Downingtown Area School District

Happy Labor Day! Today, we honor the hard work and dedication of workers across the nation. A quick reminder that all DASD schools and offices are closed today, Monday, September 2nd. Enjoy your well-deserved day off! ❤️🤍💙

Reach out. Touch base. Ask for help 💜💙💚

September marks National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month—a time to unite, spread awareness, and remind everyone that hope and help are always available.

📞 If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of these crisis support lines:
• National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
• Valley Creek Crisis Intervention: Call 610-280-3270
• Safe to Say Something: Call 1-844-SAF2SAY or visit https://www.safe2saypa.org/tip/

📚💻 Additional resources:
• DASD Mental Health Services: https://www.dasd.org/departments/pupil-services/mental-health-services
• Chester County Mental Health Services: https://www.chesco.org/617/Mental-Health
• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
• Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resources: www.nami.org

Let’s come together, support each other, and share the message that help is always within reach.🕊️🌟
***dePreventionAwarenessMonth

We want YOU to join our team!💙💛 Check out some of our featured openings below.⬇ Visit dasd.org/departments/human-resources to learn more, view all vacancies, and apply.

🔹 Technology Support Technician 💻🔧
- Job ID: 5204
- Application Deadline: 9/10/2024
- Pay Rate: Level I - $26.51 per hour / Level II - $29.33 per hour
As a Technology Support Technician, you'll play a crucial role in providing top-notch customer support, from installation to troubleshooting and user training. If you're tech-savvy and eager to make an impact, apply now!👨‍💻
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Technology

🔹 Supervisor of Special Education - Low-Incidence Programs (K-8) 📚✨
- Job ID: 5202
- Application Deadline: 9/10/2024
- Pay Rate: $120,177 - $144,213
In this role, you'll assist in operating student support services, including program leadership, compliance monitoring, staff development, and home/school partnerships.👩‍🏫
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administrator

Flash back Friday to the first few days of school.

Thank you for making the start to the 2024-25 school year AMAZING!

DASD 2024-25 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL www.dasd.org

In celebration of Latino/a/x and Hispanic Heritage Month, DASD is excited to welcome actress Maria Canals-Barrera, best known for her roles🎥 in Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place"🪄 and "Camp Rock."🎸 Join us for an engaging discussion about the significance of Latino/a/x and Hispanic Heritage Month and how her cultural background has shaped her journey!🌟

📅 Date: Thursday, September 26th
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
🔗Registration is required: https://downingtown-area-school-district.ticketleap.com/theimportanceofhispanicheritagemonth/

This free event is open to all members of the DASD community. For more details, visit www.dasd.org/diversity.

🎉 Huge congratulations to Mila Dayalu, a fifth grader at Uwchlan Hills Elementary School, for her incredible achievements at the 3rd International Geography Championships (IGC) in Vienna, Austria!🌍

The IGC, organized by International Academic Competitions, is an event that gathers the top geography students from around the world for a week of various geography-themed competitions, sightseeing, and cultural exchange.✈️ Students compete in four divisions: High School, Middle School, Intermediate, and Elementary School.

Mila qualified through regional competitions to represent Pennsylvania in the Elementary division. She brought home 1 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals, as well as a champion plaque and a trophy for finishing 6th worldwide in the elementary division.🏆 Out of all the students from Pennsylvania, Mila won 7 of the 8 medals awarded across all age divisions!🏅👏

Way to go, Mila!🎉

First day: Success!✅

The halls are buzzing with excitement, and we're thrilled to see our students back in action. Shoutout to our amazing families and dedicated staff for kicking off the year on such a high note.👏 Stay connected for all the great things ahead!📚🎒✏️🚌📓🔬🎨🎵

🎉 Hooray! It's the first day! Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year, DASD families!🏫🍎✏️

📸 We’re excited to see those smiling faces—share your family's first-day photo with us in the comments below! Let's make this school year one to remember!💙💛

🌟 Join Our Team! 🌟 We're currently seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

🇫🇷🗣️ World Language Teacher - French at Lionville Middle School
📅 Apply by 9/04/2024
🔗 https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=5199

💻👨‍🏫 Technology Education Teacher at Downingtown High School East
📅 Apply by 9/04/2024
🔗 https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=5198

Join us in shaping the future—apply today!📝

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁!💡🚀✨

As construction moves full steam ahead at West Bradford Elementary School and Beaver Creek Elementary School🚧👷‍♂️, our teachers are busy prepping their classrooms for an incredible new school year!🎒🍎 We can't wait to see our students step into their refreshed spaces, ready to learn🧠, grow, and make memories💭. Get ready for a fantastic year—new beginnings are just around the corner!🎉

📆 Mark Your Calendars! On Friday, September 13th, join us at 7:00 PM at Kottmeyer Stadium for an inspiring evening at the "Spread the Word to End the Word" football game!🏈🌟

The Downingtown High School East chapter of Best Buddies International, with support from the Eagles Autism Foundation, is excited to host the school's 12th annual "Spread the Word" campaign🗣. Let’s come together to make a positive impact!

🎟Ticket Sales: Tickets will be available for online purchase starting about a week before the event at https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/4d6a63f7-86d4-433b-b016-f0a4c6f40961.

This year's celebration invites the entire community to join the student body in wearing white, symbolizing solidarity and support for inclusion!🤍

The countdown⏰ is on—just one week until the 2024-25 school year kicks off!🎉 We can't wait to welcome our students back into the classroom🏫, ready for a year packed with new discoveries, big dreams, and tons of fun. Sharpen those pencils✏️ and get ready to make this the best year yet!📚✨

We are so excited to welcome in the newest DASD class!

Thanks to the Downingtown Community Education Foundation for helping to get our littlest learners ready for their first day!

🎉Our incoming kindergarteners at Beaver Creek Elementary had a blast at today's playground party, filled with laughter, fun, and new friendships.💙💛 We can’t wait for them to officially join the Beaver Creek family in just a few days!🦫

🎉 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀!🏆

We are excited to share that four of our outstanding students have been named Phillies Phitness Winners this year!🌟⚾️

A special shoutout goes to:
🏅 Kaiya Byrne
🏅 Molly Fitzgerald
🏅 Jase Katherman
🏅 Cambry Reeder

These students have shown great dedication to staying active, participating in fitness activities, and making smart food choices.🏃🥦 Their hard work paid off, with their names selected from hundreds of entries!💯

Thank you to the Philadelphia Phillies and GIANT for offering a program that inspires our students to focus on their health and wellness. We couldn’t be prouder of Kaiya, Molly, Jase, and Cambry for their well-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work!💪

Two of our students even got to do the dugout dance with the Phanatic at the end of the 7th inning!🕺💃

Not Pictured: Kaiya Byrne

Construction is humming along at East and West High Schools! 🚧🛠

We can’t wait for our students to see 👀 the amazing transformations happening. Get ready to be wowed when you walk through those doors on August 26th!

Join us in welcoming 👋 60 of our newest teachers to the DASD family!

🎉 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗔𝗦𝗗 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 🎉

📆 Date: Friday, September 27
⏰ Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center (489 Dorlan Mill Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335)

𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘯!🌍✨

🎤 Enjoy live performances by our talented students and local musicians,
🎯 Dive into family-friendly games and activities, and
🌮 Savor global flavors from food trucks

This free event, sponsored by the Downingtown Community Education Foundation in partnership with DASD’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, requires registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culture-fest-2024-tickets-916114973547

We can't wait to relive the fun of last year’s Culture Fest and make new memories with you!📸 See you there!👋

🎉Shoutout to Ryan Witherspoon, a junior at Downingtown High School West, for his incredible senior project! Ryan has been hard at work collecting and organizing book bags and school supplies to support children in our community.🎒✏

Ryan's dedication extends beyond this project—he's also a committed member of the West varsity track team and served as the president of the Black Student Union in 2023-24. We're proud of his leadership and commitment to making a difference!💙💛

🎉Thanks to our Facilities team, DASD buildings will be ready for students on August 26th!🏫 Today, the team celebrated their outstanding efforts at their annual luncheon, enjoying a delicious meal and ice cream.🍽️🍦

We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication all year round to keep our buildings in top shape for students and staff.👏

🎉 Congratulations to DASD alum Connor Riley on earning the honor of Eagle Scout!🦅✨

Connor recently visited Senator Carolyn Comitta's district office to celebrate his achievements and receive an official Senate citation for his community service project.🏅 For his project, Connor created an interactive informational board for the Chester County Beekeepers Association and Bondsville Mill Park, providing facts about bees and their important role in our environment.🌼🐝

📸 Picture (from left to right): Craig Riley (Connor's father), Connor Riley, Senator Carolyn Comitta, and Eagle Scout Advisor, Rebecca Duczkowski.

📣We're excited to announce new job opportunities at DASD!📣

1️⃣ JobID 5189 - Curriculum Supervisor - Secondary
💼 Job Summary: The Supervisor is responsible for leading in the development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the content area assigned.
🏫 Location: Administration Building
📅 Application deadline: 8/15/2024
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administrator

2️⃣ JobID 5190 - Secondary Special Education Teacher/Reading Specialist
💼 Job Summary: Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.
🏫 Location: Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center
📅 Application deadline: Open until filled
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://www.applitrack.com/dasd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Teacher+-+Secondary&subcategory=Reading+Specialist

🌟 Join Aramark's Food Service Teams! 🌟

Aramark is actively seeking candidates to join the food service teams in our schools!🍽 Don't miss the in-person hiring event next week:

📅 Tuesday, August 13th
🕙 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Lionville Middle School

To register, text DASDHIRING to 63000.📱🍎👩‍🍳

Can't attend the in-person event but still interested in learning more about the positions? 🔗Visit https://careers.aramark.com/search/?keyword=Downingtown&location=

🎉Congratulations to Downingtown STEM Academy student Anushka Chakraborty for her incredible achievement in the 7th Annual New York Times Student Podcast Contest!🎙️

Anushka's podcast, "Addressing the Unaddressed", was selected as one of the 11 winners from over 1,100 submissions.🏆

Check out the NY Times article and listen to Anushka's award-winning podcast here💻: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/28/learning/the-winners-of-our-7th-annual-student-podcast-contest.html

The Winners of Our 7th Annual Student Podcast Contest We invited teenagers to create an original five-minute podcast about almost anything. Here are the finalists selected from over 1,100 submissions.

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗦𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲!🌟🏆

We are proud to announce that our Technology Student Association (TSA) clubs achieved remarkable success at the recent National TSA Conference in Orlando, Florida. Competing against over 10,000 participants, 25 students from Lionville Middle School, Downingtown STEM Academy, Downingtown High School East, and Downingtown High School West, earned two first-place awards🥇, two second-place awards🥈, one third-place award🥉, and placed as top-ten finalists in six additional events.

Special shoutout to Lionville Middle School TSA Advisor Catherine Parks for winning the National Advisor of the Year Award!🎉

Congratulations to all our talented students for their hard work and dedication!👏

📸First picture (from left to right): Second place music production winners Ronak Suchindra, Peter Ilyin, Aarya Ganesan, Rishi Aitha, Pranate Nadkarni, and Arjit Nayak

📸Second picture (from left to right): First place web design winners, Devanshi Agarwal, Diya Saravanarajan, and Purvi Sumanth

📸Third picture: First place essays on technology winner, Arsha Malhotra

📚✨ We are thrilled to welcome back all our DASD students and staff in just a few weeks! Get ready for an exciting new school year.🎉 Don't forget to mark your calendars with these important academic dates:

🗓️ Week of August 5th:
➡️ Kindergarten/New Student Parent Portal Instructions Emailed to Families

🗓️ August 15th:
➡️ K-5 Teacher Assignments Released on Infinite Campus (https://bit.ly/3WFQC7g)

🗓️ August 19th:
➡️ 6-12 Teacher Assignments Released on Infinite Campus (https://bit.ly/3WFQC7g)
➡️ Bus Assignments Emailed to Families

🗓️ August 20th:
➡️ First Teacher Day👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

🗓️ August 26th:
➡️ First Day of School for Students🏫

See you soon!👋

Downingtown STEM Academy opened its doors to welcome the Class of 2028!🎓🏫 Today marked the first of two freshman orientation sessions hosted by STEM to help incoming students prepare for the school year.🎒

Students enjoyed a variety of activities and info sessions led by current STEM student leaders and staff.👩‍🏫 We’re excited to see all the amazing things the Class of 2028 will achieve this school year!🚀📚