West Chester Area School District

Dear WCASD Community,

As we step into March, I am filled with a sense of pride for our vibrant community and the incredible strides we continue to make in education. This month, I'd like to highlight a fundamental aspect of our educational journey and our district's 2022-25 Comprehensive Plan – student engagement.

Student engagement is more than just checking off tasks or writing out correct answers; it's about fostering a culture where our students actively participate in their learning. We want our schools to be spaces where we prioritize meaningful discussions, problem-solving endeavors, and the courage to take risks. These are the building blocks on which our students move beyond compliance into a space where genuine growth and skill development thrive.

It's critical that we encourage curiosity, embrace challenges, and inspire one another to reach new heights. We want our students not only to find the right answers but to understand the 'why' behind them. This deeper level of engagement not only enhances academic success but also cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.

I am confident that by fostering this culture of engagement, we are preparing our students to navigate a world that requires adaptability, resilience, and the ability to think beyond the ordinary.

Thank you for being on this journey with us, and I'll see you as we walk the West Chester way together!

Also, to make sure that you don’t miss any of the events coming up for the WCASD, please check out the list of upcoming events below and our Celebrate the Arts Flyer at the bottom of this newsletter.

Important Dates:

March: National Music in our Schools Month | National Nutrition Month | Women’s History Month

March 4-8: National School Social Worker Week

March 6: Padres Latinos Meeting at Henderson High School | 6:30 p.m.

March 11: First Day of Ramadan | Schools Closed

March 12: Pupil Services Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.

March 12: Education Committee Meeting | 7:00 p.m.

March 14: Pi Day

March 15: Harlem Wizards Basketball Game at East High School

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

March 18: Policy Review Committee Meeting | 5:30 p.m.

March 18: Property & Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.

March 25: School Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m.

March 25-27: K-5 Parent Conferences

March 27: Full day for middle and high school students, no school for elementary students (not half-day for middle and high school)

March 28: Schools Closed

March 29: Good Friday | Schools and Offices Closed

March 31: Easter

Don't miss out on all of the spectacular productions coming your way - featuring The Addams Family, Rent, Hello Dolly, and Mary Poppins!

Tickets are Selling Out Fast, Get Yours Today!

Stetson Middle School Presents “Mary Poppins."

• Tickets for Mary Poppins.

Fugett Middle School Presents “Mary Poppins."

• Tickets for Mary Poppins.

Peirce Middle School's brilliant 7th graders flip a new chapter in the fascinating world of Chemistry! They explored the Periodic Table, unleashing their inner scientists by labeling and coloring rows according to energy levels.

The classroom buzzed with curiosity as they unlocked the mysteries of the elements!

From recognizing real words versus nonsense words to sounding out letters and vowels, these little learners were on fire! But what stole the show? Their infectious enthusiasm to take the lead and guide their classmates through the exercises, proving that stage fright is simply not in their vocabulary!

They dove into narratives, honing their analytical skills, making connections, and crafting imaginative responses using Storyworks. We know these young storytellers have wonderful tales to tell!

East Bradford Elementary third graders have the solution when it comes to fractions! From tablets to whiteboards, they explored numerators, fraction bars, and denominators, showcasing their mathematical prowess. Way to go, young mathematicians!

Mary C. Howse Elementary first graders focused on building their knowledge of suffixes!

They used tablets to sort Three Sounds of Suffix as they also worked on reading the words aloud. We think these young superstars sounded (/d/) great!

At February's board meeting, Stetson Middle School students, Mark and Kavya, gave us a glimpse into the bustling life at Stetson. Their focus on the array of clubs and activities was particularly impressive, emphasizing that there's something for everyone.

From fun with friends to the practicing musical numbers, they showcased Stetson as a place where every student can find their niche. Thank you Mark and Kavya for spotlighting the vibrant opportunities at Stetson Middle School!

Henderson High School student Nethra “Tara” Ramesh is fighting hard to protect fellow students and the community from deadly drugs.

The 11th grader recently represented Henderson and the organization Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) on a recent trip to Washington.

Nethra serves as the secretary of PENN HOSA and recently made headlines as she represented the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) with about 400 other students during the 34th Annual National Leadership Forum in Washington.

Students and staff transformed Mary C. Howse Elementary into a captivating Black History Museum, showcasing displays highlighting influential Black figures, historical events, and significant places in the West Chester Area, including the legacy of Gay Street Elementary School and others.

Fourth and fifth-grade guides led visitors on an educational journey through the halls and talked about each exhibit.

Students across all grades showcased inspiring exhibits featuring biographies, book reports, and creative displays, highlighting the richness of Black history. Kudos to our students for sharing these important stories!

Honoring the legacy of Black excellence and history in West Chester, this year's theme 'Good Trouble' paid tribute to the inspiring John Lewis and encouraged young people to make an impact.

Special shoutout to the incredible honorees Dr. Korey Bell and Dayna Fitzgerald for their outstanding contributions to our community. This exceptional event would not be possible without the dedication of #WCASD's Shanelle Dorsey and Gerri Okolosi.

Each high school will be accepting donations of gently used prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. All donated items will be available for students to take for free from the “Prom Shop” located in the Library at each high school!

For more information, important dates, and contact information, click on the attached PDF below.

This past month also celebrated National School Counseling Week! We are immensely grateful for our exceptional, thoughtful, and student-focused counselors in the WCASD.

These dedicated folks guide our students towards success and well-being. To express our appreciation, our counselors have been given shirts that remind them that they are stars and of the huge difference they make (p.s. these are just a few members of our wonderful counseling team)!

The West Chester Area School District is delighted to announce the official appointment of Mrs. Jennifer Gallagher as an Assistant Principal at Fugett Middle School as of the School Board Meeting held on February 26. With a remarkable track record of over 20 years as a dedicated advocate for students within the district, Gallagher brings a wealth of experience and a passion for educational excellence.

Gallagher's journey within the district has been marked by her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. She previously served as an English as a Second Language teacher at Henderson High School, where she became a beloved figure among students and staff alike. Her dedication to the academic and personal development of her students has made a lasting impact on the Henderson community.

Please be aware of the following change to the 2023-24 WCASD printed calendar:

• March 27 - Full day for middle and high school students, no school for elementary students (not half-day for middle and high school)

The talented ladies of East High School secured 1st Place at Girls Hackathon, an impressive win in a challenging competition organized by Lower Merion High School!

The team presented a meticulously designed and built project, earning 5 programmable drones from Susquehanna International Group on the Main Line for their incredible efforts. This triumph sets the stage for the upcoming West Chester Classic Programming Contest on March 7, where WCASD students will showcase their coding prowess alongside 150 participants from across Pennsylvania.

You and your child can now explore the wide array of courses and educational opportunities available for next school year! These guides provide valuable insights into the curriculum, electives, and pathways that await WCASD students as they move forward on their educational journey.

Visit our website by clicking the blue button or the course selection photo to explore the WCASD Course Guides for 2024-25.

Fugett Middle School's Pet Partners Club had a blast spending time with some adorable adoptable dogs! They helped walk them, showered them with pets, and soaked up some furry friend time.

Huge thanks to To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. for bringing smiles and joy to our students!

East High School's DECA group soared to success at the recent state competition in Hershey, showcasing the exceptional talents and dedication of our students. With 154 participants engaging in role-play events, written research projects, innovation plans, job interviews, and public speaking, our students demonstrated outstanding performance and behavior, embodying the spirit of East High School and the WCASD.

Despite facing formidable competition from growing programs at rival schools, our students achieved remarkable success. We're thrilled to share that there were 21 International Career Development Conference winners, 31 students receiving recognition, 8 first-place champions, and 4 double medallion winners! This outstanding achievement reflects the hard work, resilience, and competitive spirit of our East DECA team and the staff members supporting them. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and representing East High School with pride!

Artistic spirit flourished at WCASD East High School as the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) hosted its annual Coffeehouse—an engaging and student-led celebration of the arts!

From captivating gallery displays to live musical performances by our exceptionally talented East students, the event was a resounding success, drawing admiration from families, staff, and students alike. We extend our heartfelt thanks to NAHS for fostering a vibrant artistic community and for their efforts in raising funds to support artistic expression and the growth of our budding art talents at East High School!

West Chester’s very own Henderson High School has earned a notable distinction that places it at the forefront of gender equality within the field of computer science. The school has been awarded the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award, a recognition that celebrates high female representation in one of the most in-demand academic disciplines.

This accolade reflects the school’s commitment to expanding access for female students in Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses. Henderson is among 225 schools nationwide that have been recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A for the 2022-23 academic year.

Click the photo or blue button to read the full article on My Chesco.Com!

GIANT has officially kicked off its Feeding School Kids Campaign to support public-school district’s meal program!

The campaign runs through the end of March. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at our local GIANT or MARTIN'S store through round up will benefit district students.

*Please note that dates are as accurate and current as possible, but we encourage those interested in events to check the specific school's recent communication and information.

The West Chester Area Education Foundation (WCAEF) board spent the morning at Fern Hill Elementary, where they witnessed the impact of one of this year's mini-grants! The grant facilitated the acquisition of movable whiteboards for 4th and 5th grade teachers, enhancing the learning environment in fantastic ways.

These whiteboards have become an integral part of daily instruction, particularly in math classes, fostering dynamic and interactive learning experiences. The WCAEF is proud to witness firsthand the positive outcomes of their support and commitment to advancing education in the West Chester area!

At various times throughout the year, community members may request a review of instructional materials or books related to the WCASD or the District may begin the process of considering new instructional materials. When either occurs, the Superintendent or their designee can create a committee to review the materials. Parents and community members are an important part of the committee and review process.

If you would be interested and willing to serve on review committee if the need should arise, we encourage you to complete a brief interest form by clicking the blue button.

Did you know that the WCASD offers a Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program designed to assist Senior Citizens with the burden of Real Estate Taxes? In return for volunteering their services through this program, senior citizens may be entitled to a rebate of property taxes in accordance with the guidelines outlined on our Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program webpage.

Before applying to the program, we encourage those interested to review the attached brochure below and the guidelines on our website.