NEWS from the NEST
CHAPIN HIGH SCHOOL AUGUST 2026
Welcome Back Eagles!
First Day of School for students is August 11th!
We are so excited to welcome all of our students back on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for the first A day of the 26-27 school year at Chapin High School.
No MORNING CATS Classes - students should go to the CHS cafeteria during their scheduled blocks.
Afternoon CATS students WILL attend their classes at The Center. They will be dismissed from CHS after the end of 2A. There will be a shuttle to The Center as well leaving after 2A meet in the bus loop.
Cosmetology students will report to their cosmetology class on August 11.
School Hours* & Arrival Information
Doors Open: 8:00 AM
*School Day: 8:20 AM – 3:40 PM
We will have an adjusted schedule the first day of school please see graphic (click image to enlarge) PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A NEW 🔔 Bell Schedule for the school year.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures:
Car Riders: Please use the car rider loop at the side entrance of the school. To access this loop, enter the same entrance as you would for the Football Stadium. Then take the first right turn to join the car rider line.
Bus Riders: Will be dropped off and picked up at the cafeteria doors. For bus schedules or transportation questions, contact the Transportation Office: 803-575-5856 or 803-575-5857.
Student Drivers: Must have a valid 26–27 parking permit. To learn more about student parking and how to purchase a pass click here.
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily in our cafeteria.
For menus, pricing, and other information, please visit the Student Nutrition website.
Parking Pass Pick up!
Students may pick up their parking pass in the front office between the hours of 8 AM - 4 PM.
Order your Yearbook!
Yearbooks are $80.00. Order here.
Need to get your ID Photo Taken?
You will have the opportunity to get your ID taken the first day of school
We aRe Chapin!
As a Chapin High School student, you are part of a proud tradition of excellence in academics, arts and athletics. The success of Chapin High is due to the pride students have in their school, community and themselves. We encourage students to continue to strive for excellence and fulfill their potential.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
CHS Student IDs will be issued on the first day and must be worn at all times while on campus.
Students are expected to have a charged Chromebook with them every day.
Cell phones must be silenced and put away in all instructional spaces.
Please encourage your child to follow the school dress code. Please review the Lexington Richland School District 5 Dress Code .
Chapin High School is a closed campus. Students are expected to remain on school grounds throughout the school day unless properly signed out by a parent or guardian. Sign out procedures. (scroll to the bottom of the webpage)
Please take a minute to review the Student Handbook . It is a tool for understanding school policies, services and procedures so that students and parents/guardians can take advantage of all Chapin High has to offer.
We are committed to a strong start and a successful school year. Let’s partner together to make 2026–2027 one of our best years yet. We aRe Chapin! Ready, Respectful, and Responsible!
Attendance Matters!
To receive credit for a course, students must meet the state attendance requirements:
Semester Courses: No more than 5 unexcused absences
Year-Long Courses: No more than 10 unexcused absences
Please note: The following attendance codes do NOT count for seat time and may result in the need for Seat Time Recapture:
Parent Notes (Excused or Unexcused)
LATE
Unexcused Absences
If a student exceeds the allowed absences:
1 unexcused absence over the limit = 1 hour of Recapture
Recapture sessions are held on designated Saturdays and cost $15 per hour
Missing less than half the class (under 45 minutes) = Unexcused Tardy
Missing more than half the class = Unexcused Absence
For more information on attendance policies.
Senior Study Hall is a Privilege
SENIORS WITH MORNING SENIOR STUDY HALL must be in the arena on August 11th by 9:30am for their fist senior meeting.
Only 12th-grade students will be granted permission not to attend their FIRST or LAST block study for the 2026-2027 school year. This form only approves your senior's FIRST or LAST block study hall classes.
This form must be completed and approved before the waiver takes effect.
News from School Counseling
Scheduling Reminders
Deadline to change a course request was June 15th - any changes to schedules must follow the registration procedures in the District Course Catalog.
Need to request a schedule change? Check out the guidelines on acceptable schedule change requests listed on the School Counseling website.
Schedule Error Form: The deadline to change a course request was June 15, 2026. If you have an error in your schedule, please use this form to request a schedule change.
Course Waiver/Level Change form: Please use this form for level changes in the same course before October 15, 2026. An example would be Honors to College Prep (CP). Deadline for level change is October 15, 2026. However, the deadline to level down out of an AP course is the first ten days, August 24th.
The last day to drop a semester class for a study hall is August 17th. The deadline to drop a yearlong class for a study hall is August 24th. A request to drop a class can not result in underclassmen having more than one study hall per semester, and can not result in seniors having more than two study halls per semester.
Transcripts and class rank will be updated on the 16th day of school, September 1st.
School Counselors caseloads are assigned by the student's last name.
Lisa Pietro A-Cri • lpietro@lexrich5.org
Mindi Crisler Cro-Harm • mcrisler@lexrich5.org
Allison Deaton Harn-L • adeaton@lexrich5.org
Marlene Neal M-Rec • mneal@lexrich5.org
Kimberly Blanton, Director Red-Si • kblanton@lexrich5.org
Kary DuFault Sk-Z • kdufault@lexrich5.org
News from CHS's Career Center (Room 101)
Stay Connected, Stay Informed!
The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a secure, user-friendly tool that connects parents, students, and teachers. It provides real-time access to grades, homework, attendance, and assignments to help support student success.
Click the icon to access the PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal.
Please refer to this Brochure on how to set up Powerschool.
Get involved at Chapin High School!
Join the Chapin High School PTSO!
Join the PTSO and help support our students through events, programs, and resources. Whether you volunteer, share ideas, or donate—every bit counts!
✨ Stay connected and be part of something great.
💖 Donate today and help us make a positive impact.
👉 Sign up and donate today to learn more about how you can help!
Students join a club!
With strong traditions in academics, athletics, the arts, and over 38 Student Clubs and Organizations, there's a place for everyone to get involved and thrive. It's no surprise our school has been nationally recognized for its spirit and leadership. We will also hold a Club Fair on September 4 during NEST/LUNCH!
Join the Eagle Club!
District News
Have you heard of First Jobs in School District Five?
The First Jobs Program hires Juniors and Seniors to work in 3 different areas at their high school: student nutrition, custodial, and clerical.
Participating in First Jobs allows students to prioritize their time, build relationships and a career pathway, without having to sacrifice hours after school so they can focus on school work or other opportunities.
Chapin students interested can learn more by visiting the First Jobs table during lunch in the lobby outside of the cafeteria on August 13th or see Mrs. Moseley in Room 101.
Follow us on social media!
Upcoming Calendar Events - at a glance
AUGUST
8 - New Student and Freshman orientation, 9am-12pm, no registration necessary. Arena
11 - Students first day of School, doors open at 8:00am, school begins at 8:25am, Bell Schedule, A/B block schedule, 25-26 School Year Calendar, 26- 27 No Late Start Calendar
12 - NO LATE START WEDNESDAY, School begins at 8:20am
13 - First Jobs information booth in the cafeteria lobby
17 - USC admission rep on campus in the Career Center Room 101 during lunch
17 - Last day to drop a Semester 1 course for a Study Hall.
24 - Last day to drop a yearlong class for a Study Hall. (Grades 9 - 11, can't result in more than 1 study hall per semester; 12th can't result in more than 2 study halls per semester)
24 - Deadline to level down out of an AP course is the first ten days, August 20th.
SEPTEMBER
1- Transcripts and class rank will be updated.
7 - Labor Day No School
8- Save the date! Open House at CHS
15-16 - College App days - Seniors will have the opportunity to work with college admissions Reps on their college applications. No sign up needed details available in the next newsletter.