Good Evening Everyone!

I trust that everyone has enjoyed a relaxing 3-day weekend. This week we have a full day of school on Monday followed by a student day off for Election Day on Tuesday. When we return on Wednesday, we look forward to having our Peer Mentors work with our freshmen class as they continue to build relationships and encourage them to get involved as part of the community here at WEST. Each month our upperclassmen mentors will focus on one aspect of our PBIS acronym D.A.W.G.S. This month the focus is on Dedication! Thank you to our mentors and advisors for all your planning and preparation to pull this together.

Additionally, we will be utilizing our homeroom schedule from the beginning of the year on Wednesday during Lunch & Learn to provide time for all students and staff to complete the Climate Survey. For those that may need a reminder, homeroom locations and times will be available on Schoology Monday morning. TCHS students will report for lunch as usual to ensure that they have time to eat before heading to their afternoon programs.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 26th. We look forward to discussing your child's progress with you, and as a quick reminder, the registration link will go live at 8am on Monday morning.

Have a great week WEST!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• Attention Class of 2026: Graduation Project Proposal and Mentor forms are due FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15th. Once both of these forms have been filled out, please drop them off in the main office so that Mr. Hassel can sign for approval, scan, and email back to you. All details and forms can be found on West’s Website under the activities tab or HERE. Please email Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. If you have your idea, please fill out the Graduation Proposal and Mentor form and leave a hard copy in the main office. All details and forms can be found on West’s Website under the activities tab or HERE. Please email Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org if you have any questions.

The online registration for Parent Teacher Conferences will be active on November 4th at 8:00 am. While we are looking forward to hosting conferences in person, we also know that some parents may prefer to schedule their conference via zoom. If you would like to participate via zoom, please use the following format when registering for an appointment: Student Name: “John Smith – Zoom”. The teacher will then email you a link for the Zoom conference. Conferences with your student’s teachers will be held by appointment only. It's a great time to meet privately with your child's teacher, ask specific questions regarding your child's progress, and discuss curriculum. The letter which provides the scheduler link and explains the process for reserving a time to meet with your child's teacher can be viewed by clicking the above link. You will also find the teachers' room assignments during the conferences linked here.

Please join me in congratulating Madeline Seda and Quinton Koonce, our PBIS winners for the monthly drawing for September! Both Madeline and Quinton received a $25 gift card for showing their being real DAWGS!

Don't get stuck, seek assistance- Homework Club is a place to get your homework done with a teacher right there. Check it out!

• Graduation Project Information for proposals and presentations can be found here. Class of 2025 Proposal are now past due!
  
• Music Parents Association: Interested in what is going on in the Music world check out our Music Parents Association page - Downingtown High School Music Parents Association (dhsmpa.org)

• Online Ordering steps:

• Go to: Herff Jones SHOP Grad Products Website.

• Or visit Highschool.herffjones.com
• Type in DOWNINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL WEST in the box to find your school.
• Click SHOP GRAD PRODUCTS and the cap and gown packages will appear. (For the cap, gown and tassel only, click GRAD GEAR & APPAREL)
• The price for the Cap and Gown Basic Package (B) Includes Cap, Gown, and Tassel is $20.55 (includes sales tax).

• Our parents from the Home and School Association are already beginning to plan the Post Prom Party at the end of the year and are looking for your feedback. Please take a moment to respond to this quick survey so they can use your feedback to make this event a success! https://forms.gle/ioHf41AcxRCZywo49

• Seniors, as you prepare your college applications, don’t forget to take advantage of the Writing Center! Our writing advisors are here to help you in any stage of writing your college essays or answering supplemental questions. We can brainstorm with you, give you feedback, and help you revise your personal statements to put your absolute best foot forward with college admissions officers. Students can schedule an appointment through the Writing Center Schoology course, email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org, or stop by during Lunch and Learn (you’ll just need a Writing Center appointment pass or a Library pass). We look forward to seeing you!

• Attention Class of 2025: Do you have your Graduation Project hours completed? If so, get a jump start on completing that obligation before the end of the school year. Graduation Project Teams will hear projects during the school year. Please email Mr. Hassel, bhassel@dasd.org, so that he can get you assigned to your Graduation Project Team.

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

• For news and other school updates, follow our Instagram page @dweststudentcouncil.

• The Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 24/25 school year is now past due. Please take the time to complete this information if you haven't already. This is a yearly requirement and without it, our Nurses are unable to administer any over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. This information can be completed by logging onto Infinite Campus with your parent account.

• Any student that requires emergency medication, daily medications or as needed medications to be given during school hours MUST provide a signed DASD Authorization for Medication Administration order from their healthcare provider and a parent/guardian. The medication must be stored in the Health office. Please reach out to dwnurse@dasd.org if you have any questions.

• Attention Parents: 2024-2025 Device Fees are now posted in PaySchools! Please review & submit your student’s device payment on PaySchools* Central.
• Please review the Traffic Pattern Links: AM & PM Traffic Patterns & new traffic patterns for the 24-25 school year: Parent Drop Off Map. Parent pick up at the end of the school day should be limited until after 3:00 pm when all buses have left the campus.
• Please visit Aramark for available Menus!

Registration for the Chester County Turkey Trot, benefiting the Downingtown West Cross Country team and the Cure4Cam Foundation, is now open. Please scan the QR code below for more information!

Matthew McFadden

Prevention Specialist

mmcfadden@dasd.org

Jocelyn White

jwhite@dasd.org

Click the blue button above to learn more about the Prevention Specialists.

If your student needs additional resources following the recent losses in our community, please contact the Counseling Office at 610-269-4400 x 81422.

Monday, 11/4:
8:54 – Penn College of Technology
10:32 – Albright University
1:11 – Holy Family University

Tuesday, 11/5:
In-Service

Wednesday, 11/6:
10:32 – Arcadia University
1:11 – Virginia Commonwealth University

Thursday, 11/7:
8:54 – Cedar Crest College
9:43 – University of New Hampshire

Friday, 11/8:
10:32 – Juniata College

The largest HBCU College Fair will be held on November 8-9, 2024, virtually on Friday, November 8, 2024, and virtually and in-person on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the St. James 6805 Industrial Rd, Springfield, VA, 22151. For more information, visit www.alfredstreet.org under Events.

• Need a grad project?? The Lionville YMCA is looking for volunteers!
  
• Youth Sports--Basketball & Soccer Coaches and Assistant Coaches, Scorekeepers, Referee, Snack bar Helpers
• Early Childhood Development--Afternoon and Weekend Childwatch/Babysitting, Birthday Parties, Community & Family Events
• Wellness – Attendants, Strength & Cardio Equipment Upkeep, Member Onboarding, Community Pantry

• Volunteers are needed for Valotta Studios Fall Recital weekends!! Students will learn what it takes to host a performance, assist in taking performer attendance, take photos during each recital, as well as help with coordination of students & assist the head teacher. Interested students should reach out to Jen Smollinger at jen.valottastudios@gmail.com.

• Faraway Farms Country Corner in Glenmoore needs a part-time cashier 1-2 days a week from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and every other Saturday. Must be 16 years + to apply. Please contact Cara at fafcatering@gmail.com if you are interested.
  

• Grad Project Opportunity! The Repair Café is looking for volunteers to assist with their Repair Café events! They repair items for FREE! Items include dolls and stuffed animals, computers and electronics, jewelry, wood items, clothing and textiles and bikes! Volunteers can assist with social media, website maintenance and advertising campaigns, and use technical skills to actually help with repairs. The next event will be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact repaircafe165@gmail.com.

Trips scheduled for summer of 2025:

• Winter Carnival Quebec City Trip – February 13-16, 2025. For more information, please Mrs. Bigelow or Mrs. Bosco or click on the link above.
• Environmental Sciences goes to Costa Rica - April 12 - April 20, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Saddler or Ms. DiSantis
• School Trip to Berlin, Munich & Salzburg - June 9-17, 2025 - for more information, please see Mr. Schauer or click on the link above.

Look for more upcoming overseas opportunities for the Summer of 2025 coming soon!

To download a copy of the West Calendar (including letter days) to your device, click here: https://www.dasd.org/news-events/district-calendar

Next, click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s) tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application.

• November 5 - No School - Professional Development Day

• November 6 & 7 - Class of 2025 Cap and Gown orders - Atrium during Lunch and Learn

• November 9 & 10 - Cheer Competition

• November 11 - Veteran's Day

• November 14-16 - Stage West Performance

• November 19 - First Day of Winter Sports

• November 20 - College Night - DEast - 6:30 - 8:30 pm

• November 21 - Powderpuff Game - 7:00 pm at Kottmeyer Stadium

• November 25 - 2 HR Early Dismissal / Professional Development

• November 26 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences

• November 27 - No School - Work Collaboration Day

• November 28-29 - School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

Please see the link below for important information regrading all home DASD high school athletic events.

DASD Athletics: Spectator Information

All Downingtown High School students who attend home football games will be subject to our passive Breathalyzer as they enter the football stadium.

Students, parents, and community members are reminded that ALL district property and school events are drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. ALL sporting events after 5:00 pm are subject to an entrance fee of $5.00 for students/adults thru Ticket Spicket. District 1 playoff tickets are $7.00 and are purchased through HomeTown Ticketing (see below for link).

Friday, November 8th

• District Playoff Game - Football vs. OJR @ 7pm in Kottmeyer Stadium
• Boys Ice Hockey Game vs. Avon Grove @ 6:15 @ Patriot Ice

Tuesday, November 19th

• First Day of Winter Sports

• Boys/Girls Golf
• Field Hockey
• Girls Soccer

Please save the date for the following event:

• November 18 and 19, 2024: Swim Team Tryouts. Tryouts will be held directly after school at the Lionville YMCA. Bus transportation will be provided. 2023-2024 swimmers who achieved district consideration times do not need to tryout.
  

• The girls’ soccer Weaver's Orchard Pie fundraiser starts now through Wednesday, November 6! Please see the attached digital image for all the details and please share with your friends and family! This has been a very successful fundraiser the past 3 years and we're super excited to sell these delicious pies again in this season! We ask each player to strive to sell at least 4 pies and the player who sells the most will receive a gift card! (If you don’t know a girl on the team and you still want to buy one you can just write “Cornine!”) Here is the link to the order form: West Girls Soccer Weaver's Pie Fundraiser Order Form. Pie pick up date will be Wednesday, November 20. Please send any questions our way. Thank you for supporting our Downingtown West Soccer Girls! ⚽💙💛

Tuesday, November 5th

Dine-and-Donate Fundraiser with

Sweet Aloha Bowls!

200 River Station Blvd Suite 3

Downingtown, PA 19335 Open 9am-4pm

Mention “Downingtown West Class of 2026” When Placing an Order

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Downingtown West Class of 2026

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• Home and School will only be meeting four times this year, so mark your calendars with these dates.

  
  

  December 11th

  February 19th

  April 16th

• Home and School is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in being on the board or even just want to help out, please email westhomeandschool@gmail.com

• Stay in the loop and join the west Facebook page. Downingtown West HSA

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @DWest Post Prom for pictures and updates for the Post Prom Party for the Class of 2025! Contact us at DTownWestPostProm@gmail.com with any questions.

The Main Office at West is open during the school year from 7:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

DHS West offers a diverse program of study. Our students are involved in academics at all levels. Academic, AP, Honors, Basic, Business Education, Industrial Arts Technology and Vocational-Technical courses are offered throughout our program.

School Profile 2024-2025

Main Office Phone 610-269-4400

Main Office Fax 610-269-1801
Attendance Fax 215-827-5693
Guidance Fax 610-514-0279
Athletic Fax 610-514-0281