On September 8, 2017, DHS West administrators were informed of a situation involving the improper use of technology. Over the course of several days, school authorities interviewed involved students, their parents were notified and subsequent discipline actions by the district are under review.  The police were informed and are conducting their own investigation into this matter.

The Downingtown Area School District strongly believes that all students should understand the implications of using and abusing the powerful communication tools to which they have access.   To that end, the district has instituted a Digital Citizenship Course that students in grades 9, 10 and 11 must take.  Students must acknowledge that they understand and will abide by the district’s Acceptable Use Agreement, Policy 815, that spells out expected behavior and subsequent discipline actions.

As this is an ongoing investigation, the district will be unable to comment further.