Leading the Path to Excellence
Lead the Path to Excellence!!
Welcome From Dr. Kwame Williams, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Programs
We are expecting all scholars to be in school everyday, in uniform and ready to give 100% effort. Although, we are virtual, there is lots to be taught and lots to be learned. From ELA to Math, to IReady, Writing, Social Studies and Science, this school year will be as engaging as any other.
Please read our newsletter to learn all about our Principals and Administrators as well as K-5 learning expectations. As always, we are here to support you. Please feel free to contact your child's Principal or Teacher for any questions that you may have. Have a great school year!
Ms. Fatima Smith
Principal: West B
As a native of Brooklyn, New York by way of the DC, MD, VA Metro Region, Principal Fatima Smith is proud to call Philadelphia her new home. Her past experience includes serving as a Principal and as an Assistant Principal in Philadelphia. Prior to this, Ms. Smith taught secondary English Language Arts, Technical Writing & Art History in Washington, DC and in Brooklyn, NY.
She is a New York City Teaching Fellows alum,
as well as a former District of Columbia Public Schools Capital Commitment Fellow; a prestigious program for the "50 Best Teacher Recruits of the Year." In those roles, Ms. Smith served her school communities in various capacities including; as a School Leadership Team member, a Middle Grades Team Lead, a Cheerleading Coach, the Girls Mentoring Chairperson, a Teacher Selection Ambassador and as a New York City Regents & Common Core State Exam scorer to name a few.
Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism and Communication from Old Dominion University, a Master's of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. John's University and a Pre-K-12 Principal Certification from Philadelphia Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools. Her passion for school leadership stems from the belief that every single child - irrespective of zip code or socioeconomic status - deserves a premiere educational experience. Ms. Smith is committed to building the capacity of both teachers and students as we move into a challenging 21st century. Ms. Smith looks forward to continuing her work with all Chester Community Charter School stakeholders as she strives to take the West-B Freedom Hall Campus to new heights.
Ms. Nancy Bratton
Ms. Bratton holds two Masters Degrees from North Carolina A&T University: one in Administration and Supervision and one in Education. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Winston-Salem State University. She has been certified in Pennsylvania as a K-12 Principal and in North Carolina for various positions.Ms. Bratton has more than forty years of experience as a teacher and administrator.
Ms.J. Dominique Taylor
Principal: West A
I am so pleased to be the principal of West A- Adventure Hall! I started my career as a teacher in the Miami-Dade County Public School District. I spent 10 years as a classroom teacher. I served as an assistant principal for two years in Miami and one year in Baltimore, Maryland. I also had the pleasure to serve as a principal in Wilmington, Delaware, and Trenton, New Jersey.Educationally, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Barry University and earned a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
Ms. Timika Mills
My name is Timika Mills and I am the proud principal of East D – Kindness Hall. As an educator for over twenty five years, I firmly believe Gandhi’s quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This fall will be my 12th year as an administrator. Presently, I am pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership.
Ms. Donyatta Tinson-Smith
Principal: West C
Donyatta Tinson-Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls then she received a full academic scholarship to Morgan State University. After graduating from Morgan, she received the Future Faculty Fellowship from Temple University to pursue her Doctorate in School Psychology. Being very active in the beginning stages of the charter school movement in Philadelphia, influenced Donyatta’s belief that a successful Charter School leader needed to have expertise in both education and organization or business. As a result, Donyatta graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Dynamics and from Cabrini University with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration within the same week.
Dr. Benita Jessup
Directory of Literacy
Dr. Benita Jessup is a native of Philadelphia, PA and has been in the field of education since 2001. Dr. Jessup earned her Bachelors degree at Temple University and continued her educational career at Chestnut Hill College, Walden University, and University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jessup’s mission includes improving the development of student reading and writing skills through culturally relevant teaching practices to impact the trajectory of student lifelong learning. Personally, Dr. Jessup loves book clubs, running, jazz and gospel music, and traveling. She has been a proud member of CCCS since 2013.
Mr. Daniel Babiak
Mr. Babiak has been with Chester Community Charter School since the 2009-2010 school year. He has served in multiple roles for the charter including being a classroom teacher, Building Director, and now Principal of our Upland Campus. During his time with Chester Community Charter School he has also had the privilege to serve as a teacher mentor, lead curriculum development teams, and oversee after school programs, while serving on several committees and teams.
Mr. Babiak received his Master's of Educational Leadership and Curriculum Supervisor certifications from Saint Joseph’s University. He received his Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from West Chester University.
Ms. Sharon Watkins
Director of Climate and Culture
My name is Sharon Watkins and I am coming up on year 21 here at C.C.C.S! My career, here, began in the 2000-2001 school year. I have been a Teacher, Grade Supervisor, Building Director, Vice Principal, and a Principal for 12 years. I have retired from the position and I am now the Director of Climate and Culture. In this position, it is my responsibility to help our school to:
- Foster a positive school atmosphere of respect
- To help create a school environment where our scholars and staff feel socially and emotionally safe
- To ensure that everyone feels valued, and cared for
- To help improve the academics, teaching and learning, with the use of the latest best practices for instruction
- To build a community of positive relationships, connectedness, and community partnerships with our parents
It’s an exciting position, that I will do my best to perform, so that our scholars and staff look forward to coming to school every day, with a commitment for success!
