Principals Weekly Update

Wednesday, October 29th: Sophomores- Class ring night sales 5:30-7:30 pm in the Main Lobby

Tuesday, November 4th: No School for Students

Thursday, November 13th through Saturday November 15th: Fall Play

Monday, November 24th: Early dismissal for students

Tuesday, November 25th: No School for Students, Parent Teacher Conferences- more information to follow.

Wednesday, November 26th through Sunday, November 30th: Fall Break

Your 11th grader may be starting to question their next steps after graduation. While college and career planning is a major focus for juniors and seniors, all students can benefit from starting to think ahead. Your 11th grader will have an individual junior meeting with their School Counselor in the near future, but here are several actions they can take on their own to start preparing:

1. Prepare and Take Standardized Tests- Even though many colleges are now “test optional”, they should still prepare and take the SAT or ACT this spring. Students who take their tests in their junior year have time to see their weaknesses and study to improve them. A good score can be used as evidence that your student is college ready, as well as serve as a reason to get merit scholarship money: Free SAT Prep ; Free ACT Prep

2. Consider Possible Majors- Begin to think of possible college majors. Start with personal interests, including any motivating school subjects, like algebra or literature. The idea is not to commit to a career path, but to try and narrow down career possibilities. Career Exploration

3. Research Colleges- Fall is a great time for Juniors to go on some campus tours. Make sure to consider a variety of schools: public, private, large, and small…etc. Tours can also be done virtually. Try You Visit Virtual College Tours for some online college tour fun. Naviance also provides students with the tools to find their best fit, while learning about each institution. In the Colleges tab at the top section, find Find Your Fit and select College SuperMatch. This will open the College SuperMatch tool, which helps students search and filter colleges based on various preferences and criteria.

4. Show Your Academic Strengths- Junior year is the last full year of grades for admissions committees to consider when determining a student’s acceptance. Even the smallest increase in GPA or a consistently strong average can show that a student is ready for college. Keep in mind also that junior year teachers are typically the ones to ask for letters of recommendation! Tips for Studying

5. Starting Thinking About Senior Year- While the Counselors will discuss the courses your student selects for next year during their Junior Meeting, you can still review graduation requirements to be sure that they are on track. Additionally, Graduation Project information can be found on the Graduation Project Information Schoology Course page. Their upcoming senior year is a good time to take meaningful electives relating to a potential major, and course options can be viewed in the Program of Study

If you missed ordering your cap and gown on the 15th and 16th please use the link below to order! Please order ASAP!

Your school’s CAP AND GOWN PACKAGES can only be purchased by following this link: https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/school/PA/Downingtown%20High%20School%20East/37000580000/4279/packages

If you have not verified the way you would like your name to be printed on your diploma please stop in the Main Office ASAP! The deadline was 10/10!

JUNIORS and SENIORS…. College visits... We encourage you to sign up early -- with teacher permission -- to meet our representatives on Naviance under the College tab. If you sign up to attend, and have to cancel, please remove your name or let Mrs. Wick know!

College Visits This Week:

Monday, 10/27
8:54 — Ithaca College
9:43 — James Madison University
10:32 — Nova Southeastern University

Tuesday, 10/28
8:54 — Salve Regina University
9:43 — Marywood University
10:32 — Rensselaer Poly Tech

Wednesday, 10/29
8:54 — Arcadia University
9:43 — Binghamton University
10:32 — West Virginia University

Thursday, 10/30
8:54 — LaSalle University
9:43 — Misericordia University
10:32 — Palm Beach Atlantic University

Friday, 10/31
8:54 — George Mason University
9:43 — St. Joseph's University
10:32 — Albright University

High school students and their parents are invited to attend the 2025 Chester County College Fair. This free event takes place on Monday, October 27th from 6:00-8:00pm at United Sports in Downingtown. Representatives from over 125 colleges and universities nationwide will be available to answer questions and provide information about academic programs, admission requirements, campus life, financial aid, and more! To learn more about this event, go to: https://www.cciu.org/student-activities/college-fair.

Downingtown WEST High School

Wednesday, November 19th, 6:00-8:00 pm

All parents, guardians, and 9th-12th graders are invited to join the conversation around post-secondary financial planning!

6:00 pm: Keynote Address - Auditorium: Rory Sullivan – The College Funding Coach

• WORKSHOPS OFFERED 7-8 P.M.

• PHEAA/FAFSA 101: Need-Based Aid: Sonya MacFarlane - Auditorium
• Discount Your College Credits: Dr. Troy Podell - Atrium
• Scholarships 101: Cash For College: Stacey Hewitt & Leanne Glowik - Library
• Smart Strategies to Save!: Rory Sullivan - Cafeteria

Use this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVapWo8JlobvKphb33-1ASyCgeVq95wHFbMQ1-aBNa6tvIKA/viewform

The Lionville YMCA is hiring lifeguards!

• Use the QR code on the flyer at the end of the the newsletter to apply.
• Any questions please reach out to Tara tbaccile@ymcagbw.org

Kumon of Downingtown is hiring students 10th grade and above who excel in their academics and can specifically work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 pm - 7 pm. Call or email to learn more at heemashah@ikumon.com or 267-328-7767 -- www.kumon.com/downingtown

Good Life Organic Kitchen in Eagleview is hiring! They need help Monday-Friday till 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hours are flexible, and the minimum age is 16. Interested students should reach out to: exton@goodlifeorganickitchen.com.

The Robert Smith Scholarship is now accepting applications for this $5000 award for a student who plans to enter a trade school or employment in the trades after graduation.
Please note: The deadline to apply is October 27, 2025.

https://www.carpentershall.org/robertsmithscholarship

Valotta Studios is looking for volunteers for their fall recitals on weekends in November! Assist with attendance, photography, and coordinating students with the head teacher. Please contact Jennifer Smollinger if you are interested in assisting at jen.valottastudios@gmail.com.

Bradford Heights Elementary School needs volunteers to assist with after-school intramural activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting 9/16 from 3:45-4:40 p.m. The program runs for 20 weeks. Contact Mr. Veser at jveser@dasd.org if you can help!

The Home & School Association (HSA) Needs Student Volunteers!

HSA is looking for students to help with events throughout the school year. All grade levels are welcome and needed — but especially grades 9–11 to start prepping for the Post Prom / Senior All-Night Party beginning in November. Whether you want to help occasionally or join a small team working on decorations, painting, or prop assembly, there’s a spot for you!

Please complete this form by following the link below to be added to our Student Volunteer Email Distribution List. We will reach out soon with additional information.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScd9MqQPvjCtVl1zrtmQ8FAnG-NJcwHIf90kw48HkxZQr3RKg/viewform

Yearbook Sales and Senior Ads Sales are now open!

The senior ad center will close 12/15/25 or when the 30 allotted pages are full.

• Go to Yearbook & Ad Purchasing Site
• Enter code 4846 to gain access to the site.
• The price for the book will increase in November. Directions for completion are on the website.

Applications are now open to Seniors and Juniors

• Please see both Senior and Junior letters sent out via email or linked below for more detailed information.
• All obligations must be cleared.
• All students driving to school must have a parking permit.
• Students must park in the designated student lot.
• Students who park in the lots designated for staff and visitors will be subject to a $25.00 parking ticket per offense. No exceptions!!

** If you have any questions please contact Mrs. DiLullo in the Main Office cdilullo@dasd.org or 610-363-6400 ext. 41004

Homework Club Schedule

Tuesday Mornings- Room 108 from 7:15 am to 7:50 am

Tuesday Afternoons- In the Atrium from 2:45 to 3:45 pm

October 28th: Volleyball vs. Whitemarsh District Playbacks

October 30th: Volleyball TBD District Playbacks

October 31: Cross Country at States 9:30 am

November 1st: Cross Country at States 9:30 am

When: Saturday October 25th at 11 am

Where: Bishop Shanahan High School

Wear your D-town East blue and gold!

The HSA is asking for your help! Please consider donating if you can!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/hsa-annual-fundraising-drive

2025-2026 HSA Board

Katie Thompson (President), Mary Hawk (VP), Vicki Blevins (Secretary), Jeanne Hallinan and LingLing Stewart (Co-Treasurers)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv2RvtT23zT4zLzXH3TNuz1keNCbXaaVGPN0DM3_CEyieRqQ/viewform

The Red Cross Club is hosting a Blood Drive at Downingtown East High School on Tuesday, October 28th!

All students 16 years or older are eligible to donate (with parental consent for those under 18), and staff are warmly encouraged to participate as well.

Donating blood is an easy way to make a real difference — each donation can save up to three lives! Plus, all donors will receive a free T-shirt, snacks, and the incredible feeling of helping others.

If you’re interested in donating, please email Miss Cronomiz at rcronomiz@dasd.org to sign up.

For any questions, reach out to Prapti Patel in person or email mpatel04@student.dasd.org.

Let’s come together as a school community to give the gift of life!

https://www.cartwheel.org/resource/you-are-not-alone-how-parents-caregivers-can-support-kids-mental-health?scrlybrkr=673c5e57

Ms. Kristina Cole: 9th - 12th Grade Students: A to Col

krcole@dasd.org- Ext. 41041

Ms. Stephanie Chupela: 9th - 12th Grade Students: Con- Gan

schupela@dasd.org- Ext.41040

Ms. Katherine Dill: 9th - 12th Grade Students: Gar- Ke

kdill@dasd.org- Ext. 41042

Ms. Angela Hanna: 9th - 12th Grade Students: Ki- McD

ahanna@dasd.org- Ext.41043

Mr. Michael Matta: 9th - 12th Grade Students: McE- Ras

mmatta@dasd.org- Ext. 41045

Ms. Caroline (Gregory) Hallam : 9th - 12th Grade Students: Rat- Sta

cgregory@dasd.org- Ext. 41046

Mr. William Davis: 9th-12th Grade Students: Ste- Z

wdavis@dasd.org- Ext. 41522

Beth O’Rourke – borourke@dasd.org – Ext. 11460

Renee Welsh – rwelsh@dasd.org – Ext. 11459

Jennifer Bender – jbender@dasd.org – Ext. 11461

Anthony Nordone – anordone@dasd.org – Ext. 11473

Athletic Director: Corey Sigle – csigle@dasd.org

Associate Athletic Director: Michael Semar- msemar@dasd.org

Assistant Athletic Director: Renee Harty – rharty@dasd.org

Paul E. Hurley III, Principal – phurley@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: Lakesha Costello: 11th grade and 10th grade: A thru Ha – lcostello@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: Eric McComsey: 12th grade and 10th grade: P thru Z – emccomsey@dasd.org

Assistant Principal: Erin Purse: 9th grade and 10th grade: He thru O– epurse@dasd.org