The STEM Weekly Stream 25/26

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

• The First Marking Period closed on Friday, November 7th.
• 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.
• Our Chester Clippers Football Team is continuing their record breaking season as we are now 12-0 and on to the Semi-Final Round of the District 1 Playoffs. The Clippers take on West Chester Rustin on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00pm at the Bennie "The Jett" Athletic Complex. This is a rematch of last year's season ending game. Congratulations to Coach Shaw and the Clippers for having the 1st undefeated Season in School History.
• Students have a 1/2 Day Early Dismissal on Wednesday, November 12th. Students dismiss at 10:30am.

November 12. Staff Professional Development. (10:30 Dismissal Students)

November 25. Parent Teacher Conferences (8:00am-6:00pm)

November 26. Staff In-Service (No School for Students)

November 27-28. Fall Break. (Schools and District Closed)

Below are some highlights from the 2nd ound Playoff Win over Garnet Valley High School. The Clippers won 38-7.

Grades 9-11 Picture Day will take place on December 1

Additional dates have been added for Senior Portraits. Please check the Class of 2026 Google Classroom for all information and upcoming dates.

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!