West Chester Area School District
February Newsletter
A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES MS. TERRI FERRAGUTO RITA
In this month’s video, Human Resources Director Terri Ferraguto Rita shares how WCASD is continuing to strengthen the way it supports employees.
She highlights efforts to improve hiring practices, create a more positive candidate experience, and use data to guide smart, timely decisions. This work helps build clear, supportive systems for staff and a strong foundation for the district’s future!
The January School Board Meeting opened with student voices, as Fern Hill Elementary students Maeve McKenna and Chase Candio shared what Bobcat pride means to them. From new students to lifelong Bobcats, they spoke about school spirit, belonging, and what makes Fern Hill a place they’re proud to call their school.
The meeting also included a celebration of WCASD Way Makers awarded over the summer and start of the school year, recognizing staff from across the district for the care, dedication, and impact they have every single day!
New School Board Director, Ramon Jackson, being sworn in.
Welcome, Director Ramon Jackson!
Reminder about key information families need for delays, early dismissals, and weather-related closures.
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 now used our one traditional snow day built into the 2025–26 calendar, so any additional closures will now shift to FIDs, which allow learning to continue remotely.
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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!
In WCASD’s full-day kindergarten, learning begins with play. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, children build language skills, confidence, creativity, and friendships while learning how to work together and try new things.
It’s a joyful foundation that supports your child’s growth today and sets them up for success in the years ahead. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the WCASD Way!
Bringing History to Life at Westtown-Thornbury
Mrs. Sechrist’s class at Westtown-Thornbury welcomed West Chester University professor Jonathan Ragonese for a special visit connecting jazz, the Great Depression, and Bud, Not Buddy. The experience helped students make meaningful links between music, history, and literature!
An Outstanding Orchestral Achievement
Congratulations to the 22 WCASD students who performed in the PMEA District 12 Orchestra Festival on January 23rd and 24. The Orchestra, under the direction of Stephen Czarkowski and hosted jointly by West Chester’s own Tim Celfo (EHS Orchestra Director) and Leo Zumpetta (Unionville HS Orchestra Director).
The repertoire was some of the most difficult in the symphonic orchestra repertoire and the performance was outstanding! 9 students will be moving on to Region Orchestra held at Harriton High School in March where they will have a chance to audition to move on to All-State in April.
WC East Theatre Company Presents: Mamma Mia!
Performance Dates:
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7pm
- Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7pm
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7pm
- Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2pm
Tickets are available and there should also be some tickets available at the door.
- Adults: $15.00
- Students/Seniors: $12.00
- Senior & Veterans Gold Cards will be honored at the door only
If you have any questions about purchasing tickets including handicapped seating please email easttheatrecompany@gmail.com
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time. Each performance will include a 10-minute intermission. Light refreshments may be purchased in the lobby at this time.
Henderson Musicians Shine at Choral Festival
On January 30, the Henderson HS Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra performed at the Upper Darby Choral Festival. The festival hosted annually by the Upper Darby High School Music Department, features choirs from the area. Henderson performed 3 pieces, Luminous Night of the Soul by Ola Gjielo, Let me Love by Michael John Trotta and the last movement of Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg. What an exceptional performance!
Masterclass Moments for WCASD Musicians
Mr. Han is not a stranger to the district as he has assisted the WCASD String Students with audition preparation for the last several years. Thank you to Rustin Orchestra Director, Liz Shafman for organizing the master class and to Daniel Han for sharing his time and talents with our students.
At January's Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meeting, students from across WCASD high schools shared thoughtful feedback on learning, programs, and school life.
From big-picture goals to everyday experiences, their input is helping guide meaningful improvements across the district.
Join us on February 11 at 6:30 p.m. via Teams to learn more and get your questions answered. Registration is required, and the Teams link will be shared in the confirmation email.
Falcons Planning for the Future
Stetson Middle School 8th graders explored future possibilities during this year’s Career Fair!
Students connected with local professionals, family members, and WCASD staff to learn about a variety of industries, ask questions, and start imagining the many paths their futures could take.
Coming Together for Calculus
Students from East, Henderson, and Rustin High Schools participated in a student-led Calculus Integration Bee, solving challenging problems and demonstrating quick thinking.
The event brought students together across the district, highlighting talent, teamwork, and some friendly competition!
Learning Through Reflection at RHS
Rustin High School 10th-grade English students invited the school community to explore their annual Genocide Museum.
After reading Night by Elie Wiesel and researching modern-day genocides, students shared their findings in a museum-style format that encouraged learning, reflection, and thoughtful questions.
WTE Celebrates Unity Day
Westtown-Thornbury Elementary students celebrated Unity Day with schoolwide service projects and team-building activities!
Students worked together throughout the day and celebrated what makes each person special and unique, reinforcing the importance of kindness and inclusion across the school.
Speaking of cool news stories, Rustin and East High School students interested in television and video production got a behind-the-scenes tour of the 6abc news studio.
They learned how story ideas become live broadcasts, saw the teleprompter in action, and tested their skills in front of the weather green screen!
Friendly reminder! From now through March 31, shoppers can support WCASD students by rounding up their purchase at The GIANT Company checkout to benefit Feeding School Kids. GIANT will match donations up to $100,000, helping strengthen efforts to fight childhood hunger in our community.
Thank you to The GIANT Company for supporting our students, one checkout at a time!
