Good Evening Everyone.

The end of the year is rapidly approaching! Congratulations to all the students and their families who were recognized as part of our annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony and the Karen Mapes-Whippet Pride Award Ceremony this past week. It is always wonderful to be able to pause for a moment and recognize efforts of our students and we are thankful that so many parents were able to join us!

As a brief reminder, we will continue with the second week of AP Exams this week as well as begin administering the Keystone Exams for all students taking Algebra I, Biology, and 10th Grade English. Please get a good night sleep and come prepared to give your best effort. Your teachers have prepared you well and you are ready! You got this!!

Junior Prom

I want to thank Ms. Tuohey and the Junior Class Officers for the hard work they put into setting up for and the Junior Prom! This was the first large dance to be held in the new Atrium and the officers did a great job planning for the event, decorating the space, and cleaning everything up the next morning. Thank you for putting together a wonderful night!

Graduation Letter

The Graduation Information letter was sent out on Friday, May 2nd. If you missed the email or simply want to access the letter from here, the links are available in the FAQ section of the Road to Graduation below.

Graduation Yard Signs - The Graduation signs were delayed, but are being delivered this week. They will be available for pick up on Friday evening from 6:30-8pm, and Saturday from 10a-12p, by the bus loading platform at WEST.

SENIOR SURVEY - Reminder that this is due on Thursday, May 15th. This is an obligation if not completed by the deadline.

Walk the Halls information is available for those seniors who want to participate following the first graduation practice in June. For more information, please see below in the Road to Graduation Class of 2025 section.

Parking Raffle for Graduation Day

As part of the our annual graduation preparation, we are excited to once again offer an opportunity for two families to secure reserved parking next to Kottmeyer Stadium the Home and School Graduation Parking Raffle. Please see the information below in the Road to Graduation as well as the Home and School section for entry details.

Have a great evening and Happy Mother's day to all the mom's out there! See you on Monday, May 12th!

Kurt Barker, Ed.D.

Principal, DHS WEST

“Where Every Student Thrives”

• Attention Class of 2026: This is just a friendly reminder that Graduation Projects will need to be PRESENTED in order to purchase your parking permit for the 25/26 school year. If you have all of your hours completed, please email Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org so that he can get you assigned to a Grad Project Team. May 23rd will be the last day that teams will be assigned for this current school year.

• Attention Class of 2027: Please make sure you have your PROPOSAL and MENTOR form submitted by May 30th. Both will be required to be submitted and approved in order to purchase a parking permit for the 25/26 school year. Please start working with coaches, places of worship, local fire departments, etc. to get these papers filled out if you plan on completing hours over the summer. Please submit Proposal and Mentor forms to the main office. From there they will be signed, scanned, and emailed to your school email address. 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.

• Attention Class of 2028: It is not too early to start thinking about your Graduation Project. Are you working a sports camp this summer, have you gone back to help with your place of worship, are you volunteering with your local fire company? 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.

• STUDENTS: Do you need help completing any outstanding writing assignments?? The Writing Center has relocated to SGI Room 147B in the Atrium (lower level, under the Learning Steps) while the library is closed for AP and Keystone testing. Please come find us - we’ll have signs posted to guide you. Your writing advisors would love to help you finish the year strong!

• The Downingtown Cyber Academy (DCA) will once again host both Original Credit and Credit Recovery Options this summer. Registration and dates that the courses run are different for the two options. Please visit this link for the most up to date information regarding registration, pricing and content delivery - https://www.dasd.org/departments/teaching-and-learning/summer-school.

Below are some of the highlights and winners from the Living Arts Show at West.

It is finally our turn to have Familias Fuertes in Downingtown! Family Services of Chester County has one of the prevention contracts with the county and currently provides this program in several Chester County school districts. This is a 7-week (1x/week), evening program that works with the whole family (free dinner and childcare for young ones) with a focus on students 10-14 years old (grades 5-9ish). Familias Fuertes is hoping to start July 10 using The Well's space in town. This evidence-based program yields one of the following notable outcomes: decreased anxiety and decreased truancy in females 10-14 years old. Over the last year, Family Services of Chester County has met with Jamie Nunery, Justin Brown, Silvia and Sandy, the ELD Department and Beth McKee, Sarah Brooks, our Prevention Specialists and Home & School Visitors and others to get this program off the ground in our district/community. They also plan to be at Culture Fest this month, too.

The program's flyer is below and here is the registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VZtI0PFY-paYU6Afygc6bNK1HZ_pxgvD2Y0C0y7fERo/viewform?edit_requested=true

Class of 2026 Senior Portraits are now able to be scheduled for the week of June 9th. Please use the QR code or link below to schedule your senior portrait at Downingtown West's Auditorium. Additional dates will be available in July. Check back here for those dates that should be available soon.

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

Please join me in congratulating Cara Nogrady and Reese Walker, our DAWG Pack winners for the April monthly drawing! Cara and Reese each received a $25 gift card for showing they are real DAWGS!

• Graduation plans are as follows: Graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 pm at Kottmeyer Stadium. All Seniors will receive a total of 10 tickets which can all be used if we are outdoors. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held indoors in Wagner Gym and only two tickets can be used for an indoor graduation. A decision will be made by 1:00 pm on the day of Graduation and posted on the website. The Graduation Ceremony will also be live streamed.

• We know the senior class has been looking forward to celebrating their years of hard work with a traditional commencement ceremony, and we thank you for working with us to give the Class of 2025 the best graduation ceremony possible. Please see the attached letter for information about the dates, times, and inclement weather plans for our Commencement Ceremony. Accessible Parking and Seating are also available for those family members who may need them. A link for requesting Accessible Parking/Seating is located here. We will have a drop-off location at the Rock Raymond Road covered sidewalk for ease of getting your loved ones to the stadium for the ceremony. Carts will be available to take those family members to the stadium who cannot walk a far distance. Click here to view the drop-off location on a map.

Important Senior Dates

• May 15 - Senior Survey due - will become an obligation
• May 22—Senior Department Awards Assembly @ 8:40 am in Auditorium
• May 22—Senior Scholarship Awards Program @ 6:30 pm in Auditorium
• May 22 - TCHS Brandywine Commencement Program @ Coatesville Memorial Outdoor Stadium - 7:00 pm
• May 27 & 28—Senior Laptop and Charger Collection
• May 30 - Deadline for Class of 2025 to Present Graduation Project to be eligible to participate in Graduation
• May 30—Senior Prom @ 7:00 pm at The Drexelbrook
• May 30—Post Prom Party following Senior Prom at Wagner Gym
• June 2—West Graduation Indoor Practice @ 11:00 am (students report at 10:45 am)
• June 3—West Graduation Outdoor Practice @ 11:00 am (students report at 10:45 am); Senior Picnic immediately following practice
• June 4—West Commencement Ceremony @ 6:00 pm in Kottmeyer Stadium* (students report at 4:45 pm) *weather permitting

Attention Seniors:

Completion of the Senior Survey 2025 is a graduation obligation. Due date for completion is May 15th. Any responses received after May 15th will not be included for recognition in the graduation program. Please answer all questions honestly. In order to enroll at your chosen college next year, you must provide that college with a final transcript proving that you have graduated. Please provide consent for the Counseling Department to send that transcript in Question #5. Lastly, please provide the best estimate regarding scholarships received from all colleges that accepted you, not just the college you plan to attend. Thank you for your help and participation. Senior Survey 2025

DASD Technology extends their sincerest congratulations on your child’s upcoming graduation. As we prepare for the end of the school year, all district-issued laptops and chargers must be returned. Student email accounts and Google Drive will be active until June 30, 2025. Students will need to move any files from their Google Drive that is associated with their email account to a personal account. Please note that the laptop buyout program has ended.

Prepare for collection:

• Please place the laptop & charger in a large bag to keep items together.
  All laptops should be fully charged and will be inspected upon return.
• Laptop collection will be in the Lab inside the Library.
• Laptop collection is Tuesday, May 27th.

See the schedule below for the collection. Please come during your appointed time.

Last Name Time

Abdullah - Clark 7:30 - 8:15

Coates - Fuehrer 8:15 - 9:00

Furia - Jones 9:00 - 9:45

Junkins - McCarrie 9:45 - 10:30

McCarthy - Pook 10:30 - 11:15

Posner - Schwarzhoff 12:00 - 12:45

Scott - Vaccaro 12:45 - 1:30

Vaughen - Zelesnick 1:30 - 2:15

Downingtown West High School Graduation Parking Spots Raffle!

Don’t stress about finding parking on graduation day — enter the raffle for a chance to secure a premium, front-row parking spot right near the ceremony venue! We will raffle 2 spots.

· Raffle Tickets: $10 per ticket

· Deadline to Enter: May 23

· Drawing Date: May 24

· The 2 Winners will be announced via Principal Letter May 25, Parents of 2025 facebook page and by email to the winners.

https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/downingtown-west-high-school-graduation-parking-spots-raffle

Each year the graduating seniors are invited to walk the halls of their elementary school wearing their cap and gowns. Please use this link for the specific date and time your elementary school will welcome the Class of 2025!

The Commencement Group will be taking pre-orders for flowers that will be available for pick up on campus Graduation Day. Please see the pre-order flyer for more information and use the link provided to place online orders: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/downingtown/

As the end of the school year approaches, we wanted to take a moment to inform you about any remaining funds left in your senior student's meal account. If your senior student has funds remaining in their meal account, you have several options:

1. Request a Refund
2. Transfer Funds
3. Donate

For more information, please see the account funds letter and Food Service Account Refund Application.

You have one more chance!

MySchoolDance will reopen on Monday (May12) until Wednesday, May 14. You may also purchase tickets with cash or check in person before or after school in my classroom, 225. (I am not available this week during Lunch & Learn).

More information will be coming soon and posted here--PLEASE pay attention!

Registration is open for the 2025 Post Prom Party!!! The event is FREE!! The event is NOT a LOCK-IN EVENT!! You DO NOT have to attend Prom to attend the Post Prom!! Register early even if you don't have your plans finalized, register for the event. Registration allows for quick entry.

Seniors/Senior Parents: The time to register is HERE!!!

Please see the registration link for the upcoming Post Prom Party: 2025 Post Prom Party Registration DISCO DANCE! When students register, parents will be sent a waiver form link. Both documents MUST be completed to ensure quick entry into the event.

• Graduation Projects must be completed and present in order to graduate. There is approximately 3 weeks of school left to complete this obligation. Please contact Mr. Hassel at bhassel@dasd.org to schedule your Graduation Project presentation. If you have not started your graduation project and need assistance with an idea, please see Mrs. Raines or your guidance counselor.

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

• 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 19th. If you have problems accessing this information, please enter a service ticket at https://servicedesk.dasd.org/support/home.
• Attention Parents: 2024-2025 Device Fees are now past due! 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!
• 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.

Co-Presidents: Kaitlyn Dorr & Abigayle Prinder

Vice President: Chloe Friedland

Treasurer: Julia Staffieri

Secretary: Hailey Hartzell

In honor of Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week, as well as all the appreciation days we may have missed throughout the year, the Student Council, on behalf of the student body, would like to express our gratitude for all that you do.

As we navigate the month of May, with testing and end-of-year activities, we understand that everyone may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Please know that the students truly appreciate the hard work and dedication you put in each day.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As May begins, we enter a month devoted to honoring the rich cultural legacies, stories, and contributions of Jewish Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders.

Jewish American Heritage Month invites us to reflect on a history of resilience, achievement, and vibrant tradition that has shaped our nation in profound ways. At the same time, API Heritage Month celebrates the diverse cultures, languages, and experiences of Asian and Pacific Islander communities—reminding us of the strength found in unity, heritage, and the shared pursuit of belonging.

This month offers an opportunity not only to celebrate, but to deepen our understanding. By opening our hearts to new stories and perspectives, we strengthen the fabric of our community. When we listen with intention and support one another with care, we move closer to a world rooted in empathy, dignity, and hope.

Here’s to a month of learning, connection, and honoring the remarkable impact of these communities.

🗓️ Thursday, May 22nd
🕐 1:20 PM – 2:40 PM
💻 Virtual Event – Link Here

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (APPI) Heritage Month, the Office of Student Relations and School Climate, in partnership with the Asian Student Alliance (ASA) at Downingtown STEM Academy, is proud to host a virtual Fireside Chat with Hudson Yang. Best known for his breakout role as Eddie on ABC’s groundbreaking sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, Hudson has been named a rising star to watch by Variety, The Wrap, and more. This event is NOT mandatory, but if you have students interested, encourage them to join the chat.

Join us on Thursday, May 22nd from 1:20 PM to 2:40 PM for this special event. Students will have the opportunity to interact with Hudson, ask questions, and hear his perspectives on representation, identity, and creativity in the entertainment industry. His career spans voice work on Family Guy, Disney’s The Lion Guard, and PBS’s Cyberchase, to his recent lead role in the award-winning film Honor Student and his new food travel show Crash Course Cuisine with Hudson Yang on National Geographic, developed through his own production company, Huje Media.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from a powerful voice in young Hollywood and celebrate the stories and contributions of the APPI community.

The Office of Student Relations and School Climate is honored to host Holocaust survivor Steen Metz for a virtual presentation on Monday, May 19 at 6pm, in partnership with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center.

At just eight years old, Steen was deported with his parents to the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp from his home in Denmark. He endured 18 months of brutal conditions, lost his father to starvation, and was liberated one month before the camp's gas chamber was set to operate. He is one of fewer than 1,500 children to survive the camp. Now, Steen shares his powerful story to educate and inspire future generations. This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance, resilience, and standing against hate.

Sign up here: Click Here

• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will host financial help for college webinars for students and families on May 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. For more details and to register visit: https://www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-webinars.

• Faith on the Spectrum, a non-profit based in Exton, is looking for volunteers! Their mission is to create inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences for individuals with autism and other sensory needs within our community. Volunteer roles can include:
• Special Interest Buddies: Providing one-on-one support to individuals with autism based on their specific interests during events.
• Event Volunteers: Assisting with the setup, execution, and breakdown of sensory-friendly events.
• Fundraising & Outreach Volunteers: Helping to raise funds and increase awareness for our initiatives.
• Sensory Room Support Volunteers: Managing sensory rooms during events to ensure a calm environment for participants.
• Social Media & Content Volunteers: Creating engaging content to promote our mission and events.

This could be a graduation project as well! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Heather Altiero atheather@faithonthespectrum.org. For more information, visit: https://www.faithonthespectrum.org.

• Shreiner Tree Care is hiring! If you like to work outdoors, and like hands-on work, they need summer help. Must be at least 18 and the pay is $20/hour! See the flyer attached for more details and text Tyler Beatty at 610-972-6762 if you are interested.

• Divine Med Spa in Exton is looking for a responsible, enthusiastic Wellness Associate to help create a warm, welcoming experience for every guest. Must be at least 15 with a valid work permit and the hours are Friday/Saturday/Sunday 5-15 hours per week. Interested students should submit an application to: https://forms.gle/M27ntX7aLqqAVZe2A

• Marsh Creek and French Creek Pools are hiring lifeguard positions and food prep/cook and cashier positions! NOT CERTIFIED? NO PROBLEM! Assistance in lifeguard certification and financial assistance to cover the cost of certification at other locations is available. The minimum age is 15 for lifeguards and 14 for food concession. The hours of operation are 11am - 6:30 pm weekdays and 11am - 7:30 pm weekends. They offer flexible schedules, 10 hours a week plus according to the employee's ability and availability, and competitive pay. For more details and to apply, scan the QR code on the flyer, visit http://www.marshcreekpool.com and click on the "Employment Application" link, OR contact them at (610)458-8535 or info@marshcreekpool.com.

• Calling all rising 10th to 12th graders. Looking for a FUN summer job where you can be outside and play all day? Indian Springs Day Camp in Chester Springs is hiring junior counselors! Camp runs from June 23rd to August 15th (off July 4th). Monday to Friday from 9 to 3 with lunch included. Junior Counselor positions are paid positions, but it is a summer stipend (not hourly) that increases per summer depending on age and experience (more of an internship pay) with the opportunity to receive tips from the families at the end of the summer. This is also a great opportunity that can be unpaid for Graduation Projects. Summer vacations can be accommodated and background checks are required. For more details please contact Lori Plans at lplansindiansprings@gmail.com.

  
  

• Summer Opportunity! Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is a one-week, very low cost, opportunity to learn about the American free enterprise system on a college campus! Students are introduced to business people throughout the state who mentor them as they form their own companies to learn about the decisions that real executives face daily. Students meet motivational speakers and learn the value of teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and communication skills. To apply or learn more about PFEW, visit: www.pfew.org!

• Carlino’s Market family-owned store in West Chester is hiring part-time cashiers for shifts between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Must be at least 16 to apply. Contact humanresources@carlinosmarket.com or email erin@carlinosmarket.com for more information.

• The YMCA is looking for lifeguards! They offer flexible schedules, starting pay is $14/hour, and they offer a FREE family membership! See the QR code on the flyer attached for more information, or contact Fredericka Christmas at fchristmas@ymcagbw.org.

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.

Trips schedule for Summer of 2026:

• 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. If you have any questions, stop by Room 135 and speak with Mrs. Taylor!

• We’re going to Spain during Spring Break 2026, and you’re invited!

  Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity:

  https://rsvp.eftours.com/r8e6afc

  Join our info session to discover how this trip will benefit the student, explore the exciting itinerary and activities, find out how to earn academic credit, see how we’re keeping it safe and affordable. Plus, get all the details on enrolling during EF’s risk-free period!

Look for more overseas opportunities for the coming summers!

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

Downingtown West’s Theatre Arts class presents The Outsiders, May 14th and 15th at 7 PM in the West Auditorium for $7 at the door! Fourteen-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his Greaser friends are constantly under attack by the rich kids in town called “The Socs”. Friendships are tested when the two prettiest Socs in town make friends with the Greasers. The other Socs find out and declare all out warfare all over the city. Will Ponyboy and his friends ever be able to live in peace with the Socs? Will anybody make it out of the rumble alive? Find out in this exciting stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s classic novel.

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

• May 5 - 16 - AP Exams
• May 12 - 15 - Keystones Exams
• May 14 - 15 - Theatre Arts Performances
• May 20 - No School - Professional Development
• May 23 - Ready Day
• May 26 - No School - Memorial Day
• May 29 - Distinguished Honor Roll Breakfast - 8:54 am in Cafeteria
• May 30 - Senior Prom - Drexelbrook - 7:00 pm
• June 5 - Last Day of School - 10:45 Dismissal

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.

Tuesday 5/13/25

• Girls Lacrosse and Boys Lacrosse will begin District Playoffs - Time and Location: TBD

Thursday 5/15/25

• Girls Lacrosse and Boys Lacrosse will begin District Playoffs - Time and Location: TBD

Our West Best Buddies Club needs your support! We’re holding a fundraiser at Handel’s Ice Cream on Monday May 12th from 3pm-9pm. Please either show the flyer above or mention us and West Best Buddies gets 20% of your sale.

Purchase a West Coffee Cup and get a discount on coffee from Aramark! Just bring your mug to any Aramark food station at West and order a large coffee for the price of a small!

President:

Michele Helveston

Vice President:

Stephanie Steffen

Treasurer:

Komal Ghai

Secretary:

Kathleen Teal

Joint Home & School

Representative:

Maria Dennin

• 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

POST PROM NEEDS YOUR HELP!

• Parents Donations for Post Prom:

  https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donations-for-post-prom--2025

• The Post Prom committee has been working hard to plan the best Disco Party for our Seniors. If you’d like to get involved please join us on May 15th in the West Library at 7:00 pm. Contact Ana Martinez at DTownWestPostProm@gmail.com with any questions.

• 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