Clipper Connection
~~ E-Newsletter (May 13, 2026) ~~
Message from Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings, CUSD Families!
May is in full swing and already almost halfway over. Across our district, scholars and staff are preparing for one of the busiest and most exciting times of the school year as we head into the final stretch. I know our seniors and families are especially excited about prom this Thursday, May 14, and graduation on Monday, June 15.
As we approach the finish line, our schools are filled with exciting events, celebrations, concerts, ceremonies, and milestones. As busy as this season is, I also want to take a moment to highlight a few important reminders for our school community:
- Attendance matters and finishing strong is critical. Districtwide attendance is currently averaging 84%. We are asking all families to continue making school attendance a priority each and every day as we head into the final weeks of the school year. Final grades are not yet final, and every school day counts.
Current school attendance averages are:
• STEM Academy – 88%
• Chester High School – 71%
• Toby Farms – 83%
• ESA Middle – 84%
• ESA Elementary – 90%
• Main Street – 91%
• CUSA – 90%
• Stetser – 89%
• Digital Academy – 77%
We are proud of the progress happening across the district, but we also know there is room for improvement. Families, please continue encouraging scholars to attend school daily, arrive on time, and stay engaged through the end of the year.
- We have recently experienced incidents involving students pulling fire alarms. This behavior is unacceptable, creates unnecessary disruption, and results in costs to the district. Students who engage in this behavior will face disciplinary consequences in accordance with district policy.
- Maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive school climate is everyone's responsibility. Families, please continue encouraging students to make good choices, practice appropriate behavior, and stay focused as we approach the end of the year.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, our schools will continue recognizing the importance of awareness, inclusion, culture, and community. You will also find recognition posts on our social media platforms.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. This edition of our Clipper Connection e-newsletter highlights past events, upcoming district initiatives, and our April Staff Members of the Month.
Enjoy!
April Staff Member of the Month
Congratulations to our April Staff Members of the Month. On behalf of the entire district, I would like to thank each of them for their dedication and commitment to our scholars and school community.
April Staff Members of the Month:
- Joan Suarez (Teacher Assistant/English Language Learner) - CHS
- Adam Spargo (12th Grade Physics Teacher) - STEM
- Christina Edmondson (Assistant Principal) - Main Street
- Darren Laws (Climate Manager) - ESA Elementary
- Tashene Aaron (Teacher Assistant) - ESA Middle School
- Tiffany Jones (Administrative Assistant) - Stetser
- Kathleen Wissman (Special Education Teacher) - CUSA
- Shaun Sherwood (7th Grade Math Teacher) - Toby Farms
Pre-K Counts Transition Meeting & Open Houses
Pre-K Counts families are invited to attend a Kindergarten Transition Meeting and Information Session for the 2026-2027 school year. This session will help families review Kindergarten expectations and learn more about the transition from Pre-K Counts to Kindergarten.
Transition Meeting Details:
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19
WHERE: 1350 Edgmont Avenue (Large Conference Room)
TIME: 4:30 p.m.
Families must sign up at the information session to attend upcoming open houses.
Open House Details:
WHERE: ESA, CUSA, and Main Street
WHEN: Wednesday, May 20
TIME: 9:15 to 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Stetser
WHEN: Thursday, May 21
TIME: 9:15 to 10:00 a.m.
Children must be at least 5 years old on or before September 30 to enroll in kindergarten.
Spring Concert on May 27
You’re invited to our Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 27, at Chester High School.
Scholars from across the district will be performing, and we hope you will come out to show your support and cheer them on.
TIME: 5:00 pm.
Decision Day 2026
On May 1, we proudly celebrated National Decision Day with our graduating seniors, and dozens of scholars from CHS and STEM Academy announced their post-secondary plans for life after graduation.
It was exciting to see students celebrate college acceptances, career pathways, military commitments, and other next steps alongside their peers and families.
We are equally proud of the students who are still exploring their options and preparing for the future in their own way.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Law Day
May 1 was a busy and exciting day across the district as several of our talented scholars participated in the 2026 Law Day Celebration at the historic Chester Courthouse on Avenue of the States.
Students involved in this year’s Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest and Andrew Turner Art Competition proudly represented our district and shared their voices, talents, and perspectives with confidence and pride.
We are grateful to the Delaware County Bar Association, judges, and organizers for continuing to create opportunities that uplift and encourage our students each year.
CUSD Scholars Win Pacifico Scholarships
I was proud to join our team in celebrating four outstanding graduating seniors who were recently recognized as scholarship recipients through the Kerry T. Pacifico Family Foundation.
Each student will receive a $1,750 scholarship from the Pacifico Family Foundation during Class Day in June to support their post-secondary education journey.
Congratulations to Muhammad Khan, who will attend Thomas Jefferson University; Tyjuan Wilson, who will attend Holy Family University; Jordan Dennis, who will attend Benedict College; and Brianna Tally, who will attend Cheyney University.
Scholars Travel to State Capitol for Advocacy Day
Last week, several CUSD scholars traveled to Harrisburg for Advocacy Day, joining students and advocates from across Pennsylvania to speak up for fair and adequate school funding.
A major highlight of the trip was senior CHS scholar Sakai delivering a powerful speech as students shared their experiences and the importance of investing in public education. (You can read a press release where he is quoted by clicking here.)
This marked the fourth year School Board Director Dr. Tasliym Morales has helped lead students to the Capitol. Board Directors Rev. Thaddeus Kirkland and Khalif Polk also joined in the advocacy day events.
The district also thanks Ms. Moody, Children First, Education Voters PA, STEM parent Trina Johnson, and the CUSD Legislative Committee for their continued support and advocacy.
*** Community members are encouraged to attend the May 21 Committee of the Whole Meeting to hear directly from students about their experience in Harrisburg. ***
