Good Evening Everyone!

This will be the last update of 2024! As we head into our winter break, I find that I am becoming more nostalgic as the years go by. My family and I had the opportunity to stand on Lancaster Ave and watch as our Band, Rugby Team, Girls Soccer Team, and Football team all participated in the Christmas parade this year. I saw teachers supporting the Scouts, and former students serving as volunteers for the fire department. I saw friends driving military vehicles and neighbors in antique cars. For a little over an hour, friends and neighbors from all around came together and lined the streets to celebrate being a part of our Downingtown community - What a wonderful afternoon! We have an amazing community that I feel blessed to be a part of, and I am hopeful that all of you will be able to reflect on the many gifts we have been given this year as well as enjoy some time relaxing with friends and loved ones this holiday season. I consider it a blessing each year to be a part of this community, and I am thankful my family and I are able to share this season with all of you.

Food Drive

This is the final week of our annual Food Drive! Please send nonperishable goods and canned food items to school with your children this week, 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

Congratulations to all of our choir students on their wonderful performance this past Friday evening! The individual choirs were all impressive and closing the show with the entire choir and all the alumni in attendance singing Joy to the World sent everyone home on a high note! Well Done! Please take a moment to review the Upcoming Events section and come see our Band and Orchestra students who will also be performing this week before the break. These shows are always festive and help get everyone in the holiday spirit! See you there!

Course Selection

Course Selection is just around the corner. 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 with your students over the break so you can make informed decisions during the course selection process in January.

When we return in 2025 we will have only a few short weeks until we reach the midpoint of the school year. Use this time to recharge and come back refreshed and ready to go for the second half of the year! The next update will go out on January 5th.

Have a great week WEST and a wonderful break!

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 Technology Education Department is excited to announce new courses, enhanced facilities, and updated equipment to support student learning and innovation. This year, we’ve introduced Product Design, Engineering the Guitar, Foundations of Robotics, Film and Audio Production, and Broadcast Media Technology. These courses provide students with hands-on experience in design, modeling, technology, and media production. To support our courses, we renovated two new woodshop spaces and upgraded our equipment with industry-standard tools, including CNC machines, a water jet, and 3D printers. These advancements provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and real-world problem-solving experiences. We are committed to fostering creativity, hands on skills, and career readiness for all students. We look forward to showcasing student work at the Living Arts Show, highlighting the creativity and skills students have developed throughout the year.

• Club Photo Day is scheduled for Friday, December 20th, during periods 1-4. Photos will be taken in the atrium this year. The schedule is HERE. Club leaders: please notify your group of your scheduled time and instruct students to report to the first floor of the atrium by that time.

• 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.

1. 11th Grade Conferences – In January, February, and March, all 11th grade students will have individual meetings with their counselors to focus on their specific college and career plans, discuss remaining graduation requirements, and set goals for 12th grade. If you are new to the process or need a refresher, parents are encouraged to attend this meeting with their student. If you are an experienced parent who has been through this process multiple times, do not feel obligated to schedule a meeting as counselors will touch base with all students on their caseload. If interested in joining your child, you can schedule your meeting during select days between January 13th and January 31st by using the on-line scheduling system link here: Junior Conferences 2024-25: Bookings or by contacting Ms. Nawalany dnawalany@dasd.org or Ms. McBride cmcbride@dasd.org in the WEST Counseling Office. We suggest that you and your child discuss a time that minimizes the loss of class time, such as study hall or lunch. There will be limited evening hours offered on January 13th, 14th, 22nd, and 27th to better accommodate family schedules. Refer to your counselor’s specific schedule to see which nights they have available.
2. Junior Conference Survey – Prior to the 11th grade conference, please have your student complete this short survey re: their post-secondary plans – Junior Conference Survey 2024-25. We look forward to partnering with you as we guide your child in the process of selecting and applying to college, trade, and technical schools. The survey will also be posted as an assignment on Schoology on the Class of 2026 page.
3. Parent Brag Sheet – Part of the college and career process for the counselor involves writing letters of recommendation. If you would like to share information re: your student that you feel is important to include in their letter of recommendation, please complete our Parent Brag Sheet.
4. ACT/SAT Test Registration – Downingtown WEST is a host location for the both the ACT and SAT. ACT testing will be offered in February and April. SAT Testing will be offered in March and May. June testing is not offered at WEST for either exam. For more information on registration, please use the links below:
1. ACT – Registration link
2. SAT – Registration link
5. ACT/AP/SAT/PSAT testing accommodations - If your student has an IEP or 504 contract and they receive testing accommodations via their plan, please know that the testing organizations (ACT and CollegeBoard) do not grant the accommodations automatically. If you would like your student to receive their IEP or 504 contract accommodations on the ACT, AP, or SAT or next year’s PSAT exams, the school must apply for those accommodations no less than 7 weeks in advance of your test date. As we approach testing season (ACT in February/April/June, SAT in March/May/June, AP in May), please be mindful and make application as early as possible. The first step in requesting accommodations from the testing organizations is completion of the parent permission form – CollegeBoard Testing (SAT, AP, PSAT) and ACT Testing. Completed forms can be returned directly to the counseling office or emailed to mborkowski@dasd.org.
6. ASVAB Testing - The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a FREE aptitude/interest test that will be given at Downingtown West High School on Thursday, March 19, 2025, from 7:30-10:30 a.m., and is open to ALL 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The ASVAB is administered by representatives from the military, and is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. Historically known as the “Military Test”, only a fraction of students taking the ASVAB have immediate intentions of joining the military. It provides valuable assistance to students in choosing career fields that suit them. Test results will be shared with the students approximately 2-3 weeks after the exam, and a PA Guard Representative will interpret the results during a lunch period or study hall. Students will receive an access code to explore over 400 occupations and learn how their skills relate to the occupations that interest them. More information on the ASVAB can be found at http://www.asvabprogram.com.
   Please contact Mrs. Wick with any questions or to reserve a seat for the testing: cwick@dasd.org. To reserve a seat at the testing session, please complete this form - ASVAB WEST 2025 Reservation/Permission Form.

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

• We are having our traditional Holiday Spirit Week this week since it's the last week of school before Winter Break:

• Monday (12/16) – Holiday PJs
• Tuesday (12/17) – Eagles day (not Holiday-ish, but celebrating the team!)
• Wednesday (12/18)– “Ugly” Holiday Sweaters
• Thursday (12/19) – Winter Wonderland (blues, whites, etc.)
• Friday (12/20) – Anything But a Backpack

• 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!

A reminder that DASD will be closed for the Winter Break from Monday, December 23, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Schools will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

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/

• 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 16 - Band Concert - 7:00 pm - Auditorium

• December 18 - Winter Orchestra Concert - 7:00 pm - Auditorium
• 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).

Monday, December 16th

• Boys Ice Hockey vs. Henderson- 8:00 PM at Ice Line- Rink 1

Tuesday, December 17th

• Boys Basketball vs. Downingtown East @ 7:00 pm in Wagner Gym

Wednesday, December 18th

• Bocce vs. WC Rustin HS @ 3:00 pm in Wagner Gym

Thursday, December 19th

• Girls Basketball vs. Bishop Shanahan @ 7:00 pm in Wagner Gym

• Boys Ice Hockey vs. Garnet Valley- 7:00 PM at Ice Works- Rink 3

Friday, December 20th

• Boys Ice Hockey vs. WC East- 8:00 PM at Ice Line- Rink 1

Saturday, December 21st

• Boys Basketball vs. Mount Pleasant HS @ 1:15 pm in Wagner Gym

Friday, January 3rd, 2025

• Boys/Girls Swimming/Diving vs. Downingtown East @ 3:30 pm @ Lionville YMCA
• Boys Basketball vs. Coatesville HS @ 6:45 pm @ Wagner Gym

Purchase a West Coffee Cup and get a discount on coffee from Aramark! Just bring your mug to any Aramark food station at West and order a large coffee for the price of a small!

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.

  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