The STEM Weekly Stream 25/26

Please continue to check the CUSD Social Media Platforms and School District Website for updates about school closures due to inclement weather.

Another week of the 2025-2026 School Year is in the books! Just to point out some highlights of things that are happening at STEM

• Please continue to check Your Student PowerSchool Account to get any grade updates as well as reaching out to teachers with any questions or concerns as the Second Marking Period begins
• Senior Dues can be paid on Chesterclippers.com under the activities link. Please make sure you student is identified so the payment gets applied to the proper school and student.
• Course Scheduling is beginning this week and continuing through March 11th.
• Interim Reports will be available Tuesday to be sent home or accessed through Powerschool.

We are asking for support and reinforcement with regards to STEM Students and Electronic Devices. It is imperative that Our Students stay focused in the classroom and only use Chromebooks during instructional class time. Cell Phones are to be turned into teachers at the beginning of class and headphones are not permitted. We are asking that all contact to students be made by calling the Main Office. Our Educators are dedicated to giving STEM Students the best instruction possible and we are asking that Students give all their attention and focus to teaching and instruction that is provided in the classrooms.

FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 11. STUDENT SCHEDULING FOR SCHOOL YEAR 26/27

March 10. 10th Grade Class Trip to Washington DC

MARCH 11. NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STAFF

MARCH 18-19. 9TH GRADE CLASS TRIP TO SCOTT ARBORETUM

MARCH 20. NO SCHOOL. EID al-Fitr.

MARCH 27. 3RD MARKING PERIOD ENDS

MARCH 30-APRIL 6 SPRING RECESS-SCHOOLS CLOSED

Over the next three weeks, we will begin the course selection process for our 9th–11th grade students for the 2026–2027 school year. Please review the steps outlined below:

• The PowerSchool Portal will open on February 25, 2026 for initial course registration.

• Students will be introduced to the Program of Studies, which outlines all courses available to students in grades 9–12. Course descriptions are designed to assist students and families in making informed decisions regarding course selections.

• All 9th Grade students have participated in a Town Hall where they were provided an overview of all of the options available within our Career and Technical Education Program.

• During this same period, students will meet with their school counselors during their English Language Arts classes to receive guidance on appropriate course levels and subject-area selections, including electives. The goal of these meetings is to finalize course requests by March 11, 2026. All course selections will be finalized and locked on June 5, 2026.

We strongly encourage families to discuss course options with their students prior to their scheduled counseling meeting. All relevant resources are available in the Program of Studies.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students as they plan for a successful academic year ahead.

If you have any questions about the scheduling process, we ask that you contact your students' school counselor.

Please make sure that Your Student brings their charged Chromebook to school everyday. It is imperative that they come prepared and ready to actively engage in their academics everyday.

PLEASE CHECK CHESTERCLIPPERS.COM FOR ALL UPDATED INFORMATION ON CLIPPERS ATHLETICS AS WELL AS THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

This past Thursday, some STEM 9th and 10th Grade Students attended a Workshop at CareerLink to get connected with resources and learn about potentional job opportunities and careers.

The Senior Dues Payment Link is up and available on Chesterclippers.com. Please make sure that Your Senior's Student Number and Name is listed on the completed form. Class dues must be Paid in Full by April 1st. Please log on to Chesterclippers.com for specific information. Please make sure that you are indicating Your Student is a STEM Senior in the proper location to ensure moneys get applied to the correct school.

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 7:40 a.m.

Students will not be admitted into their classroom after 7:40 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!