January 15th: Winter Band Concert 7:00 pm

January 17th: Music Of The Night 7:00 pm

January 20th: Martin Luther King Day School and Offices Closed

January 21st: Course Selection Night 6:30-8:00 pm

January 31st: Mr. East 7:00 pm

Your student may be starting to talk about what classes they would like to take next year. Next week, teachers will be speaking to their students about what courses they recommend for next year, and students are strongly encouraged to select the course for which their teachers feel they are best prepared. Teachers consider factors like the student’s level of success in their current class, as well as their degree of engagement, work ethic, and amount of self-efficacy. Encourage your child to talk with their teachers about what their desired selection would be based on their academic goals or potential college major/career path. Additionally, parents are invited to attend our January 21st Course Selection night, where they can speak with teachers and counselors about the course selection process and the classes their child wants to take.

All info for Course Selection will be posted next week to the Downingtown East High School Home page as well as in a Course Selection Schoology course, including step-by-step directions, a link to the program of study, the list of classes from which students can choose, a template to help visualize how classes may fit, and the Course Selection presentation that will be posted after Course Selection Night.

Counselors will be holding Lunch and Learn Question and Answer sessions over the next few weeks to assist students, however individual advisement meetings will not be possible due to the volume of students scheduling at once. To ensure that all students have the classes they need, once their initial requests are in Infinite Campus, Counselors will be meeting with each 9th, 10th, and 11th, grader throughout the second week of February to individually review each student’s selection and make sure they have scheduled correctly. Counselors will still have the ability to input course requests and make sure your student has properly selected the courses they need/want. Understandably, many high schoolers want to know what courses to take to show they are college ready. Here is some advice to guide you as you help them with their decisions:

A Holistic Approach to Admissions- The appearance or absence of any one particular class on a transcript is not enough to determine acceptance to a school of choice. Colleges will be more interested to see that students have done well in a variety demanding classes, so make sure your student isn’t getting in over their head with too many high leveled courses.

Trajectories & Trends- Colleges are primarily concerned with what kind of student the applicant is projected to be on their campus. It is important that they see your student functioning at the highest level of class work appropriate to their academic strengths. Parents of juniors: this includes the senior year. Senior year is not the time to take a light course load.

Balance- Managing both academics, emotional well-being, and social endeavors lets students get the most from their high school years. Taking a high-leveled course like an AP class can help to prove a student is capable of an intro-level college course, but the intent is not to “collect them all.” Colleges don’t necessarily favor applicants with the most AP courses, especially if the student didn’t do particularly well.

January 14th : High School Counselors visit LMS 8th grade students

January 17th : Dr. Podell presenting dual enrollment information in the Auditorium during Learn 1 and Learn 2

January 13th thru January 24th : Teachers present course information to students

January 13th thru January 24th : Teacher Recommendations for Course Selection

January 21st: Course selection meeting for 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th grade students & parents: 6:30-8 p.m.

Week of January 27th: Directions will be posted on 2025-2026 Course Selection Schoology Page

January 29th thru February 7th: Students complete on-line course selection

February 10th thru February 19th: Counselors will meet with students to finalize course selection

February 19th: Final date for students to make request changes through their counselors

May 29th: Student verification will be available to students via portal

*More Information can be found on our website under latest news

Downingtown High School East Campus will again be offering courses to assist students with preparation for the upcoming Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). College-bound juniors typically take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and may repeat the exam in the fall of their senior year, if necessary.

• Please see the 2024-2025 SAT Prep class letter below for more information.

If you are 14 and will turn 15 during the season, you may apply! Interviews begin soon, so see the flyer and application attached for more information, or email james.pelicans@gmail.com.

• Application: https://pelicanssnoballs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_Employee-Application.pdf
• Generous Starting Wage (Average $12-$14/hr)
• Flexible hours and Time off requests
• No Experience needed
• Fun atmosphere

The Horatio Alger Scholarship has been posted on Naviance with a deadline of March 1, 2025. This scholarship criteria includes financial need, and students must exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree. Students may start at a two-year institution and then transfer. For more information visit: www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

Financing Your Future – Alvernia University’s Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) will host this event on Sunday, February 1, 2025, to assist families and students with FAFSA completion and/or financial aid options. Appointments are available in person and virtually. Contact Info: Email - sfs@alvernia.edu | Phone- 610-796-8201 to schedule an appointment!

2025 Be an Actuary Day event at Temple University, co-sponsored by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society, will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This event is designed for junior and senior high school students interested in using math and statistics in a business environment to learn more about actuarial professions. There is tremendous current demand for actuaries! The day will include mini case studies led by industry professionals, opportunities to chat with actuaries and Temple students, and a fun math game with prizes at the end. Breakfast pastries and boxed lunches will be provided. An optional campus tour will also be available.

Students are invited to attend individually, but must have a chaperone, and must RSVP by Friday, February 7th, 2025. RSVP form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdv2oeA5dKArfRKMHpE8gYZCMyOgLge3GKJ2OzL42On_fjFnQ/viewform?scrlybrkr=e17255c5

Expert Advice from NYU’s Financial Aid Leader”, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 8 p.m.

Scott Wallace-Juedes, the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid at NYU (and former Director of Financial Aid at Yale), will share actionable insights on navigating financial aid for college. Families will learn about the latest FAFSA and CSS profile updates, scholarships, grants, and strategies to make college affordable. Register at this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/webinars/foundations-of-financial-aid-with-guest-speaker-scott-wallace-juedes-of-yale-university/

This Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. This virtual workshop features guest speaker Julie Miller, a passionate advocate for financial independence. She has an inspirational story and will inspire you to take control of your financial future! Learn how to build a budget that works, how to avoid common money mistakes, and strategies to stick to your goals to achieve your financial dreams. To sign up, please visit: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/dJnnVA?scrlybrkr=e17255c5&vid=1h2wtf

Inspirit AI is a 25-hour pre-college program that introduces students in grades 6 to 12 to fundamental artificial intelligence tools to create impactful projects across different domains. Students join a small-group capstone course taught by Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League grad students and will learn about fundamental AI concepts and tools and complete a mentor-led socially impactful AI project in a domain of interest such as healthcare, finance, psychology, or art, among others. Applications for Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 AI Scholars Live Online are being accepted and the deadline is January 15th, 2025. For any questions, please contact jaredgreene@inspiritai.com. Visit the site for more information: https://www.inspiritai.com/

Be a positive mentor to elementary students! Volunteers are needed for the Bradford Heights BRIDGE Program (Building Relationships in Downingtown to Grow Education) to assist with tutor time, buddy reading, board games, and fun activities. The program runs on Thursdays, starting January 16-May 22, 2025, from 4-4:45 p.m., and students do not have to commit to all dates. If you can assist, please complete this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrQt21GgDj6dk0ZGQ64Q3ikokxOy63wLo6O6tcXi6v6Pi2JQ/viewform

High school students are invited to two opportunities to explore healthcare at West Chester University. The WINTER Science Experience will offer a look into nursing, nutrition and the health sciences with faculty on Thursday, January 16th, from 4:30-8 P.M. at the Sciences and Engineering Center and the Commons – see the flyer for the QR code. A SUMMER Health Career Academy will run July 29-August 8, Monday-Friday from 9:30- 3 p.m. for any interested high school students. Apply using this link: https://www.wcupa.edu/healthSciences/hcsa.aspx

• This is your opportunity to shape future library programs, explore exciting volunteer roles, and even create new clubs that match your interests. Whether you want to help run fun events or come up with fresh ideas, your input will make a real impact.

• For more info or to get involved, contact Ms. Sam at sheckleroconnor@ccls.org. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference and connect with other passionate teens!

• The Teen Advisory Board allows students to gain leadership experience, develop organizational skills, and build connections with peers who share their passions. I believe it would be an excellent fit for many of our students who are eager to contribute and grow. Thank you so much for your time and please let me know if you need any additional information.

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.

• We are meeting from 6:30-8pm on the following dates, location TBD: 1/14, 1/22, 1/29 (you are welcome for some or all of the meeting).

• We are also planning a work day 1/26 10am-2pm. Hope you can join us. All grades welcome!!
• Any questions, please email Lauren Crocker laurencrocker46@gmail.com

• If you have a certain skill set that may be helpful we would love to have your input and assistance!
• Please sign up if you are interested in helping with future planning of this event!
• Scan the QR code in the flyer or visit this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfggXm_KeC3VOguisrr6Oe2Kq4G4vLX3w0GwAfHK0FSQ-E6hA/viewform?scrlybrkr=673c5e57

• The yearbook order final count is due to the publisher at the end of this month. Order your book now to ensure a copy. A few copies will be ordered for in-person sales in late May.

• Please visit https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/ to purchase a yearbook.
• Yearbook purchase center Access code: 4846

• 1/11: Wrestling ChiChester Duals 8:00 am
• 1/11: Girls Basketball vs. OJR 12:15 PM
• 1/11: Boys Basketball at Kennett 1:15 PM
• 1/14: Boys Basketball vs. WCE 6:45 pm
• 1/14: Girls Basketball at WCE 6:45 pm
• 1/15: Track at Henderson 2:45 pm
• 1/15: Wrestling at Henderson 7:00 pm
• 1/15: Swimming at Henderson 7:30 pm
• 1/16: Bocce vs. Collegium 3:00 pm
• 1/16: Boys Basketball at Avon Grove 6:45 pm
• 1/16: Girls Basketball vs. Avon Grove 6:45 pm
• 1/17: Wrestling at Heebner Invitational 4:30 pm
• 1/18: Boys Basketball vs. Oxford 12:15 pm
• 1/18: Girls Basketball vs. Radnor 3:30 pm
• 1/18: Indoor Track at Kristian Marche Invitational 2:00 pm

The Downingtown East Ice Hockey Team would like to invite you to watch their games!

Come out and show your support to our team!

Schedule:

• Friday 1/24: DE vs. WCE 9:45 PM Ice Line Rink 1
• Friday 1/31: DE vs. Avon Grove 6:15 pm Ice Line Rink 1
• Monday 2/3: DE vs. Kennett 8:00 pm Ice Line Rink 1

** This is a 21+ Event **

When: Saturday February 1st from 6-10pm

Where: St. Anthony's Lodge 259 Church Street Downingtown PA 19335

• Tickets are $50 which includes 3 raffle tickets. Advanced tickets must be purchased by Sunday January 19th.
• To purchase please use this link: https://dhsmpa.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/192947446 or scan the QR code in the flyer below.
• Buffet
• Silent Auction

• Live Band!
• 50/50 and other Raffles!

When: January 21st and February 14th from 4-8pm

Bring a copy or a picture of the flyer with you!

50/50 Raffle!

• Raffle tickets are $5 each
• Cash or Venmo accepted. If using Venmo please send payment to @DEHSBoysBBall and put 50/50 raffle in the subject line.
• Drawing will be held January 31st!
• The winner will be contacted via phone/ or email and announced on the Boys Basketball social media pages. Facebook: @Dowingtown East Boys Basketball and Instagram: @deast_hoops

Come out and cheer on the DE Girls basketball team tomorrow against OJR!

When: January 11th at 12:15 PM

Where: Downingtown East High School

Admission is FREE!

When: January 17th

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Downingtown East High School

• $5 a ticket sold at the door
• $1.00 per vote
• There will also be a basket raffle

Ms. Kristina Cole: 9th - 11th Grade Students: A to Col

12th Grade Students: A-Cov; krcole@dasd.org- Ext. 41041

Ms. Stephanie Chupela: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Con- Gan

12th Grade Students: Cox-Gl; schupela@dasd.org- Ext.41040

Ms. Katherine Dill: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Gar- Ke

12th Grade Students: Go- Ke; kdill@dasd.org- Ext. 41042

Ms. Angela Hanna: 9th - 11th Grade Students: Ki- McD

12th Grade Students: Ki- Mar; ahanna@dasd.org- Ext.41043

Mr. Michael Matta: 9th - 11th Grade Students: McE- Ras

12th Grade Students: Mas-Pl; mmatta@dasd.org- Ext. 41045

Ms. Caroline (Gregory) Hallam : 9th - 11th Grade Students: Rat- Sta

12th Grade Students: Po-So; cgregory@dasd.org- Ext. 41046

Mr. William Davis: 9th: 11th Grade Students: Ste- Z

12th Grade Students: Sp-Z; wdavis@dasd.org- Ext. 41044

Beth O’Rourke – borourke@dasd.org – Ext. 11460

Renee Welsh – rwelsh@dasd.org – Ext. 11459

Jennifer Bender – jbender@dasd.org – Ext. 11461

Anthony Nordone – anordone@dasd.org – Ext. 41311

Athletic Director: Corey Sigle – csigle@dasd.org

Associate Athletic Director: Michael Semar- msemar@dasd.org

Assistant Athletic Director: Renee Harty – rharty@dasd.org

Paul E. Hurley III, Principal – phurley@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: Lakesha Costello: 9th grade and 10th grade: A thru Ha – lcostello@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: Eric McComsey: 11th grade and 10th grade: P thru Z – emccomsey@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: (Frances) Jill Whalen: 12th grade and 10th grade: He thru O– fwhalen@dasd.org