⏰ Downingtown Schools Adjust Secondary Start Times for 2024-2025

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

⏰ Downingtown Schools Adjust Secondary Start Times

👔 The Wardrobe and Wings for Success Collaborate to Extend Support

🍽️ Freshman Raises $12,000 for Chester County Food Bank

🍔 Wendy's Franchise Fined $300,000

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Student Sleep a Priority: Downingtown Schools Adjust Secondary Start Times for 2024-25

The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is set to implement a 20-minute later start time for its secondary schools (grades 9-12) in the 2024-25 school year. The decision aims to prioritize student sleep and enhance academic performance. Currently, all DASD seventh- through twelfth-grade schools begin at 7:40 a.m. and end at 2:40 p.m. The new schedule will see secondary school start times at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. The change is based on research supporting the benefits of later start times for teenagers, with a focus on improving overall student well-being. Learn more at DASD.org

The Wardrobe and Wings for Success Collaborate to Extend Support to Chester County

The Wardrobe, a Philadelphia nonprofit, has expanded its outreach to Chester County through a partnership with Wings for Success, a nonprofit supporting unemployed women. The collaboration aims to empower individuals by providing casual and professional attire for job interviews. Together, they will host Open Wardrobe events, with the upcoming one on Jan. 25 focused on aiding those in recovery. Participants can receive up to six clothing items along with accessories, and the event will also feature support from harm-reduction and poverty-assistance organizations. Check out The Wardrobe here

Malvern Prep Freshman's Virtual Food Drive Raises $12,000 for Chester County Food Bank

Malvern Prep freshman, Mateo Alban, successfully raised $12,000 for the Chester County Food Bank through a month-long virtual food drive. Alban, driven by personal experiences, exceeded his initial goal of $5,000, showcasing the power of individual action. The school's leadership and Chester County Food Bank expressed deep appreciation for Alban's initiative, emphasizing the impact of young people in addressing food insecurity.

Area Wendy's Franchise Fined $300,000 for Child Labor Law Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has disclosed that GCWen Management, the operator of 21 Wendy's locations across Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties, has been found in violation of child labor laws. The franchise owner, facing fines of $300,000 for 766 violations, failed to provide mandatory breaks, hired workers without proper permits and parental authorization, and allowed young employees to exceed mandated work hours. The investigation was initiated following a tip about minor injuries to children at various Wendy's locations.

Upcoming Local Events…

• Coatesville Senior Scam Jam - Jan 24th, 1pm-2pm

• Downingtown WINTER farmers market - Jan 27th 10am-12pm

• Business Showcase and Art Expo - Feb 17th, 11:30am-4pm

• Kennett Winterfest - Feb 24th, 12:30pm-4pm

• Attatoba Clayworks: Night of Music - Feb 24th, 7pm