Message from Interim Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings and welcome to the month of April CUSD families!
I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable spring recess. As we return to our routines, I want to remind everyone that the 3rd Marking Period ends in just two days, on Friday, April 5.This is a crucial time for students to wrap up their assignments and assessments, so let's finish strong together.
Additionally, I want to address a tragic event that occurred over spring recess. A 6-year-old child was tragically swept into Chester Creek, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident. Although this child did not attend school in our district, the incident has impacted our entire community.
In response, CUSD is offering grief support services at Chester Upland School of the Arts (CUSA) and Chester High School. Staff and families are encouraged to reach out to the counselors at each respective school if additional counseling services are needed.
National Assistant Principals Week
#DidYouKnow
April 1 - 5 is National Assistant Principals Week.
During this week, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude to all CUSD assistant principals for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our schools. Your leadership and support are invaluable, and we appreciate everything you do to ensure a positive learning environment for our students.
As we celebrate this special week, we will be individually highlighting our assistant principals at the end of the week on our social media platforms.
Stay tuned for all the details and join us in showing our appreciation by saying thank you if you see an assistant principal this week.
Half-Day for Staff & Students on Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8, CUSD will have a half-day. There will be a historic event taking place — the 2024 solar eclipse.
During the April 8 event, the eclipse's impact across Pennsylvania will range from Total (100%) to Partial Solar Eclipse (90%).
Because school dismissal times overlap around the time the eclipse will begin and occur (shortly after 2:00 p.m.), we have decided to dismiss students early for safety purposes due to inclement weather. This is in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) guidelines.
What is a total solar eclipse?
During a total solar eclipse, the moon is positioned at just the correct distance to create a perspective where it is the same angular size as the sun, and the moon appears to completely block the sun.
The last time Pennsylvania was in direct line with a total eclipse was 1806. While the path is somewhat westwardly oriented compared to the last total eclipse, much of Pennsylvania will lie within the paths of totality or partial totality.
PDE has plenty of information and resources about the 2024 eclipse, including the eclipse timeline in PA, safety tips, and how it will impact our state.
Pennsylvania Department of Education 2024 Solar Eclipse Resources
Parent-Teacher Conferences on April 15 (No School for Students)
Monday, April 15 is a Teacher In-Service/Professional Development Day. Students will NOT have school. Also, please note that Parent-Teacher Conferences will also take place on this day.
Parents and guardians will receive detailed information directly from their child's school regarding conference times and scheduling. We strongly encourage all parents to attend or schedule a conference time to discuss their child's progress. Your participation and involvement are key to supporting your child's success in school.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s school directly.
Prom Attire Giveaway
Attention CUSD students attending the prom this year! CUSD is excited to announce our collaboration with Keystone First and The Wardrobe to provide FREE prom attire.
If you're still searching for the perfect dress or suit, look no further, we've got you covered.
Upcoming giveaway dates:
- Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE:
Keystone First Wellness Center
1929 W 9th Street
Chester, PA 19013
We will be providing free dresses, suits, tuxedos, and accessories (as supplies last)!
Please click the link below to register for one of the available dates.
2024 Senior Prom
The date for the 2024 Senior Prom is Thursday, May 16. This year's theme is inspired by the Met Gala.
Tickets are priced at $100 and will be on sale from April 15th to May 3rd.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
- CHS, Excel, and Digital students can purchase their tickets from Miss King
- STEM students can purchase tickets from Miss Thomson
LOCATION: Chase Center in Wilmington, DE
TIME: 7:30 pm to 11 pm.
New at CUSD! Flag Football
CUSD is making history with the introduction of its first-ever Girls Flag Football Team. This is a significant milestone for our school district and athletic department.
Under the leadership of Athletic Director LaDontay Bell, the sports department is thriving and embracing new opportunities for our students.
Our Girls Flag Football team is being led by coaches Laquan Robinson and Sam Anthony Moss. Both gentlemen also serve on the coaching staff for our boys’ high school football program.
This initiative not only expands our sports programs but also promotes inclusivity and empowerment for female athletes. This is a testament to CUSD's commitment to providing diverse and enriching opportunities for all students.
We look forward to witnessing the growth and success of our newest program.
If you have time, please come out and show our newest #LadyClippers some #CPride.
Annual Oratorical Contest & Art Competition
The annual Fredrick Douglass and Andrew Turner Art Competition was a huge success.
Our scholars showcased incredible talent and confidence as they recited excerpts of Frederick Douglass' writing on stage. Their powerful delivery was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
We also saw stunning and creative art submissions from our students.
I would like to say congratulations to all participants and a special shoutout to the winners!
I would also like to extend gratitude to the judges for their time and expertise, and a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Jean Arnold for her support and hard work in ensuring that this event takes place yearly.
You can watch the video of the event below.
Middle School Basketball Banquet
The Middle School Basketball Banquet will take place on April 19.
This is a chance for us to celebrate our talented basketball players and cheerleaders for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 280 6th Street, Brookhaven PA
Tickets:
- $10 in advance
- $15 at the door
Payments can be made via Cash App to $JrClippersclub.
For more information, contact Coach Green at 484-574-3486 or email jgreen@chesteruplandsd.org.
SEL: Promoting Positive Actions on April
We are still promoting positive actions this month.
Take a look at our Social and Emotional Learning: Promoting Positive Actions for April.
Remember you can do these tasks alone, together as a family, at work or home. Positive actions can take place anywhere if you just commit to it.