Clipper Connection
~~ E-Newsletter (January 21, 2026) ~~
Message from Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings, CUSD Families!
Welcome to the latest edition of Clipper Connection. We are more than halfway through January and I hope you and your family are settling in well to the new year.
As a reminder, the second marking period ends this Friday, and I encourage families to help scholars finish strong. Please contact your child’s teacher(s) if you have questions or concerns about their academic progress.
This past Monday we observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is especially meaningful here in Chester-Upland. I hope many of you found ways to give back, serve others, or reflect on Dr. King’s message of kindness and community.
I recently shared a message with families about an important update I want to highlight again. A new Recovery Plan Dashboard has been added to the district website, giving families a clear and simple look at how we are moving forward and where we still have work to do. At the same time, our newly designed website is now live with a fresh look and easier navigation. While the site is still being updated to make it as user friendly as possible, I encourage you to explore it and thank you for your patience as we continue improving it.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE
Finally, January is School Board Appreciation Month, and I want to thank our School Board Directors for their time, leadership, and commitment to serving our scholars and the CUSD community. We are grateful for their dedication and support.
December Staff Member of the Month
I am proud to recognize our December Staff Members of the Month. The staffers below have recently gone above and beyond to support our district, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you all for everything you do for CUSD.
December Staff Members of the Month:
- MaryKate Wust (9th Grade ELA Teacher) - CHS
- Austin Woodlin (Music Teacher) - STEM
- Jason Messinger (Music Teacher) - Main Street
- Courtney Pless (Learning Support Teacher) - ESA Elementary
- Jannah Islam (Art Teacher) - ESA Middle School
- Georgine Zamonski (5th Grade Teacher) - Stetser
- Shannon Lewis (1st Grade Teacher) - CUSA
- Jamaal Martin (7th Grade Social Studies Educator) - Toby Farms
Annual District-Wide Spelling Bee (New Date: February 17)
Our annual district-wide Spelling Bee will take place on Tuesday, February 17, at Chester High School (CHS). Top spellers in grades 1–8 will represent their schools as they compete for the championship and celebrate a love of language and learning.
Families and community members are invited to join us in supporting our scholars.
We are also looking for volunteers from the community to serve as judges. Interested? Please contact Dr. Lesher for more information.
Email: glesher@chesteruplandsd.org
WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
TIME: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chester High School (Auditorium)
Girls' Basketball Senior Night
Congratulations to our Lady Clipper basketball players who will be graduating this year.
Recently, our Athletics Department hosted Senior Night to recognize these student-athletes for their contributions on the hardwood. Thank you, ladies, for your dedication and commitment to both the team and your academic studies this season.
