West Chester Area School District
September Newsletter
A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR OF TEACHING, LEARNING AND EQUITY DR. STEPHEN BROWN
This month, Dr. Stephen Brown, our director of teaching, learning, and equity, shares how we’re keeping students at the center of everything we do. In this short video, he highlights our focus on creating meaningful learning experiences and new ways for students to show what they know through performance-based assessments.
As always, thank you for walking the WCASD way with us!
Mark Your Calendar:
September: Attendance Awareness | Hispanic Heritage Month | Nat. Suicide Prevention Month
September 1: Labor Day | Schools and Offices Closed
September 4: Grade 6 Open House | 6:30 p.m.
September 8: Teaching, Learning, & Equity Committee Meeting | 6:00 p.m.
September 11: Grade 7 & 8 Open House | 6:30 p.m.
September 11: Patriots Day
September 14-20: National Arts in Education Week
September 15: Policy Review Committee Meeting | 6:00 p.m.
September 16: National IT Professionals Day
September 18: High School Open Houses | 6:30 p.m.
September 22: Half-Day Dismissal, PM Teacher Inservice
September 23: Rosh Hashanah | Schools Closed
September 29: Property & Finance Committee Meeting | 6:00 p.m.
September 29: School Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
WALKING INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
The school year is now officially underway, and we’ve had a blast welcoming everyone back! From Induction for new WCASD team members and Convocation to the first week of school, the energy and enthusiasm across our schools set the tone for a fantastic year!
Bringing the Back-to-School Buzz
We kicked off the school year with Convocation, our district-wide celebration welcoming back our team. It’s a special moment filled with energy, excitement, and a real sense of community!
While we know not every day will feel like a pep rally, moments like Convocation remind us of the passion and dedication our staff bring to every school day. We hope this spirit of celebration carries through the year, especially during those special moments that make the WCASD experience so memorable.
First Week Fun!
The first week of school was full of smiles, high fives, and a few tears here and there (from our youngest learners and their families)!
Check out some snapshots capturing the joy and excitement of our students as they settle into a new school year. Plus you can find more photos on our district social media platforms!
East Bradford Elementary
East Goshen Elementary
Exton Elementary
Fern Hill Elementary
Glen Acres Elementary
Greystone Elementary
Hillsdale Elementary
Mary C. Howse Elementary
Penn Wood Elementary
Fugett Middle School
Peirce Middle School
Stetson Middle School
EXTON ELEMENTARY'S SUMMER OF GROWTH
Exton Elementary’s garden was bursting with life this summer! Thanks to the care of EXE families, and the addition of a brand-new fence, the garden produced 239 pounds of fresh produce for the Chester County Food Cupboard.
We’re so proud of the way our EXE community made a difference over the summer months, and now we can’t wait to see our students grow and thrive throughout the school year!
FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL MILESTONES TO HIGH SCHOOL HORIZONS
Middle School Transition Camps
Incoming sixth graders got an exciting first look at middle school through their school's orientation camps! Students explored their new buildings, practiced opening lockers, and learned about all of the exciting opportunities waiting for them in middle school!
We hope all of our WCASD 6th graders are enjoying their start to middle school!
We can’t wait to see you! The 6th Grade Open House is Thursday, 9/4, 6:30–8:15 p.m. Stop by your student’s school to meet teachers, explore the classrooms, and see what’s in store for the year.
High School Schedule Update: Timeline Extended
At the August School Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. David Christopher shared an update on the work surrounding the proposed new high school schedule. While strong progress was been made over the summer—including new seating areas for students, improvements to Lunch and Learn expectations, and new steps to limit cell phone use—we believe it’s important to give this work more time.
By extending the timeline to fall 2027, we can align the new schedule more deeply with our district’s Portrait of a Graduate, which focuses on the essential skills of adaptability, communication, empathy, problem solving, and responsibility. This adjustment ensures the schedule rests on a strong foundation and reflects the shared hopes of our community for every WCASD graduate.
WALKING THE WCASD WAY, EVEN IN SUMMER
Even in the heat of summer, the work in WCASD never slows down. Behind the scenes, dedicated staff prepared our schools, supported our teams, and created the foundation for another great year.
This summer, we honored two incredible Way Makers: Corey Fields, Rustin High School, and Joe McGuire, Facilities & Operations. Corey is a steady, positive presence—always putting students first and supporting staff with care. Joe takes immense pride in his work, making sure our schools and grounds reflect the excellence happening inside. We are thrilled to be able to share their efforts with our community!
We are grateful to the local companies who generously donated their time and resources to support the Preschool Parent Group over the years!
Huge thanks to our local company partners for supporting the WCASD Preschool Parent Group! Their commitment strengthens our community and enriches our children’s experiences. We’re so grateful for their generosity. Families, be sure to check them out and learn more about the awesome work they do in our community.
Learn more about our amazing sponsors: ATA Martial Arts, Colorful Clay Works, Life Therapy Services, Momentum Martial Arts, My Gym, Speech First, LLC, Time to Leap, ToT Rock Music Classes, Treehouse Yoga for Children, Uptown! WC Studio, WC Public Library, Yogic Body Studio, and Young Rembrandts.
If you are interested in sponsoring a PPG event, contact Denise Clark, dclark1@wcasd.net, 484-266-1070.
The West Chester Area School District's Preschool Parents Group's mission is to attract and transition children and parents into the West Chester Area School District. We offer a free program that provides educational and fun activities for preschool-aged children.
QUICK QUESTION FROM US TO YOU!
What’s the #1 thing you could still use help with?
WCASD SHINES AT PENNSYLVANIA FREE ENTERPRISE WEEK
Over the summer, WCASD high school students stepped into the role of business leaders at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), thanks to the support of the West Chester Area Education Foundation (WCAEF). Students spent the week working alongside other students from across the state, connecting with experienced professionals, and gaining hands-on experience in running a successful business.
This program gave students valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and real-world challenges, helping them build confidence and prepare for future opportunities. Huge thanks for WCAEF for sponsoring our students and providing them with this incredible experience!