STEM Head of School Update
January 13, 2023, Issue 20
From the Office of Art Campbell, Head of School
Mr. Art Campbell, Head of School
Ms. Kelly Stauffer, Admin. Asst. to the Head of School
Please be reminded that there will be no school on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Below you will find some of the service projects and activites that our STEM Academy students plan to participate in on/around Monday, January 16 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
STEM BSU
STEM Black Student Union (BSU) will be engaging in a collaborative day of service with the DWest BSU members from 10am-1pm on Monday, January 16th at DHSW building. There are different activities planned, donation centers set up, and community service opportunities available. Additionally, students from STEM and DWest on the West basketball team will host a basketball clinic in the West gym that day. Clinic spots were advertised to all DASD Elementary schools and are filled.
Rooted Club
The Rooted Club has organized a Homeless Care Package drive. Collection of items for medical, nutritional, and physical needs are welcome. See infographic post on STEM Student Life Schoology page for item details. Donations can be dropped off in a bin outside the main office until the end of January.
STEM Research Club
Students from the STEM Research Club will display their projects for judging at the first annual STEM Research Club Science Fair on Sunday, January 15 from 10am-12pm at the STEM building. Admission is free, however, donations to defray costs associated with student research or fair participation at the next level(s) will be accepted.
STEM Sustainable Advancement Society (SAS)
A trash clean-up of Lloyd Park has been scheduled by STEM SAS for January 22 from 10:30am-12pm. All are welcome! Please dress for the outdoor weather.
2023-2024 Course Selection Information
We are coming to that time of year, when students will choose their courses for the 23-24 school year. An email with specific details will be sent to families early next week, but in the mean time, we would like to share the following important dates with you:
- January 20th – Students will view a presentation during the school day about the available options and further instructions for choosing their courses.
- January 23rd – Virtual Parent Information Night will be held online from 6-8pm. More information on this night, including links will be sent next week.
- February 1st – Virtual Class of 2027 Welcome Night. Specific details of this night will be shared soon.
As a reminder, last week, all families should have received an email communication from DASD with the following important information regarding weather related closures. Please be sure to note this on your calendars:
- With the weather closures that occurred December 15th and 23rd, please be mindful of the schedule for the Snow Make Up Days, as noted on the District approved 22-23 calendar. As a reminder, school will now be in session, Friday, February 17 and Wednesday April 5, 2023 to make up those days.
- If schools are closed again due to inclement weather, approved snow make up days will be used first, in the following order: April 6 and June 9.
- If we incur any other weather related closures beyond those days, DASD will then consider the use of Flexible Instruction Days (FID).
- Please make sure contact information is up to date, as weather-related communications are sent via email, phone and text, as well as posted on the district website and social media.
**The end of the second marking period will now take place January 25. Please continue to encourage your students to make the best use of time during Lunch and Learn days, and to reach out to their teachers to get any extra help they may need.
CITADEL HEART OF LEARNING NOMINATIONS
Are you looking for a way to show your gratitude for a dedicated DASD teacher? Then consider nominating them for a Citadel Heart of Learning Award!
The award recognizes teachers who make a difference in their community, support students beyond the call of duty, and encourage their full potential. Last year, Bradford Heights teacher, Deb Rooney, was named the Elementary School Grand Prize Winner.
The nomination form is available at https://www.citadelbanking.com/nominate. Deadline to submit is this Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Upcoming District Wide Event
On Tuesday, January 24 the DASD, in partnership with Communities that Care (CTC), will host a virtual webinar on the topic of eating disorders with a presenter from the Renfrew Center. Please see the flier below for more information and to register for this Webinar.
Internships and Partnerships: Speakers in the Classroom: Exploring a Career in Pharmacy!
Submitted by Ms. Susan Boardman
STEM Academy graduates Riya Tipnis and Anurag Ankathi visited Dr. Carrier’s classroom to share with interested students their current experience as Doctor of Pharmacy students at University of Pittsburgh. They are both enrolled in the 2 + 4 Program, where students attend a rigorous program which includes different rotations in pharmacy—and in six years will be in their profession.
Interested students should check out the program at Pitt if interested! There is a 5 week Pier Program in the summer open to High School students; applications in March https://pages.pharmacy.pitt.edu/pier/
STEM Academy Senior Class of 2023 Tribute Ads: Deadline to order is approaching!
Job # 13813
Last day to order is Friday, January 13th. Please contact Ms. Jocelyn Long, or Ms. Janette Romano with any questions.
23-24 STEM Academy Academic Team
On Tuesday, January 10, the STEM Academy Academic team competed against both Downingtown High Schools and West Chester East in a rotational 4 round match. After sitting out the first round, Varsity came flying out of the gates with their best scoring first round this year. The STEM team continued their good form into the 4th for the “Battle of the Brains” round where a buzzer race ensued. Much to the consternation of STEM, Downingtown East was able to make a late surge pipping STEM for the win and coveted bragging rights.
Final Score D-East – 140, STEM 130, WC East 125, and D- West 90.
The JV continued their rich vein of form. After sitting out the first round they were able to make up the difference quickly. Taking the lead early in the 3rd round the JV squad never looked back. The final score STEM 135, WC East 120, D EAST 75, D West 60.
This concludes our run of regular season matches and we look forward to the semi-final playoffs in late February.
STEM Rooted Club
Ted Talk at the STEM Academy
Additional IB Updates
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) Updates
Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight:
Liam Miller is documenting his experience as a Red Cross volunteer. By volunteering, he helps blood drives go smoother, and reduces the amount of work for paid employees. He also ensures the safety of blood donors by keeping a set of eyes on them at all times after donation. Liam personally gains valuable medical and patient care experience that is crucial to his path to Medical School.
Class of 2023 [Seniors]:
Students should continue to keep their CAS Portfolios up to date with reflections and evidence, being sure to address all 3 strands and seven learning outcomes, in addition to the CAS Project.
IB Course Candidate students may send Mrs. Sherlock their finished Graduation Project presentations any time.
Class of 2024 [Juniors]:
Students may submit their CAS Project Proposals once they have a group and idea established.
Extended Essay (EE)
Class of 2023 [Seniors]:
Students are working on completing and polishing their Extended Essays. All information about correct formatting is available on Schoology.
RPPF #3 and Viva Voce Interview #3 Due by January 31st.
Final Extended Essays are due to BOTH ManageBac and Turnitin by February 1, 2023. The document that is uploaded to Turnitin is what will be sent to the IB for assessment.
Class of 2024 [Juniors]:
Students should be starting to narrow down a topic within the subject area that they have selected. Examples and guides are available on Schoology.
Student Life Reminders
Ms. Katherine Cole,Dean of Academics & Student Life
Ms. Cory Butler, Admin. Asst
Family Trip Approvals
Please be reminded that if you are planning a family trip, be sure to complete the Request Form for Educational and Family Trips, no less than 2 weeks prior to the request and return to stemattendance@dasd.org for approval.
Reminder for those with Senior Privileges
- You MUST sign in at the main office when you arrive to school, and out prior to leaving for the day.
- You should enter through the main office.
- You must have completed the Early Dismissal/Late Arrival Permission form for Seniors
- Once approved, you will receive a message to see Ms. Sokso in the main office.
DASD Athletics
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
STEM Counseling Department
STEM Academy Counselors:
All counselors see students in grades 9-12.
Ms. Mary Wallin: Last names A-C
Mr. David Stratton: Last names D-Kl
Ms. Kellie McGavin-Wiedlich : Last names Ko- Ra
Ms. Leanne Glowik : Last names Re - Z
Ms. Stephanie Rockowitz, Counseling Secretary/Registrar
Ms. Jennifer Stull, Prevention Specialist
Guide to Districtwide Mental Health Resources
Winter SAT Prep Course: STEM Academy Class of 2024
- On Dec. 5th, students across the state of PA will be able to log into College Board and view the results of the Oct. 2022 PSAT/NMSQT. The Counseling Department created the following video as an overview of this process and how to use your results. 11th grade students were shown this video during Advisory on 11/30/22: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fux4AAcgqeAQmZNtzS_AR5LVmVXJWH7K/view?usp=sharing
- The STEM Academy will once again offer SAT Prep Courses for junior students who are planning to take the Spring SAT. The course will prepare students for the mathematics and/or reading sections of the SAT. Attached, you will find specifics about the prep course in addition to registration information. For scheduling purposes, all winter SAT Prep courses will be held in an in-person format and after school hours. We encourage your child to sign up by December 19 , 2022. Any questions about the prep course or for more information please contact Ms. McGavin-Wiedlich in the Counseling Department via email at kmcgavin-wiedlich@dasd.org.
- SAT-ACT-PSAT Prep Courses are available. There are session dates available throughout the fall and winter. Please email pschmidt@prepareforthesat.com
- STEM Academy 11th Grade College Night – after a three year hiatus, we are bringing back our very own college night on Wed, Feb. 15th. 11th grade parents and students are invited to attend this informative session which will include a presentation from your school counselors and a panel discussion with several colleges including Penn State, Drexel, and Quinnipiac University. More information to come in the new year!
From the Nurse
- 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.
Important Attendance information
Ms. Dana Sokso: Attendance Secretary DASD STEM Academy
Please help us in reminding your student of the following:
- Whether your student is arriving late to school, has Senior Privileges, or has a parent note to leave early, they must sign in/out of the main office for attendance.
- All attendance inquiries throughout the school year can be directed to stemattendance@dasd.org
- Students should scan the QR Codes located outside the main office, and then upload their notes for Absence, Tardiness, and Trips.
- Please review the attendance policy in the Student Code of Conduct: Upon 3 unlawful offenses a written notification will be sent to parent; upon 6 unlawful absences, a 2nd notification will be sent, and a School Attendance improvement plan meeting will be required.
- If you are planning a family trip, please be sure to turn in the Request Form for Educational and Family Trips, no less than 2 weeks prior to the request.
Home and School Association
2022-2023
STEM HSA Board
- Mark your calendars: The next HSA meeting will be held on Monday, February 13th via Zoom.
Upcoming Fundraisers
A great way you can contribute to all our activities is to Shop Amazon Smile and have *free* money donated to the STEM Academy with every qualified purchase! Every little bit adds up! Amazon donates a percentage of sales back to the school if you place your order from the 'smile' page. The page looks and acts exactly the same and there is NO COST! Just free money donated to the school!
Use this link to auto-select STEM Academy Home & School as your supported organization.
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/45-2446765
If you use the Amazon App on your phone, you can turn on Amazon Smile in Settings and select ‘Stem Academy Home & School Association’ or your school. Thank you for your support!
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Post Prom Fundraiser:
Hams down, your favorite fundraiser is here!! Help support STEM’s Post-Prom Party by purchasing a gift card for Honey Baked Hams. All you have to do is follow the fundraising link, purchase a gift card, then use it for any holiday or event. You can use it this holiday season or use it next year (Easter, etc), whenever you like. Don’t like ham? No problem! Honey Baked Ham has turkey, a variety of incredible sides, and delicious desserts. The gift card can be used at any Honey Baked Ham location, nationwide, so share with your friends and family! We'd love your help raising funds to support this free, safe, and FUN event! Please check out our fundraising site at:
https://honeybakedfundraising.com/fundraisers/STEM_Post_Prom
Any questions? Contact Chryssa Moyer moyerce@yahoo.com
STEM Academy HSA presents, the 12th Annual "Fore the Kids" Golf Outing
The 12th Annual Downingtown STEM Academy HSA
“FORE the KIDS” Golf Outing will be held Monday, April 24, 2023 at Whitford Country Club, Downingtown, PA.
The “FORE the KIDS” fund provides business-critical soft skills training for all STEM Academy students, delivered by the Mid-Atlantic Employers Association (MEA), scholarship funding for students in financial need to cover fees associated with the International Baccalaureate diploma and HSA Book Scholarships awarded at the Senior Awards Ceremony.
Please email Kathy Cattell for more information about sponsorship for the 2023 Golf Outing.
Downingtown STEM Academy
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