The Golden Knight

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House! It was wonderful to see so many of our families and give you a glimpse into your student’s day at Rustin.

As we continue to focus on student engagement and connection, we encourage you to check out our Home and School Connection Section in this newsletter for ideas to help you talk with your student about their learning at RHS. Please remind your student that they have many supports available in the building and encourage them to take advantage of Lunch & Learn to connect with teachers, ask questions, and get extra support when needed.

As we head into October, Homecoming is just around the corner! We look forward to welcoming back Rustin alumni and celebrating this special tradition with our current students and community.

We encourage all students to continue living out our Golden Knight Creed by being:

🛡️ Respectful
🛡️ Confident
🛡️ Involved
🛡️ Responsible
🛡️ Accepting
🛡️ Engaged

These values help make Rustin a place where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

Stay Informed

School news and updates can be found on the WCASD and Rustin High School webpages.
Look for communication from the district regarding required yearly forms. These forms help ensure your contact information is up to date and confirm how you would like to receive messages throughout the year.

Principal: Dr. Maggie Hunt

Grade-Level Administrators

• Mrs. Kristen Chastain - Grade 12 & Grade 9 (A-Ge)

• Dr. Tricia Pardini – Grade 11 & Grade 9 (Gh-M)

• Dr. Corey Fields – Grade 12 & Grade 9 (N-Z)

Counselor Assignments

• Colleen Demers – A–Da

• Shaz Brown – De–Hy

• Grace Barry – Ia–McG

• Casey Cerullo – McH–Sca

• Heather Selgrath – Sch–Z

September 17- Rustin Open House

September 17 - School Picture Day

September 30 - Activities Fair during Lunch & Learn

September 30- Honor Societies induction at 6:30 pm

October 2 - Homecoming Football Game at 7 pm

October 3 - Homecoming Dance at 6:30 pm

October 15 - PSAT (Modified Schedule)

Attention Rustin Families! The air is getting cooler, pumpkin spice is in the air – and that can only mean Rustin’s 2026-27 Homecoming season is upon us! This year’s celebration will be held on Saturday, October 3rd in the Rustin Main Gym. The doors will open at 6:30pm, and the lights will come back on at 9:30pm! Students are not permitted to leave before 8:30.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on this link, or by following any of the QR codes posted around the building. Tickets cost $15 for both students and guests!

If you would like to bring a guest to Rustin’s dance, please make sure that your student picks up a guest form either in the main office, or outside of room B222. All guest forms must be returned to the main office by the end of the school day on Friday October 2.

On Friday, October 2nd we will be following a modified schedule to hold the Homecoming Pep Rally in the afternoon. Below is the bell schedule that will be used. Please note that we need all students to be held in their 8th period class until they are directed over the announcements to go to the Main Gym.

If a TCHS, Allied Health, or Early Dismissal student wants to stay for the Pep Rally, they need to alert their grade level administrator so that they can be assigned to a classroom until the pep rally.

1st Period 7:30- 8:04 AM

2nd Period 8:08-8:42 AM

3rd Period 8:46-9:20 AM

4th Period 9:24-9:58 AM

Lunch & Learn 9:58-10:28 AM

5th Period 10:32-11:06 AM

6th Period 11:10-11:44 AM

7th Period 11:48-12:22 PM

8th Period 12:26-1:00 PM

Pep Rally: 1:15-2:15 PM

See below for the spirit week themes for our Homecoming Week-- September 28-October 2. We encourage all of our students to participate for a positive and fun week at Rustin. Remember students must follow all dress code policies for spirit weeks!

On Thursday, October 15, the West Chester Area School District will offer the PSAT at no cost to all 10th and 11th grade students. The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT, track academic progress, and access scholarship opportunities. This exam is a valuable opportunity for your child to gain experience with the format and content of the SAT. It will help them become familiar with the types of questions asked, the time limits for each section, and the overall testing experience. Additionally, the PSAT provides students with feedback on their strengths and areas of improvement, which can be useful in preparing for the SAT. Due to test administration, we will have the following adjusted schedule on October 15th.

Schedule:

● 9th Grade: Report at 7:30 a.m. for morning sessions with counselors and administrators, including student assistance, QPR (suicide prevention), and the College and Career Readiness program.

● 10th & 11th Grade: Report to your assigned room at 7:30 a.m. for PSAT testing (7:30–10:55 a.m.). After testing, you will have until 11:29 a.m. to report to 4th period. TCHS students will board the bus at 11:15 a.m.

● 12th Grade: Arrive at 11:15 a.m. and report directly to 4th Period by 11:29 a.m. (Do not arrive earlier.) Seniors may use the morning for college applications or schoolwork. TCHS seniors should check in at 11:15 a.m. and board the bus to TCHS.

● All Students: Classes will run on a modified schedule for periods 4–8 with no Lunch & Learn. Lunch will follow the regular schedule. TCHS students will have lunch at TCHS.

I encourage you to discuss the importance of this exam with your child and emphasize the need to take it seriously. While PSAT does not directly impact college admissions, it is an excellent opportunity to practice test-taking skills.

Looking ahead to the spring: The district will also offer the SAT at no cost to all 11th grade students on April 7. Students will take the SAT during the school day at their own school, so no weekend testing or registration fee is required. The October PSAT gives juniors a strong practice run and a score report they can use to prepare. We will share the April schedule and additional details closer to the test date.

For more information about the PSAT, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org.

For practice resources, please visit the links below:

1. PSAT student guidebook- Complete information regarding the digital exam, calculator requirements, content resources, and what to expect.

2. PSAT/NMSQT Test Prep Materials-Test prep materials including access to the app used, a practice exam, and study activities.

If you have questions, please email Dr. Fields at cfields@wcasd.net or call us at 484-266-4300.

AP Exam Decision Week is Coming!

The week of September 14th is AP Exam Decision week. During this week, students are required to indicate in AP Classroom whether or not they plan to take the AP exam this spring. If a student indicates that they will take the exam, fees will be posted in PaySchools on September 28th, where families can submit payment. The payment deadline is October 30, 2026.

For more details, including information on late payment, financial support, and refunds, please visit the WCASD website: WCASD Assessment

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! This year’s PTO officers are: Kathleen McCune (president), Jamie Grant (vice president), and Kelly Betchyk (treasurer). We are asking each family to contribute $25 per student or $40 per family for dues. You may pay with cash, check made out to Rustin PTO (mail to the school or send in with your student to the Main Office), or PayPal (paypal.me/RustinPTO).

Did you know that PTO:

* Offers scholarships to two graduating seniors

*Provides mini grants to teachers

*Handles hospitality events

*Supports homecoming and post-prom

To stay in touch with PTO information & events, please follow us on Facebook - Rustin PTO & Instagram - wc_rustin_pto. The PTO is always looking for help & ideas, please email us at rustinpto@gmail.com to get involved!

Homecoming will be here before we know it! The student council is busy planning a fun week at school followed by the football game (Friday 10/2) and the dance (Saturday, 10/3). The PTO supports student council by providing finger foods, sweet treats & water. Please consider donating your time at the dance, and contributing to the sign up genius. Volunteer spots are not on the dance floor or responsible for any discipline! We simply help with a coat check, and food & water service.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACA723AA8-65836635-homecoming

Thank you to our returning families that took the time to complete our survey at the end of last year. Stay tuned for a new PTO initiative that will help recognize our staff & students each month! We are looking forward to a great year.

Coaching at Home

At our Open House, our Instructional Coach, Mrs. Abigail Turley, shared a simple idea that applies not only in the classroom, but at home, too: coaching isn’t always about having the right answers - it’s about asking the right questions. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do for our students is resist the urge to immediately solve the problem for them and instead ask a question that helps them think through it themselves.

Below are five common statements you might hear from your child, along with questions you can use to help them build the skills to navigate those moments independently.

When They Say “I Don’t Know How to Study”

Try asking:

• “What do you need to know or be able to do?”
• “How are you going to practice it?”
• “Can you quiz yourself without looking?”
• “How will you know whether you actually know it?”
• “What will you do if you discover you don’t know something yet?”

Help them remember:

Studying ≠ looking over your notes.

Learning happens when you retrieve, practice, explain, and apply.

When They Say “I Don’t Know How to Do This”

Try asking:

• “What exactly are you being asked to do?”
• “What do you already understand?”
• “What have you tried so far?”
• “What is another strategy you could try?”
• “What resource could you use to figure it out?”

Help them remember:

Being stuck is a signal to change your strategy, not a signal to give up.

When They Say “This is Too Much”

Try asking:

• “What needs to get done?”
• “What are the smaller steps?”
• “Which step should you tackle first?”
• “What could you accomplish in the next 10–15 minutes?”
• “When will you work on the next step?”

Help them remember:

You don’t have to figure out everything at once. Focus on the next step.

When They Say “I’m Stuck”

Try asking:

• “What were you trying to do?”
• “What part worked?”
• “What part didn't work?”
• “What could you try differently?”
• “Who or what could help you move forward?”

Help them remember:

Getting stuck doesn't mean you can't do it. Sometimes it means it's time to change the strategy.

When They Say “Why Do I Need to Know This?”

Try asking:

• “What does this remind you of?”
• “Where have you seen something like this before?”
• “How does this connect to something you already know?”
• “Where might you use this outside of school?”
• “Why do you think your teacher wants you to learn this?”

Help them remember:

Learning sticks when you connect something new to something you already know.

All students are expected to be in class by 7:30 a.m. Students who are not in class when the 7:30 a.m. bell rings are considered tardy. (see Bell Schedule linked here).

Attendance Policy Overview for Parents & Guardians

Regular attendance is essential for your student’s academic success and overall learning. To report an absence, email RHSattendance@wcasd.net within 3 days of your student’s return, including their name, date, and reason. Absences without timely documentation will be marked unexcused. All Early Dismissals must be submitted by 8:30am and the student will receive a pass to sign out in the Attendance Office to leave through the Main Entrance. Any student found not following Attendance Office procedures will receive discipline consequences.

Please remember that the WCASD Attendance Policy was updated this summer. The progressive discipline for unexcused lates to school can be found there and on our website.

Any questions about Attendance Procedures can be directed to RHSattendance@wcasd.net.

Please click the link below for updated attendance procedures.

Attendance Guidelines & Procedures

Cell phones and headphones/earbuds will not be permitted during instructional time. Progressive consequences will be implemented for students who do not adhere to this rule. Please read the the Rustin Cell Phone Expectations. We look forward to partnering with our community to focus on proper cell phone usage in school.

Is your student a junior or senior? Can they read, write, speak and understand another language? The fall testing window will be opening soon for those interested in testing for the PA Seal of Biliteracy award. We will be testing on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. Students must register for this test ahead of time and attend an interest meeting in October. Please email lanskis@wcasd.net with any questions.

11TH GRADE PHYSICALS DUE NOW

Do you have an 11th Grader? A physical exam completed by a qualified medical professional is required for all students entering the 11th grade. Any physical completed after 9/1/25 will fulfill the requirement. Please email the physical to the nurses office at jsteimel@wcasd.net or have the physical faxed to 484-266-4321 Attention School Nurse. Your student can also deliver the physical to our offices.

FINAL DEADLINE IS 11/1/26, after that date, students will be sent home from school until a physical is completed.

There is no special form for this. Any visit summary from your child’s doctor’s office, patient portal or PIAA physical form will meet the requirement. The back of the Driver’s License Permit Application (where the doctor signed) is also good.

EPI Pens and INHALERS: IS YOUR STUDENT CARRYING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?

If your student should need medication to be carried at school or given at school (Epi Pen, Inhaler, Insulin, etc), please provide a doctor’s prescription giving permission to the school to provide care for this. If your student carries their own inhaler or epi pen, please have the order specify that the student can “self-carry”.

HEIGHT, WEIGHT, VISION, HEARING SCREENINGS

Starting in September and running through November, all students will be screened for height, weight, and vision. 11th grade students will be screened for hearing.

ALL WEIGHTS WILL BE RECORDED BLIND, WITHOUT THE STUDENT SEEING THE WEIGHT.

If you have specific concerns about your student, please don’t hesitate to contact our office: jsteimel@wcasd.net.

OPTIONAL STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

West Chester Area School District is pleased provide parents with the opportunity to purchase Student Accident Insurance for their children who are enrolled in WCASD

schools. Please see the WCASD website for more information: www.wcasd.net/families-students/support-programs/insurance-optional-student-accident-insurance

Please see below for information about the SAT Prep Course program open to Rustin students at WC East.

Rustin Athletics Website: https://rhs.wcasd.net/our-opportunities/athletics

Click here for the 2026 Rustin Fall Sports & Activities Newsletter! This includes key contact information for coaches, club/activity advisors, and all opportunities offered during the fall season at Rustin High School. There is also a lot of key information and requirements for all student athletes for participation in Fall Sports. Fall sports officially begin Monday, August 17th (Football and Golf begin Monday, Aug. 10th). All athletes must be registered in Family ID with an updated physical and PIAA physical form by Friday, August 7th. All physicals must be dated May 1st, 2025 or later.

• WCASD Activity Fee Payment: click here for details to make payment and activity fee waiver information.
• The Rustin High School Activities Fair will be on Wednesday, Sept. 30th during Lunch and Learn in the Main Gym. Click here for a full list of all our Clubs, Activities, & Sports, as well as contact information! New Club Proposal Form

We have now opened an online Rustin Athletics Store to purchase gear to support the Golden Knights! We will open the store up for a 2-week window in the fall, winter, and spring sport seasons. The link below will take you to the online store. *The store is open now and is set to close on Oct. 4th at midnight.

Rustin Athletics Store

May 21- Senior Prom

May 24- Senior Walk

May 27- Senior Assembly

June 1- Graduation Practice

June 2- Graduation at 10 am

Bayard Rustin High School has once again partnered with Student Services Company to provide the school's official custom caps and gowns and graduation products for the Class of 2027.

The required cap and gown is included in every Cap & Gown Package, along with senior apparel, accessories and keepsakes — celebration pieces your senior will enjoy all year and receive right at home.

SHOP RUSTIN CAP & GOWN PACKAGES

Reserve by Friday, October 2nd
This is the deadline to reserve your senior's cap and gown for spring distribution through Rustin High School — reserve now to guarantee availability.

What ships when:

• Cap & gown: distributed through Rustin High School in spring 2027
• Senior apparel, accessories & keepsakes: ship directly to your home within 10 business days so they can celebrate all year.

Official Bayard Rustin Class Ring
Mark the milestone with an official Rustin Golden Knights class ring. Delivered in approximately 8 weeks making it a great holiday gift idea!

ORDER YOUR CLASS RING

Don't miss the cap and gown deadline — reserve your senior's package by October 2nd.

SHOP PACKAGES NOW

Questions or need help ordering?
610-539-1330
gowns@studentservicesco.com

It's a big year for our Seniors! One of the biggest events is Prom and Post Prom Night. Post Prom is organized by parent volunteers and funded by parents, fundraising, sponsors and community grants. The district does not provide funding. Planning and organizing does begin now. We are holding a few meetings in September to begin organizing and gathering different levels of volunteers. We need A LOT of people to make this event happen. We also have a few fundraisers running - check them out below.

TUESDAY September 22nd - 7pm - Rustin Cafeteria
We are looking for team leads and co-leads. If you are interested in a more involved role in decorating, food, fundraising, raffles, bookkeeping, organizing, communication or more, we would love to have you. This group will be leading others and helping to make decisions about the event as a whole.

WEDNESDAY September 30th - 7pm - Rustin Cafeteria
This meeting is open to all senior parents. We will be chatting about ways to get involved and support Post Prom and other year-end events organized by the Senior Parents. We will also be chatting about upcoming fundraisers. Post Prom is a giant event and we need help from many, many people to make this a great night for our seniors!

If you would like to be involved but can't make it to one of these meetings, please email Sherri Wark - sherriwark@yahoo.com.

We know everyone is busy and that a lot of you work. Us too! More volunteers will make it easier to put the plans into reality without giving up some special options so our seniors do have a memorable night.

SENIOR FUNDRAISING for POST PROM:
* DISCOUNT CARDS - Save at local restaurants and businesses. Just $10 - good through the end 2026 Order here: rustin_class2027 Official: Instagram | Linktree

Coming this Fall!
D3LCO EFFECT CANDLES
Personalized Senior Yard Signs
And more - to stay in the know see our page - linktr.ee/rustin_class2027

Thank you -
Senior Parent Volunteer Team

Throughout the year various clubs and activities will hold fundraisers to help Rustin students. Please participate in as many as you can to help our students!

Link to all fundraisers: https://linktr.ee/rustin_class2027

Discount Cards: Class of 2027 is offering local discount cards which can be used at various local restaurants, shops and for services. They are just $10 each and are active through the end of December 2026. Some of the partners include: PJ Whelihans, Bierhaul, Sweet Frog and many more! See the linktr.ee to purchase and for more information

Save this link to stay up to date with all of our fundraising: Coming later this fall: candles by D3LCO EFFECT and personalized Senior Yard Signs.
https://linktr.ee/rustin_class2027

The annual Highland Orchards pie and donut fundraiser is back! (just in time for Thanksgiving)

The following items are available for order this year:

• PIES: Apple, Apple Crumb, Blueberry, Cherry, Pumpkin
• Apple Cider Donuts (dozen)

ALL orders and payments are due by Friday, November 6th. We cannot place any orders that are not paid for by this date.

PICK UP will be @ Rustin High School, Tuesday, November 24th (parent conference night), between 5:30 pm and 7 pm.

Use this link to submit an order: https://forms.gle/k8nzbEj5VtzMXR7y9

ALL profits benefit the RHS Class of 2029! Thank you for your support!

🦅 Class of 2028 Eagles Spirit Wear Fundraiser 🦅

Support the Rustin Class of 2028 while showing your Eagles pride!

We are excited to offer Eagles/Rustin spirit wear for students, families, staff, and community members. Check out the items below and place your order before October 23rd.

Every purchase helps support the Class of 2028. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make their high school experience a memorable one!

🔗 Order Link: https://TuttleMarketing.chipply.com/Rustineagles/

📅 Order Deadline: October 23rd

Questions? Please contact Mrs. Polsky or Mr. Criscuolo.

Thank you for your support and GO BIRDS! 💚🖤🦅

Dear families,

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to France in Summer 2028, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.

We will be hosting a PARENT INFO MEETING later this month for you to learn all the details!

Parents, use the link here to RSVP: https://bit.ly/4qDfScy

What’s in store:

• Explore Paris and see its iconic landmarks.

• Visit a colorful market and take a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Discover Lyon’s culinary heritage and attend a chef’s demonstration.

• Sample the regional flavors of Provence and the French Riviera.

• Walk through Nice and enjoy its whitewashed villas and emerald waters.

This is more than just a trip – it’s a hands-on lesson and experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime!

P.S. There will be a raffle for a tour scholarship at the info meeting; in order to be eligible to enter the raffle, you must RSVP for the meeting!

Are you interested in adding international travel to your child’s high school experience? Mr. Taglang and Mr. White are organizing a trip to Germany and Switzerland in June of 2027!

We will hike to waterfalls in the Black Forest, visit the charming German towns of Freiburg and Heidelberg, and tour the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle upon which Walt Disney modeled his Magic Kingdom! We’ll visit the city of Munich with its rich history and delicious cuisine. Then it’s off to the Alps of Switzerland where we’ll ride a gondola to the peak of Mount Pilatus, tour the lovely lakeside city of Lucerne, and taste the local cheese fondue and chocolate!

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Europe! Informational meeting for anyone interested in the trip will be held immediately after Open House (8:30pm) on September 17th in room A206 at Rustin.

Click here for more information or to sign up!

Or Email: Mr. Taglang – mtaglang@wcasd.net