NEWS from the NEST

We hope you’ll join us for our Open House! This is a great opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, administrators, and school counselors and learn more about the school.

We will also have a Parent Portal information table available to assist with login information and questions. EOC scores will also be available for pickup during Open House.

Be sure to look for these helpful information booths near the School Counseling Office!

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.

Students, we look forward to seeing you at the Club Fair on September 4th during NEST/LUNCH! The event will be held in the arena lobby.

📚 Afterschool Eagle Enrichment will start on September 14th. This is our afterschool tutoring program for CHS students. It will be held in the media center from 3:40-5:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays. No need to sign up! Students needing help should show up ready to work!

🔔 Structured NEST (Necessary Enrichment Study Time) Update

Structured NEST officially began last week.

📉 Students who currently have a grade below 59 in any class will be assigned to a specific NEST session for academic support. These assignments will be communicated to students during their bi-weekly MAST (homeroom) class. Students have two weeks to attend their assigned NEST sessions. Parents and guardians of students assigned to Structured NEST should have received an email on September 12 with more information.

📈 Students who have a grade of 60 or higher may choose where to spend their NEST time. However, they must report to an approved academic setting, such as:

• A teacher’s classroom

• The media center

Thank you for your continued support in helping all students succeed academically.

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.

Interims will be available to view in the Parent Portal on September 15th.

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 was August 24th.

Parents are invited to join virtually on Google Meet, but students must attend (in-person or online). Emails will be sent the week of Sept. 7th

🗓️ Deadline to schedule: Sept. 25 👉 After that, appointments will be assigned.

✅ Click the IGP Calendar link to book your spot.

✅ Watch the IGP Info Slideshow before your meeting.

In your IGP we’ll review transcripts, confirm graduation stoles/majors, talk post-graduation plans, and answer questions.

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

Looking for scholarships? The best way to stay updated is to have your senior regularly check the Class of 2027 Google Classroom and follow CHS School Counseling on Instagram and Facebook for the latest opportunities.

Students can elevate their personal statement and college application essay to impress admission counselors and increase your chances of scholarships. Sign up in the link found in the parchment presentation (slide 26) posted in the senior google classroom.

Each fall, the SC Commission on Higher Education hosts CAM to help seniors explore options and complete applications. With support from counselors and college reps, CAM gives students time, space, and guidance to explore post-secondary options, complete applications, and learn about scholarships. We will also have fee waivers for some colleges. We’ll have anywhere from 6-12 college representatives on campus to assist students with applications for any college. No need to sign up! Students will rotate in with their senior English classes or the student can drop-in anytime. The event will take place in the back of the media center from 8:20 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. each day.

Join us to learn How to Pay for College!

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.

Tardy Consequences:

4th tardy: Letter to Parent

5th tardy: Lunch Detention

6th tardy: Lunch Detention

7-8th tardy: 1 hour after school

9-10th tardy: 2 hour after school

11th tardy: ISS

This is NOT a Late Start Day. All 10th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT.

9th & 11th may sign up to take the digital exam for $18. Juniors take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.

If you would like to register your 9th or 11th grader for the PSAT, parents should log into their Parent Portal account.

1. Log in at lexrich5.powerschool.com

2. Click Forms in the left column

3. Select:

   • PSAT/NMSQT Pre-registration – Grade 9 OR

   • PSAT/NMSQT Pre-registration – Grade 11

4. Make your selection and click Submit (form can only be submitted once).
   
   

Please submit payment and complete the form by September 24, 2026.

For questions or to set up a Parent Portal please contact Kelli Nies at knies@lexrich5.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Only students who already have approved College Board Standardized Testing Accommodations will be eligible to utilize testing accommodations on this test administration. The window established by the College Board to apply for new testing accommodations on the PSAT/NMSQT has already closed.

Lexington-Richland School District Five will hold its 2027 high school graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 28, 2027 at the Colonial Life Arena. Chapin High School's ceremony will be at 8:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER

7 - Labor Day No School

8 - Open House at CHS

10 & 11 - Underclassmen picture day

11 - Eagle Fest - 5:30-7:30pm Eagle Walkway

11- Deadline to buy a Homecoming ticket

15-16 - College App days - Seniors will have the opportunity to work with college admissions Reps on their college applications.

9-19 - Homecoming Dance 8 -10pm, CHS Arena

OCTOBER

7th - PSAT - No late start.

8th - Senior make-up photos

9th - Teacher Work day no school for students

12th - School and Offices closed

15th - Deadline for schedule level change

30th - Ed Opp Day - College & Trade School Fair - Open to all juniors and seniors during last block! Explore opportunities, meet representatives, and learn more about your options after high school. More information coming soon!