Head of School Update
January 16, 2026: Issue #21
From the Office of Art Campbell, Head of School
Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School
Ms. Kelly Stauffer, Admin. Asst. to the Head of School
There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Students should continue to follow up with teachers regarding anything outstanding going into the new year. We are now more than halfway through the 2nd marking period. Please make it your best effort to stay on top of turning in assignments on time. Teachers are always available during Lunch and Learn if extra help is needed. With the everchanging weather, please make sure students are prepared to pivot in the event of a weather related closure resulting in a FID day.
- January 20: The STEM Counseling Department is excited to host our annual Junior College Planning Night for students and families of the Class of 2027 from 6:30-8:30 pm.. Join us for an evening devoted to all things college prep.
- January 22: Save the date! A virtual course selection presentation for families of current students in grade 9 and 10 will be held form 6:00-7:30 pm. The following email was sent out on Thursday, January 8:
Please see the important Course Selection Information Letter for students currently enrolled in grade 9 and 10 for the 2026-2027 school year. The Course Selection Informational session for parents and students will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 6:00-7:30 pm.
The purpose of this letter is to provide information about the course selection process and to provide students with several opportunities to ask questions in order to help make an informed decision about their course selections for next year.
Course selection will begin on January 26, 2026 and will end on February 2, 2026. If there are any questions, please contact the counseling office at 610-269-2420 x 43031.
Taking a Family Trip? With the winter break quickly approaching, we wanted to remind everyone that may be planning a family trip to complete the Request Form for Educational and Family Trips. Once the form is received in the office and approved by Mr. Campbell, attendance will mark accordingly in Infinite Campus.
Many events, including college visits for the senior class during the school day, have been added to our STEM Academy website calendar and will be updated throughout the school year.
DASD Technology Announcement Reminder
Dear secondary students, your parents recently received the following information:
After careful consideration, the Downingtown Area School District has decided to update its content filter to block student access to YouTube on all 7-8 devices and block all social media access on all 9-12 devices, effective January 22, 2026. YouTube is already blocked for K-6 students, and social media is already blocked for students in grades K-8.
While streaming media and social media can be used as learning tools, they can also distract students. Additionally, if students are unsupervised while accessing these sites, they may inadvertently come across undesirable content. While students will not be able to access these sites on their devices, teachers will still have access to share content with students when educationally appropriate.
As a reminder, parents are encouraged to download and access the Securly Home app. The parent app is a valuable tool for keeping students safer while on district-issued devices. Parents can use the app to block sites, create schedules when the device is inaccessible to the web (such as during dinner time and bedtime), and receive push alerts for at-risk behaviors.
If you have any questions regarding this update scheduled for January 22, 2026, please submit a service request so your concerns can be addressed.
Have commencement questions or any questions with regards to any of the information below? Please contact Kelly Stauffer.
The Cap and Gown order for the graduating class has been placed. All orders will be shipped directly to the STEM Academy and will be inventoried and stored in the main office until passed out at graduation practice at the end of the school year. If you did not place the order before the extended deadlines, this will now be included as an obligation and students will not receive tickets until this obligation is fulfilled.
Senior Early Dismissal/Late Arrival Form (Senior Privileges) 25-26: This form grants Early Dismissal/Late Arrival permission for Senior Class students. Students are responsible for printing out this form and obtaining all necessary signatures. Mr. Campbell will provide his signature after all others have been obtained. Once final approval is given, students will receive a notice to come to the office to see Ms. Sokso.
STEM Academy Class of 2026 Senior Class Parking Permit: As a reminder, the parking permit application for the Class of 2026 must be completed by the student using their DASD student email address. For future reference, this information can also be found on our website, under "Backpack."
College visits are being added as they are scheduled and confirmed to the STEM Calendar on our website. These visits are subject to change as colleges change availability. Visits will be scheduled during lunch and learn times, and some seminar dates. If there are any questions, students should check in with the counseling office.
STEM Class of 2026 IB Exam Schedule as of July 30, 2025: Be sure to check for updates throughout the year, as the schedule changes from time to time.
🎉Celebrate your 2026 graduate with a personalized lawn sign!🎉
Choose from two options:
- Photo Yard Sign - This option is personalized with your graduate's name or text of your choice and includes their yearbook photo.
- Logo Yard Sign - This option is personalized with your graduate's name or text of your choice and the STEM logo instead of a photo.
Signs are 24" x 48" vinyl signs with two wire stakes.
Personalize your sign with your graduate's name or other text, such as "Name of College Bound!"
Photo Yard Signs will include the photo that graduates selected to appear in the yearbook.
Sales close on March 27!! Keep an eye on your email to approve a proof of the yard sign.
Yard Signs will be ready for pick up in late April/early May at STEM after school hours.
All proceeds go to support the STEM Post Prom.
Purchase yours HERE!
Please contact Cristin Young at cyoung1714@gmail.com with any questions!
Attention STEM Sophomore Class of 2028: 2026 HOBY Leadership Conference
The STEM Academy HSA is proud to sponsor one sophomore student to represent our school at the 2026 HOBY Leadership Conference! If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please complete STEM HOBY Application by February 8th . The leadership conference will be held at Neumann University (Aston, PA) June 12-14, 2026.
STEM Student Life
Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life
Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.
Anticipated Advisory Club Dates for 25-26SY: February 3, February 20, March 11, March 24, March 30, April 20, May 6, May 22
Upcoming Student Life Events
January 27: Class of 2029 Dine and Donate - PJ Whelihans (see flier below)
February 12: Open Mic Night
PMEA District 12 Chorus Festival
Congratulations to the 3 STEM students that participated in the PMEA District 12 Chorus Festival last week.
Ray Yang- Alto 2
Daniel Wu- Bass 1
Sidharth Lanka- Bass 2
Congratulations to Ray and Daniel that will be moving on to the regional level in February.
STEM Spring Play: The Odd Couple Cast...
Thank you to everyone for trying out! As always, if you didn't make this play, you are more than welcome to be involved in our Troupe through stage crew, makeup, props, costuming, and more!
Save the Date for the spring performances:
- Friday, March 13 7:00 pm
- Sunday, March 15: 2:00 pm
Open Mic Night Recap/Save the Date!
submitted by Mr. Brian Lloyd
Another Performance Opportunity!
Thanks to those who came out to our Open Mic Night last night! We had wonderful performances! If you are looking for another performance opportunity, consider the Music/Dance Recital on Feb 12 in the auditorium. This is a more formal setting for you to share your talents and hard work with others. If you would like to participate, get in touch with me via email, Schoology message, or just stop by room G14.
HSA Student Life Scavenger Hunt Recap - this was so much fun!
Thank you HSA for providing a week of outstanding adventure for our student body. Everyone had a great time searching for the STEM Wolf Pack. So many smiles entered the office as they found the wolves that were missing from the pack. Below are just a few pictures of where the wolves were hiding. Shout out to Kelly Sears for being so creative! We also want to give a shout out to Matt Prendergast (pictured below), who was an exceptional hunter and found atleast 5 of the wolves (although he only claimed his one prize for the week).
SAS Thrift Shop is coming soon!
....donation bin outside of Mr. Podlesney's Room 130
Interested in Ordering a Yearbook??
Please visit: https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/13813 and enter order code 13813
Any questions? Please contact Ms. Dunn or Ms. Romano.
IB Program
Mr. Michael Sheehan, Dean of Currciulum and Instruction
Ms. Meghan Schell, Administrative Assistant
STEM Class of 2026 IB Exam Schedule as of July 30, 2025: Be sure to check for updates throughout the year, as the schedule changes from time to time.
STEM Academy Class of 2026 IB Fees Letter: Fees have been uploaded to all STEM Academy Senior Class members Payschools accounts. Please contact Ms. Meghan Schell or Mr. Mike Sheehan with any questions.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)/Extended Essay(EE)
Ms. Alyssa Sherlock CAS/EE Supervisor
Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight: Ava Litzenburg and Viana Raeisi-Najafi established PenPals from an underrepresented community of children and made connections between our two schools throughout the year. In doing so, they hoped to raise awareness about the issues and provide a platform for communities to share their voices. To raise money for the PenPal students, they also initiated and ran a tennis/pickleball tournament at Applecross Country Club, with a five dollar donation per entry. All proceeds went directly into the gift card they then sent to the PenPals’ school. This will allow them to purchase various resources they may need, and better the students’ education. Class of 2026 [Seniors]: CAS: Students should continue to keep CAS updated, but the priority right now is to finalize their EEs. Course Candidates should be finalizing Graduation Project Presentations as well. EE: Students must meet with their EE Advisor for the 3rd and final interview (“Viva Voce”) and complete RPPF #3 by January 30, 2026. Final Extended Essays are due to BOTH Turnitin and ManageBac by February 1, 2026. The paper that is uploaded to Turnitin is what will be submitted to the IB for assessment. Format requirements are on Schoology (see checklist!). Essays without works cited/bibliographies or in-text (parenthetical) citations are not accepted. All three RPPFs, along with the Supervisor’s Comment from your EE Advisor, are also downloaded and submitted to the IB as part of the EE assessment. Class of 2027 [Juniors]: CAS: 11th grade students continue to enter CAS experiences into ManageBac, and are emailing their CAS Project Proposal Forms to Mrs. Sherlock once they have a group and idea established. Guidelines for CAS experiences and the Project are in the CAS Handbook on Schoology. EE: Students should be researching subjects and topics for selection, and reading example EEs to understand the format and expectations. Students must also choose between the Single Subject or Interdisciplinary options for their papers. Guidelines and benchmark due dates for the EE are in the Extended Essay Handbook on Schoology. Students will be assigned a Teacher-Advisor later this spring. Students will be given time in Advisory on January 28th to select an EE subject in ManageBac. Students are to select a subject in ManageBac by February 1, 2025!
Internships and Partnerships
Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning
Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.
Dual Enrollment questions?
As a reminder, the deadline for STEM Juniors and Seniors to sign up for dual credit from Immaculata University for their current IB courses is 1/23/26.
Did you know i you’re the parent of a STEM Sophomore, your child can graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, expediting their college education and saving significant money? Read more about our Associate’s Degree in the HS Program, and please reach out to Dr. Podell with questions or concerns. If you’re interested, select the Associate’s Degree program during course requests, and apply to Delaware County Community College as a dual enrollment student.
If you’d like more information about Dual Enrollment, Internships and Partnerships, or Career Exploration programs, please reach out to Dr. Troy Podell.
As a reminder, all DCCC students will be checking in with Dr. Podell during 5th period of L days in the First Floor Mezzanine.
Soft Skills and Careen Readiness Education
Junior Class: This week the list of expected participants in our Summer Career Practicum went live. They can access the list through their Career Exploration Schoology Course. In addition to looking at what categories of business they engage in, students have been coached to review the core values, and personal mission and vision statements they recently composed, and compare them to those of our Practicum partners to see where they find a fit. Students should then narrow down a list of 5 prospects that they will intentionally meet with at our Career Fair on March 5th.
If you, or your company, are interested in hosting our STEM Academy students for a Summer Practicum experience, or want to find out more about what that would entail, please reach out to Dr. Podell at tpodell@dasd.org.
Next week, our 12th grade students will continue their Adulting 101 adventure with a session on how to file a simple federal income tax return. It will be led by Carol Reiner, the Owner of Carol Reiner Accounting & Tax Services. Students will be educated about what information is given to them on a W-2, and a 1099. Then they’ll use that information to compile a simple 1040 tax return. We’re very excited to host Carol, and provide this experience for our students.
Chester County Deputy Coroner Visits Forensic Science Classes
Submitted by Ms. Summer Perez
On Friday, January 16, the Chester County Coroner's office sent Deputy Coroner Madelyn Kinneary to present to Forensic Science and IB Bio classes.She explained how to become a coroner and what the job entails. Did you know that coroners and medical examiners have very different duties? The students got to see some crime scenes and learn about decomposition, as well as common causes of death. We are planning to invite the coroners to come back every year because the information is so valuable for anyone studying Forensic Science!
Practicum Career Fair
STEM Counseling Department
Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz, Counseling Secretary/Registrar
- To schedule an appt. to visit your school counselor, please complete the following form: Counseling Appointment Request Form
- Additional Resources from the STEM Counseling Department
Ms. Jennifer Stull, Prevention Specialist
Guide to Districtwide Mental Health Resources
If you are in need of a work permit, please find the application located in the STEM Back Pack at the bottom of the page under Work Permits. Permits can be obtained in the counseling office. Please be sure to review and provide the necessary documentation listed on the website.
Additional Resources
Class of 2027 Junior Meeting Registration
Please use the links below to sign up for a Junior Meeting
Mrs. Hewitt (Last names A-L): https://calendly.com/staceyhewitt/60min
Mrs. Glowik (Last names M-Z): https://calendly.com/lglowik/junior-meeting-w-mrs-glowik-2026
The STEM Counseling Dept presented "IB & The College Process" at the January HSA Meeting.
Topics included an overview of the IB, leveraging IB courses for college credit, and other advanced standing opportunities.
Slide deck can be accessed on the Counseling Dept's College Resource Drive.
The DASD High School Counseling Departments hosted "Show Me the Money!", a financial aid evening for students and families that included workshops on FAFSA completion, scholarships, dual enrollment, and other savings strategies. Slide decks from the night can be accessed on the Counseling Dept's College Resource Drive.
STEM Class of 2027: Junior College Night
The STEM Counseling Department is excited to host our annual Junior College Planning Night for students and families of the Class of 2027!
Join us on January 20th in the Auditorium for an evening devoted to all things College Prep!
PSAT/NMSQT Update for 10th and 11th Grade Students
On Thursday, Nov. 6th, our 10th and 11th grade students who took the PSAT/NMSQT on Oct. 16th will be able to access their score reports. Please note that the score release date is set by College Board and is based on the date our school gave the test.
If your student provided their mobile number on test day or during test set-up, they will receive a text message with access to the BigFuture School mobile app to view their scores. If your student didn’t provide a mobile number, or prefers to access their score report online, they can do so by logging into their College Board account (studentscores.collegeboard.org). Students will need to create an account if they don’t already have one.
The PSAT/NMSQT score can be useful to students in several ways. It gives them valuable practice for the SAT, insight into how to prepare, and opens opportunities for scholarships and recognition. You can read more about these opportunities here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scores/using-your-score. College Board has also created a helpful video to walk you through accessing scores and how to use them: https://youtu.be/LJEeKZxLjpA?si=9RQXa9F9oWrnXRwG
If your student is not able to view their scores on Nov. 6th, please contact College Board directly at their customer service number (866-630-9305). The most common reason a student is not able to access their score is because they provided an incorrect name and/or birthdate, and College Board is not able to verify their identity. As counselors, we cannot correct this for the student – they need to reach out to College Board to correct the issue.
2026-2027 FAFSA Opened October 1!
The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is live! This is the first step towards applying for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Families are encouraged to start their application in early October to ensure all deadlines are met.
See the FAFSA Tip Sheet for details about what documents you need in order to complete.
(HSA) Home and School Association
2025- 2026 STEM Academy HSA Board
Co-Presidents: Kerri Roberts and Kelly Sears
Co-Vice Presidents: Heather Steiger and Jennifer Zori
Secretary - Marcie Epstein
Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati
Meetings will be held throughout the school year, on the dates designated below each month in the STEM Academy Knowledge Commons at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.
- January 12, 2026: The next meeting will be held beginning at 7 pm in the STEM Knowledge Commons. We hope you can make it!
- February 9, 2026
- March 16, 2026
- April 13, 2026
- May 11, 2026
✨ You can always see the full lineup at STEMHSA.org—and trust me, you’ll want to be part
of what’s coming up next.
🌟 Join the HSA Board!
In addition to this great evening of information, we’ll also be holding elections for our
Freshman and Sophomore Parent-at-Large positions on the HSA Board.
If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved or want to help shape the programs
and direction of our Home & School Association, this is a wonderful opportunity to join
the team. We’d love to have your voice and ideas at the table!
January Newsletter from HSA
📌 January Home & School Meeting
January 12 | 7:00 PM | KnowCo
Please join us for our January Home & School meeting. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Hewitt and Mrs. Glowik, our college prep experts, who will be speaking about college application preparation—an incredibly valuable topic for families of all grade levels.
🎉 Post Prom Planning Meeting
January 15 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Atrium
Join us for our next Post Prom planning meeting as we begin preparations for STEM Post Prom – May 2026.
🏆Post Prom Trivia Night is Back!
January 22 | 6:00PM | Al Pastor: See flier and sign up information below!
📅 Upcoming Events
🍲 February 6 – Soup-er Bowl
This is one of our faculty and staff’s favorite events of the year! Start thinking about what soup, chili, or stew you’d like to contribute. Please be sure to read all the details on the sign-up.
👉 Sign up here: Soup-er Bowl Signup
Questions? Please reach out to Marci Epstein at Secretary@STEMHSA.org.
For more details on this event and everything else happening at STEM, visit STEMHSA.org.
💖 Annual Family Donation Drive
Our Family Donation Fundraising Campaign for the 2025-2026 school year is still running. If you haven’t yet donated, would you consider a one-time suggested gift of $100 per family?
Your tax-deductible donation directly supports the programs, activities, and events that enrich student life at STEM—and helps us minimize (or even eliminate!) the need for additional fundraising later in the year.
👉 Make your donation here: STEMHSA.org
STEM HSA Post Prom Trivia Night at Al Pastor: January 22
HSA Post Prom Trivia Night is Back!
Join us for an evening of FUN, Food, and Friends as we support the Downingtown STEM Academy Post Prom at Trivia Night! It's not just a game night - it's an opportunity to bring our community together for a great cause! Space is limited, so gather your team and secure your spot today!
WHEN: Thursday, January 22 - Doors open at 6:00PM, Trivia at 6:30PM
WHERE: Al Pastor, Wellington Square
COST: $20 per person (Your entry fee includes a ticket for a Beverage of choice OR Chips and Salsa), up to 8 players per team.
Tickets may be purchased as a team or individually. If you want a table reserved for your team, you MUST include a team name when purchasing your ticket(s).
You can purchase your tickets HERE!
Thank you for supporting Post Prom!
🎁 Post Prom Prize Collection Begins!
STEM Post Prom is a fun-filled, safe, and unforgettable night for our seniors, complete with food, games, music, activities—and prizes! Each student receives a prize at the end of the night as an incentive to stay for the entire event.
We’re starting prize collection early so we can take advantage of holiday sales and put together the best prize lineup possible. As you do your holiday shopping, please consider adding a Post Prom prize to your cart.
You may purchase directly from our Amazon Wishlist, or
Shop elsewhere if you find a great deal
If you purchase outside the wishlist, please email one of our prize coordinators so arrangements can be made:
Kirsten Reeder – Kirsten.reeder@gmail.com
Kelly Sears – Kelsears@gmail.com
Thank you for helping us create an amazing, memorable, and safe celebration for our seniors—we truly could not do this without your generosity and support!
— STEM Post Prom Committee
DASD Athletics
All students at STEM are encouraged to participate in athletic programs offered at their home schools.
An activity bus is available for students heading to East to participate daily, and is located in the bus loop at dismissal.
To find more information about what sports are offered at your students’ homeschool, please choose one of the following that links directly to the correct Athletics page:
Downingtown East High School Athletics
Downingtown East High School Athletics Schedule
AND
Downingtown East Boys Tennis Interest Meeting
🎵Downingtown Music Parents Association (DHS-MPA) Weekly Update
What is the DHS-MPA?
🤝MPA Sponsorships / Community Business Partnerships
The MPA is still open for local business sponsorships to help support our music programs for the 2025–2026 season.
As a thank-you for your support, we’ve created a Sponsorship Benefit Program that promotes your business and services not only to our band community but to the entire school district.
Music Program Reminders & News
💵 Current MPA Fundraiser
- The profit for every purchase you make goes directly to the association and the funds are used to support the music programs in Downingtown East, Downingtown West and the STEM Academy.
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts DSF Fundraiser - ORDER HERE
- Charleston Wrap Fundraiser - Order by Dec 8 to get everything in time for the Holidays! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
- Wawa Shorti Coupons – $5 each, never expire
📩 Contact Cheryl Wendt (East) or Tina Ayala (West of STEM) or email DHSMPA.waysmeans@outlook.com
📢 Volunteer Opportunities
Concession Stands – Sign up and join us! Training is provided by seasoned volunteers. Any student 12+yr can volunteer and earn volunteer credit hours. Anyone can volunteer in concessions at any game hosted by a D'town “home” high school. The best part? All of the funds go right back to support every student in every music program, no matter which school is hosting. 🎶 SIGN UP HERE
Go to https://dhsmpa.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/105706 to sign up
For non-band members who want to volunteer email dhs.mpa.volunteers@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: Student volunteers are welcome and hours can be used toward NHS/NJHS service hours.
🎵 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MPA AND WHAT WE DO
Campus Safety Reminders: Code of Conduct, Parking Permits, Traffic, Buses
Traffic: Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website. Please allow enough time for traveling to school in the morning.
School Safety: Safety and Discipline are an essential component to any school. Students and parents are required to read the bullet points below as you will be held responsible for following school and school district policies.
All students are required to follow all school and district policies and procedures.
- Student Code of Conduct Policy- please review prior to the start of school.
- Student Rights and Responsibility- please review prior to the start of school.
Student Drop Off
Please be reminded that students are to be dropped off behind the school. No students should be dropped off on Manor Ave. We appreciate your cooperation. Safety is always our first priority.
Also for the safety of all students and staff crossing back and forth during lunch time, the entrance to the STEM Academy on Campbell Drive will be closed during all lunch times for the remainder of the school year. Please use the West entrance to access the campus during that time.
Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.
- All parent pick-up vehicles must enter from Manor Avenue on the right side of the building (Campbell Drive). Parents will be directed by the traffic guard to loop around the building in order to pickup students.
- Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown East High School attendance area will be along the fence that faces Kottmeyer Stadium. Bus pick-up for students from the Downingtown West High School attendance area will be at Downingtown West High School and Downingtown Middle School. Students will then walk to the Academy.
- Please make sure students are prepared for inclement weather. Parents are not permitted to park, drop-off, or pick-up students from the left side of the Academy or on Manor Avenue.
- For the safety of our students, it is essential that all drivers adhere to traffic patterns and regulations
Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website.
Bus Passes are for Emergency use only. All bus rosters are full and only in the event of an emergency will a student be allowed to ride a different bus home. The request for a bus pass should come to the main office and will need approval from Mr. Campbell.
The 25-26 Parking Permit application opened for the Senior Class on Monday, August 4, and for the Junior Class on Monday, August 11. Please be reminded that students should use their DASD student email address to apply, as the permit is issued to the student driving the car on campus. Information regading parking permits can be found on our website in the Backpack. Any student that purchased a parking permit should make plans to pick up in the main office after school. Students will not be ticketed during the first two weeks of school, but should make every effort to pick up their permit as soon as possible. We are not able to issue a parking permit in the morning, before school begins. Thank you for understanding.
Permit Pickup Requirements:
All obligations listed in Payschools must be paid and up to date.
Seniors: Must have IB Fee 1 and 2 cleared.
All outstanding physical forms must be turned in.
Students should bring their valid drivers' license, car insurance and registration form when picking up the permit.
Attendance Reminders, Volunteer Requirements, etc.
Early Dismissals, Excuse Notes and Educational Trip Forms: Emails can be sent to stemattendance@dasd.org for any student requiring an early dismissal or in the event that your student was absent for any reason. Students should report to the office in the morning to pick up their early dismissal slip to show their teacher and should check out in the main office prior to exiting the building. Students should not leave out of any door other than the main office. Excuse notes should also be emailed to stemattendance@dasd.org. If your student will be missing school for a family trip please be sure to fill out the family trip form ahead of time. Request Form for Educational and Family Trips. All notes will be processed by Ms. Sokso, attendance secretary.
If a student is sent home by Mrs. Mikulich, our school nurse, they will be dismissed through the main office as well. If a student is feeling ill they should ask their teacher if they may go to the nurse and the nurse will assist in next steps. Parents, please do not allow your student to text or call you to come get them and then pick them up and leave. Please tell them to go to the nurse and the nurse will be in contact or please call the school to let us know your child isn’t feeling well. This is extremely important for student safety and accountability. If there are any questions, please reach out to Ms. Mikulich.
Arriving at School on Time: We have a lot of work to do each day with our STEM Academy students. Therefore, it is critical for students to arrive on time whether they are riding with a family member, friend, or driving themselves to school. The school day begins promptly at 8:00 am. Students are expected to be in their classroom by 8:00 am each morning in order to maximize their experience with us. We will be lenient the first week but students driving or obtaining a ride are expected to be to school on time. If students ride the bus and their bus arrives late, they will not be marked late due to a late arrival of the bus.
Traffic: Please review the student pick up and drop off procedures located under School Day on our Website. Please allow enough time for traveling to school in the morning.
School Safety: Safety and Discipline are an essential component to any school. Students and parents are required to read the bullet points below as you will be held responsible for following school and school district policies.
All students are required to follow all school and district policies and procedures.
- Student Code of Conduct Policy- please review prior to the start of school.
- Student Rights and Responsibility- please review prior to the start of school.
Volunteers: We would like to welcome volunteers throughout the school year. Please take a moment to review the Volunteer Requirements. The Annual DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form should be completed and returned each school year. All volunteer clearances and forms can be emailed to Kstauffer@dasd.org.
From the School Nurse
Medication: If your child requires prescription or non-prescription medication this school year, please complete the Authorization for Medication and bring in both the completed form and medication. This form can also be accessed on the DASD website. Your child’s physician may also use their own form for medication administration.
Epinephrine Auto Injector and Nasal Epinephrine: Nasal Epinephrine/Neffy is currently only approved for licensed personnel (nurses) to administer in school and students may not self-carry/self-administer this medication in school or on field trips. Please request your child’s physician to prescribe an auto-injector for school.
Immunizations: Please review your child's immunization information via Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Accessed via MORE > HEALTH > IMMUNIZATIONS. If your child has non-compliant immunizations, please provide updated immunization documentation or an updated immunization exemption to the school nurse at jmikulich@dasd.org
- Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich with any questions or concerns.
Important Links for Parents & Students
2025-2026 School Year
The DASD 2025-2026 was board approved on Wednesday, January 2025.. Please review the school start times as shared on the district website and noted below:
The schedule for the 2025-2026 school year is as follows:
- Elementary (Grades K-6): 9:00 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
- Secondary (Grades 7-12): 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
- Infinite Campus: Student schedules, report cards, and access to updating the annual registration verification can be accessed here.
- Payschools: All Activity, Technology and Food services fees can be paid quickly and easily in this portal. (All parking permit fees should now be showing in student accounts.)
- Schoology: Many courses and classes are updated daily. This is a very important tool for communicating!
- Service Desk: Technology support can be accessed here.
Downingtown STEM Academy
The Downingtown STEM Academy is the third high school in the Downingtown Area School District. The STEM Academy opened in the fall of 2011 at 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.
The Academy is an IB World School offering every student the opportunity to earn an IB Diploma. The curriculum offers Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Pathways. Students are engaged in rigorous, challenging academic work that requires a mindset of growth and effort.
Email: stinfo@dasd.org
Website: https://st.dasd.org/
Location: 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-269-2420