Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

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

We hope everyone has been having a wonderful summer! It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! School will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025. Please be reminded of the start and end times for the 2025 - 2026 school year: 8:00 am - 2:45 pm.

Be sure to review the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year!

Our teachers, staff and administration have been hard at work this summer preparing for a very exciting school year and we cannot wait to see everyone. Please read below as we have some very important information to share with you.

All 9th grade students should report to the Auditorium on the first student day at 8:00 am. Do not report to your first period class.

Welcome New Staff Members

We would like to take a moment to introduce and welcome several new staff members to our building this year! We are excited to welcome these amazing professionals to our team.

Our new staff members include:

• Ms. Sara Brosius (Spanish)
• Mr. Cameron Capps (Head Custodian)
• Mr. Calvin Hays (Biology)
• Mr. Anthony Nordone (School Psychologist)

Please give each of these individuals a warm welcome to our school community.

Lunch & Learn :The daily schedule for August 25- August 27 has been modified as we work toward preparing for the Lunch & Learn Schedule. Please make note of the changes on the

25-26 Opening Week Schedule: August 25-27, 2025

Beginning August 28, and on days with periods 1–7, we will continue our one-hour Lunch & Learn. Lunch & Learn is a dedicated time built into the school day so every student has equal access to teachers, counselors, and resources. Students can enjoy lunch, complete schoolwork, get extra help, join clubs, meet with counselors, participate in activities in the stadium, or take part in special programs, all with staff and administrators available to support them. We encourage you to ask your students how they are using this time and to remind them to take advantage of the opportunity to get help, ask questions, and practice the time-management skills they’ll need for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Early Dismissals: For safety and accountability, all students leaving school must check out properly. Students with a note for an early dismissal should report to the main office. Students leaving due to illness must go through our school nurse, Mrs. Mikulich. If your child feels unwell, they should first ask their teacher for permission to visit the nurse, who will determine the next steps. Parents, please do not have your child text or call you directly to be picked up. Instead, encourage them to go to the nurse, who will contact you if needed—or call the school yourself to let us know your child isn’t feeling well.

Emergency Drills: In the first weeks of school, we’ll be running our fire, severe weather, and ALICE (lockdown/evacuation) drills to make sure everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. Safety is our top priority, and these practice runs help students feel confident and prepared. Ask your student how each drill went and how they felt. Your conversations reinforce the importance of staying alert, calm, and ready.

Arriving at School on Time:Every minute counts at STEM Academy, and being on time sets the tone for the day. Our school day starts promptly at 8:00 AM. Students are expected to be in their classrooms by that time, ready to learn. Please plan for extra time in the mornings, especially during the first week. While we’ll be flexible in that opening week, students who drive or are dropped off should arrive on time once routines are in place. Bus riders will not be marked late if their bus arrives late.

Senior Pathways: As in previous years, Senior Pathways will run during the second and third marking periods. During the first marking period, seniors will report to their assigned classroom to work on CAS, EE, practicum portfolios, college applications, and special presentations. Attendance is required during this time, and senior privilege (early dismissal/late arrival) will not be in effect until later in the year.

Student Schedules: Schedules are available on the Campus Portal. The District technology department will send a notification home to parents when the portal is opened. Please advise your son/daughter to check the Campus Portal up to the first student day of school, August 25, 2025, as schedules are subject to change. Juniors and Seniors, should also verify that they are registered for the proper number of HL and SL courses. If there is an error on your son/daughter’s schedule please call the Counseling Office at (610) 269-2420 x 43031 or email your counselor.

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

Student Parking: Students are only permitted to park in designated areas on the DASD campus. Parking anywhere other than the designated district provided parking areas could result in being towed or fined.

Attendance: As a reminder, Ms. Sokso is our attendance assistant. All attendance inquiries can be directed to stemattendance@dasd.org . If you have any questions or concerns about attendance please reach out to her. If your student is absent you must send in an excuse note within three days after the absence. If your student will be missing school for a family trip please be sure to fill out the family trip form ahead of time. Request Form for Educational and Family Trips. Please note that students will not be permitted more than ten accumulated days for educational and family trips.

Technology Fee: The DASD School Board of Directors has established a technology fee for all high school students. Please review the District 1:1 Fast Facts for Families- DASD for details on technology fees, and all other device specific information. Please visit PaySchools Central in order to satisfy payment requirements.

Free & Reduced Meal Plan: Information can be found on the Food Services website

School Safety: Safety and Discipline are an essential component to any school. Students and parents are required to read the bullet points below as you will be held responsible for following school and school district policies. All students are required to follow all school and district policies and procedures.

• Student Code of Conduct Policy- please review prior to the start of school.
• Student Rights and Responsibility- please review prior to the start of school.

IB Internal Assessments: Juniors and seniors will complete IB Internal Assessments throughout their two-year program. Our IB Coordinator, Mr. Sheehan, will send communication with requirements and due dates. For the Classes of 2027 and 2028, dates will be established in collaboration with teachers, and more information will be shared soon.

IB Assessment and Curriculum Fees: Every senior, both diploma and non-diploma candidates, will take the culminating IB exams in May. Please review the STEM Academy Class of 2026 IB Fees Letter that was sent out last spring, and shared on our website. IB Fees have been uploaded to all Payschool accounts for the Class of 2026. Please review the exam schedule as well and make sure to check back as there may be modifications made throughout the year: STEM Class of 2026 IB Exam Schedule as of July 30, 2025 Please contact Mr. Sheehan or Ms. Schell with any questions.

At The STEM Academy, our guiding motto, “Effort Creates Intelligence,” reflects a deep belief in the power of a growth mindset: intelligence and success grow through perseverance, learning from mistakes, and embracing challenges. Central to this journey are the Five Habits of Mind that shape every student’s growth and prepare them for college, career, and life beyond our walls. These habits of Responsibility, Respect, Compassionate Participation, Effort, and Engagement encourage students to take ownership of their learning, act with integrity, support and collaborate with others, persist through challenges, and pursue knowledge with curiosity and creativity. Through daily practice of these habits, alongside our rigorous academics and supportive community, our school equips students not only to achieve academic excellence but to thrive as thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

We’re here to partner with you in your child’s education, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, or concerns. Together, we can make this year amazing!

Sincerely,

Art Campbell

Head of School

Course Change Requests: Course Change Requests should be entered through (Scheduling) STEM Request Changes 25-26 SY form. That information will be processed in a timely manner and the form should be completed by the student using their student DASD email address.

The 25-26 Parking Permit application opened for the Senior Class on Monday, August 4, and for the Junior Class on Monday, August 11. 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.

Permit Pickup Requirements:

• All obligations listed in Payschools must be paid and up to date.

• Seniors: Must have IB Fee 1 and 2 cleared.

• All outstanding physical forms must be turned in.

• Students should bring their valid drivers' license, car insurance and registration form when picking up the permit.

Parking Permit Pick Up prior to August 25

Monday, August 18: 10:30 - 1:00 pm

Tuesday, August 19: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, August 20: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Thursday, August 21: 9:00 - 11:30 am; 1:00-2:30 pm

Any student that purchased a parking permit that cannot pick up prior to the first day of school, should make plans to pick up in the main office after school beginning Monday, August 25. Students will not be ticketed during the first two weeks of school, but should make every effort to pick up their permit as soon as possible. We are not able to issue a parking permit in the morning, before school begins. Thank you for understanding.

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.

You're warmly invited to a special reception for families of our incoming freshmen! This is a great chance to connect with other families, take a guided tour of our school, and learn more about your student's exciting journey.

Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Location: Downingtown STEM Academy, 335 Manor Ave.

What to Expect

When you arrive, please check in at the registration table.

• Parents: Head to the STEM Academy Auditorium. You'll be divided into groups for a guided tour and hear from counselors, mentors, administration, and the Home and School Association.
• Incoming Freshmen: Go to the gymnasium. You'll participate in small group team-building activities, take a tour, set up your laptops (please bring along!), and get to know your new classmates.

To wrap up the evening, many clubs will be set up in the Student Commons, and light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by clicking here: Freshman Orientation and Family Open House RSVP

We look forward to seeing you there!

Locker Day: Friday, August 22 (9:00 am-12:00 pm)

If you are not available to make it to orientation, or would like one final opportunity to take a walk through the building to find your locker and your classrooms, there is one final day available to the incoming class.

During this scheduled “Locker Day”, students will be able to independently tour the building to locate their classrooms and lockers before the first student day, on Monday, August 25. Additionally, the student schedule with locker information will be available to pick up in the front office for those that did not attend orientation.

If your incoming freshmen did attend orientation but would like one final walkthrough of their schedule before the first student day, they should bring the schedule/map provided to them at orientation to use while taking one final walkthrough between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Laptop Pick Up

Students that did not pick up their laptops during the scheduled times earlier this month, should enter a DASD Service Desk Ticket as there may be a possibility of scheduling a time before the first day of school.

Any student that did not pick up their district issued device earlier this month, should be reminded to pick up this device from the STEM Academy Technology Office, located in the Knowledge Commons, on the first student day. Students will be prompted to create a new password when they meet with technology on Monday, August 25.

**Please complete the “2025-2026 School Year” for Existing Student Registration.

We are asking families to complete this process by Friday, September 19 for the 2025/2026 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.

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.

This process takes place in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

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

Attention Class of 2026: Don't forget...Final Make-up sessions: September 2, 3, and 4 from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm in the STEM Auditorium. This session now available for scheduling and additional time slots have been added! Please use the Prestige Class of 2026 Portraits link to schedule.

Should you need to schedule a retake or need assistance please call customer service: 1-800-687-9327

Act 10 Military Letter: Please review this letter and return to Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz in the STEM Counseling office by October 10, 2025 if you wish to be excluded as noted in the letter.

**Diploma Verification: Attention all members of the Class of 2026...the Diploma Verification form is now open! This information will be used for your diploma and ALL graduation lists and documents. We are also collecting mailing and email addresses for future correspondence after graduation. **This form must be completed by the graduating senior, using the student DASD email address and should be completed no later than October 14.

STEM Academy Class of 2026 Senior Class Parking Permit: As a reminder, the parking permit application for the Class of 2026 must be completed by the student using their DASD student email address. For future reference, this information can also be found on our website, under "Backpack."

College visits are being added as they are scheduled and confirmed to the STEM Calendar on our wesbite. These visits are subject to change as colleges change availability. Visits will be scheduled during lunch and learn times, and some seminar dates. If there are any questions, students should check in with the counseling office.

(New Schedule)STEM Class of 2026 IB Exam Schedule as of July 30, 2025: Be sure to check for updates throughout the year, as the schedule changes from time to time.

STEM Academy Class of 2026 IB Fees Letter: Fees have been uploaded to all STEM Academy Junior Class members Payschools accounts. Please contact Ms. Meghan Schell or Mr. Mike Sheehan with any questions.

Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Information for Clubs for the 25-26 School Year will be shared in mid September. Stay tuned!

Many events for the upcoming school year have been added to the calendar on the STEM Academy Website.

This fall, all 9th grade students enrolled in a World Language course will participate in the Avant STAMP 4S (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) assessment. This diagnostic tool evaluates students’ proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in their target language—Spanish, French, or German. It will be administered again in the spring to measure growth.

The Avant STAMP assessment is more than just a diagnostic for teachers to review and use to adjust instruction. It provides a powerful opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and set meaningful goals. The test is computer-adaptive which means it meets each student at their current level and gives a clear picture of their strengths and areas for improvement.

Why it matters:

• -Helps students track their language growth over time
• -Builds metacognitive skills through self-assessment and reflection

• -Enhances college and career readiness in a global job market

• -Students demonstrating strong growth may earn fluency designations to highlight on resumes and college applications.

We encourage families to support their students in viewing this assessment as a motivating milestone in their language learning journey. Your student will prepare for and reflect on this diagnostic during their World Language classes. Students will be notified by their teacher when each section of the assessment will be completed in class. If you have any questions, please contact the teacher directly.

Let’s celebrate the journey of language learning and the doors it opens!

Additional Summer Assigments for STEM Students Grades 9-12

Dr. Troy Podell, Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

25-26 School Year MEA/Leadership and Career Education

9/30 Integrity Grade 11 Presented by: Troy Podell

10/10 MEA: Presentation Skills Grade 10 Presented By MEA Dawn Pfeifer Reitz

10/16 Being a Good Teammate Grade 9 Presented by: Troy Podell, Jenn Stull, and Justin Brown

11/6 MEA: Basics of Communication Grade 9 Presented by MEA Dawn Pfeifer Reitz

12/4 Communication Styles and Your Personal Brand Grade 10 Presented by Troy Podell

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

If your student is in need of immediate assistance please contact Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz and she will connect you with someone that can assist you. If you are in need of a work permit, please find the application location 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

College Application Season has begun! Thanks to all who were able to attend College Application Boot Camp on August 4 and 5. Slides and information from the presentation can be viewed here!

The Common Application is open for the Class of 2026!!

Remember this is just the starting line, NOT A DEADLINE! No college expects you to submit everything in the first day or week of the application season. Pace yourself and pay attention to deadlines, but do not sacrifice this last month of summer!

Use this FAQ to help in completing your apps and Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).

2025- 2026 STEM Academy HSA Board

President: Kerri Roberts

Co-Vice Presidents: Heather Steiger and Kelly Sears

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

Meetings will be held throughout the school year, on the dates designated below each month in the STEM Academy Knowledge Commons at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.

• September 8, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• December: No Monthly Meeting
• January 12, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• May 11, 2026

Please visit the external STEM HSA website!

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. In the 2024-2025 year we supported over 650 music students!

The MPA is seeking local business sponsorships to help support our music programs for the 2025–2026 season.

As a thank-you for your support, we’ve created a Sponsorship Benefit Program that promotes your business and services not only to our band community but to the entire school district.

🔗 Sponsorship Details

✅ Sign up as a sponsor

• First Football Game – Stadium Concessions
  📆 Friday, August 22, 2025
  🙋 We welcome back “veteran” volunteers and new helpers! Training provided—join us in the concession stand to kick off the season. SIGN UP TODAY
  
  

• MPA Hosted Event – USBands Pennsylvania State Championships
  📆 Saturday, November 1, 2025
  🎺 One of our largest fundraisers of the year—volunteers needed! More details coming soon.

East Band

• 📅 East Band Calendar

West Band

• 📅 West Band Calendar

• Wawa Shorti Coupons – $5 each, never expire
  📩 Contact Cheryl Wendt (East) or Tina Ayala (West of STEM) or email DHSMPA.waysmeans@outlook.com

• Football Concessions – Friday, August 22 (training provided!) Sign Up
  
  

• USBands PA State Championships – Saturday, November 1 - More info coming soon!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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

• 2025-2026 School Year

  The DASD 2025-2026 was board approved on Wednesday, January 2025.. Please review the school start times as shared on the district website and noted below:

  The schedule for the 2025-2026 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.

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.
• Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich with any questions or concerns.

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