West Chester Area School District
October Newsletter
A SHORT NOTE FROM WCASD
There’s something special about this time of year in our schools. The first-day excitement has settled into familiar routines, classrooms are buzzing, fall activities are in full swing, and students are finding their stride!
September gave us so much to celebrate, from welcoming everyone back and kicking off a new year of Way Makers to seeing students explore new opportunities, build connections, and grow in confidence.
As we head into October, we’re grateful for a wonderful start to the year and excited for everything still ahead. Happy fall, WCASD!
Homecoming season brought plenty of school spirit to WCASD. Henderson, East, and Rustin each celebrated with a week full of traditions, activities, and plenty of school pride, all leading up to their Homecoming games.
From spirit days and pep rallies to cheering under the Friday night lights, we loved seeing our students and school communities celebrate!
Our September School Board meeting began with two special guests from Hillsdale Elementary! Benjamin and Zoey shared what makes Hillsdale special, from student leadership and music to school traditions, buddy activities, and the new experience of switching classes throughout the day. They talked about how those opportunities are helping them become more independent, organized, and ready for middle school.
We also welcomed our new high school student representatives: Akshara from East, Charlie from Henderson, and Tommy from Rustin. Each will bring an important student perspective to Board meetings throughout the year.
The Board also recapped updates on several ongoing priorities, including the district’s K-5 screen time guidelines and plans for Lunch & Learn renovations at each of the high schools.
Akieda Behlin | Peirce
Helping every student feel seen.
Darius James | Fern Hill
Once a Fern Hill student, now making it shine.
Kate Coulter | Spellman
Showing up for students and families, always.
From substances to screens, young people are surrounded by sources of instant gratification. Join us for an engaging in-person workshop to learn how youth of all ages can develop grit, embrace healthy “natural highs,” and build resilience when faced with disappointment. Through humor and psychological research, the session will share practical insights parents and guardians can use to support their children.
October 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Peirce Middle School
Every two years, WCASD students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 participate in the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), which helps us better understand student well-being, behaviors, experiences, and the factors that help students feel supported and connected. More than 3,000 WCASD students participated in the 2025 survey.
The latest results brought some encouraging news:
- Positive trends: Most areas measured showed improvement, with many WCASD results comparing favorably to state and national averages.
- Students are reporting strong well-being: More than 80% of students surveyed reported that their overall mental health was good, with some grades approaching 90%. Students’ protective factors also significantly outweighed identified risk factors.
- Turning data into action: PAYS results have helped inform work across WCASD, from expanded mental health and student supports to deeper learning, Portrait of a Graduate, Career Compass, schedule work, digital wellness education, and other efforts designed to help students feel connected and engaged at school.
There is always more work to do, but we’re encouraged by the progress we’re seeing and will continue listening to our students and using what they tell us to guide our work.
Know a WCASD staff member who makes a difference every day? Nominations are now open for the Chester County Champions of Education Awards, celebrating the outstanding educators and support staff who help our students and schools thrive.
Nominate a Champion of the Classroom for educators or a Champion of Service for staff serving in support roles, from paraprofessionals and custodians to food service staff and beyond. Nominations close November 30, 2026.
It only takes a few minutes to recognize someone who makes a lasting impact!
This summer, Marty Runzer, Glen Acres, and Betsy Lane, Starkweather, were among just 40 educators selected for the inaugural Flight 93 Educator Symposium. Together with fellow PA educators, they helped develop a lesson for the National Day of Learning, “Teach to Remember 9/11,” supporting students as they learn about, reflect on, and remember September 11.
For Marty, a former flight attendant, the work carries a deeply personal connection, and her experience has since been featured by the Associated Press and CNN. We’re proud of Marty and Betsy for bringing such thoughtful, meaningful learning to their students and beyond.
WCASD staff do incredible things every day to create meaningful, creative, real-world experiences for our students, and the West Chester Area Education Foundation Mini-Grants can help bring even more of those ideas to life!
Staff can apply for up to $5,000 to support projects big or small, from focused classroom experiences to schoolwide opportunities.
Applications are open now through October 30.
We are so grateful to the local companies who have generously donated their time and resources to support the WCASD Preschool Parent Group over the years! These partners have helped us accomplish our mission of connecting children and families with the District through free educational programs and fun activities for preschool-aged children.
If you are interested in sponsoring an event, contact Allison Garber at agarver@wcasd.net or 484-266-1000 ext# 100011.
