The Golden Knight

We are off to a fantastic start at Rustin High School! The energy in our classrooms, hallways, and activities has been tremendous, and we are proud of how our students have embraced the new school year. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping create a welcoming and positive environment for learning.

As we move through the opening weeks of school, 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.

📅 Open House: Thursday, September 17

We invite all families to join us for our annual Open House on Thursday, September 17, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, learn more about their courses, and get a glimpse into their daily experience at Rustin.

Throughout the evening, families will follow their student’s Day 1 schedule. Please review the bell schedule below to help plan your evening. During your student’s lunch or study hall period, we invite you to visit the cafeteria to meet members of our student support services team and learn more about the resources available to students and families.

📸 Picture Day: September 17

A reminder that Picture Day will also take place on September 17. Additional information regarding picture ordering and schedules can be found below.

We look forward to welcoming our families to Rustin and continuing a great year together. Go Golden Knights! 💙💛⚔️

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 12 & 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

September 17- Rustin Open House

September 17 - School Picture Day

September 30 - Activities Fair during Lunch & Learn

October 2 - Homecoming Football Game at 7 pm

October 3 - Homecoming Dance at 6 pm

Homecoming T-shirts are officially on sale for students! Students can order their Homecoming shirt by clicking the link below.

Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will proudly wear navy blue, while the Class of 2027 will have special white shirts to stand out during Homecoming Week.

Shirts will be available for pickup during the last week of September, just in time for Homecoming.

The deadline to order is Monday, September 14. Don’t wait, make sure your student orders their shirt and gets ready to show their Rustin spirit during Homecoming Week!

https://www.payschoolsevents.com/events/details/46874

AP Exam Decision Week is Coming!

The week of September 14th is AP Exam Decision week. During this week, students are required to indicate in AP Classroom whether or not they plan to take the AP exam this spring. If a student indicates that they will take the exam, fees will be posted in PaySchools on September 28th, where families can submit payment. The payment deadline is October 30, 2026.

For more details, including information on late payment, financial support, and refunds, please visit the WCASD website: WCASD Assessment

Welcome to the 2025-2026 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!

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).

Please note:

• Students who qualify for late arrival and early dismissal will not see this in their schedule the first week of school. Please see information below for adding a late arrival or early dismissal to a students schedule.

• Students must follow their full schedule until PowerSchool reflects any approved changes.

• All students are expected to follow attendance guideline and procedures discussed below

• There will be two locations for student drop off in the morning the front flagpole circle and the main gym entrance. The front entrance and gym entrance are the only doors students will be able to enter in the morning, including students who drive to campus. The gym entrance will close at 7:25 am. After 7:30 am all students must enter through the front office and sign in.

To help ensure a smooth and safe start to the school day, we have two designated drop-off locations for students arriving by car:

• Front Flagpole Entrance (near the staff parking lot)

• Main Gym Entrance

• The Front Entrance and Main Gym Entrance are the only doors students can enter in the morning, including students who drive to campus

Please note: The Main Entrance is reserved exclusively for bus drop-off from 6:55 AM to 7:20 AM. Once all buses have cleared (typically after 7:20 AM), parents may use the bus loop for drop-off.

Staff members will be present to help direct traffic and ensure a safe and efficient flow. Please refer to the map below for details on the designated drop-off areas.

Thank you for helping us keep morning arrival safe and orderly!

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. Family vacations require pre-approval (max 5 days per year), and college visits must follow the official process. Cumulative absences are limited; beyond certain thresholds, doctor’s notes are required. Absences can only be reported by emailing the Attendance Office or through your Parent Portal on PowerSchool.

Early Dismissal:

Early dismissal requests must be submitted by 8:30 a.m. via email or written note and include student information, reason, and parent contact. Students must pick up a pass before leaving and sign out/in at the Attendance Office.

• Students are only permitted 10 "Parent/Guardian Note" Early Dismissal/Late Arrivals per year, after reaching 10 all Early Dismissals will be documented as unexcused.
• If a student does not follow the Early Dismissal procedures it can result in disciplinary consequences.

Late to School

Lateness is only excused with documentation for specific reasons (doctor, court, funeral).

• Students are only permitted 10 "Parent/Guardian Note" Early Dismissal/Late Arrivals per year, after reaching 10 all Late Arrivals will be documented as unexcused.
• All students who are late to school must come to the Attendance Office to receive a pass to class.

• The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth unlawful lateness to school will result in detention.
• The ninth, tenth, and eleventh unlawful lateness to school will result in one or more of the disciplinary consequences:

• 1. Detention

• 2. Saturday School

• The twelfth and all subsequent unlawful lateness to school will result a parent/guardian conference and one or more of the following disciplinary consequences:

• 1. Detention

• 2. Saturday School

• 3. Internal suspension

• 4. Loss of privileges, including but not limited to, revocation of parking/driving privileges for the semester, remainder of the school year and/or the subsequent school year

The number of unlawful lateness to school will be cumulative by semester and will reset at the beginning of each semester.

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

Please click the link below for updated attendance procedures.

Attendance Guidelines & Procedures

Only student with approval and existing schedule availability may have late arrival or early dismissal placed in their schedule. A Google form will be posted on our website on August 18th for students to sign up for late arrival and early dismissals. The form will appear under News and Announcements on the main page. The form is also linked below. Please check schedules before submitting to verify your child has study hall 1st or 8th period. Schedules will not be changed to accommodate this privilege. A student with late arrival or early dismissal must have their own transportation. All students are expected to be in every class period the first week of school. Requests are evaluated on a rolling basis, and late arrivals or early dismissals will not be added until after the first week of school. Students should follow their schedule until changes are updated in PowerSchool.

Late Arrival and Early Dismissal Form

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.

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 484-266-4391 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

Parking permits not picked up during summer pickup hours will be available beginning 8/31/26 in room A333 during school hours.

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

Click here for the 2026 Rustin Fall Sports & Activities Newsletter! This includes key contact information for coaches, club/activity advisors, and all opportunities offered during the fall season at Rustin High School. There is also a lot of key information and requirements for all student athletes for participation in Fall Sports. Fall sports officially begin Monday, August 17th (Football and Golf begin Monday, Aug. 10th). All athletes must be registered in Family ID with an updated physical and PIAA physical form by Friday, August 7th. All physicals must be dated May 1st, 2025 or later.

• WCASD Activity Fee Payment: click here for details to make payment and activity fee waiver information.
• The Rustin High School Activities Fair will be on Wednesday, Sept. 30th during Lunch and Learn in the Main Gym. Click here for a full list of all our Clubs, Activities, & Sports, as well as contact information! New Club Proposal Form

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

The Senior Class is selling Stock's Pound Cakes! Stock's Pound Cakes are a Philadelphia delight! If you like pound cake, you'll LOVE these. If you don't like pound cake, give one a try because they change minds! Act fast as we are only allowed to sell 198 cakes. They do freeze well!! Order by September 18th for pickup on Wednesday September 30th. Freeze for Thanksgiving if you desire or enjoy anytime! Please purchase using the form.

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

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

This past summer, Mrs. Coley and Mr. Haid traveled with Rustin students and parents to discover the food and culture of Italy! From the busy streets of Milan, Florence, and Rome to the charming smaller cities of Turin, Lucca, and Bologna, our group experienced a little bit of everything.

We got behind the scenes at family-owned businesses and farms, learning the craft of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese making, the importance of small sustainable farms, and the patience and precision behind aged balsamic vinegar. We made pasta, enjoyed incredible meals, explored historic cities, and, of course, learned that no day in Italy is complete without an espresso!

It was an unforgettable trip filled with great food, new experiences, lots of walking, and plenty of memories. Most importantly, our students and families had the chance to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist stops and truly immerse themselves in the food, people, and culture that make the country so special.

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!

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! Informational meeting for anyone interested in the trip will be held immediately after Open House (8:30pm) on September 17th in room A206 at Rustin.

Click here for more information or to sign up!

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

Over the past several years, we have observed that many students choose not to use their lockers and most high school students choose to carry their belongings. To better align with student preference and streamline hallway space, lockers will now be assigned by request for all students. All students who would like to request a locker can contact Dr. Corey Fields or complete the google form below.

Locker Request Form for All Grades