Hello STEM Families. Check below for pictures from our Student Showcase which was held this past Thursday. Also below is an update on the upcoming Admissions Season. Please also read for information about Vaping, which has become an increasing issue.

Our annual Student Showcase in celebration of African American History Month was a great success! We had a number of excellent Performances, and recognized our Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance Students as well.

The Admissions Period for the 2024-25 School Year will open on March 4. On that date, Prospective Students will be able to complete the first phase of the admissions process by submitting the New Student Application. The Application will be found on the STEM Academy Website.

Prospective Student visits are currently taking place. We visited Chester Community Charter last Thursday, and will be at Edgmont Scholars on Wednesday. A visit to Toby Farms will take place soon. If you have rising 9th Grade Students, please ensure the Application is completed next week!

Vaping carries short and long term health risks for adolescents and we are committed to reducing our Students exposure to these dangers. Over the past few weeks, we have had an increasing number of Students in possession of, and using vapes. Possessing a vape is a violation of the School Code of Conduct, and we will continue to issue consequences for Students who break the rules. Even greater consequences are in place for those who are found to be distributing these devices to other Students. Heightened security measures are in place at this time in order for us to reduce Student use of vapes.

We are also asking for assistance from Parents. Often when we catch a Student with a vape, Parents are surprised to learn their Student has been engaged in this activity. The reality is that young people across this area can easily obtain these items, and are using them far more frequently than Parents often realize. Speaking with your Child about this can prevent them from finding themselves in trouble, and more importantly reduce the likelihood they engage in this unhealthy activity.

It is critical that our Office have the most up to date contact information for you and your Student, and we are only aware of changes if we are notified. If any of the below information has changed since your Student enrolled at STEM, please reach out to Ms. Jones (yjones@chesteruplandsd.org) and Ms. Dixon (ldixon@chesteruplandsd.org) as soon as possible.

Phone Number

Address

Email Address

Emergency Contacts

As a reminder, all students must be in uniform daily. Our Climate and Safety Team will be addressing Students who are out of compliance. Dress Code will be enforced at the Front Door upon student arrival and throughout the day. Every effort is made to check all Students upon arrival, however each individual Student is aware of the Dress Code and is responsible and accountable for their own attire.

Chester Upland High School Dress Code (CHS & STEM Academy)

Students may wear Chester Upland, Chester Clippers, or STEM Academy logo shirts. These shirts are available through the CUSD vendor. Additionally, Students may wear plain black, or orange polo shirts.

Pants must be black, navy blue, gray or tan.

Shoes must have a closed toe

The following clothing is not permitted (as outlined in the Student Handbook, and communicated with Students and Families at the beginning of the School Year):

Tights/Leggings

Sweatpants

Bubble Slippers and/or Open Toed Shoes

Plain White T-Shirts

Shorts

Students wearing these items will continue to be addressed. Students who wear these items after having been warned may be denied entry until they obtain proper attire. Please assist us in ensuring Students follow the Dress Code.

Please see this letter as a reminder regarding our Early Dismissal Guidelines:

The 21st Century After-School Program starts Today!

Daily tutoring in Academic Subjects is available to all Students through this program. Students at all levels can benefit from spending extra time working with Teachers individually or in small groups. Whether your Student is a 9th Grader adjusting to Algebra, a Senior preparing for SAT's, or anywhere in between, staying for the After-School Program can help them improve.

The After School Program runs from Dismissal until 5:30 every Monday-Thursday. Students do not have to stay each day in order to attend.

Additionally, enrichment activities and clubs will meet daily or weekly, including:

-School Newspaper

-Yearbook

-Chess

-Art

-Strength and Conditioning

Use the link below to register your Student.

Our Arrival procedures have been streamlined to allow Students to safely pass through the screening process quicker. Students who arrive on campus by 7:25 are having no problem getting to First Period on time. Overall, our On-Time Attendance has been very good through the first month of school.

As we have communicated, Students who consistently arrive late are missing a significant and important amount of class time. Those arriving daily after 7:45 AM will not receive passing grades in their First Period classes.

Congratulations to the Lady Clippers 4X200 Relay Team who won gold at the Indoor Track State Championships over the weekend!

Ja'Nasia Deary-Da'Mira Allen-Niya Jeffers-A'Lasia Mosley

In addition, the following Clippers also placed at the Meet:

Quamere Cosby - 400m 7th Place & 200m 9th Place

A'Lasia Mosley - 60m 7th Place & 200m 9th Place

Ja'Nasia Deary - 400m 5th Place & 200m 6th Place

Da'Mira Allen - 60m Hurdles 4th Place

Niya Jeffers - High Jump 13th Place

After a come-from-behind win over Coatesville on Friday, the Clippers will travel to Lower Merion Tuesday night to compete for a spot in the District 1 Finals. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the link below:

Email: bbell@chesteruplandsd.org
Website: https://www.chesteruplandsd.org/sas
Location: 1100 West 10th Street, Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 610-447-3650