![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/bakingcandyman.e343f4bc.jpg)
The STEM Weekly Stream
STEM Academy Family Newsletter
STEM WEEKLY STREAM
Week of December 19
Welcome to this week's edition of the STEM Weekly Stream. We are just a few days away from the 2022-23 Winter Break. Please check below for the Holiday Schedule, as well as January Exam Dates, which begin as soon as students return in the New Year. Although this is a festive week, students and families should pay close attention to First Semester Grades, as there are just a few school days remaining before the semester concludes.
STEM CALENDAR
WINTER BREAK
Wishing You a Fantastic Break
Please celebrate the Holiday Season with family and friends, enjoy safe and happy festivities, and have a Happy New Year. I am excited for what 2023 has in store here at STEM!
January Academic Dates to Know
While we are all looking forward to a relaxing time off, it is important to know that students will be very busy upon their return in the New Year.
Although we are still almost a month away from these important dates, there are just a few school days until they are here. Please help us remind students to remain on top of their academic responsibilities as the excitement of the Holidays approach.
January 3: Students Return from Winter Break
January 4: Literature Keystone Exam
January 5: Literature Keystone Exam
January 9: Algebra Keystone Exam & MAP Reading Benchmark #2
January 10: Algebra Keystone Exam & MAP Math Benchmark #2
January 11: Biology Keystone Exam
January 12: Biology Keystone Exam
January 9-13: Semester One Final Exams and Projects
January 13: First Semester Concludes
ACADEMICS
11 Days Left in Semester One!
If your student is struggling in one or more classes, the next few days are very important for their success. They must be prepared to be busy doing make up work over the Break, as it may be too late after they return. Please be sure to check Home Access Center this week and help make sure your student is successful!
Academic Probation
Students on Academic Probation will be provided with extra supports designed to help them improve their grades, such as tutoring, mentoring and remediation. Academic Goals will be established which must be achieved by the conclusion of the School Year. Students on Academic Probation who do not meet those goals may not be permitted to return to STEM for the 2023-24 School Year.
9th Grade Students
We continue reminding 9th Graders that the grades they are earning now will be reflected on their Transcript when they apply to college in a few short years.
Home Access Center
If you do not have your HAC set up yet, email Ms. Misha Memon (mmemon@chesteruplandsd.org). She will reply with your username, password and a link to the log in page.
We encourage All Students and Families to check HAC every day!
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR PARENT WORKSHOPS AND HAC TRAININGS COMING TO STEM IN JANUARY!
HAC and FAFSA Training for Families
In order to assist more parents in utilizing HAC, we have volunteers ready to train those who need help logging in and navigating the system. Check the schedule below for walk-in times.
Additionally, the time is now for Parents of Seniors to complete the FAFSA, the federal application for student financial aid. We are fortunate that we have parents who are experienced in this process willing to help. If you'd like to set up an appointment for FAFSA training, see the schedule below.
HAC Training (Walk-In): January Wednesdays (1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25) 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Maker Space. More dates may be added if needed!
FAFSA Training (Appointment Needed): January Thursdays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
WINTER WEEK
December 19-22
CUSD WINTER CONCERT
Thank You for Coming Out!
A Special Thanks to STEM Music Teacher Ms. Lichtenwalner! The Music Program here at STEM is thriving under her leadership. Stay tuned for more performances to come in the New Year!
CELL PHONES
Reducing Distractions
- Reduced interpersonal conflicts among students: Our staff is spending less time this year mediating conflicts that arise between students during the school day
- Increased engagement in class: Teachers are reporting that, without the distraction of their phones, students are more engaged in class than last year
Although we are seeing progress, enforcing this rule has not been easy, and like any new program, we are experiencing challenges. We know reducing cell phone use is a positive for students' academic success, and we're continuing to search for ways to achieve this goal most efficiently.
Yondr Pouches
After School Program
After School Program Accepting Registrations!
Academic support and tutoring is available daily, and is extremely beneficial to students who need extra help, as well as those who just need a good setting for doing homework and studying.
Additionally, there are a number of popular extra-curricular opportunities, including Robotics, Drama and Gymnastics with Mr. Harris, which is getting great reviews from students. The link to sign up for After School is below.
After School Programs
- Reading Olympics
- Gymnastics
- Drama
- Robotics Team
- Physical Fitness
- Choral Group
- Hi-Q Team
- School Newspaper
- Art Workshop
Additionally, daily tutoring is available in Math, ELA and Science, as well as College & Career Planning.
Click Below to Sign-Up!
PTSA
Parent Teacher Student Association - Get Involved!
If you're interested in helping out, please be in contact with Ms. Anita Littleton (alittleton341@msn.com) and/or Ms. Karla Beaver (beaverkarla66@gmail.com).
ATHLETICS
Winter Sports are Here!
Games This Week
Monday 12/19: Home Game vs. McKean - JV 4:30; Varsity 6:00
Thursday 12/22: Away Game at Reading - JV 6:00; Varsity 7:30
Contact STEM
Email: bbell@chesteruplandsd.org
Website: https://www.chesteruplandsd.org/sas
Location: 1100 West 10th Street, Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 610-447-3650