Good Evening Everyone!

As we approach the Holiday Season, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we are currently in the midst of our annual Food Drive. Each week we collect food that is turned in to classrooms around the building and store it in the library until we are able to fill a truck and deliver it to local food pantries and shelters. Please feel free to send nonperishable goods to school with your children or drop them off in the main office and we will make sure that they get delivered to those in our community who are in need. Thank you in advance for your generosity this Holiday Season!

Concerts

This Friday evening we will host the first of three winter concerts! Please take a moment to look at the Upcoming Events section and come see our Choir, Band, and Orchestra all perform before the break. These shows are always festive and help get everyone in the holiday spirit! See you there!

Course Selection

It is hard to believe, but Course Selection is just around the corner. Now is the time to begin having conversations with your children about the courses they will be signing up for next year. Every year, I encourage students to find balance between pushing themselves academically and selecting elective courses that they will enjoy throughout their day. Please begin discussing academic and post secondary goals now so you can make informed decisions during the course selection process in January.

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

Course Selection for the 2025-26 school year is just around the corner! On Wednesday, January 28th, we will have our annual Course Selection Night from 6:30-8:00 pm. We want to provide you with information about each of the departments so you can make informed decisions about which courses to select for next year. Each week the departments will be highlighted in this section leading up to Course Selection Night to provide insight to their various course offerings.

The Science Department has been busy implementing new curricula and new classes across the department! The new Forensics classes act as investigators, using scientific techniques to solve mysteries. They’ve been creating and analyzing mock crime scenes, studying fingerprints, hair, fibers, and soil, and connecting evidence to cases. Biology classes put science and engineering practices into action by building solar stills, creating water cycle bottles and developing solutions to local invasive species. Students in Biology and Ecology of Aquatic Systems (BEAS) did a first-of-its-kind fish survey! Over the course of three weeks, students set baited traps in Beaver Creek 2-3 times a week. They then took the fish back to the classroom and kept them in an aquarium while they photographed and identified them and took body measurements. Students wrote a field report summarizing their findings and loved having the opportunity to go outside and conduct actual field work that is done by aquatic scientists. Finally, Reaction Time (Safe Driving) presentations in Physics were a big hit with the students and they emphasized the dangers of driving while distracted. Students wrapped up the assignment by signing a pledge to drive undistracted.

• Club Photos for the 2025 West Yearbook are scheduled for Friday, December 20, during periods 1-4. A photography schedule will be available mid-December. Club advisers will notify students of their organization’s assigned time ahead of Friday morning.

• The Keystone Biology exam is scheduled for January 8th and 9th. In an effort to maximize the likelihood of a proficient Keystone Biology score, our DHSW Science Department will offer the following Keystone Biology Exam supports:

• Keystone Biology Review Sessions will be held in Room 184 after-school for one hour on the following dates & locations:
• Thursday, January 2nd
• Monday, January 6th
• Tuesday, January 7th
• Wednesday, January 8th
• All Winter-Biology test-takers may access our Schoology Keystone Biology course where students will be able to access Nearpods which are interactive mini lessons on each assessed unit for Keystone Biology review. The access code is DVSX-9F63-HKRG6.

• Applications to be a READY Day Leader are now open! READY Day will be Friday, May 23th. This is the link https://forms.gle/1acbZ12hwSNmhgeP8 to apply! This application is for students who would like to PLAN Ready Day. This is also the role for students interested in using Ready Day as a Graduation Project. Mentor Applications will be available in March!

• Military Recognition Wall: As the Military Recognition Wall is completed this year, please know that we view this as a work in progress. If there are any names that we have missed, please email Sherry Tuerk (stuerk@dasd.org) and we will get names updated with the Class of 2025 at the end of the year. Thank you!

• Attention Class of 2027: It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. 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.

• The D-West Computer Science Honor Society recently hosted an engaging workshop for students at Downingtown Middle School. Eighteen DMS students explored the exciting world of computer science by learning about basic circuits, encoding messages with ciphers, and using Python code to draw shapes. This event exemplified the Service and Equity values of the society’s mission, as D-West students shared their knowledge and passion for technology. Special thanks to Ms. Lipkin and Ms. Witmer from the DMS Counseling Department for assisting with student registrations, and to D-West students Mei Satler and Hsiao-Shan Graham for their outstanding work in creating clear and helpful instructions for the Python coding activities.

Class of 2026, SAT Prep Class

Downingtown West High School will be offering courses to assist students with preparation for the upcoming SAT. College-bound juniors typically take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and repeat the exam in the fall of their senior year if necessary.

SAT Prep Class Information: All classes will be offered in person or on zoom for six weeks with dates and times listed below. The registration fee is $60.00 per course and $120 for two courses. An online SAT practice book is included in the price of the course. It is not possible to attend both a Math and a Verbal class during the same time slot on a single day; choose one Math class and one Verbal class per time slot. Please use the following SAT Prep Registration Form to sign up for SAT Prep Classes. You will be notified via email when your registration fee is available to pay on payschoolscentral.com. All Registration fees must be paid on payschoolscentral.com before the first class session to receive the required textbook.

Class size is limited, so EARLY registration is recommended. Please submit the registration form by December 18, 2024. Questions regarding the course can be directed to Mrs. Kennedy at mkennedy@dasd.org at 610-269-4400 ext. 42003.

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!
• Class of 2026 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)

• Online Ordering steps:

• Go to: Herff Jones SHOP Grad Products Website.

• Or visit Highschool.herffjones.com
• Type in DOWNINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WEST in the box to find your school.
• Click SHOP GRAD PRODUCTS and the cap and gown packages will appear. (For the cap, gown and tassel only, click GRAD GEAR & APPAREL)
• The price for the Cap and Gown Basic Package (B) Includes Cap, Gown, and Tassel is $20.55 (includes sales tax).

• Our parents from the Home and School Association are already beginning to plan the Post Prom Party at the end of the year and are looking for your feedback. Please take a moment to respond to this quick survey so they can use your feedback to make this event a success! https://forms.gle/ioHf41AcxRCZywo49

• 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 to put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, or stop by during Lunch and Learn (you’ll just need a Writing Center appointment pass or a Library pass). 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.

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

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

• The Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year is now past due. Please take the time to complete this information if you haven't already. This is a yearly requirement and without it, our Nurses are unable to administer any over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. This information 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 DASD Authorization for Medication Administration order from their healthcare provider and a parent/guardian. The medication must be stored in the Health office. Please reach out to dwnurse@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• 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!

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a seminar, “Think Before You Post”, for students and parents on how their digital decisions can impact college admissions, employment opportunities, and personal relationships. Speakers from their office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Emergency Services, and the FBI will be participating. The date is Friday, December 13th, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Chester County Justice Center, Courtroom #1. Please use the registration link below if you are interested in attending:
https://forms.gle/WQ2WkCqjm7HTRZr9A

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.

For those who missed the Counseling Departments' College & Beyond event, here are the links to the workshops that were presented:

College Apps 101--Find Your Fit

The College Essay

Financial Aid

• Need a grad project?? The Lionville YMCA is looking for volunteers!
• Youth Sports--Basketball & Soccer Coaches and Assistant Coaches, Scorekeepers, Referee, Snack bar Helpers
• Early Childhood Development--Afternoon and Weekend Childwatch/Babysitting, Birthday Parties, Community & Family Events
• Wellness – Attendants, Strength & Cardio Equipment Upkeep, Member Onboarding, Community Pantry

• Attention students in ALL grade levels!!! The Greater Philadelphia Youth Conference will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Upper Merion Middle School. This is an amazing opportunity for high school students to build their resumes, connect with industry leaders and college mentors in a variety of careers, participate in panel discussions, learn about internships and more! The cost to attend is $10, but the first 100 signups will be sponsored at no charge–use the code FIRST100 in the payment section to claim this offer. Dinner is included, plus a Bollywood DJ, a band, and stand-up comedy! Check out the website for more information and to register: http://gpyc.us/

• ***The Lockheed Martin Summer Internship application will end on January 5, 2025. An information session will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, 5:30 p.m. Once a registration is submitted, their team will follow up prior to the information session with the virtual link to attend.

  Students must be 16 at the start of the internship and capable of demonstrating knowledge and passion for a STEM career. Current seniors are not eligible.
  Registration link: https://app.smartsheetgov.com/b/form/a98e8da349df4d98b902cbcfec4e315d

• JUNIORS….The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) is a rigorous, highly selective, summer enrichment opportunity focused on science with instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and more. The application is now open to current JUNIORS, and the deadline to apply is January 31, 2025. The program is free to students, and students live on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. For more details on the program, visit https://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org/. Application link: https://pgss-applications.pa-gov-schools.org/users/sign_up

• Grad Project Opportunity! The Repair Café is looking for volunteers to assist with their Repair Café events! They repair items for FREE! Items include dolls and stuffed animals, computers and electronics, jewelry, wood items, clothing and textiles and bikes! Volunteers can assist with social media, website maintenance and advertising campaigns, and use technical skills to actually help with repairs. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact repaircafe165@gmail.com.

• Exton Senior Living needs part-time help with their dining services! Help with setting tables, folding napkins, filling water glasses, providing and refilling condiments, food prep as needed, serve meals to residents in a courteous and professional manner, and remove dishes from tables to kitchen. They hire at 14, offer a flexible schedule, and pay $13/hour! Contact Marti Drozel at mdrozel@integracare.com or visit https://jobs.integracare.com/positions/

• Earthwise Pet in Lionville needs retail associates and retail assistants! They are very flexible with busy schedules, offer employee discounts and free pet food! See the flyer below for more details, and contact Janette at janette.exton@earthwisepet.com to request an application.

• The application is now open for the St. Jude Leadership Society volunteers. The St. Jude Leadership Society is a group of high-achieving students passionate about leadership, service, and community. Members will participate in monthly leadership development sessions starting in January, inspired by St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. These sessions will cover traits like good citizenship, gratitude, grit, integrity, empathy, and courage. This program also offers a chance to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children. Applications will be accepted through January 10, 2025, with interviews starting mid-December. Contact Courtney Cooke at Courtney.cooke@alsac.stjude.org with any questions.

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Winter Carnival Quebec City Trip – February 13-16, 2025.
• Environmental Sciences goes to Costa Rica - April 12 - April 20, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Saddler or Ms. DiSantis.

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

• December 10 - Everybody Belongs Night - 6:45 pm - Wagner Gym

• December 13 - Choir Concert - 7:00 pm - Auditorium

• December 14 - Downingtown Christmas Parade - 3:00 pm
• December 16 - Band Concert - 7:00 pm - Auditorium
• December 18 - Winter Orchestra Concert - 7:00 pm - Auditorium
• December 19 & 20 - Theatre Arts presents "A Christmas Carol"
• December 23 - January 1 - Closed for Winter Recess
• January 2, 2025 - School reopens
• January 8 & 9 - Winter Wave Biology Keystone Exams
• January 16 - String Showcase - 7:00 pm -Auditorium
• January 20 - School Closed for Martin Luther King Day
• January 21 - End of 2nd Marking Period
• January 28 - Course Selection Night - 6:30 - 8:00 pm

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).

• Boys Ice Hockey vs. Kennett @ 7:40 at Patriot Ice - NHL Rink

Tuesday, December 10th

• Boys/Girls Winter Track vs. Winter Freeze Invite @ DWHS Track @ 3:00 pm
• Boys/Girls Swimming and Diving vs. Kennett HS @ 3:30 pm @ Lionville YMCA
• Girls Basketball vs. Pennwood HS @ 6:45 PM @ Wagner Gym

Thursday, December 12th

• Boys Basketball vs. Henderson HS @ 6:45 pm @ Wagner Gym

Saturday, December 14th

• Girls Basketball vs. Radnor HS @ 11:15 am in Wagner Gym

The DWHS Best Buddies Club is thrilled to invite you to join us for DWHS Best Buddies inaugural "Everybody Belongs," basketball game in partnership with the DWHS Girls Varsity Basketball team!

The event will take place on December 10th when the basketball team will be taking on Penn Wood High School! This night promises to be filled with basketball, fun, and, most importantly, inclusion and friendship.

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• Home and School will only be meeting four times this year, so mark your calendars with these dates.

  
  

  December 11th - we will be discussing our biggest fundraiser Designer Bag Bingo.

  February 19th

  April 16th

• 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

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @DWest Post Prom for pictures and updates for the Post Prom Party for the Class of 2025! Contact us at DTownWestPostProm@gmail.com with any questions.

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.

School Profile 2024-2025

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