NEWS from the NEST

NEST - Necessary Enrichment/Study Time

What is the purpose of NEST?

The purpose of NEST is to provide time during the school day for students to feed their minds, bodies, and souls. Students are able to receive enrichment from teachers, participate in club events, eat lunch, and socialize with friends during NEST. NEST specifically targets students failing courses as those students are required to attend NEST for the subject they are struggling with.

Where can students be during NEST?

Students can be in a classroom, in the media center, or in the arena during NEST. Students must be in the media center and the arena by the bell. No matter where students choose to go, they should remain there until the bell rings at 12:00 PM.

Clubs may also meet during NEST. Students participating in clubs are encouraged to attend as many club meetings as they wish. However, students must make it a priority to meet the NEST requirements, so if they are failing classes, they are expected to attend those NEST sessions vs. going to the club meeting.

Where do students go if they are failing a course(s)?

Monday: Science/World Language

Tuesday: English/PE

Thursday: Math/CATE

Friday: Social Studies/Fine Arts

Students who have an F in a course must attend NEST on the assigned day. Students failing multiple classes must make arrangements with teachers if they are supposed to be in two places on the same day. Students will receive disciplinary consequences if they do not attend NEST.

Students who are not failing courses may choose where to go. However, the specific days listed above are reserved for failing students. If there is room and the teacher allows, then other students may join the enrichment session. There is no attendance check-in for students who are not failing.

How do students know if they have assigned NEST?

Students should check Power School at least once a week to keep track of their grades/missing assignments. If a student does not know their login information, then they should see Mrs. Nies in School Counseling.

MAST teachers will share the NEST attendance spreadsheet with students. Students must go to the class they are failing on the assigned day. If a student is absent from MAST, then he or she can ask one of their teachers to check the spreadsheet to see where he or she should go.

How can teachers recommend that a student come to NEST if they are not failing?

Teachers can also assign NEST enrichment for students who are missing assignments or need extra help.

🎓 IGPs (Individual Graduation Plans) are in full swing!

🔔 Reminders

Counselors will review course requests during IGPs to align with college/career goals 👥

11th Grade: started January 8th

A few programs for rising seniors to consider:

THE TEACHER CADET PROGRAM

SENIOR INTERNSHIPS

Click on the program for more information including application processes and important deadlines for these programs.

10th Grade IGPs start February 9th

Grade Wide ASVAB Testing for 10th grade - As a district initiative and as a part of the Career Exploration Program (CEP), Chapin High School will administer the Career Exploration ASVAB Assessment to all 10th grade students on January 28, 2026. Please refer to the letter sent on January 13th for more information on this test as well as OPT out info.

LexRich5 Dance Gifted & Talented Auditions - Calling all Dancers!!!!

Interested in being identified as a Gifted and Talented dance student in LexRich5, or would you like to audition for placement in Advanced or Honors dance classes?

Join our G&T Auditions page on Google Classroom Code: VDZWTP7V and apply today!

💃 Feel Free to contact Ms. Akhira Jeter with questions regarding audition process at ajeter@lexrich5.org

Unified PE class is open to 10th -12th graders for 26-27 school year

Would you like to be enrolled in the Unified PE class at Chapin High School?

Unified PE applications are due March 15th

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is excited to announce that we are continuing our Virtual College Open Houses this Spring. Your sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to join these sessions to explore a variety of postsecondary options across our state.

Each event will be held from 5:00 to 5:45 pm and will feature one of the following institutions:

Central Carolina Technical College: 1/29/2026

Converse University: 2/4/2026

University of South Carolina Aiken: 2/18/2026

Benedict College: 2/25/2026

Horry-Georgetown Technical College: 3/4/2026

Clemson University: 3/31/2026

Midlands Technical College: 4/16/2026

These virtual sessions provide a convenient way to learn more about academic programs, campus life, admissions, and financial aid. Registration link for CHE Spring Virtual College Open Houses

Upcoming College Reps on Chapin High Campus

Savannah College of Art and Design will be in the Career Center (Room 101) on Friday, January 30th during NEST & Lunch. Stop by to speak with a representative and learn more about careers in the arts!

Midlands Tech will be in the Cafeteria during NEST & Lunch February 2nd

Interested in the Engineering and Mechatronics programs at Midlands Tech?

High school seniors are invited to visit Midlands Tech's Senior Day!

Tour the campus and learn more about the Engineering and Mechatronics program on February 6, 2026 from 9:30am - 1pm. Lunch will be provided. Must register with Midlands Tech.

Planning on attending Midlands Tech in the Fall of 2026?

Stop by and see admissions rep Denise Dunovant in the Cafeteria on February 2nd during NEST/LUNCH or in the Career Center (Room 101) on February 17th (from 8:30 - 10:30) with admission or application questions.

Ms. Dunovant will also be here to administer the Midland's Tech placement test (the Accuplacer). Sign up below to take the test here at CHS.

Chapin High students are encouraged to job shadow once per semester (with Career Specialist approval*). It’s an amazing way to discover careers, gain real-world insight, and grow your network! 🌟

📋 To participate:
1️⃣ Complete the D5/CHS Job Shadow Application
2️⃣ Get parent/guardian + teacher signatures
3️⃣ Submit to Mrs. Moseley in the Career Center (Room A101) at least 1 week before your job shadow date.

💼 Stop by the Career Center for your job shadow packet and start exploring your future today!

Interested in a Career in Law Enforcement?

Students are invited to participate in an upcoming Job Shadowing Day hosted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. This program will take place in a classroom-based setting, allowing students to learn collaboratively throughout the day. Lunch will be provided.

📅 Date: February 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Interested students should see Mrs. Moseley for questions or additional information. Email mmoseley@lexrich5.org or stop by Room 101 before January 26th for the application.

Summer Healthcare Opportunity (Rising Seniors)

The Lexington Health Partners Program is a summer enrichment program for high school juniors in Lexington & Richland Counties, South Carolina, offering hands-on healthcare experience and mentorship at Lexington Medical Center, helping them explore diverse career paths through shadowing and professional development

EAS - after school tutoring program

Our after school tutoring program is called EAS (Evening Acceleration School). EAS takes place on Mondays and Thursdays in the media center from 4:00-5:30pm.

It is free; however, we do not provide transportation. No need to sign up just come to the media center if you need extra help.

Please contact Kelsey Krenek at kkrenek@lexrich5.org with any questions.

Attendance - Recapture Seat Time!

Attendance for all semester classes will continue to accrue recapture until the last day of the semester on December 18. Your student may owe seat time recapture if any unexcused absences are accrued before that time. All recapture for semester classes must be served by Friday, January 23, 2026 in order to receive credit for a course. The opportunities to serve recapture are the following:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (4pm-6pm)

Thursday, January 22, 2026 (4pm-6pm) last day to recapture for 1st semester classes

Seniors must complete any recapture that is owed in order to exempt a Senior Exams in that course. Please reach out to Ms. Manning (kmanning@lexrich5.org) or Ms. Register (lregister@lexrich5.org) if you have any questions.

✅ Attendance policies. Please watch the this video for full details on District Five’s updated procedures for Seat Time and Truancy, especially if you are the parent of a new student to Chapin High School.