Downingtown Middle School

**Subject:** The “Back-to-School” Ads Are Already Here—So Is Your DMS Supply List 📋

Good afternoon, Lancer families!

If it feels like the pool’s still warm but every commercial is shouting “BACK TO SCHOOL!”, you’re not imagining things—retail season strikes early. To spare you extra aisle-wandering, here’s the definitive list of what your student needs on day one at DMS:

Must-Have Supplies

* School-issued Chromebook **and** a protective case
* Earbuds/headphones for Chromebook use
* **DMS Custom Agenda Book** – see ordering info below ⬇️
* Scientific calculator — **TI-30 XIIS** *or* **TI-30 XS MultiView** (quick links below)
* 4 pocket folders **and** either 4 single-subject spirals *or* 1 five-subject notebook
* Pencils, blue/black pens, colored pencils, highlighters

📓 DMS Lancer Assignment Calendar – On Sale Now!

For **$15** your child gets a durable, wire-bound planner packed with:

* Weekly assignment pages & full-year holiday calendar
* Space for schedules, contacts, and long-range planning
* Two full-year planning sections in a sturdy 7″ × 9.5″ format

Paper planners build time-management superpowers—no battery required! We need **100 pre-orders** to hit the print minimum, so grab yours here:

🧮 Calculator Quick-Links

* **TI-30 XIIS** – [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-Scientific-Calculator-Accents/dp/B00000JBNX/)
* **TI-30 XS MultiView** – [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093WD1NY)

Either model is Keystone-approved and will carry students through high-school Algebra and Geometry.

Thanks for tackling the list early—your August self (and your student’s backpack) will thank you!
Questions? Just hit reply or call the main office any time.

Dear DMS Families,

We want to make you aware of a dangerous TikTok challenge that is being seen in schools across the country. The challenge encourages students to insert metal objects—such as paper clips or the graphite (lead) from pencils—into the charging port or other openings of their school-issued Chromebooks. This behavior can cause the device to short out, emit smoke, or even catch fire, putting both the student and others at serious risk.

This is not only unsafe but also a direct violation of our school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and student code of conduct. Any student found intentionally damaging their device in this way will be held responsible for the full cost of repairs, as technology insurance does not cover intentional destruction. Additionally, students could face school disciplinary action for endangering the safety and welfare of others..

We encourage all families to talk with their children about the seriousness of this behavior and the real dangers it poses.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep DMS safe as the end of the year approaches.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nicholas Indeglio
Principal
Downingtown Middle School

What is the 'Chromebook Challenge'? Schools warn about current TIkTok trend School districts throughout the country are warning students against attempting a dangerous TikTok trend that could cause injury and damage.

Subject: Clarification Regarding Social Media Rumor

Dear DMS Families,

We are aware of an anonymous social media post from yesterday late afternoon that has caused concern about a possible threat at school. We want to take a moment to provide accurate information and reassure you that student safety remains our highest priority.

The post references a situation that has been distorted through misinformation (friend-of-a-friend-whisper-down-the-lane). There was no threat made about a school shooting, and no student made any comments involving guns or has access to guns. Unfortunately, what began as a separate disciplinary matter has been exaggerated through rumor and social media speculation.

We have thoroughly investigated this situation, responded appropriately at the time it occurred with directly involved parties and families, and have remained in close communication with law enforcement. There is no credible threat to the school community.

We always encourage families to reach out to us directly with any concerns at school and to continue reporting anything they hear through trusted channels like the local police. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting a safe and respectful learning environment.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nicholas Indeglio
Principal

We’re proud to share our special "Lancer Lowdown Newsletter: PSSA State Testing Edition," highlighting DMS’s incredible achievements from last spring—including being ranked #1 in the state for 8th grade math growth! As we prepare for this year’s testing after spring break, we’re asking for your support in encouraging students to give their best effort.

Strong PSSA performance helps strengthen our school’s academic reputation, supports local property values, shapes how colleges view DASD, and—most importantly—gives us the data we need to keep improving for all students.

See testing dates, highlights of our performance last year, and why it matters in the newsletter...

The DMS Lancer Lowdown Spring 2025 PSSA Testing Dates at DMS 📣 PSSA Testing Dates – Spring 2025 📣 Please encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep,...

The DMS MATHCOUNTS team won first place at the Chester County MATHCOUNTS Competition!

· Shawn R had an incredible performance, taking 1st place in both the Written and Individual events.
· Rishi M also did a great job, placing 7th in the Individual event.
· Our team dominated the Team event, winning 1st place and securing the overall championship!

With this win, our four-member team (Shawn R, Rishi M, Rishi G, and Divesh S.) are now moving on the State Championship!

DMS Wins "Future City" National Championship in Washington DC!

In January, the DMS Future City team took second place to an incredible LMS team at the Regional Championship, but both teams earned bids to the National Championships held these past several days in Washington DC.

For the first time ever, a DASD team has won the National Championship as Downingtown Middle School took home the coveted title on the big stage! Congratulations to Dr. Pershall, Mr. Mastrangelo, our partners from Bentley Systems, and the entire DMS Future City Team!

Additionally, congratulations to Mr. Raines and the Lionville Middle School team for winning three straight Regional Championships and paving the way with previous awesome performances in the finals at Nationals.

As you celebrate in Downingtown this evening, please don't climb any light poles; details on the parade will follow. (-;

"Future City is a hands-on cross-curricular educational program that brings STEM to life for students in grades 6 through 8.Using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and project management skills, students showcase their solutions to a citywide sustainability issue. This year’s challenge asks students build a floating city and provide two innovative examples of how your floating city works and keeps its citizens healthy and safe."

🎶 What an opening night for Seussical the Musical! 🎤 It’s Possible!

Dear Friends,

Your generosity has already made this blood drive in honor of Ella Godbout a tremendous success. We’re thrilled to share that over 100 donors have already signed up for what is traditionally one of the most challenging days of the year for blood donations!
Because of this amazing response, the American Red Cross has added 20 additional slots to help us move from a home run to a grand slam in Ella’s memory.

Here are the remaining available times:
• 10:30 AM (Power Red)
• 11:30 AM (Power Red)
• 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 12:45 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 1:30 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:30 PM, 2:45 PM

If you haven’t signed up yet or know someone who might be interested, now is the perfect time to join us in this effort. Every donation makes a difference—not just in honoring Ella, whose kindness and resilience continue to inspire us, but in offering life-saving support to others in need.

Please help us spread the word—share this opportunity on your social media, at work, with family, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can make an even bigger impact!

The Details:
• Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Downingtown Middle School

Click here to schedule your appointment: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=DMS

Thank you for helping us honor Ella in such a meaningful way. Together, we can create a lasting impact, just as she would have wanted.

With gratitude,
Nick Indeglio
Principal, Downingtown Middle School

Some throwbacks from our December Retro Display! Post some of your favorite toys as a kid in the comments!