Edgmont Elementary Family Update

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual awareness event that takes place to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of the Hispanic community. Originally introduced in 1968 by Congressman George E. Brown, it has become a month-long celebration that is now internationally celebrated. Encompassing important events such as the independence anniversary for Latin American countries, Día de la Raza and Columbus Day, Hispanic Heritage Month ensures that society recognises the incredible contributions of the Hispanic community throughout history, both to society and the economy.

Source: National Today

What is the Hispanic Heritage Month theme?

The 2024 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, encapsulating the “spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience.”

Source: NCHEPM

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important?

Hispanic Heritage Month is an important event to honour, to both celebrate the achievements that Hispanic people have made throughout history and to catalyse action against the discrimination they continue to face. With only 3.4% of Latinos occupying positions in corporate executive suites and only 8% of private tech sector jobs, Hispanic Heritage Month educates society on the benefit of a diverse and inclusive world. Despite the lack of representation and discrimination that the Hispanic community continue to face, Hispanic Heritage Month is an impactful way of abolishing such discrimination.

Source: HR Morning

Thank you for coming to meet teachers and staff at Edgmont Scholars Academy at our Back To School Night.

Parents, we're encouraging every child to read at least 15 minutes a night to a family member. Reading instills confidence in your child as well as develops comprehension skills. We have books at Stetser that students are welcome to take home with them. Thank you in advance for your partnership in this endeavor.

Below are direction from www.chesteruplandsd.org:

• Volunteer Clearances

  
  

  Legislation in Pennsylvania requires community members and parents to obtain clearances in order to volunteer in our schools. If you have previously submitted your clearances to the Human Resources office, they are good for five (5) years from the date of the clearance.

  Governor Wolf has waived the fees associated with the Pennsylvania State Police—Criminal Background Check and the Child Abuse History Clearance. Since the FBI clearance is a federal program, those costs still remain; however, the district has decided to permit individuals who have resided in Pennsylvania continuously for ten years or more to sign a certification form that saves the volunteer the expense of the fee, ensures compliance with the law, and allows the district to maximize student safety.

  Understanding that many community members will want to begin the process of securing clearances so that they are prepared for the start of the school year, we have provided several links and directions to assist you. Once you have obtained the requisite clearances, please bring them to the Human Resources office for the Chester Upland School District, located 1350 Edgmont Avenue, Chester PA 19013. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification. Our Human Resources Department will then add your name to the district list so that our educators can readily ensure that volunteers have the proper clearances.

  
  

  
  

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  Directions for Obtaining Clearances for Volunteers Who Have Resided in Pennsylvania Continuously for 10+ Years

  
  

  1. Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
  2. Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
  3. Drop off paperwork at the Chester Upland School District Human Resource Office. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.
  4. Print and Complete this Volunteer Information and Certification Form.

  
  

  
  

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  Directions for Obtaining Clearances for Volunteers Who Have Resided in Pennsylvania for Less Than 10 Years

  
  

  1. Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
  2. Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
  3. Complete Act 114—FBI Fingerprinting—To schedule your appointment, visit https://uenroll.identogo.com and enter Service Code 1KG6XN. You may also call 844-321-2101 to schedule an appointment
  4. Complete ACT 114—FBI Fingerprinting
     Be certain to register under the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  5. Drop off paperwork at the Chester Upland School District Human Resources Office. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.

  
  

  
  

Parent and guardian contact information must be kept current. In the event your phone number, home address, email address, or emergency contacts change, you must let us know. You can email Ms. Howard, our building secretary, at bhoward@chesteruplandsd.org or call the main office at 484.658.3551.