Downingtown East Weekly Updates from the Principal...  

November 10, 2023

Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s update:

Join Us for College and Beyond: Planning for Life after High School….. 1

Senior Announcements: 1

General Announcements: 2

Upcoming Activities: 2

Volunteers Needed: 3

Employment Opportunities: 3

Graduation Projects: 3

Home & School News! 4

Join Us for College and Beyond: Planning for Life after High School…

The road to post-high school planning begins the minute DEHS welcomes your student to their 9^th grade year.  For the 80% of our student population, this means planning for a four-year college experience and involves making course choices that will attract the attention of admissions offices, researching colleges, planning out college essays, and registering to take college entrance exams. 12% of our students are considering either community college, a more affordable option with smaller classes where credits can easily transfer to a four-year university, or enrolling in a career and technical program where students receive the technical training needed for skilled labor jobs. The other 8% of our graduates take advantage of a variety of other opportunities including military service, workforce, and gap-year programs.

In order to assist all DASD high schoolers and their families in post-high school planning, the Counseling Departments at all three high schools are joining forces at Downingtown WEST High School on Wednesday, November 29^th at 6:30 PM to present “College and Beyond”. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about post-secondary planning from a variety of presenters including, DASD school counselors, College Admissions Representatives, Military Representatives, and other experts in the higher education field. Break-out sessions include the college application process, writing a strong essay, financial aid and scholarships, dual enrollment, college student disabilities services, and how to navigate Mental Health Supports during the transition to college. Please copy and then paste this link into a new browser to sign up for the event: College and Beyond Night RSVP

In the coming weeks, DEHS Counselors will begin their individual Junior Meetings, where 11^th graders and their parents can sit down with their counselor and discuss the exciting prospects for post-graduation and be introduced to strategies and resources regarding the college search process.

Senior Announcements:

1.    “Last Call” Seniors: if you still did not order your cap and gown for graduation, please visit www.herffjones.com click on “Shop your High School”, enter Downingtown High School East, next, Shop Grad Products, click on cap and gown packs and choose basic package, view cart and checkout.

 2.    SENIORS! Unique opportunity with AB Pumps in Downingtown for a student to manage internet sales with growth opportunity into full-time “Sales Engineer” career. Candidate must have good mechanical and math aptitude and working knowledge of Ebay and other internet technical sales platforms. Excel, QuickBooks is a plus. Maturity and self-motivation are essential! The ability to lift heavy objects and operate a fork lift (or learn to) is required. More than 50% of the work can probably be accomplished from home.

3.    Interested students should contact Tommy Bowen at 610-269-5791 or tdbowen@abpump.com. For more information on the company visit www.abpump.com.

General Announcements:

1.    Alfred Street Baptist Church presents its 21st Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival, a hybrid event being held November 17-18, 2023, in Springfield, VA. The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs, and scholarship opportunities. Approximately 80 colleges and universities will be represented during the two-day event and some provide on-the-spot admission decisions, conduct music auditions, and waive application fees. Additionally, seminars and exhibitor presentations will be held to help students navigate the college application process, seek financial aid opportunities and acclimate them to campus life. For more information please visit: https://hbcufest.alfredstreet.org/e/hbcu-fest. 

2.    Mark your calendars! -- All parents, guardians, and students in grades 9-12 are invited!!! The Downingtown East, West, and STEM Counseling Departments will present “College & Beyond – Life After High School—Ready, Set, GROW!”, on Wednesday, November 29^th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Downingtown WEST High School. Among the presentations will be workshops on college planning, financial aid, scholarships, the transition for students with disabilities, mental health, dual enrollment, and a mini-college fair including trade school options. Meet our military representatives, and GAP year options as well! See the attached flyer with a registration link, and we hope you can join us for this very informative event!  

3.    Friendly reminder to complete the annual online registration for your student(s) for the 2023/2024 school year. This registration provides updated health information, permission for over-the-counter medication administration by our school nurse, as well as district consents and emergency numbers. Ensuring that we have accurate demographic, health and contact information for your child directly impacts our ability to best serve our students. Additionally, it is an essential piece to ensuring student safety.

• Here is the link for you to login to the Infinite Campus parent portal.
• Here is the link to the directions, if you need them.

          Need assistance? Contact us here

 4.    Yearbook and senior ad purchase center: www.yearbookordercenter.com   Access code 4846

Sale tiers: $75 till 11/30, $80 till 1/31, $85 till 5/3/24 or when supplies run out. 

Ad prices- full $180, half $110, 1/4 $65, 1/8 $40 or when ad pages are full.

Having trouble ordering? Call HJ's customer service at 866-287-3096

5.    Attention students interested in the fashion/retail industry!! Nordstrom is currently taking applications for their Ambassador Program. This program is open to students 14+, and is an opportunity to gain mentorship and career exploration with a supportive network of professionals in the retail world, access to scholarships and leadership positions. The deadline to apply is September 15^th and interested students may use Emma Dyas' name (Downingtown West grad) in the “who referred you” section! For details please visit: https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/theambassadorprogram

6.    JUNIORS…. The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS), an affiliate of the National Conference of Governor’s Schools, is a 5-week summer residential program for talented high school students of science and mathematics, which emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research. Hosted by the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University, the PGSS offers an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). For more information check out www.pa-gov-schools.org.

Upcoming Activities:

1.    November 16^th, 17^th, & 18^th – Fall Play Performance “Clue” at 7pm– see flyer and synopsis at the end of this newsletter

2.    November 20^th – 2-hour early dismissal – Professional Development for faculty.

 3.    November 21^st – No school for students – Parent/Teacher Conferences – see letter at end of newsletter

4.    November 22^nd – No school for students – Work Collaboration Day for Faculty

5.    November 23^rd thru 26^th – No school for students and staff – offices and schools are closed -Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.

Volunteers Needed:

1.    VOLUNTEERS Needed! Exton Main Street will be hosting the 1^st Annual Exton Main Street Shuffle – a 5K race, Fun Walk, and Kids Run, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, where they will honor veterans, and donations will support the Chester County Veterans Affairs Fund! Volunteers are needed from 7:30-10:30 a.m. A blue volunteer tent will be set up at Appetites on Main restaurant. Contact Ellen Warren at ellenwarren@comcast.net if you can volunteer!  

Link to register to run/walk: https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Exton/ExtonMainStreetShuffle 

 

Employment Opportunities:

1.    Simpson Meadows in Downingtown is hiring part-time dining servers, and the minimum age is 15. The hourly rate is typically $12/hour, and hours are flexible. Interested students should contact Natalya Corter at ncorter@simpsonmeadows.org or 610-269-8400 ext. 10503. For more information about Simpson Meadows visit www.simpsonmeadows.org.

 2.    Direct Support Professional:  Local family seeking occasional support for young adult female with special needs – also a recent DWHS graduate. Duties include, ensuring safety, companionship and fun! Great opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in special education or related fields. Driver’s license required. You may be asked to provide transportation and support for community outings on occasion. Hours are variable and as-needed. Rate $18-22/hour. Must be 18 years old (or turning 18 within 3 months). Email maryfetterman5@gmail.com with interest and questions.

3.    Kumon Math & Reading Center of Downingtown is hiring math and reading assistants, graders and front-desk help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-7 p.m. The salary depends on work and volunteer experience and education level. Please email your resume to kumondowningtown@gmail.com if you are interested! 

4.    Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook needs servers! The minimum age is 15, they offer $12.50-$13.50/hour, flexible schedules and free meals during your shift.

 5.    Giant Food Stores are hiring in almost all areas of the store. Cashiers, Giant Direct (online shoppers) Produce, Stockers, Starbucks, Dairy/Grocery. The starting rate is in the $12-$13 range depending on experience and availability. Prefer minimum age of 16. Apply at GiantFoodStores.com/careers!

 6.    Ashbridge Senior Living is hiring part-time servers and dishwashers 3:30-7:30 p.m. and weekends. They hire at 14 with working papers! Apply in person at 971 E. Lancaster Avenue. Visit www.ashbridgemanor.com for more information.

Graduation Projects:

1.    Graduation Project News:

It is never too early to start thinking about your graduation project! All students are members of the Graduation Project Information Schoology course. In this course, students will find all the information they need to get started on their project. Remember, all projects require approval before they can be started. Approvals are done through the Schoology course. Parking passes and prom tickets are only available to those who have an approved project proposal. If there are any questions about the graduation project, students should email Ms. Purse @ epurse@dasd.org.

 2.    Grad Project Opportunity! The Well Community Center of Downingtown (next to Farmhouse Coffee) is looking for "Study Buddies” for their after-school program from 4:15-5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Study Buddies work one-on-one with students in grades K-5 to provide homework help. Please email Sara Magarahan at saramagarahan@gmail.com if you are interested and would like more information.

 3.    Grad Project Opportunity! The Downingtown Thunder Youth Wrestling Program provides an opportunity for local student athletes to learn and love the sport of wrestling. They need a student assistant, (or partner with a friend!), to help set up the gym, run the snack bar, manage tables, break down the gym, assist with picture night, order gear, attend board meetings, participate in home meets and much more! Great resume builder too!  If you are interested, please contact Danielle Gasperone at daniellegasperone@gmail.com or 484- 645-6004

 4.    Grad Project Opportunity! Young Lives is looking for someone who enjoys taking pictures and making videos.  They need two volunteers to prepare a short video for their annual banquet that takes place in February.  Days and hours are flexible.  Please contact Tara Adams at tadams@emjcg.com if you are interested.

5.    Grad Project Opportunity -- or Resume Builder -- for students interested in education, writing, or journalism! Windsor Christian Academy needs a student “theme reader” to assist with grading student papers. The position will be mostly remote, but will require some in person meetings and scheduling pick up/drop off of assignments. If you are interested, please contact Stephanie Willenbrock at swillenbrock@windsorca.org.

6.    Grad Project Opportunity! Bright Light Early Learning Center needs a soccer coach for grades 1-5 to teach simple soccer skills after school hours two days a week–4:15pm to 5pm twice weekly (Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday), and volunteers must be 16+. Contact Miss Dawn if interested at dawn@brightlightelc.com.

 7.    Graduation Project Opportunity! Local community group is seeking two individuals to plan and execute games and activities for a small group of special needs young adults.  Meetings occur every Thursday 3-5pm in Downingtown. Minimum commitment is two meetings/month. Must be willing to plan activities independently and be comfortable engaging with young adults of all abilities.  A fun and rewarding opportunity! Email maryfetterman5@gmail.com for more information.

Home & School News!

A Very Big Thank You!

We have received $3,916.21 from 71 families. We would like to thank you for your donation and support. See letter at the end of this article…

Moe’s Home & School Fundraiser…

How about a night off from cooking dinner while supporting a favorite organization?!

Attention friends, family, neighbors, and local Queso lovers! We are hosting a Moe’s Popup Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 14th, for Downingtown Home & School Assoc.

These Take-home Family Taco Kits are ready to eat when you get home, making your night easier, plus for every kit sold, 25% will be donated to Downingtown Home & School Assoc..…that’s $10.75 per kit!!!

The Meal Kits feed 4-6, come with all the fixings to make up to 12 tacos, and are $43.00(+tax). Choose from chicken, ground beef, ½ chicken and ½ ground beef, or vegetarian. Check out the photo for all that is included!

This is a fun, and convenient way to have dinner ready to pick up while supporting a favorite organization.

Take a much-deserved night off from cooking, order your family a night of tacos. Show your support!

How to Order:

1. Please place your order by 1:00pm on Monday, November 13th

Fill out this form to submit your order: https://form.jotform.com/223203866877162

2. Pick up will be at 50 Devon Dr, Exton, PA 19335 between 5:30-6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14th.

3. Can't make it, order a KIT CREDIT, Downingtown East Home & School Assoc will receive the $10.75, and you can grab your kit where and when it works best for you!

When picking up your order, please pull up to our table/van, tell us your name, and we will bring your order right to you, and you’ll be on your way!  

See you on Tuesday, November 14th; we look forward to it!

Please use this link to sign-up for donations for the staff appreciation luncheon:

Sign up genius link: 

https://dtowneasthsa.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=9u0OP83YTBGWAKtt4V4C-HN___54O2s0zH___nXXDzOh

 

Counselors Contact Information:

Assistant Athletic Director:  Renee Harty – rharty@dasd.org

DE Athletics communication: https://docs.google.com/document/d/133eFU_EjzSuyXrgLPAf5Yb94_bimXSOmR78ljalLK7k/edit?usp=sharing

Spectator Information- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vVShoddfYtT2o6SNbs0tkqi-Oh1ST8w1UhujBdJdM-s/edit?usp=sharing

PLEASE NOTE:

• All K-8 student spectators attending our athletic events must be accompanied and supervised by a paying adult. Students that are not accompanied by a paying adult will not be admitted.  Failure to adhere to these expectations will result in removal from the event.

• All DASD students in grades 9-12 must enter the football games at the designated student entrance
• The following items are not permitted in our stadiums and athletic complexes:
  • Outside food or beverage
  • Bookbags or other large bags; (small purses, etc. are subject to search by our security personnel)
  • Balls, bats, sticks and other sports equipment are not permitted by spectators
  • Per PIAA policy, no signs or noise makers, body/face paint; shirts must be worn
  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted at athletic events
  • Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco or other drugs is prohibited on campus at all time

·        A reminder that ALL spectators need a ticket who are school aged and up, including Senior Citizens.

 

Dual Enrollment Registration for Immaculata University is now live. Please us this link to register: https://admissions.immaculata.edu/portal/dualenrollmentDASD_reg

As a reminder below is the list of course equivalents. You should only sign up for the Immaculata course linked to the DASD course you are already taking.

DHS East/West/DCA

If I Take This DASD Course…	I Can Sign Up For This Immaculata Equivalent
AP Studio Drawing	ART 102
Marketing	MKT 309
Intro to Computer Programming	CIS 105
AP Literature & Composition	ENG 106
AP Language & Composition	ENG 107
AP Calc AB	MATH 207
AP Calc BC	MATH 208
AP Stat	MATH 308
AP Music Theory	MUS 130 and 131
AP Biology	BIOL 103
AP Physics I	PHY 152
AP Environmental Science	BIOL 113
AP Government	POL 201
AP Human Geography	GEO 101
AP Macroeconomics	ECO 201
AP Psychology	PSY 101
AP World History	HIS 116
Spanish IV	SPA 103
Spanish V/AP	SPA 104
Danish Exchange	CCS 101

 

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. Please always feel free to reach out to me at tpodell@dasd.org with any questions or concerns.

Q: How much would each course cost?

A: The cost for each course is $100 per credit, payable directly to Immaculata University through the online registration system.  You will not submit payment to Downingtown Area School District.

Q:  How do I register my child for the Immaculata course?

A:  A link to register will be sent to you on 10/16.  While all of the dual enrollment courses will be listed, you should only register for the course(s) that your child was eligible to take.  Payment will be collected online through Immaculata’s online registration system.

Q: Who will grade my child’s work in a dual enrollment course?

A: Dr. Podell will send the final course grade to Immaculata at the end of the year.  The DASD final grade is the Immaculata grade.

Q: Will my child need to do extra work for the Immaculata credit?

A: No, your child will complete the work assigned by the DASD teacher.  There is no additional outside work or additional tests that are required by Immaculata.

Q: What is the deadline for deciding about dual enrollment participation? 

A: The deadline to submit the online registration form is 11/1/23.

Q: What can I do if I have a financial hardship that prevents my child from seeking dual enrollment?

A: Please contact Dr. Podell, as assistance may be available to you.

Q: If my child is registered, will colleges know the course is a dual enrollment course?

A: When your student applies to a college, the institution would only know about dual enrollment if you notify them and/or submit a transcript for transfer credit.

Q: Can you guarantee that the credits my child earns will transfer to a college other than Immaculata?

A: Unfortunately, no. Due to the specific college requirements and eligibility for transfer credit, we cannot guarantee that the credits will transfer.  However, if you are interested in seeing if your credits will transfer to a specific institution, you can use www.collegesearch.net and enter the Immaculata course code to view eligible transfer courses.

Q: What if my child earns the credit but doesn’t want to share the results with another college?

A: You do not need to request a transcript from Immaculata and send it to another college.  If your child earns Immaculata credit, your child will have a transcript/college record at Immaculata; however, you are not obligated to share the transcript with another institution unless you want to request transfer credits.  If your child attends Immaculata, the credits will appear on his/her Immaculata transcript.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?

A: Please contact Dr. Podell at tpodell@dasd.org.

 

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!