The STEM Weekly Stream 25/26

Electronic Devices Expectations

Electronic Devices

• Use of electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones is not permitted in the classroom during the school day. Any such visible items being used without permission may be confiscated by a staff member and held until the end of the day, and discipline may be assigned. A parent may be required to pick up the item. If you choose to bring such items to school, you are responsible for safely securing these items. The district assumes no responsibility for investigating the loss or theft of any such items. Additional expectations may be communicated as needed.

• You may not use a camera or video camera during the school day without the consent of a building administrator, except for school related purposes with administrative approval.

• Headphones of any type (e.g., Beats, Air Pods, Air Pods Max, ear buds, etc) are strictly prohibited in the building at all times other than lunch.

Cell Phone Guidelines

In an effort to create an environment more conducive to academics and learning, CUSD will be recommitting itself to upholding best practices for the use of cell phones in the school setting. Teachers and administrators will clearly communicate these expectations and students must understand that the use of electronic devices in class, other than their Chromebook, has a significant impact on their ability to learn.

• Cell phones, earbuds, etc. must be turned off, out of sight. Ideally, phones should be in Airplane mode to not distract others.

• Cell phones, earbuds, etc. may not be taken to the bathrooms for any reason.

• Cell phones may be used during lunch.

• During lunch, music can only be played through headphones.

Expectations:

• All devices must be in silent mode.

• Students may not take cell phones to the bathrooms regardless of the class they are leaving.

• If the student is using electronic devices during class, outside of what has been stated above, a verbal warning will be issued first, and subsequent violations will follow the consequences outlined below.

• Students who have IEP SDIs, behavior plans that require music, monitor health issues using their phones will be permitted to continue this.

• Students who speak limited English may use their cell phones to translate printed text.

Consequences for Non-compliance (beginning on the first day of the school year)

1. 1st Use: If the student is found using electronic devices during class, outside of what has been stated above, a verbal warning will be issued by the teacher and must be documented.

2. 2nd Use: This will result in the teacher emailing their parents/guardians and copying their Climate manager, and a referral to Kickboard.

3. 3rd Use: This will result in a referral to the climate manager. Climate Manager will contact the parent within 24 hours and the phone will be confiscated by the Climate Manager or administrator until the end of the day. In the email, the Climate Manager or administrator will request a response from the parent/ guardian to acknowledge receipt of the email. If No Receipt of Email: This will result in a phone call to the parent or guardian with documentation for the teacher.

4. Subsequent Usage: If phone use continues, the teacher will refer the student to the grade level climate manager for disciplinary action under Level 2, as a Level 1 behavior that has not yet been corrected. The climate manager will notify parent and make a recommendation for further disciplinary action. The staff member must include in the referral the dates of steps 1 - 3 outlined above.

5. Insubordination or Disrespect:

1. Students who become seriously disrespectful (foul language, refusal to comply, disruption in class, etc.) with a staff member about the electronic device procedure will be issued an immediate referral.

2. If the teacher feels the student should be removed, they will call the Climate Manager. and send the student with a pass to the grade level climate manager. The teacher will write the referral immediately after class. The administrator or Climate Manager will code this as Continuation of a Level 2 infraction.

3. Staff members should not physically remove or take a device from a student or their desk Cell phones/headphones/airpods will not be permitted in classrooms. Students will be expected to leave their phones in their lockers or bookbags during the school day. Cell phone use will be permitted only during the lunch periods.

4. Failure to comply with Cell Phone Expectations will result in escalating consequences, including having phones confiscated for the day. Parents/guardians will be made aware of cell phone violations and may be instructed not to allow students to bring their phones to school.

   
   

   Understanding that communication may be necessary with students during the day, parents/guardians may contact their students by calling the Main Office at 610-447-3650.

2025-2026 Academic Year

Terms

Users will always comply with the CUSD Technology Handbook policies. Any failure to comply may result in termination of user rights and immediate repossession of the device. Any lost, stolen, and/or damaged devices must be reported to school authorities immediately.

Title

The district always has legal title to the property. The user’s right of possession and use is limited to and contingent upon full and complete compliance with this agreement, the CUSD Student Technology Handbook policies, and all CUSD policies and procedures.

Loss, Theft, or Full Damage

If a device is damaged, lost, or stolen, the student or parent/guardian should immediately notify the school administration. At that time, the parent/guardian will be instructed to complete a Lost/Damaged/Stolen Device Report and may be advised to file a police report. If a device is lost, stolen, or damaged as a result of irresponsible behavior, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the full replacement cost.

In the event that the device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the device user will be assessed a $50.00 fee for the repair or replacement of the device for the first occurrence per device.

In the event that there is a second occurrence of loss, damage, or theft, the device user will be assessed a $75.00 fee for the repair or replacement of the device.

In the event that there is a third occurrence of loss, damage, or theft, the student will not be issued another device to take home.

In the event that the power adapter and/or cable are lost, stolen, or damaged, the device user will be responsible for a $20.00 replacement fee.

In the event of a lost or stolen device, the parent/guardian will file a police report and provide a copy to the school administration. After the police report has been filed, the CUSD technology department, in conjunction with the police department, may deploy location software that may aid authorities in recovering the device. It is imperative that a lost or stolen device must be reported immediately.

Students who leave Chester Upland School District during the school year must return the chrome book, along with any other issued accessories, at the time they leave the school. Any fees collected as part of this initiative will not be refunded.

Students who do not return the device to the school prior to leaving the district must pay the full replacement fee prior to the school releasing any official records (report cards, transcripts, etc.)

Seniors who do not return the device to the school prior to graduation must pay the full replacement fee prior to the school releasing final school documents (transcripts, diplomas, etc.) or allowing the student to participate in commencement services.

Repossession

If the user does not fully comply with all terms of this agreement, the CUSD Student Technology Handbook, and the CUSD Acceptable Use Policies, CUSD shall be entitled to declare the user in default and come to the user’s place of residence, or other location of the property, to take possession of the property.

Terms of Agreement

The user’s right to use and possession of the property terminates not later than the last day of the school year unless earlier terminated by CUSD or upon withdrawal/transfer from Chester Upland School District.

Unlawful Appropriation

Failure to return the device in a timely matter and the continued use of the device for non-school purposes without the district’s consent may be considered unlawful appropriation of the district’s property.

Handling and Care of the Device

Users should take the following measures to ensure proper handling of their devices:

● Keep the device in the district-issued case.

● Keep devices and cases free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not applied by CUSD.

● Use the device on a flat, stable surface.

● Do not place books on the device.

● Do not have food or drinks around the device.

● Wipe surfaces with a clean, dry soft cloth.

● Avoid touching the screen with pens or pencils.

● Do not leave the device exposed to direct sunlight or near any heat or moisture sources for extended

periods of time.

Power Management

It is the user’s responsibility to recharge the device’s battery, so it is fully charged by the start of the next school day.

• Devices with no battery life must be charged in the classroom. The student forfeits use of the device for

the entire time it takes to charge the device.

• All classwork missed because of uncharged batteries must be made up on the student’s time.

• The device must always remain on (awake or sleep mode) at school, with no exceptions.

Transport Users should follow the guidelines listed below concerning the transport of devices:

• The user should transport the device in its protective case.

• The user should not leave the device in a vehicle for extended periods of time or overnight.

• The user should not leave the device in an unattended vehicle.

• The user should never remove the sticker or hard case from the chrome book

Monitoring and Supervision

• The user should not leave the device unattended in an unlocked classroom or during an extracurricular

activity.

• The user should not lend the device to a classmate, friend, or family member.

• Any attempt to “jailbreak” or remove the CUSD profile could result in disciplinary action.

• Students are responsible for the safety and security of the device and any activity on the device.

Chromebook/iPad Fees

Fee Amount Notes

1st Incident:

Lost, Damaged, Stolen Device Fee First Incident $50.00 Must be received and accompanied by a

lost/stolen/damaged device report prior to

the issuance of a new device.

Second Incident:

Lost, Damaged, Stolen Device Fee $75.00 Must be received and accompanied by a

lost/stolen/damaged device report prior to

the issuance of a new device.

Lost or Damaged Power Cord $20.00

Full Replacement Fee $150.00

On Friday 9/26/25, the Class of 2026, had their annual Senior Sunrise. Our Seniors watched the sunrise together as their first senior activity of the many to come. They spent the morning bonding with classmates and celebrating their Senior Year. Ms. Thomson, Senior Class Advisor, did an amazing job with the celebration. They enjoyed a breakfast together and bonded over the kickoff activity.

Denial of Credit

Pennsylvania School Code mandates students to attend at least 90% of school days in order to receive credit for coursework. Students with more than eighteen (18) absences will be subject to Denial of Credit. Parents will be contacted to schedule meetings as students approach 18 absences. Students who exceed 18 absences may be required to complete Credit Recovery in order to receive credit for classes.

Additionally, students with more than 18 absences will not be permitted to participate in: Extra-Curricular Activities, Athletics, Prom, Graduation, other School Sanctioned Events.

Seat Time Requirement

Chester High School/STEM Academy – Attendance Impact on Course Credit

Regular and punctual attendance is essential for academic success and is a key expectation at Chester High School/STEM Academy. Students are required to be present for at least 90% of all scheduled class sessions in any full-credit or half-credit course in order to be eligible to earn course credit. Excessive absences—whether excused or unexcused—may place a student’s academic credit at risk.

Monitoring and Notification Process:

• At 4 class absences (half-year course) – Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone to inform them of attendance concerns and the potential academic consequences. Students will also be reminded of their current absence total and encouraged to take corrective action.

• At 9 class absences (half-year course) – The school will issue a formal written notice to the parent/guardian. A Due Process Hearing will be scheduled with school administration, during which the student and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to present documentation and rationale to request retention of course credit. This standard applies proportionally to shortened courses and half-credit courses.
  
  

• At 9 class absences full year course) – Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone to inform them of attendance concerns and the potential academic consequences. Students will also be reminded of their current absence total and encouraged to take corrective action.

• At 18 class absences (full year course) – The school will issue a formal written notice to the parent/guardian. A Due Process Hearing will be scheduled with school administration, during which the student and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to present documentation and rationale to request retention of course credit. This standard applies proportionally to shortened courses and half-credit courses.

Absences Not Counted Toward the Attendance Cap:
Certain absences, when properly documented, will not count toward the attendance threshold that may lead to loss of credit. These include:

• School-imposed suspensions

• Approved school-sponsored events or activities

• Verified college visits (within district guidelines)

• Recognized religious observances

• Funerals of immediate family members

• Court appearances with documentation

• Medically excused absences with a physician’s note (subject to administrative review and approval)

Consistent attendance is a shared responsibility between the school, the student, and the family. Chester High School/STEM Academy is committed to working with families to address barriers to attendance and to support every student in maintaining strong engagement in their learning.

Student attendance will be a major area of focus at STEM and throughout CUSD this year. In order for our students to achieve at the highest level, they need to be on time and in all their classes each day. We need all students and families to be aware of these guidelines and work together to ensure we have a great year. PLEASE REMIND YOUR STUDENT TO GET A LATE PASS BEFORE GOING TO CLASS SO ATTENDANCE CAN BE RECORDED CORRECTLY.

1st Period begins promptly at 7:30a.m. Students are allowed to begin entering the building at 7:10a.m. and are encouraged to go to the Cafeteria to get breakfast.

All students must enter the school building no later than 7:35 a.m.

Students will be marked tardy if they are not in class by 7:45 a.m.

Students will not be admitted into their classroom after 7:45 without a late note signed by the Front Office.

Students will not be allowed inside the building after 8:00 a.m. without a parent or guardian to sign them in.

Students will be reminded of these rules in all classes. We appreciate the support of families helping to improve student attendance this year!