Clipper Connection
~~ E-Newsletter (October 1, 2025) ~~
Message from Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings, CUSD Families!
It is hard to believe it is already October. The first month of school has gone by quickly. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we stand with survivors, families, and advocates.
A few things to keep in mind this month. Please mark your calendars for these schedule changes:
- Wednesday, October 8: Staff In-Service Day (no school for students)
- Monday, October 13: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (schools and offices closed)
- Wednesday, October 22: Professional Development Day (half day for students)
Additionally, in this edition of Clipper Connection, we are sharing exciting news, including a new grant for the district, a new after-school program, and the special unveiling of one of our libraries. We hope you enjoy the information, and please take our family survey, which is highlighted below in the e-newsletter.
CUSD Receives $500,000 Grant to Help Families
I’m excited to share that CUSD has received $500,000 from the Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust. Through my ongoing collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, we helped secure this funding, and CUSD will serve as the lead district to coordinate the work with several nearby school districts.
These funds will help our scholars and families affected by the opioid crisis and make our schools healthier and safer. We will:
- Create a simple Opioid Help Toolkit
- Add more counseling
- Train our staff to support students
The toolkit will include easy ways to spot a concern, clear steps to get help, and simple resources families can use at home.
Please stay tuned for updates as we build these services and share how you can access them.
Global Schools Initiative at CUSD - New After-School Program Option
CUSD is proud to be part of the Global Schools Initiative, supported by Governor Josh Shapiro in collaboration with Mayor Stefan Roots, the City of Chester, and local education leaders. We are the first school district in Pennsylvania to participate.
This fall, we plan to offer the Global Air Quality Collaborative, a nine-week after-school course for middle school students in our 21st Century After School Program, beginning in November or December.
Students will use simple digital tools to check local air quality, compare results with students around the world, learn about causes, and design practical solutions while building teamwork and presentation skills.
The course will end with a student showcase for families. Space is limited.
To ask questions or register your child, email Ms. Shakanda White at swhite@chesteruplandsd.org.
Family Survey: Share Your Feedback by October 10
Student success is a team effort. Please take our short family survey to help us improve your child’s school experience. If you have children in more than one school, complete a separate survey for each school.
Deadline: October 10. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
LINK:
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/chesteruplandsdpa/4753731758/surveys
Happening TONIGHT! Family Engagement Event at STEM
CUSD families, please join us for a special Family Engagement Night celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month tonight at 6:00 p.m.
Our STEM Multicultural Committee has planned an evening featuring student performances, special guest appearances, food, and resource tables. All are welcome to come celebrate and connect with our school community.
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: STEM Academy
Homecoming 2025 Set for October 18
Our Varsity Boys football Homecoming game is set for Saturday, October 18, against Penn Wood.
This event is highly anticipated across the district and broader community. I can already anticipate seeing the sea of orange and black come together to celebrate and show #CPride.
More details, including tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and other ways to support the team, will be released in the coming weeks.
Please check the Athletics Facebook page and their website for updates.
Reminder: Safe2Say Something — Anonymous Tips 24/7
I want to remind families that our district participates in the Safe2Say Something program. Students, staff, families, and community members can submit anonymous tips at any time to help keep our schools safe.
Please talk with your child about speaking up if they see, hear, or experience something concerning, including safety issues, bullying, or threats of self-harm. We also encourage our families to contact school administrators or the anonymous tip line.
How to submit an anonymous tip
- Call 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729)
- Use the Safe2Say Something mobile app
- Visit safe2saypa.org
If this is an emergency, please call 911. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe.
Lady Clippers Volleyball Program Earns Milestone Win
Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team on earning its first victory in more than three years. Thank you to Coach Knox and her staff for their leadership, and to our student-athletes for their hard work and persistence.
Remember to follow the team’s schedule on the Athletics page and come out to cheer and support our Lady Clippers at upcoming matches.
Chester High School Library Gets a Makeover
Recently, CUSD Board Directors, City of Chester leaders, state-elected officials, stakeholders, and community members joined us to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Chester High School library.
Thanks to an $80,000 Library Makeover Grant from Power Home Remodeling and DonorsChoose, the refreshed space now offers students a vibrant hub for reading, collaboration, and creativity.
What’s next (Phase Two):
Design and purchasing are beginning now and will be followed by installation of new seating, shelving, technology, books, and makerspace tools in October, with a student and staff celebration to cap it off.
The library will also serve as a community space for our CUSD community to utilize.
Thank you to Power Home Remodeling and DonorsChoose for their partnership and support.
