The Golden Knight

October has been a busy and positive month here at Rustin! Our athletic teams continue to do a great job, and we have especially enjoyed recognizing our seniors at the various Senior Nights and celebrating their accomplishments, commitment, and dedication to their sports. Our band is busy with competition season, and our Theater Department has also been hard at work preparing for the fall production of Noises Off, and we are excited to see them take the stage in November! Around the building, students have been enjoying the new furniture and spaces to gather, work, and connect with one another. It is hard to believe the first quarter is almost over! We encourage all students to finish strong, stay focused, and make the most of these final weeks of the quarter. Please encourage your student to see their teachers for support. Lunch and Learn is a great opportunity for students to connect with teachers.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to make Rustin a great place for our students to learn, grow, and thrive!

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We encourage all students to continue living out our Golden Knight Creed by being:

🛡️ Respectful
🛡️ Confident
🛡️ Involved
🛡️ Responsible
🛡️ Accepting
🛡️ Engaged

These values help make Rustin a place where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

Stay Informed

School news and updates can be found on the WCASD and Rustin High School webpages.
Look for communication from the district regarding required yearly forms. These forms help ensure your contact information is up to date and confirm how you would like to receive messages throughout the year.

Principal: Dr. Maggie Hunt

Grade-Level Administrators

• Mrs. Kristen Chastain - Grade 12 & Grade 9 (A-Ge)

• Dr. Tricia Pardini – Grade 11 & Grade 9 (Gh-M)

• Dr. Corey Fields – Grade 10 & Grade 9 (N-Z)

Counselor Assignments

• Colleen Demers – A–Da

• Shaz Brown – De–Hy

• Grace Barry – Ia–McG

• Casey Cerullo – McH–Sca

• Heather Selgrath – Sch–Z

November 3: Teacher Inservice Day (No School for Students)

November 11: Fall Choral Concert

November 19-21: Fall Play "Noises Off"

November 24: Parent Conferences 5-8pm

November 25: Parent Conferences 8-11am (No School for Students)

November 26-27: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School for Students)

December 2: Band & Orchestra Concert

December 4: West Chester Christmas Parade

December 9: Choir Concert

December 18: Choral Concert

December 23: Half Day Dismissal

December 24-January 1: Winter Break (No School for Students)

Parent Teacher Conferences are Tuesday, November 24 from 5:00-8:00 and Wednesday, November 25 from 8:00-11:00 am. The sign up link will be sent via email at the end of October.

We are excited to continue one of our favorite Rustin traditions with students and staff dressing up for Halloween on October 30! As everyone plans their costumes, we want to share a gentle reminder that all WCASD policies and procedures remain in effect during spirit days. Students may not bring replica weapons to school, and costumes may not include masks and/or face paint that cover the face and prevent a student from being identified.

We are also looking forward to the Annual Department Costume Contest! The Science Department enters this year as the reigning champion. The big question is: Will another department be able to take the title, or will Science repeat?

*Please remember this is completely optional for students, we just wanted to share in case your student chooses to participate and wear a costume.

AP exam fees are now posted in PaySchools. Payment must be submitted by October 30, 2026 to complete registration. If payment is not submitted by this deadline, a $40 late fee will be applied to the unpaid fees.

Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will have fees waived, but must still complete the process in PaySchools. Families experiencing financial hardship may request a payment plan or fee reduction by submitting the AP Exam Financial Support Request Form to the Office of Assessment & Accountability.

How to Submit Payment:

· Online: Visit PaySchools

· By Check: Make checks payable to WCASD and submit to:
Office of Assessment & Accountability
Spellman Education Center
782 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341

o Please include your student's full name, school, and the exam(s) being paid for.

QUESTIONS

Please contact Mrs Whitton at twhitton@wcasd.net (in B318) or the WCASD Assessment Office at assessment@wcasd.net .

Penn Pathways program has come to life. Students were introduced to Penn Medicine’s values, many of which align with our Portrait of a Graduate competencies and received official Penn Medicine shirts to wear throughout the program. The students began their 14-week rotations at Chester County Hospital on Oct. 12 and will run through Jan. 10. They will be exposed to departments such as Transport, Radiology, Phlebotomy, Security, Pharmacy, Social Work, Respiratory, Surgery, Materials Mgmt., Dietary, and more.

At the completion of the 14-week rotation, the students will be eligible to apply for full-time employment upon graduation.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! This year’s PTO officers are: Kathleen McCune (president), Jamie Grant (vice president), and Kelly Betchyk (treasurer). We are asking each family to contribute $25 per student or $40 per family for dues. You may pay with cash, check made out to Rustin PTO (mail to the school or send in with your student to the Main Office), or PayPal (paypal.me/RustinPTO).

Did you know that PTO:

* Offers scholarships to two graduating seniors

*Provides mini grants to teachers

*Handles hospitality events

*Supports homecoming and post-prom

To stay in touch with PTO information & events, please follow us on Facebook - Rustin PTO & Instagram - wc_rustin_pto. The PTO is always looking for help & ideas, please email us at rustinpto@gmail.com to get involved!

Homecoming will be here before we know it! The student council is busy planning a fun week at school followed by the football game (Friday 10/2) and the dance (Saturday, 10/3). The PTO supports student council by providing finger foods, sweet treats & water. Please consider donating your time at the dance, and contributing to the sign up genius. Volunteer spots are not on the dance floor or responsible for any discipline! We simply help with a coat check, and food & water service.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACA723AA8-65836635-homecoming

Thank you to our returning families that took the time to complete our survey at the end of last year. Stay tuned for a new PTO initiative that will help recognize our staff & students each month! We are looking forward to a great year.

At Rustin High School, we are focused on explicit skill instruction to help students develop the skills outlined in the WCASD Portrait of a Graduate. These skills extend beyond the classroom and prepare students for success in school, their future careers, and life.

Families can reinforce these skills at home through simple conversations about their student's day.

Try asking:

• 1. Adaptability: What is something that didn't go as planned today? How did you adjust or respond to feedback?

• 2. Communication: How did you share your ideas or listen to someone else's perspective?

• 3. Empathy: How did you show kindness or consider someone else's feelings today?

• 4. Problem Solving: What challenge did you face today? What steps did you take to solve it?

• 5. Responsibility: What is something you took ownership of today? How did you follow through?

The Home & School Connection: You don't need to ask all five questions! Choose one or two throughout the week to help your student recognize how these skills are practiced every day. Together, we can reinforce the skills that will help our Golden Knights succeed beyond Rustin!

Thanks to our partnership with the PTO, students have the opportunity to recognize a teacher or RHS staff member who has made a positive difference in their day through our Shout-Out Spotlight! Encourage your student to look for nomination information on Schoology or posted throughout the building and take a moment to recognize someone who has made an impact this month. Both the student who submits the nomination and the staff member being recognized will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card!

All students are expected to be in class by 7:30 a.m. Students who are not in class when the 7:30 a.m. bell rings are considered tardy. (see Bell Schedule linked here).

Attendance Policy Overview for Parents & Guardians

Regular attendance is essential for your student’s academic success and overall learning. To report an absence, email RHSattendance@wcasd.net within 3 days of your student’s return, including their name, date, and reason. Absences without timely documentation will be marked unexcused. All Early Dismissals must be submitted by 8:30am and the student will receive a pass to sign out in the Attendance Office to leave through the Main Entrance. Any student found not following Attendance Office procedures will receive discipline consequences.

Please remember that the WCASD Attendance Policy was updated this summer. The progressive discipline for unexcused lates to school can be found there and on our website.

Any questions about Attendance Procedures can be directed to RHSattendance@wcasd.net.

Please click the link below for updated attendance procedures.

Attendance Guidelines & Procedures

Cell phones and headphones/earbuds will not be permitted during instructional time. Progressive consequences will be implemented for students who do not adhere to this rule. Please read the the Rustin Cell Phone Expectations. We look forward to partnering with our community to focus on proper cell phone usage in school.

Is your student a junior or senior? Can they read, write, speak and understand another language? The fall testing window will be opening soon for those interested in testing for the PA Seal of Biliteracy award. We will be testing on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. Students must register for this test ahead of time and attend an interest meeting in October. Please email lanskis@wcasd.net with any questions.

11TH GRADE PHYSICALS DUE NOW

Do you have an 11th Grader? A physical exam completed by a qualified medical professional is required for all students entering the 11th grade. Any physical completed after 9/1/25 will fulfill the requirement. Please email the physical to the nurses office at jsteimel@wcasd.net or have the physical faxed to 484-266-4321 Attention School Nurse. Your student can also deliver the physical to our offices.

FINAL DEADLINE IS 11/1/26, after that date, students will be sent home from school until a physical is completed.

There is no special form for this. Any visit summary from your child’s doctor’s office, patient portal or PIAA physical form will meet the requirement. The back of the Driver’s License Permit Application (where the doctor signed) is also good.

EPI Pens and INHALERS: IS YOUR STUDENT CARRYING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?

If your student should need medication to be carried at school or given at school (Epi Pen, Inhaler, Insulin, etc), please provide a doctor’s prescription giving permission to the school to provide care for this. If your student carries their own inhaler or epi pen, please have the order specify that the student can “self-carry”.

HEIGHT, WEIGHT, VISION, HEARING SCREENINGS

Starting in September and running through November, all students will be screened for height, weight, and vision. 11th grade students will be screened for hearing.

ALL WEIGHTS WILL BE RECORDED BLIND, WITHOUT THE STUDENT SEEING THE WEIGHT.

If you have specific concerns about your student, please don’t hesitate to contact our office: jsteimel@wcasd.net.

OPTIONAL STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

West Chester Area School District is pleased provide parents with the opportunity to purchase Student Accident Insurance for their children who are enrolled in WCASD

schools. Please see the WCASD website for more information: www.wcasd.net/families-students/support-programs/insurance-optional-student-accident-insurance

Please see below for information about the SAT Prep Course program open to Rustin students at WC East.

Rustin Athletics Website: https://rhs.wcasd.net/our-opportunities/athletics

Winter Sports Registration and Information

Click here for the Rustin Winter Sports & Activities Informational Newsletter! This includes key contact information for coaches, club/activity advisors, and all opportunities offered during the winter season at Rustin High School.

Winter Sports officially begin Friday, November 20th. All athletes must be registered in Family ID with an updated physical and PIAA physical form by Friday, November 13th. All physicals must be dated May 1st, 2026, or later.

Please use the link below to access our Senior Smore Newsletter. This is a living document that will be updated throughout the school year with important information and upcoming senior events. We will also host a senior parent webinar this winter to review senior activities, important dates, and what to expect as we prepare for graduation.

May 21- Senior Prom

May 24- Senior Walk

May 27- Senior Assembly

June 1- Graduation Practice

June 2- Graduation at 10 am

Bayard Rustin High School has once again partnered with Student Services Company to provide the school's official custom caps and gowns and graduation products for the Class of 2027.

The required cap and gown is included in every Cap & Gown Package, along with senior apparel, accessories and keepsakes — celebration pieces your senior will enjoy all year and receive right at home.

SHOP RUSTIN CAP & GOWN PACKAGES

Reserve by Friday, October 2nd
This is the deadline to reserve your senior's cap and gown for spring distribution through Rustin High School — reserve now to guarantee availability.

What ships when:

• Cap & gown: distributed through Rustin High School in spring 2027
• Senior apparel, accessories & keepsakes: ship directly to your home within 10 business days so they can celebrate all year.

Official Bayard Rustin Class Ring
Mark the milestone with an official Rustin Golden Knights class ring. Delivered in approximately 8 weeks making it a great holiday gift idea!

ORDER YOUR CLASS RING

Don't miss the cap and gown deadline — reserve your senior's package by October 2nd.

SHOP PACKAGES NOW

Questions or need help ordering?
610-539-1330
gowns@studentservicesco.com

Throughout the year various clubs and activities will hold fundraisers to help Rustin students. Please participate in as many as you can to help our students!

Link to all fundraisers: https://linktr.ee/rustin_class2027

Discount Cards: Class of 2027 is offering local discount cards which can be used at various local restaurants, shops and for services. They are just $10 each and are active through the end of December 2026. Some of the partners include: PJ Whelihans, Bierhaul, Sweet Frog and many more! See the linktr.ee to purchase and for more information

the D3LCO effect candles
Show your Rustin Pride with a special candle featuring the Golden Knight! Also celebrate any Class of 2027 graduate near and dear to your heart. Five popular seasonal scents are also available: It's always sunny, Friendsgiving, Cozy in Chi, Christmas Cider and Tree Farm. These lovely smelling candles are just $20 for 40 hours of burn-time! Locally made, 100% soy with a cotton wick. Non-toxic. Proceeds will support the Class of 2027's Post Prom. See our linktr.ee for scent descriptions and the order form. Orders close October 30. Delivery in mid-November

Save this link to stay up to date with all of our fundraising: Coming later this fall: candles by D3LCO EFFECT and personalized Senior Yard Signs.
https://linktr.ee/rustin_class2027

The annual Highland Orchards pie and donut fundraiser is back! (just in time for Thanksgiving)

The following items are available for order this year:

• PIES: Apple, Apple Crumb, Blueberry, Cherry, Pumpkin
• Apple Cider Donuts (dozen)

ALL orders and payments are due by Friday, November 6th. We cannot place any orders that are not paid for by this date.

PICK UP will be @ Rustin High School, Tuesday, November 24th (parent conference night), between 5:30 pm and 7 pm.

Use this link to submit an order: https://forms.gle/k8nzbEj5VtzMXR7y9

ALL profits benefit the RHS Class of 2029! Thank you for your support!

🦅 Class of 2028 Eagles Spirit Wear Fundraiser 🦅

Support the Rustin Class of 2028 while showing your Eagles pride!

We are excited to offer Eagles/Rustin spirit wear for students, families, staff, and community members. Check out the items below and place your order before October 23rd.

Every purchase helps support the Class of 2028. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make their high school experience a memorable one!

🔗 Order Link: https://TuttleMarketing.chipply.com/Rustineagles/

📅 Order Deadline: October 23rd

Questions? Please contact Mrs. Polsky or Mr. Criscuolo.

Thank you for your support and GO BIRDS! 💚🖤🦅

Are you interested in adding international travel to your child’s high school experience? Mr. Taglang and Mr. White are organizing a trip to Germany and Switzerland in June of 2027.

We will hike to waterfalls in the Black Forest, visit the charming German towns of Freiburg and Heidelberg, and tour the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle upon which Walt Disney modeled his Magic Kingdom. We’ll visit the city of Munich with its rich history and delicious cuisine. Then it’s off to the Alps of Switzerland where we’ll ride a gondola to the peak of Mount Pilatus, tour the lovely lakeside city of Lucerne, and taste the local cheese fondue and chocolate!

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Europe! There are only a few spots still open!

Click here for more information or to sign up!

Or Email: Mr. Taglang – mtaglang@wcasd.net

Dear families,

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to France in Summer 2028, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.

We will be hosting a PARENT INFO MEETING later this month for you to learn all the details!

Parents, use the link here to RSVP: https://bit.ly/4qDfScy

What’s in store:

• Explore Paris and see its iconic landmarks.

• Visit a colorful market and take a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Discover Lyon’s culinary heritage and attend a chef’s demonstration.

• Sample the regional flavors of Provence and the French Riviera.

• Walk through Nice and enjoy its whitewashed villas and emerald waters.

This is more than just a trip – it’s a hands-on lesson and experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime!

P.S. There will be a raffle for a tour scholarship at the info meeting; in order to be eligible to enter the raffle, you must RSVP for the meeting!