EAST WARD COUGAR NEWS

Good afternoon Cougars!

For those who celebrated the holiday of Holi yesterday, I hope you celebrated a vibrant and joyful Holi by sharing wishes filled with love, prosperity, and colorful moments.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims around the world. From sunrise to sunset, those observing refrain from eating and drinking, focusing instead on gratitude, compassion, and spiritual growth. It is also a time of giving, as many participate in acts of charity and kindness. For 2026, the month is observed from the evening of February 17 to March 19, as the dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar. During this time, practicing Muslims refrain from all food and drink—including water—from dawn until sunset. The month also involves late-night prayers and early morning meals, known as Suhoor. As we continue to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures within our school community, let’s take a moment to recognize and support our friends and neighbors observing this meaningful tradition. To show support for those celebrating, an appropriate and traditional wish is "Ramadan Mubarak," which means "Blessed Ramadan." To all in our community observing this sacred month, we wish you a peaceful, reflective, and deeply meaningful Ramadan.

As you know, February was Black History Month. Last week, our second graders displayed their Black History Month Projects! The students did an amazing job on their displays, really demonstrating their efforts! They were so proud to showcase their work as we all circulated through their classrooms!

Our food service provider, Aramark, in partnership with the Downingtown Area School District, is inviting families to participate in the annual Student ViewPOINT Survey. This survey gives students the opportunity to share feedback about school meals, menus, and their overall cafeteria experience. While students will see reminders at school, the survey is designed to be completed at home with your support. Last year, student feedback helped shape meaningful improvements, and results will again be shared in a student-friendly format so families can see how their voices make a difference. Please consider taking a few minutes to complete the survey together using the link below. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our cafeteria continues to reflect the needs and ideas of the students we serve.

The Downingtown Area School District has a website for Parents/Caregivers with two resources. The first is the Cartwheel Webinar Series. There are a variety of topics each month one can hear. Simply go to the webpage and register (free). The second, DASD in partnership with Communities that Care (CTC) of Greater Downingtown, hosts a comprehensive Parent/Caregiver Speaker Series to support family wellness and mental health. This series offers a variety of virtual webinars and podcasts featuring expert insights on critical topics such as navigating school avoidance, supporting neurodiverse students, managing technology use, and preventing substance use. Caregivers are encouraged to access the extensive library of replays and podcasts designed to provide practical tools and resources for fostering resilient youth.

Technology is beneficial in so many ways. DASD has provided all students in grades K-5 with Chromebooks. As part of this service, in May of each school year the annual tech insurance fees are posted to parents’ Pay Schools Central account for the next school year. Every month thereafter June through October (2X in August & September) parents receive an email reminding them to remit the posted annual tech fees: $50 K-8; $75 9-12; with a $175 family cap. Each school year I receive unpaid fee reports for our school starting in October. Students eligible for free and reduced lunches have their tech fees waived, however, they may incur repair costs. The district’s ability to maintain and repair student devices is dependent on the collection of fees. The cost of one replacement screen at the high school is $450, $250 for K-8 screens. On the following webpages the full details of our 1:1 program including fees and repairs costs are available publicly.

Last year at EW we had just over $29,000 in unpaid fees from past years. So far this year, we are down to $14,932 in unpaid fees. We are asking caregivers to log into their account and review fees by clicking here. Thank you in advance.

March is Women’s History Month! This year’s theme celebrates “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”. Students will hear about many contributions from women throughout this month on our announcements and in their classrooms.

Lastly, the PSSA is fast approaching. I tell our students that there is nothing to worry about. This is simply their opportunity to show everyone just how much they learned this year! The testing is for grades 3, 4, and 5. This year, all students will be taking the PSSA’s online. The DASD has determined specific testing dates (during the testing windows specified by the PA Department of Education). Testing will begin shortly after the start of the school day. Rolling makeups for any student who is absent due to illness, but hopefully everyone stays healthy!

ELA PSSA: MATH PSSA: SCIENCE PSSA (5th):

Tuesday, April 21 Monday, April 27 Wednesday, April 29

Wednesday, April 22 Tuesday, April 28 Thursday, April 30

Thursday, April 23

We ask parents to avoid scheduling appointments for students during the testing dates. Students who are sick during the testing dates will be required to make up the test upon return to school.

Thank you for your support of all things East Ward!

Your Proud Principal,

Nick Argonish

As spring approaches, we look forward to the season of renewal, growth, and the vibrant energy it brings. A time for fresh beginnings, a time to embrace the blooming flowers, warmer days, and the promise of new opportunities. Spring reminds us of the importance of resilience and hope, and it encourages us to continue building a bright future for our students, community, and beyond.

March also marks Women's History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history. From trailblazers in science and politics to pioneers in the arts and social justice, women have shaped every aspect of our society with strength, courage, and vision. This month invites us to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. Let us celebrate the women who inspire us, empower one another, and continue to break barriers for future generations. Together, we can create a world where everyone’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.

Here’s to a month of growth, gratitude, and honoring the incredible impact of women in our world!

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, and balance difficulties.

March is MS Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this condition, support those living with MS, and raise awareness about ongoing research and treatments that help people with MS live full and active lives.

Congratulations to our February Cougars of the Month!!!

Respectable, Responsible, Safe and Kind

Problem Solving

Second Step lessons this month are highlighting problem solving. This is a topic about which all students (and adults!) could use some extra instruction. Kids encounter problems every day. Some are small and can be managed with a simple strategy, others are medium and might require a more specific intervention, and others are big and might require help from a grownup. What I sometimes see from kids is that, regardless of the size of the problem, they just want a grownup to solve it for them! Even in elementary school, we're trying to teach students that they have the power to solve their own problems, they just need to be willing to try!

Tips for helping kids with problem solving

Even though it can be so tempting, DO NOT jump in to help your child solve a problem, at least not immediately! Allow them to try it on their own, even to experience some frustration, before helping.
Encourage compromise. I define compromise to kids as "a little bit your way, a little bit mine, we meet in the middle and we have a good time." Nobody gets their way all the time, and if they do, they're not being a very good friend! Friendship requires a willingness to compromise and meet in the middle, even if it means we don't always get exactly what we want!
Model positive self-talk for your child. Telling them things like "you can do hard things" or "I know you can figure it out" or "I love how you don't give up" gives them an example of positive self-talk that they can hopefully begin to use for themselves. The things they repeatedly hear from us eventually become their own mental track that plays in their brain; what is your child's track going to say?
Point out positive problem solving examples in books or movies. Talk with your child about how the character solved the problem. Is that how your child would have chosen to solve it?
Point out examples of when you notice them solving problems well! Reinforce the behaviors and choices you want to see more of!

Counseling Lessons - March

Counseling lessons this month align with the social-emotional topic of problem solving in an effort to have consistent language and focus across the school day. You'll find linked the take-away note that will be posted to Class Dojo after each lesson.

K - Handling unkindness

1st - Problem Solving

2nd - Compromise

3rd - Friendship Drama

4th - I Messages

5th - Executive Functioning

Coping Strategy of the Month

Do a nature walk! Get outside and see what you notice when using your five senses.

Dr. Katie Rastetter, School Counselor

krastetter@dasd.org

610-269-8282 ex 23040

Monday, March 2: Spirit Day

Monday, March 2: Early Chorus Rehearsal 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Tuesday, March 3: Early Orchestra Rehearsal (4th/5th Gr) 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Friday, March 6: Early Band 8:00 AM-8:45 AM 🥁

Wednesday, March 11: Spirit Day

Wednesday, March 11: Early Chorus Rehearsal 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Thursday, March 12: Early Orchestra Rehearsal (4th/5th Gr) 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Tuesday, March 17: Early Band 8:00 AM-8:45 AM 🥁

Thursday, March 19: Early Chorus Rehearsal 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Thursday, March 19: HSA Urban Air Spirit Night 4:00-8:00 PM

Thursday, March 19: Five Guys Dine & Donate - 4:00 PM-8:00 PM

Friday, March 20: School Closed - Eid al-Fitr

Monday, March 23: Early Orchestra Rehearsal (4th/5th Gr) 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Thursday, March 26: Early Band 8:00 AM-8:45 AM 🥁

Friday, March 27: Downingtown Unity Day - wear blue and gold

Friday, March 27: Talent Show 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Monday, March 30: Early Chorus Rehearsal 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Tuesday, March 31: Early Orchestra Rehearsal (4th/5th Gr) 🎤 7:45-8:45 AM

Wednesday, April 1: Spirit Dayi

Thursday, April 2: School Closed - Spring Recess

Friday, April 3: School Closed - Spring Recess

Monday, April 6: School Closed - Spring Recess

Hello Cougar Families! 🐾

As we head into spring, here are a few quick health reminders to keep our Cougars feeling their best:

1. GI, Flu & Other Viruses Are Still Around

We are still seeing stomach bugs, flu, COVID, and strep. Please keep your child home if they have fever (100.4°F+), vomiting, or diarrhea. Students should be symptom-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning.

2. Spring Allergies Are Starting 🌼

Warmer weather = more pollen. Consider allergy management early and encourage face and hand washing after outdoor play.

3. Hydrate, Rest & Wash Hands! 💧🛌🧼

Water, good sleep (9–12 hours for elementary students), and proper handwashing are simple but powerful ways to prevent illness.

4. Sore Throats & Oral Health 🦷

Not all sore throats are infections. Post-nasal drainage and normal bacteria buildup can cause irritation. Good oral hygiene — including brushing teeth and gums — can sometimes improve mild discomfort. Healthy gums support overall immune health!

If you ever have questions, we’re here to help.

Stay well,

Nurse Jill & Nurse Brii

Literacy in the Sciences: Activity No. 16

Developing Research and Information Literacy

Research and information literacy is something students work on throughout their school career. It’s a collection of skills that, when combined, means that a learner is able to find, understand, evaluate and use information. Interest in information literacy grew out of a need to create learners for the 21st century. Here you’ll find information about two ways to begin to develop information literacy in your child.

Evaluating Information: Fact vs. Opinion

One of the first skills in developing information literacy is being able to tell the difference between fact and opinion. A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false. An opinion is an expression of a person’s feelings that cannot be proven. An awareness of the difference can be developed through questions and conversations. Engage your child in conversation using the words “fact” and “opinion” and have him identify statements of both types. For example, “Chocolate chip cookies are the best kind of cookie.” “Mommy has dark brown eyes.” “School should be cancelled on sunny days.” “There are 12 months in a year.”

Evaluating Information Sources

These days, there are many, many sources of information. Children are bombarded by messages from several media and online sources, books, friends, and people at school. An important step in developing information literacy is learning to evaluate the source of information, especially for online information. It’s helpful to help your child consider some of the following:

Who is the author of the information?
What do we know about the author or organization? Is that person an expert? Is that organization respected by others?
Why was this information written? Is the author trying to persuade you to buy something?
Does the information present fact or opinion?
Is the information recent? When was it published?

Parents and teachers can help children develop research and information literacy by sharing their love of learning. Encourage their curiosity about the world and desire to find out more. At the same time, help them become wise consumers of the information they find. These are skills that will last a lifetime.

We are excited to invite our incoming kindergarten students to participate in Kindergarten JumpStart, a special program designed to help children feel confident, comfortable, and prepared as they begin their kindergarten experience at East Ward Elementary.

Starting school is a big milestone for children and families. Kindergarten JumpStart provides students with a supportive introduction to school routines, expectations, and staff — helping ease the transition into kindergarten before the school year begins

We are excited to share that Downingtown Unity Day will take place this year on Friday, March 27.

Last year, every single school across the district participated — and the enthusiasm, creativity, and school pride were outstanding. From decorated hallways to between-class activities, music, themed challenges, and students proudly wearing blue and gold, the collective energy was powerful. It was a visible reminder of who we are as a district and what we stand for.

Unity Day is an opportunity for our entire Downingtown community to come together around shared values of unity, respect, inclusion, kindness, and empathy. When all of our buildings participate, it sends a strong and consistent message to students that they belong and that we are stronger together.

We encourage all staff and students to wear blue and gold as a visual representation of our unity. We will again be collecting photos from each school to highlight the incredible spirit across the district.

Young Engineers is thrilled to announce the launch After-School STEM Program at your kids Elementary School! This program is designed to ignite your child's passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities and interactive workshops.

Program Highlights:

Engaging Workshops: Students will explore a variety of STEM topics, building projects and solving problems that spark creativity and critical thinking.
Experienced Instructors: Our program is led by skilled instructors dedicated to providing a fun and educational environment.
Convenient Schedule: The program will take place after school, making it easy for students to participate without conflicting with their regular classes.

To enroll your child in this exciting opportunity, please use the registration link provided in the attached flyer. For your convenience, the registration link is also provided below. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible, as spaces are limited.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at centralchesterpa@youngengineers.org.