West Chester Area School District
January Newsletter
A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. DAVID CHRISTOPHER
Dear WCASD Community,
Last year, as your new superintendent, I introduced my focus word for 2024—ownership. This word shaped my goals and guided our work as a district.
As we step into 2025, my new focus word is thrive. To thrive is to grow, flourish, and reach our fullest potential. It means facing challenges with resilience, embracing innovation, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
For our students, thriving means excelling academically, socially, and emotionally in classrooms that inspire curiosity and a love for learning. For our staff, it means a workplace where you feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow and lead. For our community, it means building partnerships that celebrate diversity and drive positive change.
This year, I am committed to making thrive a reality in everything I do. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth and achievement for the entire WCASD community.
I’ll see you as we walk the West Chester way together!
To make sure that you don’t miss any of WCASD's exciting events, check out the list of upcoming events below and our Celebrate the Arts Flyer at the bottom of this newsletter.
Important Dates:
January: School Board Appreciation Month
January 8: Padres Latinos Meeting
January 8: Suicide Prevention Training for All | 6:00 p.m.
January 14: Teaching, Learning, & Equity Committee | 6:00 p.m.
January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Schools and Offices Closed
January 21: Policy Review Committee Meeting | 6:00 p.m.
January 21: Property & Finance Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
January 27: Personnel Committee Meeting | 6:30 p.m.
January 27: School Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
January 29: Lunar New Year
Peirce Middle School Artists Build Festive Fun
Peirce Middle School art students kicked off the holiday season with a burst of creativity!
They designed and constructed their own gingerbread houses from scratch using cardboard. Throughout the week, they added unique decorations to bring their festive creations to life—each as special as the students behind them. Great job, Peirce artists!
Henderson High School Inspires Future Musicians
Henderson High School’s talented music department treated elementary and middle school students to a special preview of their holiday program at WCU’s Asplundh Hall.
The performance showcased the hard work and passion behind every note, inspiring young musicians and giving them a glimpse of the incredible opportunities that await in high school. Bravo, Henderson musicians!
At the December Board Meeting, Penn Wood Elementary’s Priya Jacob and Michael Nolan shared an inspiring update on their school’s activities. They highlighted the Student Ambassador Program, where students serve as role models, and their Positive Behavior Program, fostering a supportive and caring school community.
Thank you, Priya and Michael, for showcasing the amazing work happening at Penn Wood!
Do you know an incredible WCASD teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? The Citadel Heart of Learning Awards recognize outstanding educators in the Greater Philadelphia area who make a meaningful difference inside and outside the classroom. Winners receive a hand-blown glass heart award, grants for their classrooms, and recognition at a special awards ceremony.
Nominations are open until January 15, 2025. Share your story about a teacher who has inspired you by clicking the blue button or photo!
Henderson Students Get the Scoop at CBS3
Henderson High School’s broadcast journalism and video production students had an unforgettable day at CBS3 in Philadelphia!
They explored the studios, observed the control room in action, and witnessed the excitement of a live broadcast with anchor Jim Donovan. The students also enjoyed a Q&A with CBS3 President & GM Kelly Frank, tested their skills in the weather studio, and even animated weather maps on the green screen.
This hands-on experience brought the world of broadcasting to life, sparking inspiration for these future media professionals!
WCASD Students Explore Careers at FMFCU
WCASD students had an incredible opportunity to visit the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union for a day of career exploration.
They heard from inspiring speakers, learned about FMFCU’s mission and career paths, and participated in job shadowing to experience daily operations firsthand.
Thank you, FMFCU, for hosting this unforgettable day and empowering our students with real-world insights!
On Wednesday, January 8, at 6:00 PM, at Henderson High School, we invite families to attend an in-person training, “Suicide Prevention Training for All." This important training will explain the process of QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer. It is designed to help adults and students identify and support those in crisis to find help.
Register by clicking on the blue button or the flyer photo. We look forward to seeing you there!
Speaking of School Director Recognition Month...
If you’ve ever considered joining a school board or holding office in Chester County, there are local information sessions to help you learn more about the process!
Chester County Voter Services is hosting Beyond the Ballot 2025 on February 6th at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into school board service and how you can get involved in shaping the future of our community’s education.
The West Chester Area School District invites the community to attend a School Board 101 Information Session on Tuesday, January 21. School Board 101 will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Spellman Administration Building (782 Springdale Dr. Exton, PA) and will feature discussions on board member candidacy, roles and responsibilities, and more.
Speakers will include Dr. David Christopher, WCASD Superintendent, and Christa Fazio, Director of Communications, Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Each year, the West Chester Area School District and the West Chester Area Education Association award ten deserving seniors from each high school with the Spellman Humanitarian Award. The awards honor the memory of the late Dr. Elwood M. (Ossie) Spellman, who served as a member and president of the West Chester School Board from 1951 to 1969.
Dr. Spellman was a highly respected area dentist who was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, YMCA, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. We are looking for students who exhibit the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship that was central to Dr. Spellman's life.
Applications are accepted until January 10, 2025. Visit our webpage for more information and to apply.
As part of the global Hour of Code initiative during Computer Science Education Week, East High School students dove into the world of coding!
This year, Vanguard volunteers guided students through exciting, hands-on coding activities, helping them gain a deeper understanding of how computer science impacts their education. From developing valuable skills to exploring diverse courses offered at EHS, it was a day of discovery and innovation.
From January 1 to March 31, WCASD is proud to participate in the Giant Feeding School Kids Initiative. Every time you round up at the register, you’re helping us fight childhood hunger in our community.
Funds raised will directly benefit WCASD students by expanding meal programs, providing extra weekend meals, and eliminating outstanding student meal debt.
Together, we can make a difference for our students and ensure no child goes hungry. Thank you for your support!
Henderson's Holiday Concert Shines Bright
The Henderson High School Music Department wowed the crowd at West Chester University's Asplundh Hall with a stunning Holiday Concert.
Festive melodies and heartfelt performances brought joy and captured the spirit of the season. Bravo to the talented students and directors, and thank you to everyone who came out to support HHS!
New Form for the 2024-25 School Year!
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. Please be aware, if you signed up to participate last year, you will need to sign up again as it is our goal to keep this list as current as possible year-to-year. Thank you!
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.
