Clipper Connection
~~ E-Newsletter (January 22, 2025) ~~
Message from Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings, CUSD Families!
It’s been a snowy and chilly start to the week, and I hope you’re staying warm and safe while traveling in these winter conditions! With weather like this, it’s a good time to cozy up and reflect, especially as we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this week.
Did you know that Dr. King studied right here in Chester at Crozer Theological Seminary? His ties to our community remind us of the powerful change that can come from courage, compassion, and commitment to justice.
On another note, the 2nd marking period wraps up in two days-- Friday, January 24.
Please take a moment to check in with your scholar and their teacher to make sure all assignments are submitted. These last couple of days are key to finishing the marking period on a strong note.
This edition of Clipper Connection is packed with updates and stories I think you’ll enjoy.
I hope you find the information and highlights helpful.
Happening Today! Community Discussion On Lead Removal
We hope our families will join us for a very important discussion on lead removal today.
What to Expect:
- Insights from public health experts on the effects of lead exposure.
- How lead impacts children in our community.
- Details about an upcoming lead testing campaign.
DATE: TODAY, January 22
LOCATION: Chester High School
TIME: 4:15 – 5:30 PM (Reception)
5:30 PM (Meeting)
Upcoming Half-Days/School Closures
There are a few dates in February involving half-days and school closures. Please take a look below and mark your calendars:
- Thursday, February 6: Half-day for Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Friday, February 7: No School for Scholars - Staff In-Service Day
- Monday, February 17: CUSD Schools and Offices Closed - Presidents’ Day
Safe2Say Something
I want to remind families that our school district participates in the Safe2Say Something program. Students can submit anonymous tips at any time to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community.
*** This includes incidences of bullying, which the district does not tolerate. ***
We encourage our families to talk with their children about the importance of speaking up when they experience, see, or hear something concerning, whether it involves safety, bullying, or other harmful behaviors. Open communication is key to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.
About Safe2Say Something:
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. Crisis center reviews, assesses, and processes all submissions and sends them to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention.
How to Submit an Anonymous Tip:
Join Us for the District-Wide Spelling Bee!
Mark your calendars for the CUSD District-Wide Spelling Bee on February 4! I am excited to invite families and the entire CUSD community to cheer on scholars in grades 1-8 as they compete to be named champion.
Right now, school-level spelling bees are taking place, and the winners will advance to the district-wide competition. This is definitely a fun and friendly event that showcases the hard work and talent of our students.
I hope you can come out and support our amazing scholars as they take the stage and spell their way to victory!
WHEN: Tuesday, February 4
WHERE: Chester High School (auditorium)
TIME: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Interested in volunteering?
Contact (610) 871-7132 or euthmanolukokun@chesteruplandsd.org
Community Scholarship Symposium
Our college and career department is hosting a community Scholarship Symposium. This event will provide local community groups and organizations an opportunity to share information about the scholarships they are offering this year, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29
WHERE: STEM Academy
TIME: 5:00 PM
If you have any questions, please contact CUSD’s College and Career Counselor, Mr. Franklin at efranklin@chesteruplandsd.org.
In Case You Missed It (#ICYMI)
STEM Receives $20,000 Donation
I'm so excited to share that Reworld has donated $20,000 to support our STEM Academy!
Back in November, Reworld hosted an electronic waste event, pledging $15,000—and an extra $5,000 if we collected 15,000 pounds of e-waste. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our community, we hit the goal, and Reworld presented the check last week.
This funding will go toward activities and programs for our scholars at STEM. A huge thank you to Reworld for their support of CUSD and their commitment to sustainability!
Upcoming Senior Days
Several of our winter sports programs, including girls’ basketball and girls’ and boys’ indoor track, will soon host Senior Nights.
Be sure to check out the graphic below and our upcoming dates at the end of this e-newsletter for all the details.
MLK Jr. Day Presentations at STEM
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our STEM scholars hosted presentations celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Their thoughtful work highlighted the importance of his contributions to justice, equality, and civil rights.
High School Students Recognized for Volunteer Efforts
Over the holidays, some of our amazing high school students stepped up to spread joy by volunteering at a holiday luncheon at the Chester Senior Center.
Their kindness and hard work didn’t go unnoticed—they were recently honored with certificates of appreciation!
A big shoutout to Mr. Franklin, our college and career counselor, for guiding these students and showing them how giving back can shape them into well-rounded, future-ready individuals.
Basketball Players Earn MVP Classic Awards
Earlier this month, the CUSD Athletics Department hosted the Annual New Year Classic Games.
Congratulations to Kristian Chambers and Ja'Mya Muhammad, who were named MVPs for their outstanding performances on the court.
We are so proud of all the students who participated and made this event a success! And a big thank you to our Athletics Department for putting together a great event with the help of statisticians, Terry Thomas and Tiffani Richardson.
STEM TV News, Episode 3 Now Available
I hope you’ve been keeping up with STEM’s student newscast, STEM TV News. Our scholars recently finished the third edition of the show.
*** Upcoming Dates ***
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON LEAD REMOVAL - January 22
-
RECEIVER’S MEETING - January 23
- ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (School-level Spelling Bees) - January 24
- STETSER (Eagles Spirit Day) - January 24
- DISTRICT-WIDE (End of 2nd Marking Period) - January 24
- CUSA (Battle of the Floors) - January 27
- MAIN STREET (Snowball Tiger Dollar Dance) - January 28
- STEM (Community Scholarship Symposium) - January 29
- CUSA (Phoenix of the Month Celebration) - January 30
- STETSER (Gator of the Month Assembly) - January 31
- CUSA (PBIS Assembly) - January 31
- GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK (Senior Night) - February 4
- DISTRICT-WIDE (Spelling Bee) - February 4
- GIRLS’ BASKETBALL (Senior Night) - February 4
- STETSER (Super Bowl Sunday Party) - February 5
- DISTRICT-WIDE (Parent/Teacher Conferences, Half-Day for Students) - February 6
- BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK (Senior Night) - February 6
- DISTRICT-WIDE (Teacher In-Service Day, No School for Students) - February 7
- DISTRICT-WIDE (Presidents’ Day, Schools & Offices Closed) - February 17