Dr. Barker's Weekly Report 9.14.25

Good Evening Everyone.

Parents - During the first few weeks of school, students often experience a significant amount of change as they return to the regular school-day schedule. As everyone settles into their classes and coursework begins to become more rigorous, please take a moment to check in with your children to see how they are adjusting, and help them build good time management habits early which will serve them well throughout the year. Please know that we will encourage them to use there time effectively here as well, particularly during the hour they have each day for Lunch & Learn! Additionally, DASD has partnered with the Caron Foundation who will be providing monthly updates and information on teen substance abuse, mental health, and small group offerings throughout the year. Look for more details in the Student Resources section.

College Visits

College admissions representatives will begin arriving on Monday, September 15th. Take a moment to review the list of schools coming to WEST in the Upcoming College Visits section and reserve your spot in advance with Mrs. Wick to ensure you get a chance to meet with them.

PSAT

We are just a little over 3 weeks away from our annual administration of the PSAT to all 10th and 11th grade students. Please look for more information in your inbox early this week as we prepare to give the PSAT on Wednesday, October 8th.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and we will see you on Monday, September 15th!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• We have Great NEWS!!!! The Deli Mobile pre-order is up and running. Please tell all your friends and help get the word out. You can place an order for a wrap or sandwich by 9:30 am that will be available to pick up at 11:30 am in the West Cafeteria near the Pizza Station. Please click the image below to learn more about this service and to get the QR code for placing your orders.

• Attention Class of 2027: 8 weeks and counting. Please make sure you are making arrangements to have your PROPOSAL and MENTOR form submitted to the main office by November 17th. 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.

• Do you need help writing a paper for Ender's Game? Are you struggling with dimensional analysis? Would a review of your chemistry notes be helpful? Do you need help with your map skills? Check out HOMEWORK CLUB on Tuesdays and Thursdays:

English and Social Studies:
Tuesday & Thursday - Room 161

Math and Science

Tuesday - Room 237
Thursday - Room 186

• We are looking for students who are interested in joining Student Forum. What is Student Forum? It is a group of Chester County student leaders who discuss timely topics and develop programs for the county. The group meets monthly during the school day at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Transportation is provided and your school absence is excused. If you are interested, please pick up an application in the Main Office. Applications are due by September 26, 2025.

• The West Writing Center is now officially open! Have a college essay to perfect? We can help you at any stage of your process, from brainstorming to proofreading. Confused about that literary analysis in English class? We’ve got you. Does that research paper for History class have you stressed? We don’t just help with English papers – we can assist with any writing assignment for ANY class, or even writing that you do for fun! Please visit the writing advisors in our new home, Room SG 209, upstairs in the Atrium. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, especially during Lunch and Learn. You can email us at dwwritingcenter@dasd.org or use the QR code under “Schedule an Appointment” in the Writing Center Schoology course. We hope to see you soon!

• Attention Class of 2028: Still working to find a Graduation Project idea that works for you. Please check out the “Employment / Volunteer / Career Opportunities” section below for some great opportunities. 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.

• Early bird yearbook sales are now open! Reserve your copy of the 2026 West yearbook NOW by visiting our yearbook order center. Don’t delay! Prices will go up after 10/31. Thank you for your support of the West yearbook!

• Attention Seniors! Class of 2025 Yearbook Baby Ads are now available for purchase. Please visit this link to place your order. Baby ad orders must be placed by Friday, October 3rd. Access Baby Ad instructions here Limit: one baby ad per graduating student, no exceptions.

• Attention Class of 2026: We hear that your hours may be completed. Let’s continue to work to clear out these obligations. Please email Mr. Hassel, bhassel@dasd.org, so that he can get you assigned to your Graduation Project Team to clear out all obligations so that you can purchase your parking passes.

• Diploma Name Verification - Please use the following link to a Google Form and complete the diploma name verification form no later than September 19, 2025.

• ACT 10 Information - Please use the following link to complete the ACT 10 form and submit by September 15, 2025, if you wish to be excluded from the list provided to military recruiters. (If you have any questions or problems accessing the Diploma Name Verification or ACT 10 Information, please contact Mrs. Tuerk at stuerk@dasd.org.)

• If you have completed your college applications and need the counseling department to send your transcript to any college, university or trade school, you must complete the attached form. Official transcripts are being sent to colleges now. Transcript requests can take up to 10 business days to process. Please submit all requests early enough to meet your deadlines. If you have any problems with the form or have questions about what your responsibilities are re: sending transcripts, please see your school counselor. Downingtown WEST - Senior Transcript Request Form 2025-26

• Graduation Project Information for proposals and presentations can be found here.
• Class of 2026 Proposal are now past due!
• Class of 2027 Proposal are due November 2025!
• 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)

• Attention Parents: 2025/2026 Student Contact Information Confirmation requests have been sent out by the District. Please be sure to complete your Student Contact Information by Friday, September 19, 2025. If you have problems accessing this information, please enter a service ticket at https://servicedesk.dasd.org/support/home.
• Attention Parents: 2025-2026 Device Fees are now due! Please review & submit your student’s device payment on PaySchools* Central.
• Free & Reduced Meal Applications for 2025–2026 - We would like to remind families that the Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2025–2026 school year is available online at School Café. Families must reapply each school year to continue receiving benefits. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jessica Lehr at 610-269-4400 x 11755 or jlehr@dasd.org.
• Please review the Traffic Pattern Links: AM & PM Traffic Patterns & traffic patterns for the 25-26 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!
• 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.

• TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR HOMECOMING! The "Night Under the Stars" homecoming dance will be held on Saturday, September 27th from 7pm-10pm. Tickets can be purchased through My School Dance, using the link below:

My School Dance Ticket Purchasing Link

HOW TO: Instructions for My School Dance

Ticket sales will end Friday September 26th at 10pm. Any questions or concerns, reach out to Mrs. McGregor (Room 209) or Mrs. Weisbecker (Room 154).

• Stuco Application: If you are interested in joining Student Council, applications will be accepted until Monday September 15th. Applications can be found on the “Whippet Life” Schoology page in the “Student Council” folder.

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

DW Spanish NHS Spirit Night at Handel's Ice Cream in Downingtown!

September 17th from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

20% of total purchases will be donated to National Spanish Honor Society

The DWest Golf and Girls Basketball Teams are proud to host the 5th Annual West Golf Outing 2025 on Thursday, October 2nd at 1:00 pm at the Coatesville Country Club. For more information, please contact tschurtz1@gmail.com.

Join Downingtown West Cheer in their first Designer Bag Bingo. Date is October 11th at Downingtown West High School beginning at 6pm. There will be Bingo, Raffles and a 50/50 Drawing. We thank you for your support!

Register here - DWCA Designer Bag Bingo Tickets, Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

We take time this month to raise awareness, encourage conversations about mental health, and remind our community that help is always available.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
• Valley Creek Crisis Intervention: 610-280-3270
• Safe to Say Something: 1-844-SAF2SAY | www.safe2saypa.org

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15th to October 15th each year. This month provides an opportunity for our DASD community to recognize and honor the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The celebration begins on September 15 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

As families in our community celebrate, we wish you a happy and sweet new year—Shanah tovah um’tukah! Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for rejoicing, reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Please note that there will be no school for DASD students on Tuesday, September 23rd in observance of the holiday.

• Bishop Shanahan High School will host its 18th Annual College Fair on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Colleges and Universities from all around the country will be in attendance. For more information and a list of colleges attending, visit www.shanahan.org

• Registration is now open for the Chester County College Fair on Monday, October 27, 2025, at United Sports Center from 6-8 p.m. For more information, visit www.cciu.org/college-fair.

Monday, 9/15:
8:54 – Stevens Institute of Technology
9:43 – Cedar Crest College
10:32 – St. Joseph’s Academy of Food Marketing
1:11 – University of Alabama

Tuesday, 9/16:
8:54 – Kutztown University
9:43 – University of Scranton
10:32 – University of Delaware
1:11 – Elon University

Wednesday, 9/17:
8:54 – Millersville University
9:43 – Bucknell University
1:11 – Villanova University

Thursday, 9/18:
9:43 – Chestnut Hill College
1:11 – Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Friday, 9/19:
10:32 – Gettysburg College
1:11 – University of South Carolina

• Sophomores and Juniors….Earthwise Pets in Exton is hiring! They offer flexible part-time schedules with opportunities for advancement, employee discounts and free food for your pet! See the flyer to the right for more details, and contact Janette at janette.exton@earthwisepet.com to request an application.

• Bradford Heights Elementary School needs volunteers to assist with after-school intramural activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting 9/16 from 3:45-4:40 p.m. The program runs for 20 weeks. Contact Mr. Veser at jveser@dasd.org if you can help!

• Downingtown Fall Fest will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, and they need volunteers to help set up and break down – 7:30-11 a.m. and/or 4-6 p.m. shifts. It’s a FUN day in the heart of the borough, so if you can assist, please complete this form! More information can be found at: www.downingtownfallfest.com.

• Interested in science or medicine for your future? Check out the Teen Research Internship Program!! Applications are now open for this FREE hands-on experience for high school students grades 9-12 who are interested in studying science and medicine. The program runs on Saturdays starting January 17-April 18, 2026, at William Tennent High School. Students are guided by experienced mentors from Fox Chase Cancer Center and engage in experiments, learn lab techniques, and develop critical thinking skills. The application is due by October 6, 2025, at 6 p.m.--www.tripinitiative.com! Any questions? Reach out to Dr. Theresa Austria at Theresa.Austria@fccc.edu

• Soccer Pups in Downingtown is currently hiring for part-time roles, for any students interested in working with children, sports, or early childhood education. They offer flexible after-school or weekend work. See the flyer attached for more details, or contact Aaron Paprocki with questions at downingtownmanager@soccerpups.com.

• Far Away Farms Country Corner in Glenmoore is looking for a part time cashier and/or a part time kitchen helper/floater for 1-3 shifts a week, and Saturday availability is mandatory. The minimum age is 15, and no experience is needed for the kitchen helper/floater position, but previous experience is required for cashier. This position requires someone who has an outgoing personality, is hardworking, takes direction well, and can take initiative when needed. Interested students should contact Cara Phalen at farawayfarmscc@gmail.com.

• Attention Entrepreneurs! The award-winning Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) is now accepting applications for this year's after-school program at Eastern University in St. David’s that meets on Wednesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. YEA provides students with the knowledge, skills and start-up funds they need to start their own business or nonprofit. NO business experience is needed—just creativity, enthusiasm, dedication and effort! See the website for full details on tuition and scholarship availability -- https://yeaphiladelphia.org/. Students may ask a counselor to be nominated, or apply individually. See this link to apply: https://yeaphiladelphia.org/application/ Video on YEA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKEAwEPhFTo The application deadline September 15th.

• The Well in Downingtown is looking for Study Buddies for their after-school program that runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5 p.m. Volunteers will be matched with a student, or a group of students, and will help him or her with homework, provide support in foundations of math and reading, and play games. Interested students should complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdb6O4k5Tcmj-88hc-Q6YP48VWsXJx_3xwEDPTXYcC35legiA/viewform Once students complete the form, they will be invited to tour The Well to meet with Cheri Miller, Director of Children & Youth Programming, and confirm available dates. There is potential for hours towards a Graduation Project!

Our Student Assistance Program (SAP) is excited to partner with The Caron Foundation to further expand our behavioral health and substance use prevention efforts at the high school level this school year. Chelsea Klein is our Education Alliance Specialist from Caron, and she will be working closely with our Prevention Specialists and SAP Team.

💬A Message from The Caron Foundation:

“The team at Caron’s Education Alliance is excited to work with educators and families to overcome the challenges youth face. Together, we can help our students achieve, advance, and remain in school. Collaboration is key to success.”

🧠 Access Monthly Wellbeing Resources Click HERE to access a collection of downloadable materials and resources designed to support the emotional and physical wellbeing of students and their families. New content is added monthly to ensure you have the latest tools and information— so check back often!

📩 Need More Information?

We’re here to help! For questions or additional support, please contact:

• Chelsea Klein- Education Alliance Specialist

• Jocelyn White - Prevention Specialist for Grades 9 & 12

• Matt McFadden - Prevention Specialist for Grades 10 & 11

Host Danish students October 21st - November 1st — then travel to Denmark April 9th - 19th for an unforgettable cultural exchange! Explore Copenhagen, make lifelong friends, and immerse yourself in a new way of life — all for $2100.

Don’t miss this chance to make memories that cross continents. Spots are limited — sign up now by joining our Schoology Course with the Course Code: THMV-S3R6-5QVH8

Questions?: See Dr. Mapes, Mrs. Nass, or Mrs. Rutchauskas

Trips schedule for Summer of 2026:

• The French department is hosting a trip to Belgium and France this summer! Join us for 11 days this June. Check out the itinerary here. For more information stop by Room 225 to talk with Mrs. Bigelow.

• Big news, for Sophomores and Freshman! Good morning potential travelers! We are currently enrolling for our Greece trip in June of 2026. Check out the info above and if you have any questions, stop by Room 135 and speak with Mrs. Taylor!

• Our Spain tour will take you from the Alhambra’s stunning design to Toledo’s rich history—deepening your understanding of art, science, and culture while exploring with classmates.

  Still deciding on joining our travelers’ group? Come to our meeting on Sept. 16 for updates, Q&A, and an enrollment discount! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4mE1n5C

Look for more overseas opportunities for the coming summers!

To download a copy of the West Calendar (including letter days) to your device, click the here. Next, click on “Subscribe to Calendar(s) tab for subscription options for your specific calendar application.

• 9/15 - Home and School Meeting - 7:00 pm in Library
• 9/23 – No School - Rosh Hashanah
• 9/24 - Sophomore Ring Night @ 5:30 pm
• 9/26 – Homecoming Game - 7:00 pm
• 9/27 – Homecoming Dance - 7:00 pm in Wagner Gym
• 10/1 - Picture Retake Day
• 10/2 - No School - Yom Kippur

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.

Monday, September 15th

• Girls Tennis Vs. Bishop Shanahan High School @ 3:30 pm @ Desmond Tennis Courts

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Unionville High School @ 5:00 pm @ Wagner Gymnasium

Tuesday, September 16th

• Girls Golf Vs. Henderson High School @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club

• Girls Soccer Vs. Unionville High School @ 7:00PM @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf)

Wednesday, September 17th

• Boys Golf Vs. Avon Grove High School @ 3:00 PM @ Downingtown Country Club

• Boys Soccer Vs. Henderson High School @ 7:00PM @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf)
• Girls Tennis Vs. Sun Valley HS/Northley MS @ 3:30 PM @ Desmond Tennis Courts

Thursday, September 18th

• Girls Volleyball Vs. Garnet Valley High School @ 4:45PM @Wagner Gymnasium
• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Henderson High School @ 7:00PM @ Kottmeyer Stadium (Turf)

Friday, September 19th

• Girls Golf Vs. Boyertown Area Senior High School @ 3:00PM @ TBD

• Girls Field Hockey Vs. Radnor High School @ 3:30PM @ Kottmeyer Stadium (Turf)

Saturday, September 20th

• Boys Soccer Vs. Conestoga High School @ 10:00AM @ DiSerafino Stadium (Turf)

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

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

Main Office Phone 610-269-4400

Main Office Fax 610-269-1801
Attendance Fax 215-827-5693

Attendance Email dwattendance@dasd.org
Guidance Fax 610-514-0279
Athletic Office Phone 610-269-4400 x42050

Athletic Email mgoss@dasd.org