Head of School Update

Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School

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

We hope everyone is having a great start to their summer and enjoying the beautiful weather we are having thus far!

Please be reminded that summer office hours are in effect Monday-Thursday and offices are open between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm should you need assistance. All offices are closed on Friday. All visitors should come to the front office to check in to the building.

School will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025. Please be sure to take care of any outstanding obligations and turn in any books or materials, to alleviate the obligation list your senior year and to clear the path for the 2025-2026 school year. Be sure to review the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year!

Summer Counseling Office Hours (found here): The STEM Counseling Office will be open throughout summer break every Monday through Thursday from 8am to 2pm for general inquiries. School counselors are also available to meet on select dates throughout the summer. You are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Rockowitz (srockowitz@dasd.org) or your school counselor to make an appointment on their assigned day(s). Have a safe and restful summer!

Summer Assignments: Summer assignments are designed to promote student organization and prepare for the coming year. Information is grouped according to what grade level the student will be during the 2025-26 SY. Summer assigments can be accessed here: Summer Assignments @ STEM

Summer reading is found under “Backpack” option in the Resources tab on the Downingtown STEM Academy website.

Upcoming Events

July 14-17: Class of 2026 Senior Portriats 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

August 4 & 5: College Application Boot Camp (Seniors Only) with Ms. Glowik and Ms. Hewitt

August 5 & 6: Class of 2029 Laptop Distribution (technology will email information to incoming 9th grade families)

August 12: Class of 2029 Laptop Distribution (make up session - please refer to email from technology)

August 18: Class of 2029 Orientation 4:00-6:30 pm

August 22: Locker Day 9:00 am-12:00 pm

August 25: First day of the 25-26 school year

Official IB results will be issued on July 6th through the IB candidate portal (candidates.ibo.org). Students were provided their specific login information during a class meeting in the Spring. Should there be any questions, please reach out to Ms. Schell or Mr. Sheehan.

25-26 School Year Parking Permits: Members of the Senior Class of 2026 will receive an email at the beginning of August, when the parking permit application opens. Only members of the senior class will be permitted to apply at that time. The application will open to the Class of 2027 one week after the Class of 2026 has had the opportunity to apply. All student obligations listed in Payschools must be up to date before a permit will be issued. Student parking fees for the 25-26 school year will be uploaded in bulk for all students that have applied and should be showing before August 19, 2025. Please note, that sophomores will not be offered the opportunity to apply until their junior year. Be on the lookout for the emails in early August!

25/26 Student Contact Information Update: An email was sent to all families to update their Student Contact Information Confirmation for the 25/26 school year. The deadline for parents to complete this information will be Friday, September 19, 2025. Information can be updated through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal using your parent username and password.

Please review the instructional guide for assistance. If you need further assistance, please enter a help ticket through the DASD Service Desk.

Work Permits

If you are in need of a work permit, please find the application location 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.

Course Change Requests should be entered through the Course Change Request form. That information will be processed in a timely manner and the form should be completed by the student using their student DASD email address.

Attention Class of 2026: Save the date! Senior portraits for rising juniors will take place over the summer on the following dates:

• July 14, 15, 16, and 17 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in the STEM Gym: This session now available for scheduling! Please use the Prestige Class of 2026 Portraits link to schedule. Once this session is completed, Prestige will open the next session.
• Final Make-up sessions: September 2, 3, and 4 from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm in the STEM Auditorium

Please make sure to get this taken care of over the summer to check this off the list.

Scheduling Changes 25-26

Now that the Course Selection window has closed for current 9th and 10th grade students, please be reminded that requests for changes should be submitted through the following link:

(Scheduling) STEM Request Changes 25-26 SY

If there are any questions, please reach out to the STEM Counseling Office .

Family Trips 25-26: Please be reminded that if your family has a trip planned for the end of this school year, or the 2025-2026 school year, a Request for Educational Trip form must be turned in at least(2) weeks ahead of time for approval. Once approved, Ms. Sokso, will update your students' attendance in Infinite Campus. Forms should be emailed to stemattendance@dasd.org .

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would like to remind families that the Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2025–2026 school year will be available online beginning August 1, 2025 at School Café https://www.schoolcafe.com/DASD. Families must reapply each school year to continue receiving benefits. For more information regarding the Free and Reduced Meal Application and the Income Eligibility Guidelines, please see the 25-26 School Year Letter to Household (https://www.dasd.org/departments/food-services/free-reduced-priced-meals ).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jessica Lehr at 610-269-4400 x 11755 or jlehr@dasd.org.

Thank you for your continued support, and we wish your senior all the best in their future endeavors!

Warm regards,
DASD Food Services

Ms. Katherine Cole, Dean of Academics & Student Life

Ms. Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Information for Clubs for the 25-26 School Year will be shared in mid September. Stay tuned!

Students, want to see the Anne Frank house? Go to Paris and eat the fabulous croissants? See Stonehenge? You still have time to register for the Netherlands, Belgium, France and England during the summer of 2026 and get a $200 discount. If you register, you are eligible to win another $500.00 off of the trip!

Click here if you’d like to enroll on our tour, and remember to share this opportunity with your friends: www.eftours.com/2828115DT

Reach out to Mrs. Sokira-Smith, hsokirasmith@dasd.org, to find out more. Hurry...the competition ends tonight at midnight!

Explore Europe with Ms. Sokira-Smith in Summer of 2026! Learn more and sign up here: www.eftours.com/2828115DT

Email hsokirasmith@dasd.org with any questions.

Interested in going to Japan?

Summer 2026 Travel Opporunity

This trip opportunity is available for all students 8th - 12th grade. Any questions? Please contact Ms. Jocelyn Long.

Mr. Michael Sheehan, Dean of Currciulum and Instruction

Ms. Meghan Schell, Administrative Assistant

2025-2026 Program of Study

STEM Academy Class of 2026 IB Fees Letter: Fees for the Class of 2026 have now been uploaded to student Payschools accounts. Please let us know if there are any questions.

Class of 2026 Testing Schedule Now Available!

STEM Class of 2026 IB Exam Schedule as of June 11, 2025: Be sure to check for updates throughout the year, as the schedule changes from time to time.

Dr. Troy Podell, Internships and Partnerships Leader

Ms Kaitlin Brinker, Admin. Asst.

Kudos to our rising seniors!

Many of you have already completed your Summer Career Explorations, and we’ve loved seeing your photos and hearing about your amazing experiences. Keep them coming!

Still on Deck for Your Exploration?

If you're still waiting for your turn, no worries! Just make sure you're regularly checking your student email for messages from your company contact. They'll have all the info you need about when and where to be.

Wrapping Things Up: Don't Forget Your Deliverables!

Once you've completed your exploration, there are a few important things to remember that are due the first week of school:

• Practicum Attendance Photo: Snap a pic while you're there!

• Practicum Reflection Google Form: Share your thoughts and what you learned.

• Practicum Portfolio: Showcase your experience and growth.

You can find all the details on how to complete these in the "Career Exploration: 2026" course on Schoology.

📬 Questions?
If anything is unclear, or you just need a hand, don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Brinker (kbrinker@dasd.org) and Dr. Podell (tpodell@dasd.org)—We're here to make sure your career exploration is a success!

STEM Academy Class of 2026 Important Reminders: All reminders for the Class of 2026 are available on our website. They are also noted below for your convenience.

STEM Academy Class of 2026 IB Fees Letter : IB Fees have been uploaded to all Payschool accounts for the Class of 2026. Please contact Mr. Sheehan or Ms. Schell with any questions.

Attention Class of 2026: Save the date! Senior portraits for rising juniors will take place over the summer on the following dates:

• July 14, 15, 16, and 17 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in the STEM Gym: This session now available for scheduling! Please use the Prestige Class of 2026 Portraits link to schedule.
• Final Make-up sessions: September 2, 3, and 4 from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm in the STEM Auditorium
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, or would like to request retakes,

Summer Counseling Office Hours (found here): The STEM Counseling Office will be open throughout summer break every Monday through Thursday from 8am to 2pm for general inquiries. School counselors are also available to meet on select dates throughout the summer (listed below). You are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Rockowitz (srockowitz@dasd.org) or your school counselor to make an appointment on their assigned day(s). Have a safe and restful summer!

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.

Summer Opportunities

Looking for a summer program or opportunity? Be sure to check out our updated Summer and Pre-College Programs list featuring opportunities in the fields of STEM, communications, law, the military, and more! As a courtesy, we ask that students give counselors and/or teachers at least 10 school days as notice prior to a deadline when asking for any required letters of recommendation or transcripts.

Additional Resources

College App Workshop presentation

Common Date Set Overview

US Dept. of Education College Scorecard

Registration is now open for the 2025-26 testing year!

Test dates and registration deadlines below.

SAT Registration

Thank you to the 2024-2025 STEM HSA Board and all of the volunteers that were able to make this year a success.

2024-2025 STEM Academy HSA Board

President: Kerri Roberts

Co-Vice Presidents: Mary Gasser and Heather Steiger

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

Below are the incoming members for the 2025-2026 HSA Board:

Co-Presidents: Kerri Roberts and Kelly Sears

Vice President: Heather Steiger

Secretary - Marcie Epstein

Treasurer - Kousalya Alapati

Meetings for the 25-26 school year are listed on the STEM Academy Website Calendar. All meetings take place beginning at 7:00 pm in the STEM Knowledge Commons. The schedule is below:

September 8, 2025

October 13, 2025

November 10, 2025

December - No meeting

January 12, 2026

February 9, 2026

March 16, 2026

April 13, 2026

May 11, 2026

Sunday, August 3 - The MPA will be co-hosting a Drum Corps International event and we will need parent and student volunteers to make the day a success.

All Parent Chaperones are required to have clearances on file with DASD. Visit DASD Volunteer Info to get started.

Many thanks to the volunteers that made the Fall and Spring Concession Stand seasons a success! The Concession Stand at Kottmeyer Stadium is one of the MPA's top fundraisers each year and we could not do it without our outstanding volunteers!

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

WaWa Shorti Hoagie Coupons - ONLY $5 EACH! Get your favorite WaWa Hoagies at a discount! These are great gifts for the kids, gifts for bus drivers, teachers, quick meals on the go, etc. Be sure to get yours today!
STEM Representative Tina Ayala can be reached at 908-591-7646 or tayala12@gmail.com

Proceeds benefit all of the Downingtown Music Programs through the Music Parents Association.

What is the MPA?

Who We Are What We Do and Why We Do It

Become a Community Business Sponsor

Donate to the Music Program

Follow us on Facebook

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

Important information for Student Drivers

Please review the important information below if you drive to school daily. This information was emailed to 11th and 12th grade families mid-December.

It has been brought to our attention that many students have been parking across the street at the church and at St. Martha's.

As a reminder, parking across the street at the church/St. Martha's Villa was never an option provided for acceptable parking as noted in the letter sent out to eligible Junior and Senior Class families earlier this year. We have received numerous emails regarding concern for the number of students that are crossing Manor Ave. during peak traffic hours and throughout the day. Additionally those spaces are reserved for staff and visitors in those facilities.

For the safety of all students and as a courtesy to community members navigating Manor Ave daily, any DASD student intending to drive to school daily should be parking in the student lots on campus or at the DYW lots only.

Traffic: 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.

Family Trips 25-26: Please be reminded that if your family has a trip planned for the end of this school year, or the 2025-2026 school year, a Request for Educational Trip form must be turned in at least(2) weeks ahead of time for approval. Once approved, Ms. Sokso, will update your students' attendance in Infinite Campus. Forms should be emailed to stemattendance@dasd.org .

• Online Registration: Please remember to complete the Online Registration for your child(ren). This will provide me with updated health information as well as give permission for over the counter medication this school year. Go to Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the process.
• Medication: Students are only permitted to carry emergency medication (Epinephrine, Asthma inhalers, and diabetes medication). Any medication to be administered during the school day, should follow our current medication policy (attach board policy) and complete the authorization for medication administration
• Please contact Ms. Jennifer Mikulich with any questions or concerns.

Please review the DASD 2025-2026 Calendar

• 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