Falcon Flash

Dear Stetson Families,

Another busy week is in the books! We had picture retakes on Monday and a wonderful evening Tuesday at Stetson’s Got Talent. I truly enjoyed watching our students step outside of their comfort zones and share their talents with a packed audience. It takes courage to get up in front of your peers and adults and perform, and our students did an amazing job!

I also have two quick reminders where we could use your support. First, please talk with your child about safe play during recess. We want students to enjoy those 10 minutes, but rough play can quickly lead to someone getting hurt.

We are also seeing more gum at school. Gum is not permitted because of the sanitary and safety concerns it can create when it ends up on floors, furniture, or other areas of the building. Please help us by reminding your child to leave gum at home.

As always, thank you for your partnership and for helping us reinforce these simple expectations. When school and home work together, we create the best environment for our students.

A Quick Reminder for Morning Drop-Off:

As the mornings begin to get colder, I want to remind everyone that our school doors open at 7:30 a.m. This is also when we have teacher supervision available for students.

We have noticed some students arriving before 7:30 a.m. Please help us by planning your morning drop-off at or after 7:30 a.m. I especially wanted to share this reminder now before the colder temperatures arrive and students are waiting outside.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our students safe. We truly appreciate the partnership of our Stetson families.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing weekend. We look forward to another great week at Stetson!

Warmly,

Mrs. Puchalla

Principal

**Red Ribbon Week--October 26-30

Monday, October 26 th--Day 2

Tuesday, October 27th- Day 3 *Falcon Period

Wednesday, October 28th--Day 4

Thursday, October 29th--Day 5 *Falcon Period

Friday, October 30th--Day 6

Our seventh-grade students will participate in a special assembly with professional speaker Matt Bellace, Ph.D. Dr. Bellace has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology, which focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. He will talk with students about healthy “natural highs,” handling disappointment, and positive ways to manage stress and challenges in life. We look forward to providing our students with this engaging opportunity to learn strategies that support healthy choices and resilience.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held next month. Conferences at the middle school level are structured differently than they are in elementary school. Our teacher teams identify students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns and invite their parents or guardians to participate in a conference. Once those conferences have been scheduled, parents and guardians will receive information about any remaining available conference slots and may request a conference at that time. Please note that not all students will have a conference scheduled. Our initial focus is on students who may benefit from additional support or intervention. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Our annual 8th Grade Career Fair will be held on January 22, 2027, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. We are seeking volunteers from a variety of professions to share their career experiences with our students. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss what they do in their jobs, the skills needed for success, and the educational path they followed to reach their current profession. We would love to have you join us and make a meaningful impact on our students' future planning. Please email Gary Pester, if you are interested in joining us!

Students in grades 6-8 will be administered the ELA Real-Time Diagnostic in September, December, March, and May. This student data will be used to personalize learning experiences and serve as data points when considering level placement for the next school year.. Additionally, your child will spend time working on IXL in class each week. This practice will allow them to advance at their own pace, focusing on skills most relevant to their learning progress.

As part of our ongoing commitment to academic growth, all middle school students will be completing the iXL diagnostic benchmark assessment in math and ELA. We wanted to share a quick and helpful way you can support your child’s learning at home!

To help reinforce learning, we are asking families to support 20 minutes per week of iXL practice at home. This independent practice is an excellent way for your child to strengthen the exact skills they need based on their benchmark results.

How to get started at home:

1. Log in to iXL
2. Go to the “Assessment” Tab
3. Select a “Recommended” Skill in any of the reporting categories
4. Earn a Smart Score on an 80% or better

This extra practice at home can make a big difference in strengthening foundational skills and boosting your child’s confidence in the classroom.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Portrait of a Graduate is WCASD’s shared vision for the skills and mindsets every student should develop before graduation. Created with input from students, families, staff, and community members, it focuses on five key competencies: Adaptability, Communication, Empathy, Problem Solving, and Responsibility. These qualities help prepare students not only for academic success, but also for life, leadership, and future opportunities. We reviewed the Portrait of a Graduate competencies with students this week in our grade level Town Hall meetings.

For more information, families can visit the WCASD Portrait of a Graduate page.

This week during Falcon Period, our students participated in an ALICE Training video lesson as part of our ongoing commitment to school safety. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is a proactive, options-based safety program designed to help students and staff respond effectively in a variety of emergency situations, including an armed intruder event. The training provided age-appropriate information that helps students understand safety procedures, builds awareness, and increases confidence in responding to emergencies. By introducing these concepts before our required safety drills, we are helping ensure that all students and staff are prepared, informed, and ready to respond should an emergency ever occur. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we appreciate your partnership in supporting these important preparedness efforts.

As we begin a new school year, we encourage students to take care of their school issed devices. Laptops are to remain inside the case at all times and should be charged at home each night.

Technology Ticket System

The WCASD technology department is now addressing all technology needs through an online ticket system. Students should communicate with a teacher when there is a concern with their device so that they can assist with submitting a ticket. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this new system of addressing technology concerns.

Accidental Damage Policy:

WCASD students are covered for one incidence of accidental damage coverage for each academic year. Any cost of repair/replacement of damage beyond the one incident per year will become the responsibility of the student or parent/legal guardian. This accidental damage coverage will not cover device loss or intentional damage.

Subject: Important Parking Reminder for Stetson Athletic Events

We appreciate the wonderful support our families provide to our student athletes!

As a reminder, when attending athletic events at Stetson, please park only in designated school parking lots and do not park on the grass, particularly near the soccer fields or along the access road.

Because we share our campus with another school, we also share common entry and exit areas. Recently, vehicles attending our athletic events have made it difficult for the neighboring school buses and parent car line to access the school safely and efficiently during dismissal.

We respectfully ask all families and spectators to keep the access road clear and use Stetson’s designated parking lots before walking to our athletic fields.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us be respectful neighbors while continuing to support our Stetson student-athletes!

Warmly,

The West Chester Area School District has a tradition of offering high-quality extra-curricular programs for students. Finding a way to maintain that tradition while facing annual budget gaps has become a growing challenge every year. In order to help offset the costs of our extra-curricular programs, the district assesses a student participation fee. This fee is assessed only for students who participate in extra-curricular activities supported by a contracted coach, advisor, or director.

The Activity Fee is designed to be as fair and equitable as possible and, as a result, fees are set at levels that will not discourage participation. Therefore, fees are set within a structure that represents underlying costs, as well as the fee policies of surrounding districts.

The Middle School Activity Fee is $87.00 for 26-27 school year.

Our district is committed to ensuring that no student will be denied extra-curricular activity participation because of a concern regarding cost, therefore we also provide information regarding financial help.

In order to help parents with a convenient, fair and seamless payment process, the district is again using PayForIt, an on-line method of making a payment. Directions for using this system can be found on individual school websites and on your school's athletic homepage.

If you have questions, please email: activityfee@wcasd.net.

All 7th and 8th grade students interested in trying out for girls' basketball, boys' basketball, or wrestling who have not yet completed a SWAY concussion baseline test are required to do so prior to the start of the winter sports season.

If you completed a SWAY baseline test during the spring sports season, at the end of the last school year, or during the fall sports season, you do not need to complete another baseline test. If you are unsure, please see Mr. Bixler.

Testing will take place after school in the gym on the following dates:

• Girls Basketball
• Monday, October 26th
• Wrestling
• Wednesday, October 28th
• Boys Basketball
• Thursday, October 29th
• Make-Up Session (Athletes should attend their assigned sport-specific testing date. The make-up session should only be used if the assigned date is missed.)
• Friday, October 30th

Each testing session will last approximately 20-30 minutes. Students should arrange for transportation to arrive no later than 3:45 PM.

Thank you for helping us ensure all student-athletes are prepared for the upcoming winter sports season.

The following link provides additional information about the SWAY concussion baseline test:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_vtWRyh6EdlSHqrEA_oKCltz7GGk2trM/view?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, please contact Jack Bixler at jbixler@wcasd.net.

Winter Sports Registration Now Open

Registration for winter sports is now open through FamilyID/Arbiter Registration:

https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/g-a-stetson-middle-school

All student-athletes interested in participating in a winter sport must complete the required registration paperwork before tryouts.

• A completed PIAA Section 6 Physical Form is required and must be dated on or after May 1, 2026. Students will not be permitted to try out or participate until the completed physical has been uploaded and approved.
• Students who participated in a fall sport, including those who tried out but did not make the team, must submit a completed PIAA Section 7 Recertification Form for winter sports. Students will not be permitted to try out or participate until the completed form has been uploaded and approved.
• Please ensure that all forms are completed in their entirety, including all required signatures and dates, and that the physical form is clearly marked "Cleared" by the authorized medical professional. Incomplete forms cannot be accepted.
• Families are encouraged to complete registration as early as possible to allow time for any corrections that may be needed before tryouts begin.

• Wrestling will begin on November 28.

• Girls Basketball tryouts will be on November 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th

• Boys Basketball are TBD

• Coaches will be sending additional information regarding tryouts, including dates, times, and expectations.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Bixler at jbixler@wcasd.net.

8th Grade try-outs: Monday, November 2nd and Wednesday November 4th from 3pm to 4:50 pm. Please pick-up your child by 5pm.

7th Grade try-outs: Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th from 3pm to 4:50pm. Please pick up your child by 5pm.

Each team may keep between 10 to 13 players.

First practice will be Monday, November 9th.

Players will need a completed PIAA physical dated after 5/1/24. (dated with a doctor’s signature). Students will not be allowed to try-out without a completed PIAA physical.

If you tried out for a fall sport, parents must fill out Section 7 PIAA recertification. No doctor signature is required

All forms must be uploaded to FamilyID.

If you have questions please contact Coach Ascareggi jascareggi@wcasd.k12.pa.us or Coach Newton znewton@wcasd.k12.pa.us

Attention 7th and 8th grade students interested in joining the Stetson Middle School Wrestling Team!

Wrestling is a great opportunity to improve strength, fitness, confidence, discipline, and teamwork. No previous wrestling experience is needed everyone is welcome to join and learn.

To stay updated with important information, schedules, announcements, and team materials, please join our Wrestling Schoology Group.

Schoology Group Code Z5RS-NNJ4-5H275

Important information, including practice schedules, paperwork reminders, and team updates, will be posted in Schoology throughout the season.

Please make sure you have:

• Completed all required physical and athletic paperwork

• Completed your concussion testing

• Wrestling shoes and practice clothing

• Joined the Schoology group

Practices will be held after school in the auxiliary gym from 3:00–5:00 PM beginning on November 28th.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Perrine.

We are looking forward to another great season. Come out, work hard, improve every day, and be part of the Stetson Wrestling family!

A student must be in school by 10:00 AM. (end of 2nd period) in order to participate in an athletic contest/practice/activity that day. An exception will be made if the student has an approved medical appointment, in which case, the student must present to the attendance office a signed statement from the doctor regarding their absence by 11:30 AM.

Early Dismissal – The WCASD policy is that in order for a student to participate in any extra-curricular activity, he or she must be present in school for half the day ( four periods) of the activity. If a student needs to have an early dismissal for any reason, he or she is expected to return at a reasonable time.

Love being outdoors? Join Hands in Nature Club and spend two Wednesdays each month (after school) exploring, creating, and making a positive impact on the world around you! Students will learn about local wildlife, plants, streams, and habitats while helping protect the environment through hands-on activities and community service projects. Members will also help grow vegetables in the SMS Garden for donation to the West Chester Food Cupboard and create nature-inspired art that promotes creativity and wellness.

Meetings: Wednesdays, 2 times per month after school
Where: Meet in the Cafeteria, then head outdoors to the nature trail or SMS Garden
Sign Up: Room F110 with Mrs. DiNatale or email ddinatale@wcasd.net

Get Outside. Get Involved. Make a Difference!

The winners of the Setson's Got Talent Show are:

Sammie and Jackie earned Honorable Mention

Bee and Alex earned 3rd place

Cece and Vivienne earned 2nd place

Leo earned 1st place

Congratulations to all students who performed! It was a great show!

The 8th grade class field trip to the Pocono Valley Resort is scheduled for June 3rd, 2027. Students received a packet during homeroom with an informational letter, permission slip and medical form. Students should return their completed permission slip and medical form to their homeroom teacher as soon as possible. All payments can be made online via Payschools. You can access Payschools using the QR code in the informational letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Morris (jmorris1@wcasd.net) or John Graham (jgraham@wcasd.net).

📚 Order Your Stetson Middle School Yearbook Today! 📚

Don't miss out on preserving the memories of the 2026-2027 school year! Yearbooks are currently available for $38.00 through November 20.

🔗 Purchase your Stetson Middle School Yearbook here: Stetson Yearbook sales link

📖 Order by November 20 to secure the current price of $38.00! ✨

The attachment includes a QR code that directs our families to the WCASD Technology Family Resources page, where they can access more detailed information, tutorials, and guides for:

• Setting up and accessing PowerSchool Parent Portal
• Creating and accessing Schoology parent accounts
• Navigating Schoology and monitoring student learning
• Troubleshooting common access issues

Join the PTO – We Need You!

The PTO is currently comprised of dedicated members Patty Arabia, Vicki Babylon, and Jennifer Watkins. We’re always looking for more helping hands and fresh ideas!

Support the PTO – Every Contribution Counts!

We are asking families to consider making a contribution to the PTO so that we can continue to bring valuable enhancements to our children’s education.

Our suggested contribution is $25 per family, but any amount is truly appreciated. Every dollar goes directly toward programs, events, and resources that benefit our students.

Please consider joining the PTO - your help is extremely important, as we are unable to accomplish many of our goals without the support of dedicated volunteers like you. Please reach out to PTOStetson@ gmail.com or Vicki Babylon

(vpeters721@comcast.net) is interested.

How to Contribute:
💵 Cash or Checks – Send to the school marked “PTO Contribution”
📱 Venmo – @StetsonPTO

Hello Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! This communication is long but important, and is intended to provide information regarding nursing services for your student during the school year.

• Please be sure you complete the back-to-school information via the parent portal as soon as possible. This includes your student’s emergency information, important contact information, and permission for medication at school.

Illness/Injury and Nurse Visits

• Please do not send students to school if they have a fever (temperature over 100 degrees), diarrhea, vomiting, persistent cough, or a communicable disease.

• If a student does not feel well during the school day, they should see the nurse for treatment. We have established criteria for sending students home due to illness. Please note that if your child does not meet these requirements, they will not be sent home.

• According to school procedure, students are not to notify their parents for pick up if they are not feeling well. The nurse will determine if a student should be sent home for medical reasons. If a student contacts a parent for pick up this will be counted as an early dismissal, NOT a nurse exclusion.

• If your child sustains an injury outside of school, we kindly ask that you have them evaluated by their healthcare provider. Please note that our health office is not equipped to diagnose or treat injuries.

Medication:

• We do not provide cold, cough, or allergy medication at school.

• The only medication that can be carried in school are EpiPens and/or Inhalers (with proper documentation).

• ALL medications, even over-the-counter (OTC) medications, must be dispensed by the school nurse. Please do not send medications with your child to take during the day, as this is against school policy and the WCASD Discipline Code.

• A signed parent permission note must accompany medications that need to be given during the school day as well as a written order from the doctor with type, dosage, and time. A copy of the prescription to the pharmacy is not the same and cannot be accepted. A parent/guardian must personally deliver the medication to the school nurse, who must secure and dispense the medication. Students are not permitted to dispense medications to themselves.

Medical Notes:

All medical notes that require medical adaptations or monitoring are asked to be sent to the nurse’s office first (Concussion, Gym Adaptations, etc.). A copy will be given to the appropriate parties. Parent notes related to gym class can be given directly to the gym teacher.

State Mandated Screenings Notice:

School health mandated screenings are completed each year for all grade levels and are conducted throughout the school year. If your student should not pass a screening, a referral will be sent home with them. If you would like to opt your child out of the height and weight, please send me an email no later than 3 PM on Monday 8/31/2026. Screenings will begin on Tuesday. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

6th Grade- Height/Weight/Vision

7th Grade- Height/Weight/Vision/Hearing/Scoliosis

8th Grade- Height/Weight/Vision

Change Of Clothing:

The health office has very limited clothing options in the event of a spill or accident. Therefore, we recommend that students keep a change of clothing in their locker and change out for the seasons.

We look forward to working with you to provide excellent care for your students. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!

Mrs. Melissa Czerpak, MHEP, BSN, CSN mczerpak@wcasd.net

Mrs. Anne Elduff, RN aelduff@wcasd.net

Stetson Middle School enforces the WCASD Attendance Policy and PA State attendance laws related to absences and tardies. Students are required to be in attendance daily to keep current with school work.

We are pleased to introduce a new, districtwide attendance reporting system which went live on the first day of school.

Through the Parent Portal, you will now be able to:

• Report your child’s attendance.
• View attendance data on an easy-to-read dashboard.
• View attendance notifications.
• View history of attendance and codes.

Please note:

• Doctor’s notes must still be submitted to your school’s attendance secretary within three days.
• Family Vacation Forms must continue to be submitted to the building principal for approval. These absences can be entered into the Parent Portal, with physical documentation sent separately.
• Once your attendance report is received, you will automatically receive a confirmation email from the district.
• You can monitor your child’s absences and attendance codes directly in the Parent Portal.

The PickUp Patrol system will not be used at the secondary level.

Detailed instructions for entering attendance in the Parent Portal can be found here along with a video.

There is an update to the district’s Attendance Administrative Guideline regarding early dismissals and tardies, please review here. Reminder, families have a total of fifteen parent notes or combination of up to 5 family vacation days and ten parent notes per year.

If you are experiencing trouble with the portal system, you can email a note on the morning of an absence to SMSAttendance@wcasd.net which will forward directly to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Heather Mazza.

*Students are expected to report to school no later than 10 am in order to participate in extra-curricular activities at school.

If you have questions regarding your child’s attendance, please contact our attendance secretary. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to streamline attendance reporting across the district.

Cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices are not allowed to be carried on a person during the school day. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, it must be turned off/silenced and stored in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day. Failure to follow this directive will result in the students phone being locked in a cell phone bag for the remainder of the day (and unlocked at dismissal time) and possible further disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the student’s parent/guardian having to pick the item up from school.

• Permitted to use before/after school in landing areas
• At morning dismissal, MUST be in locker (silenced or off)
• Phone cannot be used during school hours
• First offense=warning with a contact to office and home
• Second offense=locked in pouch, contact with admin and home
• Third offense=locked in pouch, detention from admin, contact home
• Fourth offense=locked in pouch, Sat School from admin, contact home
• Fifth offense=locked in pouch, stays in admin office for the day

Each student will have a locker assigned with a built-in lock. Students must lock the locker consistently and the combination kept private to maintain security. It is suggested that all students bring a combination lock to school to secure belongings in a locker during PE and in the athletic locker rooms.