Coatesville Area School District
Rich in Diversity, Committed to Excellence
Talaria Throwback Thursday for Thursday, April 16
We’re flipping through the pages of our Talaria yearbooks to bring you another classic Coatesville moment! This week’s photos take us back to a time when “Jaws” had everyone afraid to go in the water, Pet Rocks were all the rage, and disco was just starting to take over the airwaves.
Now it’s your turn:
-Do you recognize anyone in the pics?
-What year do you think these photos were taken?
We’re flipping through the pages of our Talaria yearbooks to bring you another classic Coatesville moment! This week’s photos take us back to a time when “Jaws” had everyone afraid to go in the water, Pet Rocks were all the rage, and disco was just starting to take over the airwaves.
Now it’s your turn:
-Do you recognize anyone in the pics?
-What year do you think these photos were taken?
Real-World Science in Action
Twenty-six Environmental Science students from Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) recently visited the Stroud Water Research Center, which hosted them at Hibernia Park for hands-on water quality field experiences.
Students conducted water chemistry testing, measuring dissolved oxygen, nitrate levels, and pH, and also collected aquatic macroinvertebrates--organisms that help indicate stream health. By identifying these species, students were able to assess the condition of the water.
Based on the data collected, students determined that the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek flowing through Hibernia Park is in excellent condition.
An incredible opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental science!
Twenty-six Environmental Science students from Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) recently visited the Stroud Water Research Center, which hosted them at Hibernia Park for hands-on water quality field experiences.
Students conducted water chemistry testing, measuring dissolved oxygen, nitrate levels, and pH, and also collected aquatic macroinvertebrates--organisms that help indicate stream health. By identifying these species, students were able to assess the condition of the water.
Based on the data collected, students determined that the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek flowing through Hibernia Park is in excellent condition.
An incredible opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental science!
Celebrating Student Voices at the Rotary Speech Contest
A huge thank-you to all of the CASH students who participated in the Annual Coatesville Rotary Speech Contest. Each participant did an outstanding job and should be proud of their efforts.
Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Davis Mae
2nd Place: Madelyn Roccia
3rd Place: Ellevia Walters
Davis and Madelyn will advance to the regional contest in two weeks--best of luck as you continue on!
The Interact Club would also like to extend its appreciation to Alissa Griffith, Camie Arvay, and Cassandra Burgess for serving as judges and taking time out of their day to support our students.
Both the Interact Club and the Coatesville Rotary wish our students continued success moving forward.
A huge thank-you to all of the CASH students who participated in the Annual Coatesville Rotary Speech Contest. Each participant did an outstanding job and should be proud of their efforts.
Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Davis Mae
2nd Place: Madelyn Roccia
3rd Place: Ellevia Walters
Davis and Madelyn will advance to the regional contest in two weeks--best of luck as you continue on!
The Interact Club would also like to extend its appreciation to Alissa Griffith, Camie Arvay, and Cassandra Burgess for serving as judges and taking time out of their day to support our students.
Both the Interact Club and the Coatesville Rotary wish our students continued success moving forward.
A Meaningful Final Visit
The CASH Interact Club recently completed its final Harrison House visit of the school year. This month’s group was made up of seniors who, over the past two years, have built strong and meaningful connections with the residents.
Mr. Eckert and the Interact Club extend their best wishes to these seniors as they prepare for what’s next, and look forward to continuing this special partnership with underclassmen in the years ahead.
CASH Students Shine at National History Day Competition
Students from Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) earned top honors at the Region 10 National History Day Competition. Competing against students from Delaware and Chester counties, our students showcased their research and creativity as part of Mr. Tassoni’s Historic Research and Preservation course.
This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reform, and Reaction in History,” inspired outstanding projects across multiple categories:
Isabella Eveland (Senior) – 1st Place, Individual Exhibit (Federal Food and Drug Regulation)
Brandon Berger (Junior) – 2nd Place, Individual Exhibit (The Pueblo Revolt: A Precolonial Revolution)
Luke Burkhardt (Freshman) – 2nd Place, Website (William Penn’s Holy Experiment)
Harlow Stover, Harley Hill, Angela Keeshan (Freshmen) – 3rd Place, Group Exhibit (The Haitian Revolution)
Kenley Crane, Keeret Badh, Kaylin Johnson – 3rd Place, Documentary (Beneath the Wall: Tunnel 29)
All of these students will advance to the state competition in Scranton on April 25.
Congratulations to all of our participating students for their hard work and dedication. We are proud of your achievements and wish you the best at states!
Students from Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) earned top honors at the Region 10 National History Day Competition. Competing against students from Delaware and Chester counties, our students showcased their research and creativity as part of Mr. Tassoni’s Historic Research and Preservation course.
This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reform, and Reaction in History,” inspired outstanding projects across multiple categories:
Isabella Eveland (Senior) – 1st Place, Individual Exhibit (Federal Food and Drug Regulation)
Brandon Berger (Junior) – 2nd Place, Individual Exhibit (The Pueblo Revolt: A Precolonial Revolution)
Luke Burkhardt (Freshman) – 2nd Place, Website (William Penn’s Holy Experiment)
Harlow Stover, Harley Hill, Angela Keeshan (Freshmen) – 3rd Place, Group Exhibit (The Haitian Revolution)
Kenley Crane, Keeret Badh, Kaylin Johnson – 3rd Place, Documentary (Beneath the Wall: Tunnel 29)
All of these students will advance to the state competition in Scranton on April 25.
Congratulations to all of our participating students for their hard work and dedication. We are proud of your achievements and wish you the best at states!
Caln Elementary Legacy Walk Reminder
The Caln Elementary Legacy Walk is coming up next week, and we are still collecting artifacts and memorabilia to help celebrate the school’s history.
If you have items such as old programs, flyers, newspaper articles, spirit wear, or student work, they can be dropped off at the school. All artifacts and memorabilia should be submitted by this Wednesday, April 15.
If you have digital items like scanned photos or documents, please email them to casdmedia@casdschools.org.
You can also share a short written memory of your time at Caln by completing the short form: https://forms.gle/NMotmrNsAibggXhP7
Thank you for helping us honor the legacy of Caln Elementary School.
The Caln Elementary Legacy Walk is coming up next week, and we are still collecting artifacts and memorabilia to help celebrate the school’s history.
If you have items such as old programs, flyers, newspaper articles, spirit wear, or student work, they can be dropped off at the school. All artifacts and memorabilia should be submitted by this Wednesday, April 15.
If you have digital items like scanned photos or documents, please email them to casdmedia@casdschools.org.
You can also share a short written memory of your time at Caln by completing the short form: https://forms.gle/NMotmrNsAibggXhP7
Thank you for helping us honor the legacy of Caln Elementary School.
The Coatesville Area School District proudly recognizes the outstanding leadership, commitment, and support our assistant principals demonstrate each and every day. We are grateful for all you do to foster positive school environments and support the success of our students and staff.
Kindergarten Screenings for the Coatesville Area School District!
Help us get to know your child and begin planning their educational journey at CASD!
Screening Dates:
• April 13, 21, 22, 23
• May 12, 14, 20
• June 1, 2
Important Reminder:
To be eligible for the CASD Jumpstart Program, screenings must be completed by June 2. Additional summer dates will be available, but students screened after June 2 will not qualify for the Jumpstart program.
Sign up for a screening appointment today:
https://outlook.office.com/book/KindergartenScreenings1@casdschools.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled
The screenings are taking place at the CASD Administration Building located at 3030 CG Zinn Road in Thorndale.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners!
Coatesville Boys Soccer Designer Bag Bingo Night!
Support Coatesville Boys Soccer at a fun-filled Designer Bag Bingo Night!
DATE & PLACE: Saturday, April 18, at the Lutheran Church
TIME: Doors open at 5:00 PM and Bingo begins at 6:00 PM
Ticket Information:
$35 Presale
$40 at the Door
Reserve a table for 8
Each ticket includes 1 book (10 chances), and additional books will be available for $10 each.
Don’t miss a great night of fun, prizes, and supporting our Red Raiders!
Support Coatesville Boys Soccer at a fun-filled Designer Bag Bingo Night!
DATE & PLACE: Saturday, April 18, at the Lutheran Church
TIME: Doors open at 5:00 PM and Bingo begins at 6:00 PM
Ticket Information:
$35 Presale
$40 at the Door
Reserve a table for 8
Each ticket includes 1 book (10 chances), and additional books will be available for $10 each.
Don’t miss a great night of fun, prizes, and supporting our Red Raiders!
Coatesville Students Take Part in Voter Registration Drive
Students at Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) recently participated in a successful voter registration drive in partnership with the New Pennsylvania Project, a non-partisan organization focused on providing opportunities for people to register to vote.
With the support of Dyneco Gibson and the help of CASH seniors, 19 eligible students were registered to vote ahead of the May 19 PA primary election. A special thank-you to Caleb Volante, Alexander Eugene, and Gloria Kasitz for helping educate and assist their classmates through the process.
In addition to registering, students gained valuable insight into voter eligibility and the registration process--an important step in becoming informed and engaged citizens.
A final voter registration drive will be held at CASH after the primary. Stay tuned for more information!
Students at Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) recently participated in a successful voter registration drive in partnership with the New Pennsylvania Project, a non-partisan organization focused on providing opportunities for people to register to vote.
With the support of Dyneco Gibson and the help of CASH seniors, 19 eligible students were registered to vote ahead of the May 19 PA primary election. A special thank-you to Caleb Volante, Alexander Eugene, and Gloria Kasitz for helping educate and assist their classmates through the process.
In addition to registering, students gained valuable insight into voter eligibility and the registration process--an important step in becoming informed and engaged citizens.
A final voter registration drive will be held at CASH after the primary. Stay tuned for more information!
Hands-On Learning in Healthcare
Students in the Career Connection Academy Healthcare Program recently visited the Jefferson Einstein Hospital Simulation Lab in Philadelphia for an immersive, real-world experience in healthcare.
During their visit, students participated in STOP THE BLEED training, hands-only CPR, and clinical simulations in obstetrics, orthopedics, and emergency care, along with learning proper gowning procedures—building skills used by medical professionals every day.
Students also spent time with the Simulation Team exploring a variety of healthcare careers and learning about internship opportunities.
Experiences like this showcase how Career Connection Academy connects classroom learning to real-world applications, helping prepare Coatesville students for success in high-demand careers.
Students in the Career Connection Academy Healthcare Program recently visited the Jefferson Einstein Hospital Simulation Lab in Philadelphia for an immersive, real-world experience in healthcare.
During their visit, students participated in STOP THE BLEED training, hands-only CPR, and clinical simulations in obstetrics, orthopedics, and emergency care, along with learning proper gowning procedures—building skills used by medical professionals every day.
Students also spent time with the Simulation Team exploring a variety of healthcare careers and learning about internship opportunities.
Experiences like this showcase how Career Connection Academy connects classroom learning to real-world applications, helping prepare Coatesville students for success in high-demand careers.
Coatesville Shines at the Delaware Valley Science Fair
Congratulations to George and Harlow for representing the Coatesville Area School District at the Delaware Valley Science Fair!
George earned 2nd place in his category in Microbiology, and Harlow earned 3rd place in her category in Behavioral and Social Sciences -- an outstanding accomplishment for both students.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and passion for scientific discovery!
Congratulations to George and Harlow for representing the Coatesville Area School District at the Delaware Valley Science Fair!
George earned 2nd place in his category in Microbiology, and Harlow earned 3rd place in her category in Behavioral and Social Sciences -- an outstanding accomplishment for both students.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and passion for scientific discovery!
Reminder to Families:
Tomorrow, Monday, April 6, will be a full school day as we make up for a snow day earlier in the school year.
Thank you for your attention to this update and for your continued support.
Tomorrow, Monday, April 6, will be a full school day as we make up for a snow day earlier in the school year.
Thank you for your attention to this update and for your continued support.
April is National Autism Acceptance Month!
This month, we celebrate and support individuals with autism by promoting and understanding acceptance and inclusion in our schools and our community.
This month, we celebrate and support individuals with autism by promoting and understanding acceptance and inclusion in our schools and our community.
Stronger Together for Our Students
Yesterday, the Coatesville Area School District brought together community leaders for a collaborative session focused on supporting our most valuable resource—our students.
Dr. Rybarczyk, Dawn Mader, and students shared important perspectives and plans from the district’s point of view, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue. Attendees then broke into small groups to exchange ideas and explore ways to better support students moving forward.
It was a productive and inspiring morning, filled with thoughtful conversation, shared purpose, and a strong sense of partnership. Together, we continue working to create the best possible future for our students.
Yesterday, the Coatesville Area School District brought together community leaders for a collaborative session focused on supporting our most valuable resource—our students.
Dr. Rybarczyk, Dawn Mader, and students shared important perspectives and plans from the district’s point of view, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue. Attendees then broke into small groups to exchange ideas and explore ways to better support students moving forward.
It was a productive and inspiring morning, filled with thoughtful conversation, shared purpose, and a strong sense of partnership. Together, we continue working to create the best possible future for our students.
A Great Night for Our Future Red Raiders!
Last night’s Kindergarten Carnival was a huge success as we welcomed our newest learners and their families for an evening full of fun, laughter, and connection.
Our future students had a blast participating in activities and games, while parents had the opportunity to meet the teachers, administrators, secretaries, and many other staff members who make the Coatesville Area School District so special.
We loved seeing so many smiling faces and can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2039 this fall. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening!
Last night’s Kindergarten Carnival was a huge success as we welcomed our newest learners and their families for an evening full of fun, laughter, and connection.
Our future students had a blast participating in activities and games, while parents had the opportunity to meet the teachers, administrators, secretaries, and many other staff members who make the Coatesville Area School District so special.
We loved seeing so many smiling faces and can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2039 this fall. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening!
East Fallowfield is feeling extra lucky!
Last week, their Belonging Through Dignity Team brought our school community together in the best way—through appreciation and fun!
Their teachers and staff celebrated their incredible paraprofessionals with a special Para Appreciation Board. Staff filled out shamrocks of gratitude to pair with photos of their aides--sharing heartfelt messages to remind them just how valued they are. Their message was simple: “WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!”
To make the celebration even sweeter, each aide received a basket of goodies, generously filled with snacks donated by the staff. Thank you to everyone who helped make their paraprofessionals feel recognized and appreciated for all they do each day!
And the fun didn’t stop there….
They also hosted a Rock, Paper, Scissors March Madness Tournament—and the competition was fierce! Congratulations to Ms. B, who was the champion!
Last week, their Belonging Through Dignity Team brought our school community together in the best way—through appreciation and fun!
Their teachers and staff celebrated their incredible paraprofessionals with a special Para Appreciation Board. Staff filled out shamrocks of gratitude to pair with photos of their aides--sharing heartfelt messages to remind them just how valued they are. Their message was simple: “WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!”
To make the celebration even sweeter, each aide received a basket of goodies, generously filled with snacks donated by the staff. Thank you to everyone who helped make their paraprofessionals feel recognized and appreciated for all they do each day!
And the fun didn’t stop there….
They also hosted a Rock, Paper, Scissors March Madness Tournament—and the competition was fierce! Congratulations to Ms. B, who was the champion!
Honoring Our Schools Through Legacy Walks
As we prepare to close Caln and East Fallowfield Elementary Schools at the end of this year, we are planning Legacy Walks to celebrate the history, memories, and impact of these special schools.
We are currently collecting memorabilia and stories from former students, families, and staff—yearbooks, photos, artwork, and more. All items will be carefully handled and can be returned to families or donated to the district.
Caln Elementary
-Legacy Walk: April 22
-Memorabilia due by Wednesday, April 15
East Fallowfield Elementary
-Legacy Walk: April 29
-Memorabilia due by April 22
Help us honor the generations of students who walked these halls by sharing a piece of your story.
As we prepare to close Caln and East Fallowfield Elementary Schools at the end of this year, we are planning Legacy Walks to celebrate the history, memories, and impact of these special schools.
We are currently collecting memorabilia and stories from former students, families, and staff—yearbooks, photos, artwork, and more. All items will be carefully handled and can be returned to families or donated to the district.
Caln Elementary
-Legacy Walk: April 22
-Memorabilia due by Wednesday, April 15
East Fallowfield Elementary
-Legacy Walk: April 29
-Memorabilia due by April 22
Help us honor the generations of students who walked these halls by sharing a piece of your story.
“Fight Forward” with Carlos Ojeda Jr.
Students at North Brandywine Middle School and Scott Middle School participated in powerful all-school assemblies featuring Carlos Ojeda Jr. from CoolSpeak.
Carlos shared a message that was real, authentic, emotional, humorous, and inspiring. His theme, “Fight Forward,” encouraged students to break free from labels and not allow difficult circumstances to define them, but instead to push forward and overcome obstacles.
Thank you, Carlos, for delivering such an impactful message to our students!
Students at North Brandywine Middle School and Scott Middle School participated in powerful all-school assemblies featuring Carlos Ojeda Jr. from CoolSpeak.
Carlos shared a message that was real, authentic, emotional, humorous, and inspiring. His theme, “Fight Forward,” encouraged students to break free from labels and not allow difficult circumstances to define them, but instead to push forward and overcome obstacles.
Thank you, Carlos, for delivering such an impactful message to our students!
Congratulations to an Outstanding Educator!
The Citadel Heart of Learning Award recognizes exceptional teachers across the Greater Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties.
This year, we are proud to celebrate Matthew Handerhan, the art teacher at Scott Middle School, who has been named one of the nine grand prize winners for the 2026 award—selected from more than 4,000 nominees across the region. Mr. Handerhan began his career in the Coatesville Area School District in 2016 at South Brandywine and has continued to inspire students through creativity and dedication.
Last Friday, representatives from Citadel presented Mr. Handerhan the award in front of one of his classes, with staff members and his family there to celebrate the moment together.
Congratulations, Mr. Handerhan! Your passion for teaching and the arts truly represents the heart of learning, and your Coatesville family is incredibly proud of you.
The Citadel Heart of Learning Award recognizes exceptional teachers across the Greater Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties.
This year, we are proud to celebrate Matthew Handerhan, the art teacher at Scott Middle School, who has been named one of the nine grand prize winners for the 2026 award—selected from more than 4,000 nominees across the region. Mr. Handerhan began his career in the Coatesville Area School District in 2016 at South Brandywine and has continued to inspire students through creativity and dedication.
Last Friday, representatives from Citadel presented Mr. Handerhan the award in front of one of his classes, with staff members and his family there to celebrate the moment together.
Congratulations, Mr. Handerhan! Your passion for teaching and the arts truly represents the heart of learning, and your Coatesville family is incredibly proud of you.
