ESA Elementary Family Update

At ESA, we are focusing on Small Choices, Big Impact for the month of December. When schools and families work together, students develop strong habits that will help them succeed in learning and in life.

Every day, the small choices you make, like being kind to others, staying focused in class, completing your work, and treating yourself and the school with respect, shape the kind of person you become. These decisions may seem minor in the moment, but each one builds your habits, strengthens your character, and opens doors for your future. Remember that small choices add up, and every positive step you take makes a big impact on your learning, your relationships, and your success.

Families, it is essential that students attend school daily, arrive on time, and remain for the full school day. When students arrive late, valuable instructional time is lost. Teachers begin lessons promptly at 9:00 AM each day. Thank you for your support in ensuring all students are present and ready to learn on time!

If you need to pick up your child for an early dismissal, please arrive at the school no later than 2:45pm. For the safety and efficiency of our dismissal process, we cannot accommodate early dismissal requests made over the phone or arrivals after this deadline. Dismissal for all students begins at 3:45pm, and we must ensure a smooth and orderly process. Please plan accordingly if an early pickup is necessary.

Parents, we're encouraging every child to read at least 15 minutes a night independently or to a family member. Reading instills confidence in your child as well as develops comprehension skills. We have books at ESA that students are welcome to take home with them. Thank you in advance for your partnership in this endeavor.

Arrival

• Pre-K: Students must be signed in by an adult starting at 8:45am at the gym doors.

• K–5: Students may enter through the gym doors or cafeteria doors beginning at 8:30am.

• Late Arrivals: Any student arriving after 9:00am must enter through the main doors and be signed in by an adult.

Dismissal

To ensure a safe and efficient dismissal, students are organized into the following groups:

• Walk-Up Pickup: If you park or walk up to the building, you will pick up your child at the gym doors.
• Car Line Pickup: The car line forms along the 1400–1500 block of Esrey Street (Adjacent to the Palmer House). Parents must remain in their vehicles; students will be called out to you.
• Bus Riders: Students riding a school bus or van will wait in their assigned bus room.
• Daycare/Learning Center: Students that will be picked up by a daycare/learning center will wait in their assigned room.

Important Reminders

• If your child’s dismissal plan changes, please notify the school no later than 12:00pm.

• Students will only be released to individuals listed on their emergency contact form.

• Dismissal will not occur from the main doors—all students will exit through either the gym doors or the cafeteria doors.

Our school - based science fair will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:30am.

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.