Chester High School News

Chester High School has completed the Keystone Testing for the 2022-2023 School Year. All Seniors took their State Required Civics and Government Examination.

Dr. Parkinson has adjusted the 2022-2023 School Calendar and the last day for Students is Friday, June 9th. This change was made because Chester Upland did not use any snow days this past winter.

Principal Brown along with the Staff at Chester High School have been reviewing and compiling a list of Pathways to Graduation for all 12th Grade Students. We have given Students copies of an Employment Verification Letter to be signed and returned to Chester High Administration as well as a Service-Learning Log. We have been developing options to assist the students with achieving these different pathways and have been reviewing each Senior's file to determine what is needed, please reach out to Mr. Franklin efranklin@chesteruplandsd.org or Mr. James Taylor jataylor@chesteruplandsd.org with any questions.

Chester Waterfront Shooting

The Chester Upland School District community is deeply saddened by an unfortunate incident that took place at the waterfront on Sunday night, which potentially resulted in the injury of some of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the impacted students and their families during this difficult time.

This incident has greatly impacted not only our schools but the entire community. We recognize the need for support and are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure the well-being and recovery of our students.

Counseling services will be made available at Chester High School and STEM Academy starting Tuesday, May, 30. Trained professionals will be on-site to offer emotional support, guidance, and assistance to students and staff who may need it. If there are students who are directly impacted by this incident in our primary grades and middle schools, I ask that you contact your child's counselor or building administrator to make them aware. We urge our entire school community, including students, parents, and staff, to come together during this challenging time.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to law enforcement, emergency responders, and all individuals involved in the immediate response to this incident. Their swift action and dedication are invaluable to the well-being and safety of our students.

We will continue to work closely with community partners, families, and students to ensure that everyone feels supported during this difficult time.

Dr. Craig L. Parkinson

Superintendent, Chester Upland School District

Seniors who do not return the device to the school prior to graduation must pay the full replacement fee prior to the school releasing final school documents (transcripts, diplomas, etc.) or allowing the student to participate in commencement services.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

The official Commencement Ceremony will take place on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00am. The ceremony will be hosted at the Neumann University, Miranda Center. While we know how very hard you have worked to reach this milestone there are a few protocols that you must be aware of to ensure we have a first class ceremony.

● Your academic regalia (cap and gown) are the focal point of your attire for the event. Please arrive dressed in your attire at your respective school.

● Decorations of any kind are not permitted on your cap or gown.

● Only school-district provided chords and stoles will be permitted to be worn.

● No bags will be permitted so please be sure cell phones fit in a pocket.

● Each student will be provided with 5 tickets for the graduation ceremony.

● PLEASE NOTE BALLOONS, SIGNS, NOISEMAKERS, CONFETTI, SILLY STRING, ETC. ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE BUILDING.

● Students must arrive at the respective school no later than 7:30am in order to participate in the ceremony. If students do not arrive at their respective schools by 7:30am they will not be permitted to participate in graduation.

● Students who appear to be under the influence of controlled substances will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremony

● Appropriate and cordial behavior is expected at ALL TIMES of our graduates. Diploma processing will be subject to appropriate student behavior at all times during the graduation.

● We recommend you find an accountability partner to make sure that you arrive on time to your respective school. Keep each other accountable!

Neumann University Mirenda Center Guest Arrival Procedures:

● Doors open at 9:30am – Seating is Open – Guests encouraged to arrive early

● PLEASE NOTE BALLOONS, SIGNS, NOISEMAKERS, CONFETTI, SILLY STRING, ETC. ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE BUILDING.

● No guests will be permitted on the floor at any time.

● There will be a livestream of the graduation ceremony for those who are unable to attend.

Additional Important Dates:

Baccalaureate: Thursday, 6/1/23 at 5:00pm in the Chester High School auditorium - open to all graduates/families.

Washington, DC Trip: Friday, 6/2/23 departing from Chester High School at 7:30 AM. 40 Spots Available – will go to the first 40 to return permission slips.

Class Day: Tuesday, 6/6/23 at 10:00am at Chester High Auditorium. All Seniors and Families are invited to attend. Students who will be receiving awards will be notified in advance.

Cap & Gown Distribution: Chester High School and STEM Academy will distribute caps, gowns, and tickets on Friday, 6/9/23 during Field Day at each respective school.

More information including directions to the campus of Neumann University will be posted on the Chester Upland School District website (www.chesteruplandsd.org). Graduates, please pay close attention to the details and share with your parents, guardians and family members to avoid any last minute confusion or discrepancies.

Thank you, and we look forward to working with you to plan a memorable series of events in honor of your high school graduation.

Congratulations Chester High School and STEM Academy Class of 2023!