DE Student School Handbook

Graduation Requirements

The minimum district course requirements for graduation are as follows:

Course Requirements

Credits	Subject
4	English (9, 10, 11, 12)
4	Social Studies (9, 10, 11, 12)
3	Science - Required: Biology
3	Mathematics - Must include Algebra and Geometry courses
1	Additional Math, Science or World Language
1	World Language
1.66	Wellness - Must include Freshman Wellness (0.5 Cr.), Health (0.5 Cr.) and Physical Education (0.66 Cr.) courses
0.34	Graduation Project
6.0	Electives - additional courses to be drawn from all areas
24	Minimum Credit Requirements

Students should plan on enrolling in a minimum of six credits each year.  Taking up to 7.0 credits annually is common for students wishing to pursue continuing education at competitive colleges and universities. DASD Board Policy #217: Graduation Requirements Downingtown High School East and Downingtown High School West provides more details.

Graduation Project

The Downingtown Area School District Graduation Project provides each student with the opportunity to go beyond the traditional educational program by transferring learned skills to self-selected areas of physical, intellectual, or artistic interest. Students will expand their personal knowledge, apply learning to real-life situations, explore possible career paths, and practice lifelong learning skills.

Schoology Course join code: GFF8-DQ4J-XBB57

Important Information:

• Projects cannot be started without pre-approval (all submissions should be done via Schoology)
• Projects cannot be started until the first day after 8^th grade. Projects can be done the summer before 9^th grade starts.
• In order to purchase a parking pass in 11^th or 12^th grade, the proposal must be submitted and approved.
• In order to purchase junior prom tickets, the proposal must be submitted and approved.
• In order to purchase senior prom tickets, the project must be COMPLETE.
• Submissions are checked multiple times a week during the school year and weekly over the summer.

Application for the Graduation Project

Keystone Pathways

Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature are a graduation requirement. A proficient score of 1500 or higher is required for graduation in each tested area.  If a student is not successful on the Keystone Exams, there are multiple pathways students can pursue to meet the graduation requirement.

• Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
  Pass all 3 Keystone exams (Algebra, Biology, and Literature) with a 1500 or higher.
   

• Pathway 2: Keystone Composite Score
  Earn a combined score of 4452 on all three Keystone exams while scoring proficient on at least one exam and no less than basic on the other two.
   

• Pathway 3: Alternative Assessment
  Pass the Keystone course and earn a minimum score on an approved alternate assessment, which could include:

  1. Student pursues advanced coursework and achieves one of the following scores: AP level course (3)

  2. Student pursues an alternative assessment and achieves one of the following scores: PSAT (970), SAT (1010), ACT (21), or ASVAB (minimum score for admittance to armed services)

  3. Student is accepted to an accredited four-year non-profit institution of higher education.
      

• Pathway 4: Career and Technical Education
  Earn a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and pass the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) assessment in an approved Career and Technical Education concentration. 
   

• Pathway 5: Evidence-Based (Three Pieces of Evidence)
  Earn a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam and demonstrate readiness for postsecondary engagement through three pieces of evidence for the student's career portfolio aligned to the student's goals and career plan.  Examples of evidence could include SAT subject tests, AP, and concurrent coursework, higher education acceptance, community learning project, completion of an internship, externship, or co-op or full-time employment. 

For more information on the Keystone Exams, please go to our PSSA/Keystone Exam page.

Marking System/Grade Point Average

Grade	Percent	Grade Point	Grade Point Average	Honors Weight	*AP/Dual Enrollment Weight
A	90 - 100	3.6 - 4.0	4.0	4.5	5.0
B	80 - 89	2.6 - 3.5	3.0	3.5	4.0
C	70 - 79	1.6 - 2.5	2.0	2.5	3.0
D	60 - 69	0.6 - 1.5	1.0	1.5	2.0
F	0 - 59	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0

*AP weight is only awarded if the AP Exam is taken

• In order to pass a course for the year, a student must achieve a 59.5% average as their final grade. 
• If a course is taken for grade improvement, both grades will be used to calculate the GPA but only one (1) credit will be awarded. 
• Alternate credits for original courses taken by providers other than through Dual Enrollment and district-approved providers are reported on the official transcript but the grades are not calculated into the GPA.
• For more information about Dual Enrollment and course levels, please see the Downingtown High School Program of Study.

Incomplete Grade

Any student who receives an “I” (incomplete) is required to address the incomplete within two weeks of the end of the marking period. If the incomplete is not removed within that time, the “I” will be changed to “F”. Since an incomplete grade may be established at any time during a marking period, it is the responsibility of the student and teacher to make provisions to remove the “I” within the specified time period.

Academic Recognition

As per DASD Policy #214: Class Rank , and the associated administrative guidelines approved on June 12, 2013, DASD will use a Latin, college-style honors system and no longer use the designations of valedictorian and salutatorian. Such a system shall recognize all students with weighted GPAs of 4.40 or higher as summa cum laude, all students with weighted GPAs between 4.20 and 4.39 as magna cum laude, and all students with weighted GPAs between 4.00 and 4.19 as cum laude.

Honor Roll

Honors	Requirements
Distinguished Honors	A's in all courses
High Honors	A's in at least two majors and more than one-half of all courses taken. B’s in remaining courses. No C’s.
Honors	A's in at least two courses (one must be a major).  A maximum of one C. All others must be B’s.

 

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times a year and students/parents can print a hard copy from the Parent Portal. A copy can also be provided by contacting the Main Office. Mid-marking period deficiencies are distributed to the students or posted electronically when appropriate.

College Entrance Recommendations

Most four-year colleges have the following minimum course requirements:

• English  –  4 years 
• Mathematics – 4 years – Engineering students should have Trigonometry, Math Analysis, and Calculus. 
• Science – 4 years – 2 lab sciences 
• Social Studies – 4 years 
• Foreign Language – 2 years minimum of one language. Some colleges require three or four years. 
• Electives – Colleges recommend electives are chosen in parallel areas offered in college, such as fine arts, humanities, etc., in preference to non-academic offerings.  
  Note: Some colleges do have a fine arts requirement for admissions. 

During the college selection process, most 4 year institutions give consideration to the following when evaluating applications: 

1. Secondary grades and academic rigor 
2. College Board (SAT) scores or ACT scores
3. Teacher recommendations
4. Counselor recommendations
5. Extra-curricular activities/activity resume

College and Career Readiness

Pennsylvania Department of Education requires school entities to demonstrate that students have met the full continuum of career readiness expectations. This includes topics such as entrepreneurship, budget, interest inventories, and career exploration. By the end of 11th grade, each student must produce eight pieces of evidence which will be monitored through Smart Futures, an application found in Classlink.

Curriculum Alternatives

Downingtown High School has developed unique and alternative opportunities for students to hasten their high school education, develop saleable skills, receive college credit, or explore career opportunities not included in the traditional school curriculum. These programs include Career Work Experience, Early College Acceptance, Dual Enrollment, Independent Study, and Internships. These programs and enrichments are also offered: The Gifted Education, Seminar, Honors Courses, and Advanced Placement Courses\ Examinations. More information can be found in the Downingtown High School Program of Study. Arrangements for enrolling in one of these programs must be made through the student’s guidance counselor.

Homework Guidelines

Downingtown High School is a highly competitive, comprehensive academic high school, which prepares students for further education as well as the demands of a changing and complex society. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and without it, the student's success will be limited. Participation in homework indicates that a student is willing and ready to accept the responsibility for his/her own education. Homework helps students to develop organizational skills, self-discipline, good work habits, skills for working independently, and personal responsibility. The amount of time that each student spends on homework will vary depending on the student's ability and the level of difficulty of the course content.

Types of Homework: Creative homework assignments involve synthesizing or integrating concepts and skills in new and different ways. Extension/Application homework assignments involve transferring an idea or skill to a new or different situation. Practice homework assignments involve drill or repetition of a skill or concept after it has been taught. Preparation of homework assignments involves reading or studying prior to the classroom lesson or test. The completion of homework is the joint responsibility of the student, parent, and teacher.

1. Student responsibilities:
   1. set homework as a top priority
   2. keep record of assignments
   3. complete homework and submit by due date
   4. budget time so the assignment can be completed to the best of his/her/their ability
   5. arrange all make-up assignments with the teacher
2. Parent responsibilities:
   1. assist student in setting homework as a top priority
   2. provide an appropriate setting for the student to complete homework assignments and projects
   3. monitor completion of assigned work
   4. encourage positive attitude toward school and homework
3. Teacher responsibilities:
   1. hold students accountable by providing timely evaluation of assignments
   2. convey to students methods of accountability and standards for acceptance
   3. allow reasonable time to complete the assignment
   4. clearly state directions and assignment
   5. identify goals and/or objectives for the assignment

Retest Policy

Preparing for summative assessments is an essential skill for high school students, and our role as educators is to help build their capacity for future academic success.  The East/West Retake Policy is designed to support students as they learn to meet the rigors of high school academics, while still encouraging them to put forth their best effort on each assessment opportunity and demonstrate mastery of the learned material.  More details on the procedure can be found in the East/West Retest Policy.

TCHS

The Technical College High School (TCHS), Brandywine Campus, is a public high school specializing in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and available for students in grades 10 through 12. Most of the CTE programs at the Brandywine Campus are designated as High Priority Occupations (HPO) by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards and National Industry certifications that provide students with a solid foundation to build their knowledge and skills. Students should contact the school counselor for additional information regarding the application and opportunities for a tour.

Student Records/Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over eighteen years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. Please review DASD Board Policy #216 - AG 3: Student Records on our website regarding the sharing of student directory information. If you would like to opt-out your child, you must notify the school district in writing by the end of September. Please email or mail all requests to opt-out directly to your child's school.

Education for Homeless Youth

In 1987, Congress passed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, (subsequently renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) to aid homeless persons. The Act defines the term "homeless children and youths" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted, amending McKinney-Vento. Categories of children who are "homeless" and entitled to the protections of the federal law are as follows:

1. children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; 
2. children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; 
3. children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; 
4.  “migratory children” who qualify as homeless under federal law because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (A) through (C) above. The term "migratory children" means children who are (or whose parent(s) or spouse(s) are) migratory agricultural workers, including migratory dairy workers or migratory fishermen, and who have moved from one school district to another in the preceding 36 months, in order to obtain (or accompany such parents or spouses in order to obtain) temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural or fishing work; and 
5.  "Unaccompanied homeless youth" including any child who is "not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian." This includes youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason. 

If you believe that you fall under one of the above-mentioned categories of children who are "homeless" and entitled to the protections of the federal law, contact your school counselor or the district’s Home and School Visitor / Homeless Student Liaison. (Basic Education Circular, December 2016)

Attendance Procedure

The Pennsylvania Department of Education recognizes a limited number of reasons as legal excuses for missing school. They include illness (physical and mental), quarantine, death in the immediate family, student court appearances, and exceptionally urgent reasons that affect the student. In the belief that attendance is closely related to good class work and that academic performance usually suffers when students are late or absent frequently, parents are encouraged to practice the following procedures. DASD Board Policy #204: Attendance provides more details.

Excuse Procedures

Reporting Absences – When a student is absent from school for any reason, an excuse note must be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A parent or guardian may email the school between 7:00 A.M. and 7:45 A.M. on the day of absence to report the reason for absence. An excuse note signed by a parent/guardian may be submitted at the attendance office. The note should include the student's name, grade, date of absence, and reason. Excuse notes may also be electronically submitted using the DE Attendance email address: DE_Attendance@dasd.org

A physician’s excuse will be required for any consecutive absence of more than three (3) school days.

School Messenger – An automatic phone call will be sent to parents/guardians if a student has been marked absent from the first three (3) periods of a school day. If you feel the call was made in error and that your child is actually in school, please call the school’s attendance office. Please email your child’s teacher(s) for homework assignments if your child is absent three (3) or more days. 

If an excuse note for any absence is not received within three (3) days of returning to school, the absence will be considered unexcused/unlawful. 

Family Vacation/College Tours

• Non-school-sponsored educational and family trips may be excused by the principal if the request is submitted no less than three (3) days in advance. Student academic and attendance records will be examined prior to any approval. Absence Excuse Forms can be submitted to
  DE_Attendance@dasd.org.
• Work missed due to approved educational tours or family trips may be made up, but the responsibility for the completion of that work will remain with students and/or parents. Teachers will work with students and parents, but not necessarily send work for the days of excused absence. In some cases, requests for work present an unfair burden upon the teachers, who may not have future lessons completely ready. 
• Requests for students to be excused for more than one family trip during a school year will most likely not be honored. 
• Pre Approved College visitations shall be documented and considered an excused absence. College visitations will require Official Documentation from the college/ university upon return from the visit. If the documentation is not submitted to the attendance office the next day prior to first period, the day will be considered unexcused. 
• Students should notify their teachers of the upcoming extended absences and are responsible for any missed work. Students have 1 day to make up work per day of absence.

Late Arrival 

1. Any student reporting to school after 8:00 a.m. must report to the attendance office for admission. Any student who does not report to attendance upon late arrival will be marked absent and receive consequences. 
2. A late arrival is excused if the student is home ill when school begins but then feels well enough later to report to school; or, has an appointment with a doctor, dentist, orthodontist, etc. All students arriving late should have a parent note explaining the lateness but will be required to provide an excuse note the next school day BEFORE first period begins. 
3. After a student reaches 8 lates (excused or unexcused), he/she must have a doctor’s note for each additional late. 

Early Dismissal

Every effort should be made to schedule appointments for doctors, dentists, etc., after school; however, when it becomes necessary for a student to be excused from school, the following procedures must be followed:

1. Early dismissal forms are available at the attendance office or may be completed online. Fully completed forms may be submitted either in person or via email and must be received by the attendance office in the morning before first period.
2. Students should pick up their early dismissal pass from the attendance desk prior to leaving the building. 

Class Attendance

Consistent attendance is important to success in all learning. Attendance contributes to the total development of the student and helps develop a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and good work habits which is why class attendance is taken each period. Students are expected to attend each class unless a note is provided as an excused absence. 

Make Up Work

Students are permitted to make up work missed during excused absences. Students are given one day to make up work for each day of absence. A student whose absence is unexcused or cuts a class forfeits their opportunity to make up the missed schoolwork.

Truancy

1. General Procedure Relating to Student Absence
   1. The Pennsylvania School Code defines three types of student absence:
      1. Excused: Absences for clearly established mental, physical or other reasons.
      2. Unexcused or Unlawful: Absence for which acceptable evidence is lacking.
   2. A physician’s excuse will be required for any consecutive absence of three (3) school days or more.
   3. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification shall be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.
   4. Students whose absence/tardiness is unexcused/unlawful will not be permitted to make up work; however, the building administrator may give consideration to extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.
2. Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences
   1. Illness, including if a student is dismissed by designated district staff during school hours for health- related reasons.
   2. Obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory.
   3. Quarantine.
   4. Family emergency.
   5. Recovery from accident.
   6. Required court attendance.
   7. Death in family.
   8. Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior written request.
   9. Participation in a musical performance in conjunction with a national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit, as defined in law, for an event or funeral. The national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit must provide the student with a signed excuse, which shall include the date, location, and time of the event or funeral. The student shall furnish the signed excuse to the district prior to being excused from school.
   10. Observance of a religious holiday observed by a bona fide religious group, upon prior written request from the person in parent relation.
   11. Non-school-sponsored educational tours or trips, if the following conditions are met: 
       1. The person in parental relation submits a written request for excusal prior to the absence, within the appropriate timeframe.
       2. The student's participation has been approved by the Superintendent or designee.
       3. The adult directing and supervising the tour or trip is acceptable to the person in parental relation and the Superintendent.
   12. College or postsecondary institution visit, with prior approval.
   13. Other urgent reasons that may reasonably cause a student’s absence, as well as circumstances related to homelessness and foster care.
3. Unacceptable Reasons for Absence: babysitting, missing the school bus, running errands, car trouble, shopping, etc.
4. Makeup Work due to Absence - It is the student’s responsibility to make immediate arrangements to make-up work missed while absent. The student must make up all work within two (2) days of the absence/tardiness for classes that do not meet every day and the day after the absence/tardiness for classes that meet every day. Students will have the same number of days as absences to make up the work. Students will not be permitted to make up tests or other work missed when unexcused absences occur.
5. Corrective Measures and Penalties
   1. Unlawful Absences - When a student has accumulated three or more days of absence without a lawful excuse, an official, written notice shall be mailed to the parent/guardian.
   2. Excessive Absences - The district’s Home & School Visitor and building administrator(s) will review students’ attendance records. Due to the signing of Act 138 by Governor Wolf in November 2016, the following changes have been implemented by DASD:
      1. Parents of a student who has accumulated three (3) unlawful absences will be notified by letter of the school’s concern regarding the student’s attendance. This letter will be a warning that a meeting will be required when a student accumulates six (6) unlawful absences.
      2. If a student accumulates six (6) unlawful absences, a School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) meeting will be scheduled by school administration.
      3. It is imperative that an excuse note is submitted within three (3) days of the student’s return to school. If an excuse note is not submitted within that time frame or if the excuse provided is not one of the thirteen (13) reasons for an acceptable excuse, the absence(s) will remain unlawful.

Code of Conduct

The Downingtown Area School District Code of Student Conduct may be found on the district’s website: www.dasd.org

• Click on Policies
• Click on 200-Pupils
• Click on Student Code of Conduct at the bottom of the list.

Direct link to the Code of Conduct.

Leaving School Building/Grounds

Leaving the school building or grounds WITHOUT PERMISSION will result in disciplinary action. A search will be conducted for any student who re-enters the building if there is a reasonable suspicion that the place or thing to be searched contains prohibited contraband, material that would pose a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the school population, or evidence that there has been a violation of the law, Board policy, or school rules.

Lunch and Learn Expectations

Lunch and Learn is an hour long opportunity for students to practice time management in the following ways:

• Eat lunch
• Access teachers
• Make up missed work or participate in enrichment activities
• Attend club meetings
• Participate in study groups/Collaborate on projects
• Exercise
• Socialize with friends

During this time, students are expected to follow all school guidelines/expectations through respectful communication/behavior towards everyone in our school community. This includes cleaning the area where they eat and using the different designated areas appropriately. Student misconduct will result in a referral to Administration and potentially a temporary loss of Lunch and Learn privileges.

eHall Pass

Students can access eHall Pass through their device to request a pass to leave the classroom to use the restroom, visit the nurse, utilize school supports, or attend an appointment. The use of paper passes will be limited. Using this system allows for greater awareness and security across the entire school campus. It also allows students to identify and reflect on how much instructional time they are missing from a class and the potential impact on their academic achievement.

Detention Procedures

1. Students must come prepared with enough books and materials to keep busy for the entire detention period. 
2. There is to be no sleeping, eating, or drinking. Students may not communicate with each other in any way. 
3. Cell phones and other electronic devices are only permitted to be used for instructional purposes. 
4. Failure to attend results in further consequences.

Safe 2 Say

Safe2Say is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. It allows youth and adults to submit an anonymous tip, which is assessed and shared with schools and/or law enforcement. Youth are taught how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” right away.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Throughout the year, we recognize students for the myriad of things they do each day that contribute to the positive community we have at East. The recognition makes a great impact on the relationships our students have with adults in the building and with each other.  The PBIS team is almost entirely student-led, working to maintain and improve our PBIS program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the advisor.

School Counseling Services

Counseling services are available for educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational information, career information, study strategies, social-emotional concerns, and home or school concerns. Appointments may be made through the secretaries in the counseling department at any time. 

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The Downingtown Area School District has developed a Student Assistance Program, (SAP) which is available to all students. The SAP is composed of school staff that have been trained to identify issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and mental health issues that pose a barrier to school success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) is to help students overcome these barriers in order that they may achieve, remain in school, and advance.

The Student Assistance Specialist or Prevention Specialist is also a member of the SAP team. This professional is uniquely qualified through training and experience to work with students and families. The SAP team is composed of a building administrator, guidance counselor, teachers, and nurse. The team does not replace the guidance counselors.

The SAP team is available to all students for assistance with problems of an immediate, non-academic nature. Students, parents, teachers, and staff may refer anyone to the team using the  SAP Referral Form. Each referred student periodically meets with a team member. While these meetings remain confidential, parental consent is required and parent involvement is encouraged whenever possible.

To make a referral to the SAP team, complete a form in the counseling office, in designated areas around the school, see an SAP team member, or see the Prevention Specialist or Student Assistance Specialist in the school.

Eligibility for Athletics

• Students involved in extracurricular activities MUST be in attendance by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the scheduled activity or athletic contest in order to participate. 
• A student/athlete may not participate in or attend any school activity on a day the student has an absence. 
• School events (concerts, field trips, dances, etc.) and athletic contests scheduled on Saturdays require proper attendance on the previous Friday

Behavior at School Sponsored Activities

While attending school-sponsored activities as a participant or as a fan, you are representing our Downingtown East community and must promote good behavior and sportsmanship. We take pride in creating a positive environment for all students participating and the spectators in attendance. If a behavior problem occurs, consequences will align with our student Code of Conduct, including immediate removal. Your attendance is a privilege that provides an opportunity to support our school community.

• Using, possessing, distributing, and being under the influence of any controlled substances at any school-sponsored activity, and during the time spent traveling to and from school and to and from school-sponsored activities.
• Ridicule, taunt, or berate players, coaches, officials, or other spectators
• Throw any object onto the court/field of play
• Rush the court/field in protest or celebration after a contest
• Engage in behaviors such as theft or vandalism of school property

• Support the participants and officials in a positive manner
• Encourage sportsmanship by supporting and respecting all players, coaches, and officials
• Thank others who organize and attend our events
• Remain quiet if a player on the field is injured
• Follow all PIAA rules and regulations

Prom

School attendance is required on the day of the prom. Should the prom be scheduled for a Saturday, students must be in attendance the day prior. Students with obligations will not be permitted to attend the prom. Obligations include (but may not be limited to): graduation projects, textbooks or their replacement cost, library fines, negative cafeteria balances, etc. The District Code of Conduct will be followed and enforced at the prom.

Clubs

Involvement in school allows students to pursue their interests and become an involved member of our school community. At Downingtown East, we have many opportunities for students to be involved in school clubs. Many clubs hold meetings during Lunch and Learn or directly after school. Within the first few months of school, we will host a Club Fair which will be an opportunity for students to learn more about opportunities at East. For more information on clubs at school please visit our Activities page.

Parking Privileges

Parking permits will be reserved for Junior and Senior students who are in good standing and without obligations (i.e., fines, textbooks, graduation project, etc.). Students may lose this privilege as a consequence of discipline issues. Please note, as per township ordinance, students are not permitted to park in any surrounding neighborhoods.

Elevator Keys

An elevator is available for students to use if prior approval is granted by the office. A student must first present a written request from a doctor stating the reasons for the need and an approximate time frame.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found is located in the main office and the café. Valuable items should be turned in to the main office.

Medications

The administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours will be permitted only with the consent of a parent/guardian and in accordance with the order of a licensed prescriber, and only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or prevent the student from attending school or from participating in school-sponsored activities. DASD Policy #210: Medications provides more guidelines.

Student Financial Obligations

All obligations must be fulfilled in order for a student to purchase a parking permit and participate in school activities, including dances and graduation ceremonies. Obligations include but are not limited to graduation projects, textbooks or their replacement, Library books/fines, cafeteria account, parking tickets, 11th-grade physicals, and athletic equipment. Payments must be made in the form of check or cash (exact amount). Checks should be made payable to DWHS and indicate the student's full name, grade, and obligation(s). In lieu of payment for textbooks, we will also accept a replacement copy if the book is in good condition and has the same ISBN number.

Media Center/Library

Hours: Media Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Library passes are required during school hours. No pass is required before and after school hours. Students may use the Media Center during their scheduled lunch period by obtaining a pass at the beginning of the day. Students must sign in at the circulation desk. If a student requires use of the Media Center outside of the hours, prior arrangements may be made with Media Center staff.

Activities: The Media Center is welcoming, but is primarily a place for academic study. Students are encouraged to remain supportive of an academic environment and limit disruptions. Students are encouraged to visit the Media Center to complete class assignments, research various databases, peruse the print collection, check out materials, browse the magazine collection, use the computers and iPads, or read for pleasure. Media Center use during free time is a privilege.

Study Halls: Upon entering the Media Center, a study hall student must have an e-pass. Attendance will be verified. The Media Center staff reserves the right to send a student back to study hall or class if the Media Center is too crowded or if the student behaves inappropriately. Students are expected to stay in the Media Center for the full period.

Independent Research: Students may be sent from a class to the Media Center to work on a particular assignment. The student will not be admitted without an e-pass. 

Internet: Online access to information and communication is encouraged. However, the use of technology brings new levels of opportunity, as well as responsibility. Downingtown Area School District requires that students using online access to the Internet have an approved Acceptable Use Policy.

1. Copying, saving, or redistributing copyrighted materials. 
2. Revealing student’s home address, phone number, or other personal information. 

Scheduled Classes: Class visits are welcomed but must be scheduled with the Media Center staff. The teacher and the media specialist will work collaboratively to plan the activity prior to the visit. Faculty members are expected to directly supervise a class of students brought into the Media Center.

Offenses: Theft or damage to books, furniture, computers, or other Media Center materials will result in the loss of all Media Center privileges, payment for damages, and possible legal action [*PA School Law]. 

School Laws of Pennsylvania, Sec. 427, Act of June 14, 1961, and P.L. 3245 reads in part: Any person who shall willfully cut, mutilate, mark or otherwise injure any book, pamphlet, magazine, newspaper, manuscript or other property of a public school, shall be deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be prosecuted for said offense before any competent jurisdiction.

ITEM	RETURN POLICY	FINE PER DAY
Books	14 days	$ .05
Laptop/Charger	School Day	$ .25

 

Items lost or damaged beyond repair must be replaced at the student's expense.

Acceptable Use of Technology

• AI use in the classroom should be carefully managed to protect student learning outcomes, supplement rather than replace critical thinking and core skills, and be guided by ethical standards, with clear instructions and proper acknowledgment. 

• Students are expected to place phones in their backpack or other designated secure locations during instructional time unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
• Failure to comply with reasonable directives is a violation of Inappropriate Use of Personal Cell Phones

Change of Address

Inform the main office and/or the counseling office in writing and provide proof if you have a change of address or phone number. Two forms of documentation with a new address must be presented. In order to help with mailings and emergencies, please update student/parent email addresses in the parent portal.

Dress Code

The dress code must be followed at all times. Please refer to DASD Policy #221: Dress and Grooming for details.

Visitors

All visitors during regular school hours are required to report to the security office and obtain appropriate identification before proceeding to any other location in the building. This process is in place to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and the school community.

Equity

Our mission is to ensure Downingtown East in support of DASD, provides a culture of inclusivity and empathy, fostering educational equity that can grow, flourish, and reach beyond the DASD community.; Best-practice diversity and inclusion programs recognize mental health and well-being as a diversity issue.

Fundraising

Any and all school fundraisers must be approved by the Building Principal or designee. Fundraisers during the school day must adhere to the Wellness Policy and answers to Fundraiser FAQs can be found on our Food Services FAQ page. Fundraisers not sponsored by the school administration are prohibited in the school building.

Latex

Due to increased latex sensitivity among students, latex balloons and latex gloves are not permitted on school premises. Students should make every effort to keep latex-based products out of the school.

Head Lice Guidelines

The school nurses in the Downingtown Area School District will follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, and the Centers for Disease Control concerning the treatment and containment of head lice by implementing the following procedures in the event that a case of head lice has been confirmed for a student.

1. Upon report or discovery of live head lice, the School Nurse will privately check the affected child’s head for live head lice. 
2. If live head lice are found, the School Nurse will call the child’s parent and request that they take their child home. 
3. The School Nurse will advise on evidence-based treatment options and/or refer them to their health care provider. 
4. The affected child may return to school after treatment of live head lice and will report to the school nurse to be approved for school attendance. 
5. Children may not remain in school if a significant number of live head lice are found, but they are permitted to remain in school if nits (head lice eggs) are found. 
6. If the student has siblings in the school district, the School Nurse will check the siblings for any live head lice. 
7. At the elementary level, a letter will be sent home to parents in the child’s homeroom alerting them that a case of head lice was discovered and advising them to check for head lice and to treat if live head lice are discovered. 
8. Instructions in the letter should ask that if a child is treated for head lice at home, the parent should contact the school nurse. The school nurse will then check that student’s head upon return and follow the re-check policy. 
9. The School Nurse will re-check the affected child’s head a week after treatment and follow the aforementioned guidelines if live head lice are found. 

Video Surveillance

To assist school personnel in maintaining a safe school environment, the school building and grounds are electronically monitored at all times.

Recording Devices

To accommodate special needs as required by State and federal law, certain students in your child's classroom might have the right to audio record, or to receive teacher-made audio recordings of discussions that occur during instructional activities. These recordings could include the voice of your child. The child making the recording or for whom the recording is made will use the recording solely to support his or her ability to access and retain educational information. The recording will be destroyed when it is no longer necessary for that purpose. Recordings shall not be maintained by or otherwise considered educational records of the District for any purpose. The use of audio recordings in the classroom will be limited to students with disabilities who are unable, as a result of their disabilities, to record information independently in written form when such information is required to aid memory or learning and when audio recording is identified as an adaptation or accommodation on the individualized educational programs (“IEPs”) or Section 504 accommodation plans of such students. The audio recording device shall only be used when necessary to capture spoken or written information in the classroom that non-disabled peers would be expected to record in written form. The use of audio recordings shall be for the sole use of the student for the educational use stated in his or her IEP and shall not be shared with any third party. All recordings are the property of the Downingtown Area School District, and the use of such recordings for any purpose or in any manner other than as described in these guidelines is strictly prohibited. All recordings will be erased or destroyed when no longer necessary for educational purposes and shall not be maintained as, or otherwise considered, educational records of the District for any purpose.