Good Evening Everyone!

Veteran's Day

I want to begin this update by acknowledging those in our community who have chosen to serve our country in one of the Armed Forces. Tomorrow, we recognize their service as we celebrate Veteran's Day. This year, we are also pleased to share with our community that we have almost completed our Downingtown West Military Recognition Wall. We have spent the past six months collecting over 150 names of students, following the East/West split in the 2003-2004 school year, who indicated that they intended to join the Armed Forces following graduation. Those names are now displayed for students, staff, and the community to view, and we will continue to add new names with each graduating class. The finishing touches will be complete by Thanksgiving and we invite any graduates or family members who would like to visit WEST, to stop by between 8am - 3pm on Wednesday, November 27th. Please know that while we are pleased to share this Military Recognition Wall with our community, we realize that despite our best efforts, there are undoubtedly names of graduates who were missed. We are committed to updating this wall each year and look forward to adding any omitted names later this year when we include the names of our 2025 graduates. If you know of a family member whose name has been omitted, please email Mrs. Sherry Tuerk at stuerk@dasd.org and we will work to get their names included. Thank you to our Veterans and thank you to our WEST community for helping us recognize these graduates for their service to our country!

Playoffs

Congratulations to our Girls Soccer team for defeating Garnet Valley on Saturday and advancing to the STATE Semifinal game! This Tuesday, WEST will take on CB East. The game will be played at Spring Ford High School at 7pm. Come out and support the team - Go WEST!!

WEST Football defeated OJR 41-7 on Friday and will face off against CB West this coming Friday night in the District Semifinals. The game will be played at home in Kottmeyer stadium at 7pm! Come out and cheer the team on as they play what could potentially be their last home game of the season! Go WEST!

Parent Teacher Conferences

As a reminder, parent teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 26th. We look forward to discussing your child's progress with you. Many parents have already scheduled appointments, however there are still a number of openings available for those who would like to meet. Please use the registration link below in the Whippet News section to schedule your conference.

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• Attention Class of 2026: Graduation Project Proposal and Mentor forms are due FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15th. Once both of these forms have been filled out, please drop them off in the main office so that Mr. Hassel can sign for approval, scan, and email back to you. 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.

• 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.

In the little town of Fayro, Texas, three sisters try to stage the local church Christmas pageant, and everything goes wrong... Come see this outrageous comedy and start the Christmas season early!

The online registration for Parent Teacher Conferences is now active. While we are looking forward to hosting conferences in person, we also know that some parents may prefer to schedule their conference via zoom. If you would like to participate via zoom, please use the following format when registering for an appointment: Student Name: “John Smith – Zoom”. The teacher will then email you a link for the Zoom conference. Conferences with your student’s teachers will be held by appointment only. It's a great time to meet privately with your child's teacher, ask specific questions regarding your child's progress, and discuss curriculum. The letter which provides the scheduler link and explains the process for reserving a time to meet with your child's teacher can be viewed by clicking the above link. You will also find the teachers' room assignments during the conferences linked here.

Please join me in congratulating Madeline Seda and Quinton Koonce, our PBIS winners for the monthly drawing for September! Both Madeline and Quinton received a $25 gift card for showing their being real DAWGS!

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!
  
• 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).

• Throwback Photos Needed! The West yearbook staff is asking for your help in collecting throwback photos of our seniors during their time in elementary and middle school. If you have snapshots featuring groups of our 2025 graduates, we’d love you to share them through our eShare feature HERE. Please refrain from sending along photos that include STEM, East, or non-West students. Photo sharing will close on 11/11/24. Thank you!

• 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!

This special event, hosted by the Downingtown Area School District in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, features Jeremy Johnson, Cultural Education Director of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. As a member of the Lenape, Absentee Shawnee, and Peoria tribes, Jeremy is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Lenape culture and language. With over 18 years of experience as an educator and coach, he brings invaluable insights into Indigenous cultures.

Register Here: Click Here

Don’t miss this chance to engage with history and culture—mark your calendars and join us! 🌍✨

Registration for the Chester County Turkey Trot, benefiting the Downingtown West Cross Country team and the Cure4Cam Foundation, is now open. Please scan the QR code below for more information!

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.

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

Monday, 11/11:

No visits

Tuesday, 11/12:
10:32 – Shippensburg University
1:11 – University of Scranton

Wednesday, 11/13:
1:11 – Franklin & Marshall

• 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

• 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

• 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/

• Volunteers are needed for Valotta Studios Fall Recital weekends!! Students will learn what it takes to host a performance, assist in taking performer attendance, take photos during each recital, as well as help with coordination of students & assist the head teacher. Interested students should reach out to Jen Smollinger at jen.valottastudios@gmail.com.

• Faraway Farms Country Corner in Glenmoore needs a part-time cashier 1-2 days a week from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and every other Saturday. Must be 16 years + to apply. Please contact Cara at fafcatering@gmail.com if you are interested.
  

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.

Downingtown Celebrates Indian Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month Belonging

This November, Downingtown Area School District is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Indian Heritage Month with a variety of enriching educational opportunities. Organized by parents, guardians, students, and community members, these events will shine a light on the unique histories, traditions, and contributions of both communities.

Through these celebrations, the district reaffirms its dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools, creating a more inclusive and culturally aware environment for all.

#ThisIsDEI #InclusionMatters

• November 11 - Veteran's Day

• November 14-16 - Stage West Performance

• November 19 - First Day of Winter Sports

• November 20 - College Night - DEast - 6:30 - 8:30 pm

• November 20 - An Evening with the Lenape Community - 6:00 pm via zoom

• November 21 - Powderpuff Game - 7:00 pm at Kottmeyer Stadium

• November 25 - 2 HR Early Dismissal / Professional Development

• November 26 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences

• November 27 - No School - Work Collaboration Day

• November 28-29 - School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

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 Game vs. Unionville @ 8:00 at Ice Line

Friday, November 15th

• District Playoff Game - Football vs. CB West @ 7pm in Kottmeyer Stadium
• Boys Ice Hockey Game vs. North Penn @ 7:50 at Ice Line

Tuesday, November 19th

• First Day of Winter Sports

• Boys/Girls Golf
• Field Hockey
• Girls Soccer

Please save the date for the following event:

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

The Class of 2026 invites you to participate in our

Cornhole Tournament!

When: During Lunch & Learn on Friday, 12/6

Where: In the small gym

Cost: $5.00 to participate - cash or Venmo (@dwstuco with your name and ‘Cornhole’)

2 members per team

See Ms. Tuohey in F103 to sign up or talk to one of our class officers during L&L in the Cafeteria and Atrium. Sign up by Wednesday, 11/20.

Winning pair gets gift cards to Wawa!

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

  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