Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

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

As a reminder, there will be no school tomorrow, Friday, November 1 in observance of Diwali. Additionally, there will be no school on Tuesday, November 5 as that is a Professional Development Day for all staff.

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. Thank you.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: We would like to inform you that Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 26th during the following times:

• 8:00 am -11:00 am
• 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Conferences with your student's teachers will be held in-person but you may request a virtual conference if needed.

• If you would like to request a virtual meeting please indicate this by including the words “Zoom” next to the student’s name when you sign up.

As in past years, we will be using the PTC conference system to schedule individual sessions on this day.

• The link to schedule conferences will go LIVE on Friday, November 4th at 6pm, and will close on Thursday, November 14th at 3pm.

Please log on after 6pm on Friday, November 4th to schedule an appointment with your student’s teacher. Teachers will be sharing Zoom links with parents and guardians once sign ups are complete if you requested a virtual meeting.

Once the scheduler open, please click the following link to schedule an appointment: PTCFast Conferences Site

If you are unable to schedule a time or have a question that may not require a conference, I encourage you to reach out to the teacher via email so they may assist you. If you any questions, please contact Ms. Schell (mschell@dasd.org).

Early Dismissal Procedures, Tardy Notes, Absences, etc: Please be reminded that if a student will be picked up early, an email should be sent to stemattendance@dasd.org . Students should stop by the office to pick up an early dismissal slip to show their teachers, and then should report to the main office at the designated dismissal time to check out in the front office. Students will be dismissed to meet their parent/guardian along side of the building that exits back to Manor Ave. If your student is absent, those notes can also be emailed to stemattendance@dasd.org

Traffic: Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website. Please allow enough time for traveling to school in the morning.

Volunteers: We would like to welcome volunteers throughout the school year. Please take a moment to review the Volunteer Requirements. The Annual DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form should be completed and returned each school year. All volunteer clearances and forms can be emailed to Kstauffer@dasd.org.

At the Downingtown STEM Academy, we are proud to recognize and foster our core Habits of Mind as the foundation of student success. In ninth grade, all students are introduced to these guiding principles in their physics class, where they learn how each habit contributes to personal growth and academic achievement. This year, teachers have nominated students for the months of September and October who exemplify these values, and we are excited to celebrate their accomplishments.

The STEM Academy Habits of Mind include:

Responsibility: Our students show a strong sense of school spirit, active engagement in school activities, and commitment to the community. They are dedicated to contributing to the positive atmosphere of our school, supporting their peers, and embodying pride in being part of the STEM Academy.

Respect: Fundamental to our school’s character, respect is demonstrated through integrity, honesty, and high ethical standards. Students are dedicated to upholding these values, respecting others' work and ideas, and building a foundation of trust and dignity with their peers and teachers alike.

Compassionate Participation: Understanding the importance of teamwork and collaboration, our students show kindness, compassion, and inclusivity. They actively support their classmates, create an environment where everyone feels valued, and recognize the unique strengths that each individual brings to the community.

Effort: STEM Academy challenges require resilience, courage, and determination. Our students meet these challenges by persevering through setbacks, advocating for fairness, and understanding that growth often requires persistence and learning from failures.

Engagement: With a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of inquiry, our students are driven by curiosity and a willingness to explore innovative ideas. They are eager to question, investigate, and push the boundaries of conventional thought in their pursuit of understanding.

Congratulations to our nominated students who embody these habits and inspire our school community! We will continue to recognize students as the school year continues. Thank you to all families for your support.

Diwali is a Hindu festival and one of the biggest holidays of the year in India. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (diya or deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. Diwali, also called Dipawali or Deepavali, is celebrated every autumn, around the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika. The holiday is celebrated on different days every year, because the Hindu religious calendar is a lunar calendar, while the secular calendar used by most civic and national organizations is a solar calendar. Diwali usually falls in October or November. As a reminder, the district is closed Nov 1st.

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 #5 is due November 15.

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

Ms. Alyssa Sherlock, CAS/EE Supervisor

Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight:

Aakansh Jaypuriar, Pranav Menon, and Alisha Desai (Gr. 11) ran a non-partisan voting registration drive at the high school. They first attended training through New Voters, and have gained information on what to do and how to maintain complete neutrality in their language. The purpose of the drive is to help make the process of registering to vote and voting easier. They worked with administrators and counselors for approval, and were careful to check the age of all grade 11/12 students before registration.

None of these students have run a drive before, let alone registered people to vote, and they were excited to see it through!

Class of 2025 [Seniors]:

All students should have an approved CAS or Graduation Project by now, but if not, December 1st is the last day that Class of 2025 CAS or Graduation Project Proposals can be accepted because the projects must span at least one month/40 hours.

Class of 2026 [Juniors]:

Students are working on entering an overall CAS Plan (“Aims and Goals”) into ManageBac, and at least one experience for each strand (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Class of 2025 [Seniors]:

EE Rough Drafts are due to both ManageBac and Turnitin by November 8.

Students MUST submit a Rough Draft in order to receive feedback for revision.

Second meeting with EE Advisor and RPPF #2 due before the end of November.

Class of 2026 [Juniors]:

During the formal introduction to CAS during Advisory on October 11th, students were reminded of the Class of 2025 CAS/EE Schoology course for all the resources and materials that they will need. Students have also been encouraged to start brainstorming a subject for their Extended Essay. Example essays are available on Schoology for students to read and get an idea of the expectations.

Class of 2025 IB Fees Letter with Payment Schedule : IB Fee #4 is due 10/15/2024

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

STEM Academy Class of 2025 Senior Class Parking Permit : As a reminder, this application must be completed by the student, using their DASD student email address. For future reference, all of this information can also be located on our website, under the Backpack.

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.

Dr. Troy Podell

Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Submitted by Hanaa Saleem and Sruthi Desikan

On October 26th, Downingtown STEM Academy’s Scientista chapter proudly showcased a booth at the Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT) Expo, an annual event dedicated to inspiring young girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Scientista, a national organization committed to empowering young women in STEM through engaging, hands-on experiences, embraced this mission by bringing an array of exciting experiments and activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

Our booth featured interactive experiments like the magic balloon, DIY volcano, fireworks-in-a-jar, crystal making, and magic sand. Attendees enjoyed prizes, including geodes, stickers, and pins, and we connected with nearly 900 students from twelve school districts. Scientista is thrilled to announce plans to expand into six additional school districts at the request of attendees. The event was an incredible success, and it was amazing to see so many young scientists eager to explore STEM! We’re already looking forward to returning next year!

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 outlines additional 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.

11/11: Indian Heritage Event

11/14: STEM Powderpuff Game 6:00 pm

11/16: STEM Homecoming Dance @ DHSE 6:00-9:00 pm

STEM Academy students in grades 10 and 11 had the opportunity to sit in on the 2nd annual STEM Academy Veteran's Day panel that took place during advisory on Thursday, October 31. The panel was comprised of local veterans who work in a STEM related field.

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

Contact Ms. Jocelyn Long for more information regarding the Summer of 2025 and the Summer of 2026 trips.

STEM Players Troupe will be performing "Parallel Lines and Infinite Spirals" a new student-written and directed play by Grace Janczak on Nov. 8th at 7pm and Nov. 10th at 2pm. $5 tickets sold at the door.

Plagued with fear of the future, two friends spiral into existential discussion over decision making, pressure, uncertainty, and fate. Their analysis soon morphs into increasingly unhinged “What if?” scenarios, begging the question, will the spiral ever end?

Contact Ms. Holly Sokira-Smith for more details!

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

12th Grade Parents/Guardians and Students are invited to attend our Financial Aid Night on November 4th at 6:30 PM!

Dr. Sonya Mann-McFarlane from our Higher Ed access partner PHEAA will present on Financial Aid and Important Updates for the 2025-26 FAFSA Form.

Information about the FAFSA can be found on the Federal Student Aid/FAFSA Website. The application launch date for this year is Dec 1.

Join us for the DASD Counseling Department’s Annual College Night!

Wednesday, November 20th, 6:30-8:30PM at Downingtown EAST.

RSVP Here!

2024-2025 STEM Academy HSA Board

President: Kerri Roberts

Co-Vice Presidents: Mary Gasser and Heather Steiger

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

The next HSA meeting will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 in the STEM Academy Knowledge Commons at 7:00 pm.

Post-Prom planning is underway. We need YOUR help!

Join us for the next Post-Prom planning meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at 7 PM in the Atrium at STEM! Parents of all grade levels are welcome.

Let’s make prom night unforgettable for our kids while keeping it safe and fun. Did you know after-prom events help cut down on risky behavior like accidents and substance use? Help us plan a night packed with games, prizes, and great memories! Best part? It’s FREE for the kids, but we can’t do it without you!

Can’t make it on November 6th but still want to be involved? We’d love to have you onboard! Please contact Kate Cloyd at kate.cloyd@gmail.com so that you can be added to our volunteer list.

If you’re interested in volunteering for any of these events, please be sure your volunteer clearances have been submitted to Kelly Stauffer in the front office. She can be reached at kstauffer@dasd.org.

For more details on these events and everything else we have going on, head to our website: STEMHSA.org.

Lastly, SAVE THE DATE — November 14, 6pm-9p, is the Downingtown STEM Academy Powderpuff Game. Come out and cheer your students on as the girls challenge each other in football and the boys provide the entertainment! Show your school spirit by wearing STEM gear. Don’t have any? Head on over to our Spirit Wear Store and shop with plenty of time for your items to be delivered to your doorstep by November 14th.

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.

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.

Wawa Shorti Coupons

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!

TWIN VALLEY COFFEE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER

Please CLICK HERE and order your favorite coffee, merchandise, beans, and cold brew cards! This fundraiser will support the students and music programs in all 3 High Schools: East, West, and the STEM Academy! Enter the student's name at checkout to show who you are supporting in the program. If you do not have a student name but would still like to purchase, simply enter DHS MPA. Thank you!

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.

The concession stands need YOU! It does not matter if you are East, West, or STEM or band, choir, or orchestra because when you volunteer, your time benefits every music program. This is one of our two biggest fundraisers to support all high school music programs. Adults and students may volunteer, and students can receive honor society credit.

Signup to Volunteer HERE!

Get Your Clearances Now!

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?

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

DHSE Mens Volleyball

Please save the date for the following events:

• November 18 and 19, 2024: Swim Team Tryouts. Tryouts will be held directly after school at the Lionville YMCA. 2023-2024 swimmers who achieved district consideration times do not need to tryout.

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.

• 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.

• 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