Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

Ms. Kelly Stauffer, Admin. Asst. to the Head of School

Upcoming Events/No School Days

• End of 1st Marking Period: October 30
• November 3: Veteran's Day Assembly
• November 4: No School for Students/PD for staff
• November 13: STEM Academy Powderpuff Game (More information coming soon!)
• November 15: STEM Academy Homecoming Dance (held at DEast HS) - tickets will be on sale soon!
• November 25: No School for Students/ Parent-Teacher Conferences The sign up link will be shared in in late October/Early November.
• November 26-28: No School For Students/Thanksgiving Recess

The first marking period will end on Thursday, October 30. It is imperative that students meet with their teachers to discuss any concerns they may have regarding grades and to ensure that all work is submitted before the marking period ends. Please encourage your students to take advantage of the time they have during lunch and learn to meet with their teachers throughout the week, and to make sure all assignments are up to date.

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.

At the Downingtown STEM Academy, we are proud to recognize and foster our core Habits of Mind as the foundation of student success. In ninth grade, all students are introduced to these guiding principles in their physics class, where they learn how each habit contributes to personal growth and academic achievement. This year, teachers have nominated students for the months of September and October who exemplify these values, and we are excited to celebrate their accomplishments.

The STEM Academy Habits of Mind include:

Responsibility: Our students show a strong sense of school spirit, active engagement in school activities, and commitment to the community. They are dedicated to contributing to the positive atmosphere of our school, supporting their peers, and embodying pride in being part of the STEM Academy.

Respect: Fundamental to our school’s character, respect is demonstrated through integrity, honesty, and high ethical standards. Students are dedicated to upholding these values, respecting others' work and ideas, and building a foundation of trust and dignity with their peers and teachers alike.

Compassionate Participation: Understanding the importance of teamwork and collaboration, our students show kindness, compassion, and inclusivity. They actively support their classmates, create an environment where everyone feels valued, and recognize the unique strengths that each individual brings to the community.

Effort: STEM Academy challenges require resilience, courage, and determination. Our students meet these challenges by persevering through setbacks, advocating for fairness, and understanding that growth often requires persistence and learning from failures.

Engagement: With a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of inquiry, our students are driven by curiosity and a willingness to explore innovative ideas. They are eager to question, investigate, and push the boundaries of conventional thought in their pursuit of understanding.

Congratulations to our nominated students who embody these habits and inspire our school community! We will continue to recognize students as the school year continues. Thank you to all families for your support.

Have commencement questions or any questions with regards to any of the information below? Please contact Kelly Stauffer.

While the month of June seems so far away, it will be here before we know it! The portal for ordering Caps and Gowns for the Class of 2026 has now opened.

Caps/Gowns and Stoles: Each graduate is responsible for purchasing a cap, gown and stole for graduation. The cost of this package is $38.00 including tax. Other items are available for sale as well through the website.

The Cap/Gown Stole orders should be placed as soon as possible to ensure we have the bulk shipment for STEM students delivered after January 1, so that items can be properly prepared for graduation. Once shipped, grad packs will remain at STEM until graduation in June.

• Online Ordering steps:Go to: Herff Jones SHOP Grad Products Website.
• Click the Cap and Gown Grad Pack tab (located next to Announcements & Accessories)
• Choose Basic Cap, Gown, Tassel and Stole Package: $35.85 +tax ($38.00 total)
• Includes Cap, Gown, Tassel and Silkscreen Stole. Be sure to enter height and weight information that is requested when you clik on the picture of the package. After that information is added, then click add to cart.

Should there be any questions, please contact sbgerhart@herffjones.com

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.

The Common Application is open for the Class of 2026!!

Remember this is just the starting line, NOT A DEADLINE! No college expects you to submit everything in the first day or week of the application season. Pace yourself and pay attention to deadlines, but do not sacrifice this last month of summer!

Use this FAQ to help in completing your apps and Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).

Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Anticipated Advisory Club Dates for 25-26SY: November 10, December 2, January 15, February 3, February 20, March 11, March 24, March 30, April 20, May 6, May 22

Additional Upcoming events:

The STEM Spirit Pumpkin is currently being transformed under the direction of Ms. Romano, STEM Art Teacher. The Spirit Pumpkin will be on display in the main hall way and students will have the opportuniy to guess the weight.

November 3: Veteran's Day Assembly (Gr. 10/11) (See info below)

November 5: Indian Heritage Event

November 13: STEM Powderpuff Football Game 6:00 pm (info coming soon....this event is also Livestreamed!)

November 15: STEM Homecoming Dance (more info to come)

Over the course of the past week, students had the opportunity to guess the weight of the STEM Spirit Pumpkin. The Spirit Punpkin was painted under the direction of Ms. Janette Romano.

Today the two winners that guessed closest were announced:

Julia Benson (103 lbs)

Luke Francisco (102.8 lbs)

The winners were each given one ticket to the East/West Football game.

Congratulations! The offical weight of the pumpkin is 104.2 lbs.

On Friday, October 24, our STEM Academy Home and School hosted the annual Fall Fest during lunch and learn for all students in grades 9-12. Everyone throroughly enjoyed themselves and the weather was perfect. We truly appreciate you!

We would like to thank the group of parents, under the direction of Ms. Pratima Pointi, who provided a beautiful lunch for our faculty today.

In honor of Veteran's Day this year, on Monday, November 3, we are excited to welcome the Travis Manion Foundation's Character Does Matter (CDM) program to the STEM Academy for a special Veteran's Day assembly. Our 10th and 11th grader students will take part in the unique CDM youth mentorship initiative where veteran, and Travis Manion Foundation representative, Jimmy White will share powerful stories, activities, and small group discussions to help our students develop their character and leadership skills. We look forward to this inspiring lesson and appreciate the initiative of the Travis Manion Foundation.

Please take a moment to read Jimmy' White's Bio, and listen to his TEDx Talk.

Club meetings during Advisory:

We noticed several students moving between club rooms on the first club day to find a group that fits. For next time, please plan to attend one club meeting consistently.

If you need a quiet space to work during club time, Room G24 is available. Students lingering in the mezzanines, atrium, hallways, KnowCo or StuCo area will need to either join a club or head to G24 during future advisory club days.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, several members of our STEM Academy Black Student Union (BSU), under the advisement of Ms. Sara Brosious, club advisor, participated in the Chester County Law Enforcement Symposium, along with other high school students from across the county.

Our students met with members of law enforcement, learned about the justice system and explored the relationship between teens and law enforcement. Kaylee Costello said of the expeierence; “My favorite part of today's experience was engaging in a respectful, formal, and comfortable discussion with law enforcement and high school students from other schools. I found hearing perspectives and experiences from many individuals beneficial as it gave me more of an open mindset. Lastly, I truly appreciated the welcoming environment of those who instructed the symposium and I am very grateful for this experience as I now have a new perspective of individuals in law enforcement.”

We are so proud of our BSU students for representing STEM at this meaningful event!

Pictured are BSU members Kaylee Costello, Austin Moore, and Jesuferanmi Sogunro.

Please visit: https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/13813 and enter order code 13813

Any questions? Please contact Ms. Dunn or Ms. Romano.

Interested in traveling with Ms. Sokira-Smith? Informational trip for both are coming up next week! Use the links below to sign up for one of the information sessions coming up on Tuesday, October 14, (new date!!). For more details please email Ms. Sokira-Smith.

Summer of 2026: The Netherlands, Belgium, France, England

Summer of 2027: Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest

Please contact Ms. Jocelyn Long for more details about these trip opportunities.

Mr. Michael Sheehan, Dean of Currciulum and Instruction

Ms. Meghan Schell, Administrative Assistant

2025-2026 Program of Study

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.

Ms. Alyssa Sherlock CAS/EE Supervisor

Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight:

Hailey Sward and Rowen O’Brien (DW) are collecting donated candy left over from Halloween - contributed by our community - and sending it to active troops in the United States Military. Their plan is to initiate our project through the usage of flyers and set up donation boxes at West Bradford Elementary in order to acquire candy once the holiday has passed. These donations will be packaged and sent to the “Soldier’s Angels” post located on Christopher Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia, where they will then be dispersed to troops. Extra candy will be directly sent to posts in San Antonio.

Class of 2026 [Seniors]:

A number of CAS opportunities have been posted to Schoology for those needing more hours, particularly for Service. There is also a spreadsheet of volunteering resources available for those seeking more ideas.

Class of 2027 [Juniors]:

Juniors have known how to enter CAS Experiences since the meeting on September 9th, and may find tutorials, resources, and the CAS Project Proposal Form on the Class of 2027 CAS and EE course on Schoology.

Class of 2026 [Seniors]:

Students will be given time in Advisory to work on and submit their EE Rough Draft on November 3.

EE Rough Drafts are due to both ManageBac and Turnitin by November 7.

Second meeting with EE Advisor and RPPF #2 due by November 30.

Class of 2027 [Juniors]:

During the formal introduction to CAS during Advisory on October 15th, students were reminded of the Class of 2027 CAS/EE Schoology course for all the resources and materials that they will need. Students are encouraged to start brainstorming a subject for their Extended Essay. Example essays are available on Schoology for students to read and get an idea of the expectations.

Dr. Troy Podell

Downingtown STEM Academy Internships and Partnerships
Supervisor of Teaching & Learning

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

On the topic of college credit, our Sophomores this week were briefed on the opportunities to earn college credit through the IB program and our dual enrollment partnership with Immaculata University, as well as our Associate’s Degree in the HS program with Delaware County Community College. These exciting opportunities provide students and families with the chance to save time and money for their post-secondary education. An evening virtual meeting for the parents explaining these programs is in the works for November, so stay tuned for more.

Our current DCCC students pursuing their Associate’s Degree are continuing to have great success. They’re reporting growing more comfortable on campus, gaining a better handle on budgeting their time and balancing their classes, and ever-enhancing self-confidence in navigating the college experience.

If you are a parent of a STEM Freshman or Sophomore, and you’d like more information about this program, please reach out to Troy Podell.

All DCCC students will be checking in with Dr. Podell during 5th period of L days in the First Floor Mezzanine.

This week our 12th grade students who signed up for the University of Delaware LeadX course had their first in-person session with Mr. Campbell and Dr. Podell. When asked why they were taking advantage of the opportunity, students gave a wide variety of answers. Many are leaders for clubs at STEM, or sports teams at their home high school, and want to level up their leadership ability to help their team. Others are studying IB Psychology at STEM, and want to gain a greater understanding of group dynamics. Still more wanted to understand leadership simply because they thought the topic fascinating. Students delved deep into defining their core values that animate themselves as leaders. They gained greater perspective on the importance of self-truth, and how only through knowing ourselves well can we hope to lead with authenticity. LeadX students will continue in the coming months to gain greater understanding of leadership theory and practice, develop a 30-day Leadership Development Plan, and have the opportunity to earn 1 credit from the University of Delaware.

One the primary goals of the STEM Academy, and our district, is to prepare students for a future of their choice. At STEM, we take pride in intentionally cultivating the skills, habits, and dispositions that our partners in industry inform us are integral to success. In addition to integrating this into our classes, we offer our students specific targeted training in partnership with the MidAtlantic Employers Association and this year, Dr. Troy Podell will also be presenting on a variety of topics as noted below.

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

College Visits began September 9th! Juniors and Seniors are also encouraged to view the complete list of school-day visits in Naviance under the “Colleges” tab. College visits are also noted on the

STEM Academy Website Calendar.

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

College App Workshop presentation

Common Date Set Overview

US Dept. of Education College Scorecard

All 9th grade students will attend three mandatory lessons designed to equip students with the skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

The lessons will be delivered through engaging hands-on activities, and utilize evidence-based resources focused on these key concepts:

• Time management

• Goal setting

• Prioritization of responsibilities

  
  

  STEM 101 lessons will be held once per cycle during assigned open revision periods. Please remind your student to check their schedule in Infinite Campus to see when their “Pathway Revision STEM 101” will take place. With your support, we can continue in the third year of delivering these lessons to STEM freshman to support their academic achievement, personal balance, and future success.

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.

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

Post Prom planning is underway. We need YOUR help!
Can’t make it to planning meetings but still want to be involved? We’d love to have you onboard! Please contact Kate Cloyd at postprom@stemhsa.org so that you can be added to our volunteer list.

Our Annual Family Donation fundraising drive is underway. If you haven’t already donated, would you consider making a one-time suggested donation of $100 (per family)? Your donation is tax deductible and is the primary funding source for the many programs and activities we provide for our students and faculty. The generosity and support from our STEM families helps minimize, and could even help us bypass, the need for additional fundraising efforts this school year. All size donations are welcome and can be made here.

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.

• September 8, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• **November 17, 2025 (This is a new meeting date...please make note of this! We hope you can attend.)
• December: No Monthly Meeting
• January 12, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• May 11, 2026

Please visit the external STEM HSA website!

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 West High School Athletics

Downingtown West High School Athletics Schedule

The annual “Unite for Her” Pink Games, which will take place Monday, 10/27 -- across the campuses of Downingtown Middle School, STEM, and Downingtown West.

This has become an awesome district tradition, bringing together our student-athletes, coaches, and community in support of breast cancer awareness and wellness through the Unite for Her foundation.

We appreciate our hosts on the “West Side” for welcoming and supporting the future Whippets, Wolves, and Cougars.

Event Overview:

• Date: DMS / LMS Unite for Her – Pink Games (formerly Fall Fest)
• Location: Downingtown Middle School & Downingtown West
• Admission: $1 donation at the gate benefiting Unite for Her

Game Schedule:

• 3:15 PM – Cross Country Meet @ DMS
• 4:15 PM – Boys Soccer (7th) @ DMS – Field 211
• 4:15 PM – Football (7th) @ DMS – Field 203
• 4:15 PM – Girls Soccer (7th) @ DMS – Field 209
• 4:15 PM – Volleyball (7th) @ Downingtown West – Wagner Gym
• 6:00 PM – Boys Soccer (8th) @ DiSerafino Stadium
• 6:00 PM – Field Hockey (8th) @ Kottmeyer Stadium
• 6:00 PM – Volleyball (8th) @ Downingtown West – Wagner Gym
• 7:15 PM – Football (8th) @ Kottmeyer Stadium (Cheer performs at halftime)
• 7:15 PM – Girls Soccer (8th) @ DiSerafino Stadium

Our student-athletes and coaches have worked hard to make this a meaningful and spirited evening. The event not only raises funds but also highlights teamwork, compassion, and community—values we’re proud to celebrate across DASD.

Thank you for your continued support of our athletic programs and initiatives that bring purpose to our student experiences.

Stephen Jenkins
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Attention East Swim & Dive athletes: There will be an informational meeting about the upcoming season on Monday, November 3rd at 6:30PM in the STEM Auditorium. We'll discuss the tryout process, team expectations, and our schedule for the year along with providing information about team fundraisers and dues. Please reach out to Coach Sean (swyatt@dasd.org) or Coach K (ksnyder@dasd.org) with any questions.

Attention all 9th grade Downingtown East Boys: Basketball tryouts will be held Friday-Tuesday, November 14 through November 18. Tryouts will begin promptly at 3:00 pm in the small gym at Downingtown East. Be sure to have a ride there to pick you up at 5:00 pm.

All persons interested in trying out must have a completed physical turned in before Friday, November 7, 2025. If you do not have a physical turned in, you will not be allowed to tryout or play.

If there are any questions or concerns, please email twolf@dasd.org

The DHS-MPA is made up of parents and guardians of students involved in any of the Downingtown High School music programs, including Marching Bands, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and ensembles, String Orchestra and ensembles, Vocal Choirs and ensembles, Indoor Drumline, and Color Guard. Our mission is to provide program support to maintain the existence and the integrity of the music programs at all of the Downingtown High Schools, including the Downingtown East Campus, the Downingtown West Campus and the STEM Academy. In the 2024-2025 year we supported over 650 music students!

The MPA is still accepting local business sponsorships to help support our music programs for the 2025–2026 season. Businesses are promoted for the entire 2025-2026 School Year!

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.

🔗 Sponsorship Details

✅ Sign up as a sponsor

• MPA Hosted Event – USBands Pennsylvania State Championships

📆 Saturday, November 1, 2025
🎺 One of our largest fundraisers of the year—volunteers needed! More details coming soon.

East Band

• 📅 East Band Calendar

West Band

• 📅 West Band Calendar

• Twin Valley Virtual Coffee Fundraiser - ORDER HERE

• Wawa Shorti Coupons – $5 each, never expire
  📩 Contact Cheryl Wendt (East) or Tina Ayala (West of STEM) or email DHSMPA.waysmeans@outlook.com

• Boscov's Friends Helping Friends Sale - Wednesday, October 22, 2025

  • Boscov's shopping passes are now available for purchase for $5 each. Shop in person or online on October 22 and save up to 25% off your purchases. The full $5 cost of the shopping pass benefits the MPA. It's a WIN-WIN situation!

  • Contact Cheryl Wendt at dhs.mpa.mtk@gmail.com to purchase your pass.

• 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

• USBands PA State Championships – Saturday, November 1 - More info coming soon!

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.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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.

Traffic:

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.

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.

• 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.

• • 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.

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