Clipper Connection

Greetings, CUSD Families!

As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, I wanted to share with you the latest updates and upcoming events in our district. This edition of Clipper Connection is PACKED with highlights from recent district-wide events, school-specific activities, and a sneak peek into what's coming next.

With less than one month left and dozens of activities taking place, it’s going to be a busy end of the year for all of us. So mark your calendars and let’s enjoy the last few weeks together.

Remember, attendance is still crucial in these final weeks as we work to finish strong. The finish line is right there! We are in it together.

Key Dates to Remember:

• 1 day until Senior Prom (May 16)
• 12 days until Memorial Day (May 27)
• 29 days until High School Graduation (June 13)
• 30 days until the last day of school for all students (June 14)
• 33 days until the last day of school for teachers (June 17)

The 2024 Senior Prom is tomorrow and I can already envision the amazing dresses and suits that will be on display.

I know that Chester’s Senior Prom is a city affair and that means the entire community is also anxiously awaiting this big day.

Wishing all families who have seniors attending the prom the best of luck during your send-offs. I look forward to seeing everyone dressed to the nines.

DATE: Tomorrow, May 16

TIME: 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Chase Center, 815 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE

I’m thrilled to share that our graduating students and student-athletes will be publicly declaring their decisions for higher education at our upcoming ‘Decision Day’ event on May 30th.

This event is a celebration of their academic achievements and future aspirations. I hope you can join us in applauding their hard work and dedication as they look to start the next chapter of their educational journey!

For more information contact: efranklin@chesteruplandsd.org.

Recently, a group of our CHS and STEM scholars had the opportunity to participate in The Foundation for Delaware County and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Academy hosted at Neumann University.

The students engaged in a range of activities, from networking with peers from across Delaware County to collaborating on group presentations centered on key leadership qualities.

Kudos to our future leaders.

As the spring sports season comes to an end, we wanted to highlight our graduating student-athletes and celebrate our senior baseball players before one of their recent games.

We are extremely proud of their hard work and dedication on and off the field.

Our #Clippers finished the season with a 7-11 record. Please join me in recognizing their efforts.

In the Flag Football Team’s inaugural season, the program has already amassed trailblazing accolades.

One of our #LadyClippers, Shyne Hall has been selected to become a member of the 2024 "Big 33" All-Star Girl's Flag Football Team. This is an amazing accomplishment for a member of our very first flag football team!

Kudos to Shyne, her teammates, and the coaching staff for all that they’ve accomplished this season.

CUSD’s International Day celebration is a little over a week away.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the rich diversity of our school district. Guests will have the chance to learn more about each other's cultures and enjoy a variety of activities, and delicious food.

Remember, if you plan to attend, we encourage you to bring something from your culture to share with others.

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Crisleiddi DeJesus at cdejesus@chesteruplandsd.org.

WHEN: Thursday, May 23

WHERE: 1350 Edgmont Avenue

TIME: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Please join me in congratulating Miss Chassidy King for receiving the Citadel Heart of Learning Award!

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award is a teaching excellence award that is presented to

educators across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties who show dedication in and out of the classroom.

Understanding how teachers for this award are selected, it is no surprise that Miss King was chosen to be a recipient. Her dedication to our scholars is evident, and she currently wears multiple hats to serve our district. Her role to support our scholars includes serving as the Marketing Teacher, Financial Literacy Teacher, DECA Advisor, and Senior Class Advisor. This is a well-deserved recognition!

Our student performers did a phenomenal job rocking the stage during our 2nd Annual Chester’s Got Talent showcase. We were even treated to surprise performances from a few of our recent graduates.

None of this would have been possible without the help of CHS & STEM’s music teachers, Mr. Holden, Mr. Woodlin, and Ms. Bowser. Their commitment and dedication to guiding our students every step of the way is one of the main reasons the show was a success.

I am happy to share that thanks to the community, we were able to raise over $1,000 to support the Shining Star Scholarship Fund. Additionally, $2,000 will also be added to this year’s scholarship fund, thanks to Ms. Bowser who was selected as one of the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles, Nouryon Open All-Pro Teachers, and was gifted $2,000 to support CUSD. She chose to designate the money to support the scholarship fund which will be awarded to a graduating senior who will pursue a major in the Arts.

If you missed the show, you can now watch the recording by clicking the video below. You can also view more pictures from the showcase on our Facebook page.

Here’s another story highlighting Arts initiatives in our district.

Thanks to our partnership with the Mann Music Center, CUSD students were able to attend the Mann Music Center’s Young People’s Concert Series. This year, several of our staffers took dozens of elementary school students to see the Sunset Circus!

our Arts programs district-wide.

Our Main Street students showcased their talent in the original play 'Hat', directed by Ms. Khrystine Hudnell, who volunteers at Main Street and serves as the theater teacher in the 21st Century after-school program.

The play, centered on themes of self-expression and acceptance, was brought to life by our dedicated students from grades Pre-K - 5th grade. Our student actors did really well.

Thank you to all the families who joined us at our Title I Annual Student and Family Summit earlier this month! It was an empowering day focused on education, with guests enjoying numerous activities and workshops. These included a musical instrument petting zoo, a seminar on the entertainment industry behind the scenes, a “Girl's Talk” discussion, resume writing support, painting sessions, mental health workshops, and more.

Nine local organizations and businesses also participated in the event and offered free financial and educational resources to our guests.

I would like to thank everyone involved in making this event a success, including the vendors, attendees, and our partners Keystone First, The Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Making A Change Group, M&T Bank, and Widener University.

You can see more pictures from the event here.

Get ready, seniors! Senior Week is approaching fast. There is a packed agenda with several exciting activities for the 2024 graduating class.

Students and families, please keep an eye out for updates to the schedule, as activities are subject to change.

Also, remember that diplomas will be available for pick-up at your home school the week after graduation.

SENIOR WEEK:

May 31 - June 13

PLEASE NOTE:

• Field Day for STEM students will take place on June 10 at STEM.
• Field Day for CHS/Digital/Camelot students will take place on June 10 at CHS.

ALL students will receive their cap/gown and yearbook at this event.

• EDGMONT SCHOLARS ACADEMY (Parent Meeting) - May 15
• DISTRICT-WIDE (Math 24 Challenge at STEM) - May 16
  
• STEM & CHS (Senior Prom) - May 16
  
• STETSER (Dancing Classroom Final Performance) - May 16
  
• STETSER (Sonday Funday) - May 17
  
• DISTRICT-WIDE (International Day Celebration) - May 23
  
• RECEIVER’S MONTHLY MEETING - May 23
  
• MAIN STREET (5th Grade Dance) - May 24
  
• DISTRICT-WIDE (Schools/Offices Closed, Memorial Day) - May 27
  
• STEM & CHS (Decision Day) - May 30
  
• CUSA (Fun Day) - May 31
  
• EDGMONT SCHOLARS ACADEMY (8th Grade Formal) - May 31