Downingtown Cyber Academy Update
October 13, 2023
Dear DCA Families,
As part of our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) efforts to provide targeted support to our students, each year we administer a universal screener to students to determine their proficiency in math and reading. We introduced a third universal screening assessment for students in grades three through twelve in 2019 in order to determine any student needs for targeted supports with respect to behavior or social/emotional needs.
The screener, entitled BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) offers a reliable, quick, and systematic way to determine behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses of children and adolescents in preschool through high school. The universal screener provides a score of normal risk, elevated risk or extremely elevated risk for each student and identifies instructional recommendations. We expect all students to have some level of risk. However, families of any student's self-assessment score that is categorized as overall elevated or extremely elevated, will be informed. We will work as a team to identify interventions in order to appropriately support the needs of each student.
The screening will be administered at the end of this month to full-time DCA students and should take no longer than 15 minutes for them to complete it. If you have any questions about the assessment, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at cyberacademy@dasd.org.
Enjoy the weekend ahead.
Fondly,
Dr. Kecia Nesmith, Principal and Curriculum Supervisor
Dr. Kristie Burk, Coordinator for Online & Blended Learning
Week 8 starts on Monday, October 16.
Calendar items
10/16 - Aimsweb Plus Reports in IC Backpacks Gr. 6
10/18 - DCA Student Council Interest Form due/PSAT Testing @ DW
10/19 - PSAT Testing @ DE
10/24 - STEM Application Essay for LMS Students @ 2:40 pm
10/26 - STEM Application Essay for DMS Students@ 2:40 pm
10/28 - ACT Testing
10/31 - Last day of Marking Period 1
10/31 - Aimsweb Plus Reports in IC Backpacks Gr. 7-8
11/7 - No School/Teacher In-service Day
11/20 - Early Dismissal
11/21 - Parent/Teacher Conferences via Zoom
11/22-24 - No School for Thanksgiving break
Important Information
STEM Applications
Current DCA 8th graders planning to apply to the STEM Academy are required to complete an in-person essay.
DCA 8th graders from LMS should plan to attend on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm at Lionville Middle School.
DCA 8th graders from DMS should plan to attend on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 2:30 pm at Downingtown Middle School.
There will be a makeup session on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9:00 am at the STEM Academy.
Dual Enrollment Opportunity for DCA Courses
This year, students have the opportunity to receive college credit from Immaculata University for completing some upper-level courses in the DCA. Please read this letter from Dr. Podell for more information.
Student Council
Students who are interested in their school, organizing events, collaborating with classmates, and improving their teamwork and leadership skills should consider running for DCA Student Council! Last year our student council hosted holiday celebrations, orgnaized a book collection, ran a talent show, created a DCA yearbook and did volunteer work.
High school students can run for president, vice president, or secretary. Middle and high school students can also run as a representative.
Students who are interested in running should complete the 23-24 Student Council Election Form by Wednesday, October 18th at 12:00pm noon. Please email Ms. Handley at nhandley@dasd.org with any questions.
Parent University
Subscribe to our Calendar!
To download a copy of the DCA Calendar (including letter days) to your device, visit our district website. Click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s)" tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application!
Seeing a Student's Overdue Coursework
Parents see a list of all of their child’s overdue assignments, discussions, and quizzes or tests in the same Overdue area on the right side of the screen when they login to Schoology.
Parents may also choose to receive an email each time their child misses a due date by enabling the Overdue Submissions Email feature in the Notifications area, and the Parent Email Digest also includes a list of the child’s overdue materials.
Cultural Connections
Events
6th Graders - Marsh Creek Trunk or Treat
The Annual Marsh Creek Trunk or Treat will be held on Monday, October 30th from 6:00PM to 7:00PM in the bus parking lot at school for all sixth graders. Candy cars will arrive by 5:30PM to begin preparing for the event. We will be collecting candy donations through Wednesday, October 25th, to help our candy cars get started. Candy can be dropped off in the main office or sent to Ms. Dunn’s room, B269. More information about Trick or Trunk will be posted in Schoology and on the website in the coming weeks.
If you would like to participate as a trick-or-treater and/or a candy car, please complete the following Google Form: Trick or Trunk SIgn-up Form
Aviation Career Fair
The Reading Regional Airport and Reading Aero Club are inviting Downingtown students to
the Second Annual Reading Aviation Career Fair on Saturday, October 21st in the Reading
Airport Terminal Building. Learn about careers in aviation including Pilot, Air Traffic Control,
Aviation Maintenance, and Drone flying. Aircraft will be on display and fly-overs included!
For more information visit their website .
The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Clothing Drive, scheduled to take place on October 23, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Downingtown Middle School. This event aims to unite the community in a philanthropic endeavor while promoting camaraderie and goodwill. Attendees of the event can anticipate an engaging evening filled with music and energy, courtesy of a DJ who will be keeping the atmosphere lively. Also, skip cooking that night! Food trucks will be available for paid food.
The admission fee for this event is a simple yet impactful one: the donation of gently used or brand new coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other winter wear. This innovative approach to entry underscores the commitment of DASD and its partners to uplift the community while aiding those less fortunate. All donated clothes will contribute directly to helping individuals and families in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and support that DASD holds dear.
Adding to the evening's excitement, the event will feature the presence of Miss Pennsylvania and ToppFlight, one of Philadelphia's most renowned and humorous comedians and Philadelphia Eagles Olamide Zaccheaus. Joining us will also be Drew Anderson and Ellen Kolodziej from Fox29 news. DASD encourages everyone in the community to mark their calendars for October 23, 2023, and participate in this heartwarming event. Don't miss the chance to contribute to a worthy cause, interact with local celebrities, and enjoy a night of music and laughter.
DASD is thrilled to announce that celebrated actress April Hernandez Castillo will be the keynote speaker for its Bullying Prevention Month presentation. The event is scheduled to take place on October 25th at 6:00 pm in the West High School Auditorium.
Best known for her powerful portrayal of "Eva" in the acclaimed movie "Freedom Writers," alongside Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo brings an extraordinary blend of talent, resilience, and authenticity to the stage. Her journey from the glittering lights of Hollywood to overcoming personal traumas is an inspiration that resonates with audiences worldwide. April's keynote address, titled "Moving Forward," April will underline the importance of choosing to move forward, even in the face of adversity. By sharing her own experiences of overcoming obstacles, she aims to motivate students to stand up against bullying and make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.
The Downingtown Area School District is proud to announce the upcoming program, "Supporting Grieving Students," scheduled for October 30th at 3:45 PM (EDT). This valuable training session will take place via Zoom and will be conducted in conjunction with the Cultural Equity Task Force meeting. The program aims to address an essential aspect of student well-being by providing support and guidance for grieving students. With the challenges and emotional hurdles that students face, it's vital for educational institutions to create a supportive environment. This program aligns with the district's commitment to holistic student development. The session will be led by Kate Lannan, a Licensed Social Worker and the Education Director at A Haven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with grieving families through grief support, education, community outreach, and instilling hope. Kate's extensive experience and background in social work, particularly in working with grieving children and families, make her a highly qualified expert for this program.
Student Opportunities
Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology
Secondary Schools' Newsletters
All DCA students are considered students in their home buildings even if they are full-time DCA. Please check your child's school below for upcoming events and activities in which they can participate!
Elementary
Coming soon...
- A BVA field trip to the Zoo! Stay tuned for more information!
- Parent/Caretaker -Teacher Conferences - November 20-21. Look for communication from your child's BVA teacher.
- Smart Futures Career Readiness Artifacts in Canvas. Students will soon have a course in Canvas to link them to the DASD Class Link and Smart Futures application to access activities that must be completed for career readiness. More information to come!
DOWNINGTOWN CYBER ACADEMY
Please visit our DCA website at dc.dasd.org for more information.
Email: cyberacademy@dasd.org
Website: dc.dasd.org
Location: 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-8460
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dca
Twitter: @dasd_dca