Good Evening Everyone!

With the anticipated snow and tomorrow being used as a Flexible Instruction Day (FID), please take a moment to review the FID information on the district website and ensure that your children sign into their classes according to the FID schedule beginning at 9am. Please enjoy the snowy day at home!

Junior Meetings

Counselors have already begun scheduling Junior Planning Meetings. Each Junior and their parents are encouraged to reserve a time to meet with their counselor to discuss postsecondary goals and the college application process. Please see the Whippet News section entitled Upcoming Counseling Events for more information.

Course Selection

Course Selection is just around the corner. Mark your calendars and plan to stop by our Course Selection Night on January 28th at 6:30pm. If you are comfortable with the course selection process, this is still a great opportunity to discuss individual course options with faculty members from each department prior to making your selections.

Enjoy the snow and 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 FCS Department has many great courses to help students learn valuable life skills that will serve them during and after high school. We have something for everyone, home cooks, stressbakers, sewers/crafters, future teachers, and those who will be adulting later in life, which is everyone. Make time for a self-care course for next year and take an FCS class. See below for our courses.

Our department offers 10 business courses and 7 computer science courses. The newest additions have been our Temple College Business course and the Cybersecurity (Project Lead The Way) course.

Recently, our Accounting students were visited by FBI Agent, Ken Campbell, to hear about a local investigation that was solved with forensic accounting.

Our Business Management of Entertainment & Sport used their creativity to create Instagram posts related to their learning of the History of Sports. (see photos below.)

Students in the Computer Game Design and Data Structures are currently using Unity to learn how to develop a side-scrolling game. They currently have colorful platforms and player movement.

Students in the Cybersecurity course have learned many ways to exploit vulnerabilities in a Windows virtual machine using a Linux-based virtual machine. They have used SQL Injections, XSS Labs, and DDoS attacks. They have also learned ways to analyze and harden a system, working with Firewalls and Web Servers.

AP CSA students have finished the Iteration unit, learning while and for loops. One of the programs they created translates phrases into Pig Latin.

AP CS Principles students are finishing their Practice Create Project and will practice the written description portion of the exam next week.

• 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:
• 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.

Health classes will be starting the Human Growth and Development unit in approximately 2-3 weeks. Please review the district letter regarding this unit and the information on how parents or guardians can “opt out” and request an alternative unit in its place. Those opting out will need to complete the Human Growth and Development google form by February 3, 2025.

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.

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).

• SENIOR OBLIGATIONS: Do you have your Graduation Project hours completed? 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.

• Attention Parents: 2024-2025 Device Fees are now past due! 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!
• 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.

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.

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.

• 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

• Thinking about a GAP year?? Check out your options at the USA GAP Year Fair on Monday, January 6th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the William Penn Charter School. Virtual webinars are also offered monthly through March. For more information, visit www.usagapyearfairs.org.

• 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.

• 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.
  

• 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.

• 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).

• Girls Basketball vs. WC East HS @ 6:45 pm in Wagner Gym

Wednesday, January 8th

• Wrestling vs. WC East High School @ 7:00 pm in Wagner Gym

Thursday, January 9th

• Girls Basketball vs. Avon Grove HS @ 6:45 pm in Wagner Gym

Friday, January 10th

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

The Downingtown West boys lacrosse team is having a dine and donate night at Liones in Downingtown on January 15 from the hours of 4 to 8 PM.

10% of all food sales for dine in and takeout orders will go back to the team.

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

• Cookies and Cocoa for the teachers will be on Friday, January 31st. If you are interested in donating cocoa supplies or cookies please reach out to Michele Helveston at westhomeandschool@gmail.com.

• Bag Bingo is coming along. If you know of any local businesses that would like to donate towards the raffle baskets let us know. Here is the 2025 donation letter with our tax ID number.

• 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