Stetser Weekly Parent Update
January 9, 2026
Small Choices, Big Impact
We are focusing on Small Choices, Big Impact. When schools and families work together, students develop strong habits that will help them succeed in learning and in life.
Every day, the small choices you make, like being kind to others, staying focused in class, completing your work, and treating yourself and the school with respect, shape the kind of person you become. These decisions may seem minor in the moment, but each one builds your habits, strengthens your character, and opens doors for your future. Remember that small choices add up, and every positive step you take makes a big impact on your learning, your relationships, and your success.
Upcoming Dates
January 14: 11:45 am dismissal for students; Staff Professional Development
January 19: NO SCHOOL; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 20-23: Common Assessments
January 23: End of 2nd Marking Period
January 26 - 30: iReady testing
February 3: District-wide Spelling Bee
February 5: Report Card Conferences 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
February 6: No students: PD Day
Absence Notes
Spelling Bee
All classes in grades 1-5 have received the spelling words for the spelling bee. We will hold classroom spelling bees on January 16th then move onto school level the following week. We will select two winners from each grade level to represent Stetser at the district level Spelling Bee on February 3rd.
Gators Go to Villanova
PBIS at Stetser
Stetser Gators are:
Respectful
Responsible
Caring
Safe
Students earn Gator Teeth for following school expectations.
Congratulations to our December Gators of the Month:
Zayla
Jaymoni
Myles
Messiah
Qa'Mari
Dondi
Pierre
Jaylaya
Ezra
Messiah
Kingsley
Briona
David
Legacy
Justice
La'Riy
Treasure
Ma'Laya
Logan
Nurse's Notes
Parents/Guardians of Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade students,
Please send in a full change of clothes to keep in your child's backpack in case of accidents.
Parents - please send all up to date physicals and dental information to Nurse Perkins as you receive them from your health care professionals.
Clipper Connection E-Newsletter
The new edition of Clipper Connection (1/7/26) is linked below
Social Emotional Learning
Community News
Volunteer Information
Below are direction from www.chesteruplandsd.org:
- Volunteer Clearances
Legislation in Pennsylvania requires community members and parents to obtain clearances in order to volunteer in our schools. If you have previously submitted your clearances to the Human Resources office, they are good for five (5) years from the date of the clearance.
Governor Wolf has waived the fees associated with the Pennsylvania State Police—Criminal Background Check and the Child Abuse History Clearance. Since the FBI clearance is a federal program, those costs still remain; however, the district has decided to permit individuals who have resided in Pennsylvania continuously for ten years or more to sign a certification form that saves the volunteer the expense of the fee, ensures compliance with the law, and allows the district to maximize student safety.
Understanding that many community members will want to begin the process of securing clearances so that they are prepared for the start of the school year, we have provided several links and directions to assist you. Once you have obtained the requisite clearances, please bring them to the Human Resources office for the Chester Upland School District, located 1350 Edgmont Avenue, Chester PA 19013. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification. Our Human Resources Department will then add your name to the district list so that our educators can readily ensure that volunteers have the proper clearances.
Directions for Obtaining Clearances for Volunteers Who Have Resided in Pennsylvania Continuously for 10+ Years
- Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
- Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
- Drop off paperwork at the Chester Upland School District Human Resource Office. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.
- Print and Complete this Volunteer Information and Certification Form.
Directions for Obtaining Clearances for Volunteers Who Have Resided in Pennsylvania for Less Than 10 Years
- Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
- Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
- Complete Act 114—FBI Fingerprinting—To schedule your appointment, visit https://uenroll.identogo.com and enter Service Code 1KG6XN. You may also call 844-321-2101 to schedule an appointment
- Complete ACT 114—FBI Fingerprinting
Be certain to register under the Pennsylvania Department of Education. - Drop off paperwork at the Chester Upland School District Human Resources Office. Please be prepared to present a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Please use this link to view the daily breakfast and lunch menus
https://chesteruplandsd.nutrislice.com/menu/stetser
Just a note - we do not serve Peanut Butter - Sun butter is used.
Updated Contact Information
If you need to update any of your contact information please email Ms. Jones in the main office at tjones@chesteruplandsd.org