West Chester Area School District
December Newsletter
A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY MR. JOHN MCGOWAN
In this month’s video, Director of Technology John McGowan explains how WCASD is introducing AI in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. He shares how we teach students to use AI safely and responsibly, how we review every tool before it reaches classrooms, and what families can expect as this work continues. Our goal is to make sure AI supports learning, never replacing the human connections that make our schools special.
With the possibility of winter weather approaching, we want to ensure all WCASD families have the key information they need about delays, early dismissals, and weather-related closures. Full details about Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs) will be shared later this month, but here’s what to know now:
How We’ll Notify You
If a schedule change is needed, WCASD will communicate through:
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Email, phone call, and text message (for families opted into SchoolMessenger texts)
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Alerts on district and school websites
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District social media
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Local media outlets
Snow Days & FIDs
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WCASD has one traditional snow day built into the 2025–26 calendar, and we will use that day first.
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Any additional closures will shift to FIDs, which allow learning to continue remotely.
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A full guide to FID expectations and instructions will be sent to families later this month.
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A Child’s Place follows WCASD’s winter weather status for delays, dismissals, and closures.
Thank you for your flexibility and partnership as we prepare for the winter season!
At the November Board Meeting, Fugett Middle School students Seamus Givey and Quinn Wright took the spotlight, sharing a vibrant look into student life at FMS. They highlighted the wide range of clubs and sports available to students, the school’s recent food drives and donation efforts, and celebrations like Kindness Week and Unity Day that strengthen school culture.
Both students emphasized the importance of getting involved, showcasing how Fugett empowers students to explore interests, build connections, and make a positive impact in their community.
School Board Director Stacey Whomsley and Family
School Board Director Ashley Lahm
WCASD students and staff came together with heart and purpose for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, raising awareness and supporting local families through food drives, donation collections, thoughtful artwork, and student-led initiatives across the district.
This fall, WCASD concluded its Disengaged Teen Community Book Read, bringing together families, staff, and community members for thoughtful conversations about student engagement and how we can better support every learner. All participants who completed the final reflection survey rated the experience as either very or extremely valuable with nearly 75% marking it “extremely valuable.”
We felt the same! Hearing directly from parents and community members helped deepen our understanding and will shape the practices, supports, and learning experiences we continue to build. We look forward to sharing a summary of insights and key takeaways from the book read soon.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council
Students from all three WCASD high schools also came together for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, where they met with Dr. Christopher and district leaders to share their perspectives and ideas. The conversation focused on the Portrait of a Graduate, how we can better engage and include students in school life, and feedback on the high school schedule.
Students offered thoughtful insights, asked big-picture questions, and demonstrated the many of the skills at the heart of our Portrait. Their voices play a crucial role in shaping decisions and strengthening the student experience across WCASD.
WCASD Athletic Leadership Conference
Student-athletes from all three WCASD high schools came together for a districtwide Athletic Leadership Conference, a day designed to challenge, inspire, and empower students to lead with integrity, confidence, and purpose.
Through team activities and sessions with guest speakers, students explored what leadership truly looks like, both on the field and in life, building essential Portrait of a Graduate skills like communication, responsibility, problem solving, and empathy. It was inspiring to watch the Vikings, Warriors, and Golden Knights learn from one another, strengthen their leadership abilities, and celebrate what it means to be part of a united WCASD community.
Guest speaker shares the importance of sportsmanship
Students discuss the value of teamwork
Students practice conflict resolution
Spreading Kindness at EXE
For World Kindness Day, Exton Elementary students refilled their Kindness Rock Garden with colorful, creative rocks carrying positive messages.
Thanks to Sweetwater Natural Products for donating the rocks and helping the Eagles turn small rocks into big acts of kindness!
Building Connections with Sign Language
Students in the ASL Club at Peirce Middle School are exploring new ways to communicate through American Sign Language.
This new club helps students build skills, improve communication, and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse ways of connecting with others!
Game on at MCH
At a PBIS pep rally, students and teachers went head-to-head in a Jeopardy-style game to test their knowledge of Mary C. Howse’s core expectations - Respect, Responsibility, and Safety.
Even their mascot, Fireball, couldn’t resist joining in on the fun!
Celebrating Indigenous History and Culture
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Stetson Middle School students explored Indigenous history and culture through a museum-style library display filled with artifacts, music, and hands-on activities.
They also took part in a Spirit Wing presentation, which shared traditional stories and performances, giving students a deeper look into Indigenous traditions and ways of life.
East Bradford ES
East Bradford ES
Westtown-Thornbury ES
Exton ES
East HS
East HS
Exton ES
Hillsdale ES
Hillsdale ES
You’re Invited to a Children’s Show at Peirce!
Join us for a short and sweet 20-minute performance starring 70 amazing student performers on Saturday, December 6, at 1:00 PM! TICKETS are $5, ages 3 and under are free.
After the show, stick around for FREE crafts, snacks, activities, and photo ops with our cheerful cast! This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and make magical memories together.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a one-of-a-kind summer program that offers incoming high school juniors and seniors a unique and challenging opportunity to see what it is like to run their own business.
Each year, the West Chester Area Education Foundation pays for students to attend a week at PFEW. For more information, students should contact their High School Career Counselor:
- Kelly McCreesh, EHS
- Dave Robertson, HHS
- Heather Wilson, RHS
The application for Summer 2026 is open until May 1, 2026, but students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all open spaces have been filled!
