Stetser Weekly Parent Update

Our focus for the month of March is Leading the Change. Students, parents, and families play a key role in shaping a child’s education.

Students can take ownership of their learning by setting goals, staying organized, asking for help, and participating in activities that build skills and confidence. Parents and families can partner with schools through regular communication, attending events, monitoring progress, supporting homework routines, and encouraging curiosity and perseverance.

Together, families and students can advocate for equitable opportunities, support social-emotional growth, model lifelong learning, and engage with the broader community through volunteering or school initiatives. Active involvement and collaboration with educators create a strong, sustainable foundation for student success.

March 11: Staff Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

March 20: SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED in observance of Eid al-Fitr

March 25: Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest and Art Show @ STEM @ 6pm

March 27: End of the 3rd Marking Period

March 30 - April 6: SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED for Spring Recess

April 20 - May 8: PSSA Testing Window for 3rd - 5th Grade

The 76ers are having a reading challenge for school-age students. Please see the link below.

Sixers Reading Challenge: https://www.nba.com/sixers/reading-challenge?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=25-26-76ers-Partnership-Morgan%26Morgan-Parents+Teachers-Prospecting-Affinity&utm_content=25-26-76ers-Partnership-Morgan%26Morgan-ReadingChallenge-Static-Web&utm_id=120243021034930729&utm_term=120243021034850729

When dropping students off in the morning, if you are utilizing the back parking lot, please do not pass the dumpsters with your car. Ideally, students should be dropped off at the top of the steps to walk down. Please be mindful of your speed in both parking lots. Additionally, please do not double park in lot in the front of the building, especially at dismissal time.

Thank you for your attention and support in this matter.

As the month of Ramadan approaches, we would like to express our support for our Muslim students and families during this important time.

We understand that some students who are fasting may prefer not to be in the cafeteria during lunch periods. If you would like for your child to have an alternative supervised space during this time, please send me an email so that we can make those arrangements. In addition, a quiet space at school will be available for daily group Salat (Dhuhr — midday prayer, and Asr — afternoon prayer when it falls during the school day). Families who want their student(s) to participate in and alternative space for lunch and/or group Salat should contact Mrs. D'Eletto at kdeletto@chesteruplandsd.org.

Our school is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment for all students, and we are happy to work with families to accommodate students' needs during Ramadan.

Please note these dates are approximate because the Islamic calendar is lunar and subject to moon sighting.

• Ramadan: Expected to begin around February 18–19, 2026 (+/– 1 day)
• Eid al-Fitr: Expected around March 20–21, 2026 (+/– 1 day) CUSD is closed on 3/20 in Observance.
• Important note: Muslim communities may observe different start or end dates based on moon‑sighting methods. The school will show flexibility and understanding.

Our school is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment for all students, and we are happy to work with families to accommodate students' needs during Ramadan.

We are seeing an increase in Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Grub Hub food deliveries. Please do not send your child food through these services. Many times, the food is left outside causing an unsafe situation. Students are welcomed to have a school lunch or pack their lunch, but Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Grub Hub are not a safe or acceptable option.

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Stetser Gators are:

Respectful

Responsible

Caring

Safe

Students earn Gator Teeth for following school expectations.

Congratulations to our February Gators of the Month:

Kamai

Empress

Tori

Leo

Corina

Aubrei

Kailani

Avianna

Skylar

Yurie

Navy

Brion

Araceli

Janas

Jordyn

Skylar

Crystal

Jay'von

Leo

We know it is cold and flu season, but please send in notes after your child is absent from school. If your child misses more than 3 days in a row, a doctor's note is required.

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.

Hello Parents/Guardians,

With many viruses going around, I want to stress the importance of keeping your student home if they are feeling ill. If your child has a fever they must stay home 24hrs fever free without fever reducing medication. If they have diarrhea or vomit, they must be home 24hrs without having any episodes or diarrhea or vomiting. If they have a nonstop persistent cough, they need to stay home and follow up with child’s physician.

Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis, often norovirus) in early 2026 features classic symptoms like vomiting, watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, body aches, and low-grade fever, with some strains showing initial GI issues before typical flu symptoms (cough, fever) appear, sometimes called a "super flu," though it's just severe seasonal flu. Key is staying hydrated with oral rehydration solutions and resting, seeking care for severe dehydration (dizziness, no urine) or if symptoms last over a few days.

Common Symptoms

· Digestive: Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, abdominal pain.

· Systemic: Fever (often low-grade), body aches, severe fatigue, headache.

· Variations: Some people experience respiratory symptoms like cough/shortness of breath, and sometimes GI issues hit before classic fever/aches.

When to See a Doctor

· Unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours.

· Vomiting or diarrhea for more than two days.

· Signs of severe dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urine, dizziness, confusion).

· Vomiting blood or bloody diarrhea.

· High fever (over 102°F/39°C) for more than four days.

Management & Prevention

· Hydration: Drink oral rehydration fluids (like Pedialyte) or sports drinks (avoiding caffeine/alcohol).

· Rest: Stay home to recover and prevent spreading.

· Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (hand sanitizer isn't as effective against norovirus).

· Diet: Gradually return to a normal diet, avoiding dairy and fatty foods initially.

Yearly Health Screenings are required and taking place:
● Annually (Grades K–12):
○ Growth Screening (Height and weight; BMI percentile calculated)
○ Vision Screening
○ Hearing Screenings: Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11
○ Physical Examinations: Required in Kindergarten or 1st grade, Gr. 6, Gr. 11
○ Dental Examinations: Required in Kindergarten or 1st grade, Gr. 3, Gr. 7

The new edition of Clipper Connection (3/4/26) is linked below

https://app.smore.com/n/ptxa12

Clippers' Athletic Calendar

https://chesterclippers.com/clippers-calender

Chester Upcoming Events:

Check out this link for all things happening in the near future.

Upland Upcoming Events:

Check out this link for all things happening in the near future.

Eddystone/Ridley Events:

Check out this link for all things happening in the near future.

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

1. Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
2. Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Complete ACT 34—Pennsylvania State Police—Request for Criminal Record Check
2. Complete ACT 151—Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance—Online Application
3. 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
4. Complete ACT 114—FBI Fingerprinting
   Be certain to register under the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
5. 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.

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.

If you need to update any of your contact information please email Ms. Jones in the main office at tjones@chesteruplandsd.org