Department

Ms. Jennifer Stull, Prevention Specialist

Guide to Districtwide Mental Health Resources

College visits for the senior class during the school day, have been added to our STEM Academy website calendar and will be updated throughout the school year.

If you are in need of a work permit, please find the application located in the STEM Back Pack at the bottom of the page under Work Permits. Permits can be obtained in the counseling office. Please be sure to review and provide the necessary documentation listed on the website.

Additional Resources

College App Workshop presentation

Common Date Set Overview

US Dept. of Education College Scorecard

Each counselor has a link to their own personal sign-up page. Please use the table below for reference:

**If you prefer to meet via Zoom, you can indicate this option when you sign up, or contact the counselor separately.

Students are asked to please complete the Junior Meeting Questionnaire available here: https://goo.gl/forms/lm5KolppSgYlozgF3 prior to the meeting. The information provided in this survey is very helpful for your counselor.

Parents are also invited to complete a parent questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJH13aHQrLH01G4dWzmPlZuFGI2N6qAXSpCwOfeDSmUlBVnQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you have any difficulty signing up for an appointment, please contact Stephanie Rockowitz at srockowitz@dasd.org.

We’d also like to invite you to check out our Junior Meeting Resources Google drive. We have added a ton of great information on this drive, including information about college majors, financial aid, college admissions, and how colleges view the International Baccalaureate program. We are constantly updating this drive with relevant information for our students and families.

We look forward to partnering with you in working towards your child’s post high school goals! Thank you!

The STEM Counseling Department

Sophomores & Families:

Join us for an informative evening presentation to help navigate the early stages of the college preparation process!

Wednesday, February 12th, 7:00-9:00 PM in the STEM Academy Auditorium.

RSVP Here!

The Counseling Department hosted Dr. Sonya Mann-McFarlane from our higher education partner PHEAA on Monday, November 4. She discussed the financial aid process and shared important updates related to the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with STEM seniors and parents. Families should be aware that the FAFSA application opens on December 1st this year.

More information on the financial aid process is available on the Federal Student Aid/FAFSA website, and in the slides from Monday night’s presentation.

Students can also stop into the Counseling Office to pick up hard copies of the PA Student Aid Guide 2025-26.

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Form is now live!

Check out the below tutorial to assist in maximizing your student’s eligibility for Federal, State, and College-Based Aid.

2025-26 FAFSA Form

FAFSA Completion Guide

2024-2025 STEM Academy HSA Board

President: Kerri Roberts

Co-Vice Presidents: Mary Gasser and Heather Steiger

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

Please join us on January 13 at 7:00pm in the KnowCo. We are looking forward to seeing you all when Holly Copeland will be joining us for our meeting to discuss mental health and how we may support our kids. A little bit about Mrs. Copeland (in addition to being a former STEM parent):

• Holly Copeland is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years’ experience guiding adolescents, adults, children and families. She is an adept listener who has worked extensively in private practice and in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities and schools.
• Holly is trained in a variety of modalities, including Transpersonal, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She is skilled in using deep breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques to help clients better cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression and pain.
• Holly has served as the Clinical Director of a residential facility for traumatized adolescent girls. She has also served as Clinical Director for outpatient clinics located in the Philadelphia suburbs as well as the Lancaster and Harrisburg region. In these directorships she was charged with creating new programming as well as supervising and training masters and doctoral level therapists. She holds her Master’s in counseling psychology from Immaculata University. Holly has been a close collaborator on community education projects with Fish Leadership for over fifteen years and is working as the mental health expert on public school initiatives in Chester County, PA.

******************************************************************************************************

Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch - Faculty/Staff Appreciation

Let’s treat our amazing STEM Faculty to a well-deserved lunch on Friday, February 7th! This event is always a favorite, and your support makes it truly special.

Whether it’s your family’s secret recipe or a delicious store-bought soup, every contribution shows our gratitude. Sign up today and share the name of your soup to help us create a fantastic spread for the team.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the hardworking teachers and staff who go above and beyond for our students!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0849AEAB2AA6F58-54243182-2025#/

If there are any questions, please reach out to Marcie Epstein: Secretary@STEMHSA.org

******************************************************************************************************

Annual Family Donation Drive Update

To everyone who has already contributed to the Annual Family Donation drive, we want to say a big THANK YOU! With your help we are almost half way to reaching our goal.

Your donation helps fund a variety of impactful events and initiatives that help motivate and engage our student body and faculty which wouldn't be possible without the generosity of families like yours. However, to create truly extraordinary events for our students and faculty this year, we still need your continued support.

Suggested Donation:

To comfortably cover the expenses for all of our planned events and programs this year, we're asking families to consider a one-time suggested donation of $100 per family for the school year. Of course, any donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated.

To Donate Click HERE

All donations to our Annual Family Donation Drive are tax-deductible.

Maximize Your Impact:

If your company offers matching gifts through Benevity, please consider donating through their platform instead to maximize your contribution!

With your support, we can continue fostering a vibrant learning environment for our future innovators!

******************************************************************************************************

Stay up to date on all HSA activities by following our Facebook and Instagram pages.

The DHS-MPA is made up of parents and guardians of students involved in any of the Downingtown High School music programs, including Marching Bands, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and ensembles, String Orchestra and ensembles, Vocal Choirs and ensembles, Indoor Drumline, and Color Guard. Our mission is to provide program support to maintain the existence and the integrity of the music programs at all of the Downingtown High Schools, including the Downingtown East Campus, the Downingtown West Campus and the STEM Academy.

NEED TEACHER GIFTS, OR A LITTLE SOMETHING TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR SERVICE PROVIDERS?

Order Wawa Shorti Coupons Today!

Coupons are available for $5 each and never expire. A portion of each sale is donated to the MPA to impact EVERY DHS music program!

· Reach out to Tina Ayala or email DHSMPA.waysmeans@outlook.com to get your coupons today!

The MPA is seeking local business sponsorships to help support our efforts for the 2024-2025 season. As a thank you for sponsoring and supporting our music programs, we have put together a Sponsorship Benefit Program to promote your business and services to not only our band community, but to our entire school district!

Go to MPA SPONSORS to see what it's all about. Sponsoring is easy, simply go to BECOME A SPONSOR and check out all of the sponsorship benefits.

All Parent Chaperones are required to have clearances on file with DASD. Visit DASD Volunteer Info to get started.

Thank you for joining the MPA's Membership Toolkit (MTK) Site. We are continuing to make improvements to make this system work for everyone. Have a suggestion? Email dhs.mpa.mtk@gmail.com. Know a music parent that hasn't joined yet? Share our website - www.dhsmpa.org. They can find new user information under the About Us tab.

What is the MPA?

Who We Are What We Do and Why We Do It

Become a Community Business Sponsor

Donate to the Music Program

Follow us on Facebook

All students at STEM are encouraged to participate in athletic programs offered at their home schools.

An activity bus is available for students heading to East to participate daily, and is located in the bus loop at dismissal.

To find more information about what sports are offered at your students’ homeschool, please choose one of the following that links directly to the correct Athletics page:

Downingtown East High School Athletics

Downingtown East High School Athletics Schedule

AND

Downingtown West High School Athletics

Downingtown West High School Athletics Schedule

Medication Reminder: Please be advised that any and all medications that students are required to take throughout the course of the school day must be left with the school nurse in the morning, and administered from the nurses' office as needed. Any questions, please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich.

Pertussis and pneumonia are on the rise in Chester County and nationwide. Please review the common symptoms and recommendations if your child has a cough.

Common symptoms of Pertussis:

• Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms and a mild, occasional cough.
• The cough becomes more persistent, causing coughing fits.
• The cough may become violent, causing vomiting, the skin to appear blue, or difficulty catching your breath.
• Some people experience a whooping noise, but many do not.
• The cough may last up to 8 weeks or longer.

Common symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection:

• Fever
• Worsening cough
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Potential mild shortness of breath

We strongly encourage the following recommendations if your child has a cough:

1. Visit a healthcare provider if your child has respiratory symptoms and follow recommendations for prescribed treatment.
2. Keep your child home if he/she is symptomatic.
3. Keep your child from passing the infection to others. Cover coughs and sneeze with a tissue, upper sleeve, or elbow.
4. Wash hands. Hands should be washed after using the bathroom, before eating, preparing or handling food, and after blowing the nose.

Sincerely,

Downingtown Area School District

• Online Registration: Please remember to complete the Online Registration for your child(ren). This will provide me with updated health information as well as give permission for over the counter medication this school year. Go to Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the process.
• Medication: Students are only permitted to carry emergency medication (Epinephrine, Asthma inhalers, and diabetes medication). Any medication to be administered during the school day, should follow our current medication policy (attach board policy) and complete the authorization for medication administration
• Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich with any questions or concerns.

Student Drop Off

Please be reminded that students are to be dropped off behind the school. No students should be dropped off on Manor Ave. We appreciate your cooperation. Safety is always our first priority.

Also for the safety of all students and staff crossing back and forth during lunch time, the entrance to the STEM Academy on Campbell Drive will be closed during all lunch times for the remainder of the school year. Please use the West entrance to access the campus during that time.

Traffic:

Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.

• All parent pick-up vehicles must enter from Manor Avenue on the right side of the building (Campbell Drive). Parents will be directed by the traffic guard to loop around the building in order to pickup students.
• Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown East High School attendance area will be along the fence that faces Kottmeyer Stadium. Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown West High School attendance area will be at Downingtown West High School and Downingtown Middle School. Students will then walk to the Academy.
• Please make sure students are prepared for inclement weather. Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.
• For the safety of our students, it is essential that all drivers adhere to traffic patterns and regulations

Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website.

Bus Passes are for Emergency use only. All bus rosters are full and only in the event of an emergency will a student be allowed to ride a different bus home. The request for a bus pass should come to the main office and will need approval from Mr. Campbell.

The 24-25 Parking Permit application opened for the Senior Class on Monday, August 5, and for the Junior Class on Monday, August 12. Please be reminded that students should use their DASD student email address to apply, as the permit is issued to the student driving the car on campus. Information regading parking permits can be found on our website in the Backpack. Additional parking permits are available this school year as construction on campus is winding down.

• 2024-2025 School Year

  The DASD 2024-2025 Calendar was board approved on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Please note the change in school start times as shared on the district website and noted below:

  The schedule for the 2024-25 school year is as follows:

  
  

  • Elementary (Grades K-6): 9:00 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
  • Secondary (Grades 7-12): 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
  
  
• Infinite Campus: Student schedules, report cards, and access to updating the annual registration verification can be accessed here.
• Payschools: All Activity, Technology and Food services fees can be paid quickly and easily in this portal. (All parking permit fees should now be showing in student accounts.)
• Schoology: Many courses and classes are updated daily. This is a very important tool for communicating!
• Service Desk: Technology support can be accessed here. Please review the directions for the new platform for service desk request for the 24-25 school year.

The Downingtown STEM Academy is the third high school in the Downingtown Area School District. The STEM Academy opened in the fall of 2011 at 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.

The Academy is an IB World School offering every student the opportunity to earn an IB Diploma. The curriculum offers Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Pathways. Students are engaged in rigorous, challenging academic work that requires a mindset of growth and effort.

Email: stinfo@dasd.org
Website: https://st.dasd.org/
Location: 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-2420