STEM Head of School Update
March 17, 2023, Issue 29
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
Last night the annual Art Show was held in the Knowledge Commons. Thank you to everyone that came out to support this event. Some of the artwork that was featured is shown below. We are very proud of the hard work and effort that our students and staff put into this event.
As a reminder, Friday, March 31 marks the end of the 3rd marking period. Please make sure to have all assignments up to date, and to remind your students to speak with teachers, and use Lunch & Learn time appropriately to end the marking period on a positive note.
Additionally, with spring break right around the corner, please be reminded If you are planning a family trip to be sure to turn in the Request Form for Educational and Family Trips as soon as possible, to get absences approved. If there are any questions regarding the process, please email stemattendance@dasd.org
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. Students should not leave until they have checked out in the main office.
Art Show: Here is just a small sample of what was on display. Congratulations to all for a job well done!
Campus Safety Reminders
Please be reminded that students are to be dropped off behind the school. No students should be dropped on Manor Ave. We appreciate your cooperation. Safety is always our first priority.
Also, beginning Monday, February 6, for the safety of all students and staff, crossing back and forth, the entrance to the STEM Academy on Campbell Drive will be closed during all lunch times for the remainder of the school year. Please use the West entrance to access the campus during that time.
Upcoming Community Events
DCEF (Downingtown Community Education Foundation) presents the Harlem Wizards, Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Downingtown High School West. Flyer and ticket info below.
A Path to Hope will be hosting their 5th Annual Mental Health Resource Fair, on Saturday, March 25, from 10:00 am -1:00 pm at Lionville Middle School. More details are shown on the flier below.
The DASD will be hositing a Careers in Education Job Fair, on Tuesday, March 28, at DHSW. More info shown below.
Turning Pain Into Power 5k Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by the MIP Foundation. Saturday, April 29. Additional details on the flier below.
Internships and Partnerships: Career Fair Recap...GREAT JOB WITH THE CAREER FAIR Class of 2024!
Our company partners thoroughly enjoyed meeting you, talking to you about your interests and
are ready to support your summer career exploration!
WHAT IS NEXT?
SIGN UP—If you haven’t already-Sign up for the Internships & Partnerships Course (Schoology) Access Code N49CJ-JZGST
COMPLETE SURVEY–”2023 STEM Career Interest Survey” will be sent out to you in the next 2 weeks, asking for your first, second and third summer career exploration choice. Please know your summer vacation/activity schedule so that you can choose an experience that works with your plans. All companies, including the few who could NOT attend the Career Fair, will be listed.
Once your match is made and it aligns with your summer schedule, you will be given an email address of the correct company contact to send your introductory email. Our companies are still confirming their plans on summer dates and look forward to connecting with you when that is complete.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?--check the “Career Exploration Process-Step-by-Step Guide” to guide you through the process. You may also reach out to Ms. Boardman(sboardman@dasd.org) or Mrs. Butler (cbutler@dasd.org) or stop in to Rm. B118. Happy to answer any questions
Additional IB Updates
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) Updates
Senior CAS/Graduation Project Spotlight:
Nathan Wong, Trisha Sirsat, and Hannah Wolfe created a mural using recycled plastic bottle caps that encourages others to recycle and/or educates them on the environmental crisis currently affecting Earth. They gathered these materials at school last year; arranged, painted, and glued them to a display board to look like a map of the Earth, and worked with school administration to find a place at STEM for display.
Class of 2023 [Seniors]:
All Senior CAS Portfolios (including CAS Projects) must be locked and Graduation Projects submitted before the end of March.
This allows the month of April to be completely dedicated to IB Exam prep.
Students should see Mrs. Sherlock with questions or for the final CAS review meeting.
Class of 2024 [Juniors]:
Students have been asking good questions about CAS Experiences (long term, mostly independent) and CAS Projects (short term, collaborative, student-led), and should keep it up as more benchmark due dates approach. As posted on Schoology, CAS Project Proposals are due via email to Mrs. Sherlock by March 30.
Extended Essay (EE)
Class of 2023 [Seniors]:
Seniors are done with Extended Essays! Yay!
Class of 2024 [Juniors]:
As posted on Schoology, the next step for Juniors is to formulate a Research Question for their EE and enter it into ManageBac. [Due March 30]
Juniors also have until March 30 to submit their Candidacy Declaration Forms to Ms. Schell (IB Diploma or IB Course Candidate).
Thank you HSA for another great Pi Day!
Student Life
Ms. Katherine Cole,Dean of Academics & Student Life
Ms. Cory Butler, Admin. Asst
Parking Permit Update
We have had many inquiries recently about obtaining a parking permit. We are currently unable to issue any additional parking permits at this point in the year. We are still encouraging students to apply to be added to the waitlist, so that if a space becomes available, we will offer in the order that students have applied. The parking permit application can be located on our website under the STEM Backpack.
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.
Class of 2023 Local Scholarship Opportunities and Deadlines
SENIORS!
Are you looking for assistance to help with the impending costs of college?
The STEM Academy is incredibly fortunate to have a number of families, businesses, and community organizations sponsor scholarship opportunities specifically for our graduating class.
The applications for these Local Scholarships are now live and can be accessed from the STEM Academy Counseling Department Schoology Page.
All Seniors should already be “members” of the page, but can also join with Access Code WN9WS-2NXFK
All completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on March 27, 2023.
*Please remember to fill out all application forms completely in order to meet the requirements of each scholarship.
*NOTE: For any awards that require an official transcript or teacher letter of recommendation, the School Counseling Office will automatically attach those when processing returned applications.
While these Local Awards are only for members of the senior class, underclassmen can log into Naviance to browse college and career exploration resources, as well as the “Scholarship List” and “National Scholarship Search” resources.
Reach out to your school counselor with any questions!
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. Stacey Hewitt: 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
Important Information for 11th Grade Parents: Upcoming Junior Meetings
Junior meetings will begin taking place on March 6. We are reaching out with an invitation to schedule a Junior Meeting for your student(s). These 45-minute meetings are designed to provide you and your student one-on-one time with your counselor to discuss your own unique post-secondary plans and questions. If you are unable to attend, please be assured that we will still meet with your student this spring.
We will be offering the Junior Meetings virtually on Zoom and in-person on most dates. Please note some evening appointments may only be available through Zoom. You will be asked to select the format for the meeting when you sign up.
Each counselor has a link to their own personal sign-up page. You will receive the Zoom link to join the meeting on your scheduled date in a confirmation email at least one week prior to your scheduled meeting. Please use the table below for reference:
Counselor
Student Assignments
Link to Sign-up
Mrs. Wallin
Last Names A-C
https://calendly.com/mwallin-1
Mr. Stratton
Last Names D-KL
https://calendly.com/dstrattondasd/juniormeeting
Mrs. Hewitt
Last Names Ko-Ra
https://calendly.com/staceyhewitt/60min
Mrs. Glowik
Last Names Re-Z
https://calendly.com/lglowik/junior-meeting-w-mrs-glowik
Students are asked to please complete the Junior Meeting Questionnaire available here: https://goo.gl/forms/lm5KolppSgYlozgF3 prior to the meeting. The information provided in this survey is very helpful for your counselor.
If you have any difficulty signing up for an appointment, please contact your student’s school counselor.
- On Wednesday, February 22, 2023 the STEM Counseling Department hosted the Junior Class College Planning Night for 11th grade students and parents. Attendees were able to hear from the STEM counselors about important topics in the college admission process and participate in a panel discussion with admissions counselors from seven different universities. We also had two representatives join us from UK colleges to meet with interested families and students. You can view the presentation here:
Junior College Night Presentation February 2023
Upcoming PHEAA March Webinars
Financial Aid Timeline – Know what to do when 3/23 Thursday, 6:30pm
This one-hour presentation will provide the starting points and web resources for effective research before, during and after your student makes post secondary decisions. The journey will begin before high school and end in the land of understanding choices. One thing is for certain – it’s never too early to start planning for a successful higher education experience. Join PHEAA’s Linda Pacewicz and Dan Wray of PHEAA’s PAForward program as they guide you along the exciting, and sometimes bumpy, road to planning for an affordable education. Knowing what to expect and to plan for it is the key, as Failing to Plan, is Planning to Fail!
Refinancing Education Debt – is it right for me? 3/21 Tuesday, Noon
Join us for this informative one hour webinar on refinancing education debt. Current or previous students of any age with student loans may be overwhelmed with their current repayment options or are moving closer to the repayment phase and wonder if refinance may be a better solution. PHEAA represented by Dan Wray and Linda Pacewicz of PHEAA PA Forward will explain the pros and cons, availability of programs and help those interested in understanding more about this topic.
2023 Summer Programs
STEM Academy HSA presents, the 12th Annual "Fore the Kids" Golf Outing - Registration is now open!
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.
Registration is now open for the 12th Annual STEM Academy “Fore the Kids” Golf Outing on Monday April 24, 2023 at the Whitford Country Club in Downingtown. We are looking for sponsors and golfers. Take advantage of our “Early Birdie” special (until 2/28) — register for a Hole Sponsorship and get one free golfer. Visit the STEM Golf Outing registration page to sign up to sponsor and/or golf. Questions? Email stemgolfouting@gmail.com.
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.
Home and School Association
2022-2023
STEM HSA Board
Please join us for our next HSA Meeting on April 10th via Zoom.
March Faculty and Staff Appreciation Breakfast Friday, March 31
Let's celebrate spring by thanking our faculty and staff for all they do for our students. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
It will be juice and yogurt bar themed breakfast.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0849AEAB2AA6F58-faculty4
Class of 2024: Junior Prom
Attention Junior Parents - the Junior Prom is coming up on March 25th and the class needs your help to make it amazing! Please see sign up below to donate or volunteer.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0849AEAB2AA6F58-stem7
Post Prom
We are seeking volunteers to help us create decorations for Post Prom. You don't need to have any special skills to help, nor do you need to bring any supplies. We'll provide all the directions and supplies. Just grab a friend and show up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4bacac2ca2f58-craft#/
Is your student in need of CAS or NHS hours? They can come help with Post Prom decorating/crafting and earn those hours. For the student sign-up go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0849AEAB2AA6F58-casand
Reach out to Mary Gasser with questions: marygasser@gmail.com
CELEBRATE YOUR SENIOR WITH A PERSONALIZED GRADUATION LAWN SIGN!
These High-Quality lawn signs are 24"x48" screen-printed vinyl. This year we are offering 2 options, one with a picture of your graduate and one with the STEM Academy logo. Both can be personalized with your graduates name on them. All orders are due no later than Friday, April 1st, 2023. Questions can be directed to Mary Gasser.
Order at https://dtownstemacademy.squarespace.com/graduation-lawn-signs
Our student life programs are funded through family donations. If you have you would like make a donation, please do so today:
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.
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
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