Hello STEM Families!

Welcome to this week's edition of the STEM Weekly Stream. Please read below for the most updated information about what's happening. Be prepared for School Pictures and learn about the Senior Class Special Election. Also in this edition are Academic Updates and a highlight about the PIAA Sportsmanship Award.

We had another great turnout this year at Back to School Night! The Front Lobby and Halls were buzzing as new and returning Families visited and met with teachers and staff. It was great to see so many familiar faces, and also meet some of our newest Families!

During the presentation, we heard about some of the new programming for students this year, as well as emphasis on new guidelines.

Senior Class President Mariama Diallo also welcomed Families and talked about the importance of supporting students this year. And, finally students Joyce Scott, Tanyia Alexander, and A'Lasia Mosley spoke about their experience in the ID STEM summer program at Crozer Hospital.

Please consider joining the PTSA this year to help support our students, teachers and families at STEM! We are looking for all those who are willing to share their time, energy and talents to help make our school even better!

If you're interested in helping out, please be in contact with Ms. Anita Littleton (alittleton341@msn.com) and/or Ms. Karla Beaver (beaverkarla66@gmail.com).

Please remember that All Students Must Arrive by 7:45 each morning. We appreciate those families who have rearranged their schedules to ensure their students arrive on time. Your efforts to get your students here on time will be very beneficial to their success!

On Friday, three STEM Seniors delivered campaign speeches to their classmates as a culmination of our Special Election Week.

Last Spring, student Naomy Anaya-Diaz was elected VP by her classmates. However, she relocated with her family to Puerto Rico over the summer, and could not fulfill her position. We are wishing her the best and we'll miss her!!

Congratulations to all three candidates:

Emoni Satchell

Colin Ferrell

Malachi Jackson

The winning candidate will be announced on Tuesday morning's edition of the STEM TV News. That person will join our previously elected Class Officers:

President Mariama Diallo

Secretary Elizabeth Laseinde

Treasurer Kam'Ren Mills

Pictured below (left to right): Kam'Ren Mills, Malachi Jackson, Colin Ferrell, Emoni Satchell, Mariama Diallo, Elizabeth Laseinde

School pictures for students in grades 7-11 will be held on Tuesday, September 27.

All students will be called to the Auditorium by grade for their pictures. It is necessary for each student to have their photo taken, as these pictures will be used for School ID's and the Yearbook.

White button-down shirts with the STEM logo will be provided for students to wear over top of their uniform for the photo.

The first episode of STEM TV News will air Tuesday morning (September 20). Our students have been working hard under the direction of Ms. Merto and the T3 Media Group to learn the technical and creative skills necessary to produce a broadcast.

While they have received guidance, the entire process: from scriptwriting, to filming, to editing; has been done by our students. We are very excited to see and hear the stories they will bring us this year!

On Thursday, September 29 at 5:00 PM, we will invite parents of our Senior students for an information session. Our goal is to make sure our families are aware of what they and their students must do to prepare for transitioning after graduation. We hope all will be in attendance.

This past Friday (September 16) was our first Dress Down Day of the school year. The Dress Down was held as a reward for our students' exemplary performance during our first Fire Drill (as a reminder, STEM has the Best Fire Drills in Delaware County!).

Going forward, when Dress Down Days occur, there will be a $1 fundraising fee which will support Student Activities at STEM. Please note that there are written Dress Down Guidelines which students must follow on these days:

• Student outfits must conform with the Theme of the Dress Down Day
• Inappropriate messaging may not be worn
• Shorts/short skirts, sleeveless or midriff tops, and open-toed shoes may not be worn
• School personnel have discretion to determine whether a student's attire is acceptable

Next Monday, September 26 will be an Asynchronous Day. Students will receive assignments in all classes through Google Classroom, however they will stay home for the day.

Stay tuned on everything going on throughout Chester Upland School District (not just STEM), by reading the Clipper Connection each week! Click below to read the latest.

It is very important for students to get off to a great start, especially 9th Graders. Please ask your student about what they are learning in class and the assignments they are working on. Let's work together to ensure our students get off on the right foot!

The Home Access Center (HAC) allows families to view their students' grades and attendance in real time. By logging into the HAC, you can stay up to date on your student's progress and know immediately if they miss class or assignments.

If you do not have your HAC set up yet, email Ms. Misha Memon (mmemon@chesteruplandsd.org). She will reply with your username, password and a link to the log in page.

We encourage All Students and Families to check HAC every day!

Teachers are reporting higher participation and increased focus among students in classes this year. I can tell by walking through classrooms that engagement is increased. And while there will always be some "drama" among adolescents, interpersonal conflicts here at STEM are lower than at the same time last year.

All of these positive trends can be linked to reduced cell phone use by our students. Without the distraction and disruption phones cause in the classroom, our students are more focused on their academics, and more successful. We will continue to make this a priority and anticipate more positive results.

Please take a few minutes to read the article linked below. Just like us, many schools in the area are implementing more structured rules regarding cell phones this year.

The school leaders at schools across Delaware County and Philadelphia that have restricted cell phone use are reporting similar positive results so far. Student engagement is up, and conflicts are down.

We truly appreciate the support of our Families with our new cell phone rules. While we will continue to monitor cell phone use closely, we have strong data showing it's working. Let's keep up the great work!

The Chester Clippers Athletic Program was awarded by PIAA District One the Sportsmanship Award for the 2021-22 season. We are extremely proud of the victories our teams have earned, but even more proud of how our student-athletes represent themselves and their community during competition.

Congratulations to all our Student-Athletes, as well as their Coaches and Supporters on this award.

Pictured below:

A'Lasia Mosley (Track); Quamirah Yates (Cheerleading); Colin Ferrell (Football); Terrence Cobb (Basketball); Jabree Davis (Football); and Noble Thompson (Football).

STEM Academy students participate on all Chester Clipper Interscholastic Athletic teams. This fall our students are competing in the following sports:

• Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Cheerleading
• Soccer

If you would like more information regarding athletic opportunities, please contact CUSD Director of Athletics and Activities, LaDontay Bell (lbell@chesteruplandsd.org). We believe that playing sports enhances student life and research proves that participation in athletics and activities leads to greater academic outcomes for students!

Email: bbell@chesteruplandsd.org
Website: https://www.chesteruplandsd.org/sas
Location: 1100 West 10th Street, Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 610-447-3650