Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

Ms. Kelly Stauffer, Admin. Asst. to the Head of School

Thank you to all of the families that were able to attend Back to School Night last evening, Thursday September 12. We appreciate the support you provide your students and our staff. We look forward to working with each of you throughout the course of your students' educational experience here at the STEM Academy. Please make sure to stay in touch with your students' teachers and counselors throughout the course of the school year. We are here to help!

Many events, including college visits for the senior class during the school day, have been added to our STEM Academy website calendar and will be updated throughout the school year. Below are some additional important dates to remember during the month of September.

• Senior Panoramic Photo: Monday, September 16 during advisory. All orders for the group photo must be placed before 9/16. The cost of the photo is $20 and can be placed through www.mylifetouch.com, using code LW294003T0. Please contact Ms. Bradley or Ms. Snyder for any additional details or order forms if you prefer to not order online.
• Home and School Meeting: Monday, September 16 at 7:00 pm in the STEM Academy Atrium. All are welcome to attend.

Traffic: Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website. Please allow enough time for traveling to school in the morning.

The 24-25 Parking Permit application opened for the Senior Class on Monday, August 5, and for the Junior Class on Monday, August 12. Please be reminded that students should use their DASD student email address to apply, as the permit is issued to the student driving the car on campus. Information regading parking permits can be found on our website in the Backpack. Additional parking permits are available this school year as construction on campus is winding down.

Volunteers: We would like to welcome volunteers throughout the school year. Please take a moment to review the Volunteer Requirements. The Annual DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form should be completed and returned each school year. All volunteer clearances and forms can be emailed to Kstauffer@dasd.org.

Congratulations to the following STEM Academy Class of 2025 students that were recognized as semi-finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Competition:

Praneil Balike, Anushka Chakraborty, Neha Chigurupati, Syreeta Das, Nicholas John, Anvita Kallam, Prajith Kattamuri, Samarth Kolanupaka, Ronika Medagam, Pranav Menon, Dhriti Parulekar, Ranvir Patankar, Sahil Reddy, Pranav Subramaniyan, Akshaya Venkatesh, Melody Xu

Attention All 8th Grade Families:

Are you thinking about applying to the DASD STEM Academy program for the Class of 2029?

Please join us Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm for our Virtual STEM Academy Student/Parent Information Night.

Any questions can be added to our the Class of 2029 Information Night Questions Padlet.

The 2024-2025 Application for the Class of 2029 will open Wednesday, September 25, 2024 after this presentation ends, and will close October 20, 2024 at 9:00 pm.

Application Requirements and Criteria for Admission can be found here.

Additional questions should be directed to stinfo@dasd.org

Immunizations: Please review your child's immunization information via Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Accessed via MORE > HEALTH > IMMUNIZATIONS.

If your child has non-compliant immunizations, please provide updated immunization documentation or an updated immunization exemption to the school nurse at JMIKULICH@DASD.ORG.

Completing Online registration: Reminder to complete the Existing Student Online Registration before the end of September. This registration provides updated health information, permission for over-the-counter medication administration, as well as district consents and emergency numbers. Ensuring that we have accurate demographic, health and contact information for your child directly impacts our ability to best serve our students. Additionally, it is an essential piece to ensuring student safety.

· Here is the link for you to login to the Infinite Campus parent portal.

· Here is the link to the directions, if you need them.

· Need assistance? Contact us here.

Please be reminded that all families should take a moment to complete the student contact information confirmation process for your child. This process asks families to check and update student and parent information. It also serves as a way to communicate important policies to our families.

Ensuring that we have accurate demographic, health and contact information for your child directly impacts our ability to best serve our students. Additionally, it is an essential piece to ensuring student safety.

**Please complete the “2024-2025 School Year” for Existing Student Registration as circled in the image above ; detailed instructions are also listed below.

This process takes place in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (www.dasd.org/parentportal) and should be completed on either a computer or tablet as it does not function best on the app.

We are asking families to complete this process by Friday, September 20th for the 2024/2025 school year. All families that have a student attending a DASD school or the Downingtown Cyber Academy must complete this process. Changes you make may not be visible right away in the parent portal as we work to process the information.

Families New to DASD: The confirmation process will be very similar to the new student registration application you completed to enroll your child. We ask that complete the confirmation process through the Parent Portal so that we have the most update to date information for your child.

If there are any questions regarding this process, please contact Ms. Rockowitz in the STEM Counseling office.

• Technology related questions – Enter a ticket at https://servicedesk.dasd.org/support/home

Senior Panoramic Photo: Monday, September 16: Details from Lifetouch will be coming soon.

STEM Academy Class of 2025 Diploma Name Verification : This form must be completed by the graduating senior, using the student DASD email address and should be completed no later than October 14.

Class of 2025 IB Fees Letter with Payment Schedule

2024-2025 IB Exam Schedule: Mark your calendars!

STEM Academy Class of 2025 Senior Class Parking Permit : As a reminder, this application must be completed by the student, using their DASD student email address. For future reference, all of this information can also be located on our website, under the Backpack.

Senior Early Dismissal/Late Arrival Form (Senior Privileges) 24-25: This form is for Early Dismissal/Late Arrival permission for Senior Class students.

Act 10 Military Letter: Please review this letter and return to Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz in the STEM Counseling office by October 10, 2024 if you wish to be excluded as noted in the letter.

All of this information for the Class of 2025 can be found on our website throughout the year: STEM Academy Class of 2025 Important Reminders.

Mr. Michael Sheehan, Dean of Currciulum and Instruction

Ms. Meghan Schell, Administrative Assistant

2024-2025 Program of Study

STEM Academy Class of 2025 IB Fees Letter: IB Fee Payment #3 is due on September 15th!

2024-2025 IB Testing Schedule: Mark your calendars!

Ms. Alyssa Sherlock, CAS/EE Supervisor

Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight:

Shaili Kyada and Abigail Reynolds plan to organize a 5k to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Disease. They want to hold this 5k at East Brandywine Township Community Park at their trail. This would be a free event for participants, and we would ask for donations from places like Wegmans and Crops for food and drinks. Participants can wear purple, as that is the color for Crohn’s and Colitis Disease awareness.

Class of 2025 [Seniors]:

Many students updated their CAS progress in ManageBac over the summer. Now is a good time to post reflections and upload evidence from all you have done, making sure to address all seven learning outcomes.

If you have not yet submitted your proposal for a CAS or Graduation Project, please email it to Mrs. Sherlock TODAY!

Class of 2026 [Juniors]:

Students were introduced to CAS during Advisory on September 10th, and entered a CAS Plan into ManageBac. They are encouraged to read through the handbook available on Schoology for more information, and can start entering Aims and Goals into ManageBac.

Class of 2025 [Seniors]:

EE Outlines with Bibliography are due to be submitted to both ManageBac and TurnItIn by TODAY!

Students should now reach out to their EE Advisor to schedule a meeting to review their Outline and research, and make sure their EE is on track.

We will be meeting with the Seniors to check in regarding CAS, EE, and Graduation Projects on September 16 during Advisory.

Dr. Troy Podell

Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

On Thursday, September 12, 2024 STEM Class of 2028 Freshmen had the pleasure of experiencing their first MEA Softskills training session: Overcoming Obstacles. The big takeaway from the session is that we all have within us the power to shift our outlook. If we raise our level of happiness through intentional practices, we’re better able to meet challenges and best adversity. Please feel free to check in with students about Achor’s 5 Habits to increase happiness listed below:

1. 3 Acts of Gratitude: Every day for 21 days, find 3 new things for which you’re grateful.
2. Doubling Up: For 21 days, for two minutes a day, think of one positive experience that’s occurred during the past 24 hours. Bullet point each detail you can remember.
3. Regular Exercise
4. Meditation
5. Conscious or Random Acts of Kindness

The schedule below outlines additional MEA Softskills trainings that will take place during the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you HSA for the funding provided for these events.

Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Home and School sponsored the first event of the year on Friday, September 13, 2024, our 9/10 Ice Cream Social. Thank you parents for taking the time out of your day to help make this event a success and a huge thank you to Handel's for working with our Home and School to provide this delicious ice cream to our students.

Coming up next week:

• September 16: Class Officer Elections
• September 20: Club Fair

So many interested students!

Any questions? Please contact Ms. Janette Romano or Ms. Megan Dunn, Yearbook Advisors

STEM Players Troupe Auditions taking place after school September 9 and 10. Email Mr. Namerow with questions.

Rehearsal Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sua8s9DO-uwBab-tbAUJLOpDC4G6FlTANFw8TjFiIcg/edit?usp=drive_link

Any questions? Email Grace Janczak or Mr. Namerow with any questions.

Not interested in acting, but want to help behind the scenes? Join Stage Crew!

Email Grace Janczak or Mr. Namerow with any questions.

French students! Live your best French life! This is more than just a tour… it’s the STEM French Exchange.

Informational meeting on Zoom, Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm

https://dasd-org.zoom.us/j/96844109354

Enrollment closes September 30, 2024

Contact Mme. Ann Bosch with any questions!

Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz, Counseling Secretary/Registrar

• To schedule an appt. to visit your school counselor, please complete the following form: Counseling Appointment Request Form
• Additional Resources from the STEM Counseling Department

Ms. Jennifer Stull, Prevention Specialist

Guide to Districtwide Mental Health Resources

College visits for the senior class during the school day, have been added to our STEM Academy website calendar and will be updated throughout the school year.

If you are in need of a work permit, please find the application located in the STEM Back Pack at the bottom of the page under Work Permits. Permits can be obtained in the counseling office. Please be sure to review and provide the necessary documentation listed on the website.

Additional Resources

College App Workshop presentation

Common Date Set Overview

US Dept. of Education College Scorecard

The Common App is now open! For those looking to get a jump start on their applications, below are some FAQs regarding school info that you will need to input.

So much more to come when we are back to school later this month!! Please contact Ms. Glowik or Ms. Hewitt with any questions.

October 14th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM United Sports Center

*A special one-hour pre-event program designed for learners with disabilities and their families. Get answers about post-high school options and meet representatives from local colleges and trade schools offering specialized programs and support.

October 14th 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

In partnership with Reading Aero Club, the Reading Regional Airport Authority is hosting their annual Aviation Career Expo on October 19th, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be a great opportunity for students who are already pursuing a career in aviation, as well as those who are simply exploring potential career paths.

Students will have the chance to meet industry professionals, learn about various roles within the aviation sector, and explore hands-on exhibits related to aviation technology, engineering, and operations.

Admission to the event is free, but we would like to encourage students to register for a chance to win free stuff! The link to our website is aviationcareerexpo.org and the link to register is here.

2024-2025 STEM Academy HSA Board

President: Kerri Roberts

Co-Vice Presidents: Mary Gasser and Heather Steiger

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

Welcome back! The HSA Board is excited to see you all at our first Home & School meeting on September 16th at 7:00pm in the Atrium. This will be our first meeting of the year and we will be updating you on all of the exciting things we have planned for 2024-2025.

Stay up to date on all HSA activities by following our Facebook and Instagram pages.

The DHS-MPA is made up of parents and guardians of students involved in any of the Downingtown High School music programs, including Marching Bands, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and ensembles, String Orchestra and ensembles, Vocal Choirs and ensembles, Indoor Drumline, and Color Guard. Our mission is to provide program support to maintain the existence and the integrity of the music programs at all of the Downingtown High Schools, including the Downingtown East Campus, the Downingtown West Campus and the STEM Academy.

The MPA is hosting a USBands Competition and it requires joint effort from all music program students and adults. Funds raised by hosting a USBands show impact all of the DHS Music Programs. So, come on out and join music students and parents for a fun day at Kottmeyer Stadium. Volunteering for a shift gives you free admission to the show and NHS credits!

We need a variety of volunteers including concessions, ticket sales, candygram sales, parking lot attendants, 50/50 and crowd control. Please visit our USBands Volunteer Signup to volunteer your time. It is GREATLY appreciated!

Wawa Shorti Coupons

Coupons are available for $5 each and never expire. A portion of each sale is donated to the MPA to impact EVERY DHS music program!

· Reach out to Tina Ayala or email DHSMPA.waysmeans@outlook.com to get your coupons today!

The MPA is seeking local business sponsorships to help support our efforts for the 2024-2025 season. As a thank you for sponsoring and supporting our music programs, we have put together a Sponsorship Benefit Program to promote your business and services to not only our band community, but to our entire school district!

Go to MPA SPONSORS to see what it's all about. Sponsoring is easy, simply go to BECOME A SPONSOR and check out all of the sponsorship benefits.

The concession stands need YOU! It does not matter if you are East, West, or STEM or band, choir, or orchestra because when you volunteer, your time benefits every music program. This is one of our two biggest fundraisers to support all high school music programs. Adults and students may volunteer, and students can receive honor society credit.

Signup to Volunteer HERE!

Get Your Clearances Now!

All Parent Chaperones are required to have clearances on file with DASD. Visit DASD Volunteer Info to get started!

Thank you for joining the MPA's Membership Toolkit (MTK) Site. We are continuing to make improvements to make this system work for everyone. Have a suggestion? Email dhs.mpa.mtk@gmail.com. Know a music parent that hasn't joined yet? Share our website - www.dhsmpa.org. They can find new user information under the About Us tab.

What is the MPA?

Donate to the Music Program

Follow us on Facebook

All students at STEM are encouraged to participate in athletic programs offered at their home schools.

An activity bus is available for students heading to East to participate daily, and is located in the bus loop at dismissal.

To find more information about what sports are offered at your students’ homeschool, please choose one of the following that links directly to the correct Athletics page:

Downingtown East High School Athletics

Downingtown East High School Athletics Schedule

AND

Downingtown West High School Athletics

Downingtown West High School Athletics Schedule

Please save the date for the following events:

• Sunday September 15, 2024: Welcome Pool Party @2:00 pm. All current team members and interested swimmers/divers are welcome to attend. Email dwestswimanddive@gmail.com for the party details.
• Tuesday October 8, 2024: Interest Meeting, run by the coaches, will be held in the West Library from 7:00-8:00. All current team members and interested team members and parents should plan to attend. Email dwestswimanddive@gmail.com with any questions.

Student Drop Off

Please be reminded that students are to be dropped off behind the school. No students should be dropped off on Manor Ave. We appreciate your cooperation. Safety is always our first priority.

Also for the safety of all students and staff crossing back and forth during lunch time, the entrance to the STEM Academy on Campbell Drive will be closed during all lunch times for the remainder of the school year. Please use the West entrance to access the campus during that time.

Traffic:

Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.

• All parent pick-up vehicles must enter from Manor Avenue on the right side of the building (Campbell Drive). Parents will be directed by the traffic guard to loop around the building in order to pickup students.
• Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown East High School attendance area will be along the fence that faces Kottmeyer Stadium. Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown West High School attendance area will be at Downingtown West High School and Downingtown Middle School. Students will then walk to the Academy.
• Please make sure students are prepared for inclement weather. Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.
• For the safety of our students, it is essential that all drivers adhere to traffic patterns and regulations

Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website.

Bus Passes are for Emergency use only. All bus rosters are full and only in the event of an emergency will a student be allowed to ride a different bus home. The request for a bus pass should come to the main office and will need approval from Mr. Campbell.

• Online Registration: Please remember to complete the Online Registration for your child(ren). This will provide me with updated health information as well as give permission for over the counter medication this school year. Go to Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the process.
• Medication: Students are only permitted to carry emergency medication (Epinephrine, Asthma inhalers, and diabetes medication). Any medication to be administered during the school day, should follow our current medication policy (attach board policy) and complete the authorization for medication administration
• Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich with any questions or concerns.

• 2024-2025 School Year

  The DASD 2024-2025 Calendar was board approved on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Please note the change in school start times as shared on the district website and noted below:

  The schedule for the 2024-25 school year is as follows:

  
  

  • Elementary (Grades K-6): 9:00 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
  • Secondary (Grades 7-12): 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
  
  
• Infinite Campus: Student schedules, report cards, and access to updating the annual registration verification can be accessed here.
• Payschools: All Activity, Technology and Food services fees can be paid quickly and easily in this portal. (All parking permit fees should now be showing in student accounts.)
• Schoology: Many courses and classes are updated daily. This is a very important tool for communicating!
• Service Desk: Technology support can be accessed here. Please review the directions for the new platform for service desk request for the 24-25 school year.

The Downingtown STEM Academy is the third high school in the Downingtown Area School District. The STEM Academy opened in the fall of 2011 at 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.

The Academy is an IB World School offering every student the opportunity to earn an IB Diploma. The curriculum offers Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Pathways. Students are engaged in rigorous, challenging academic work that requires a mindset of growth and effort.

Email: stinfo@dasd.org
Website: https://st.dasd.org/
Location: 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-2420