It's Fall, Y'All!

At ESA & Stetser, we are focusing on Positive Behavior for the month of November. When schools and families work together, students develop strong habits that will help them succeed in learning and in life.

Positive behavior is more than just following the rules — it’s about making choices that help everyone learn, feel safe, and do their best. When students show kindness, respect, responsibility, and perseverance, amazing things happen!

Families, it's imperative that students come to school daily, on time, and stay the duration of the school day. Valuable instructional time is lost when students arrive late. Teachers begin lessons at 9:00 am daily. Student is considered later after 9:05. If your child is late, an adult must sign them in. Thank you for your help in getting all students to the building on time!

School hours for students are 8:45 to 3:45. Students are marked late after 9:00 and parents are required to sign the student in at the front office after the 9:00.

Early dismissal stops at 2:45 to properly prepare for dismissal. Please adhere to these times as they are explained in the handbook.

Please contact the front desk by 12:00, if there are any changes in your child's dismissal plan

484-465-1236

Just a reminder, that ALL students should be in full uniforms which included collared shirt and khaki pants. Students are NOT allowed to wear:

Sweatpants

T-shirts

Bonnets/scarves

Tights

Slippers/flipflops

Hoodies

Ski-masks

Crocs

Student will receive consequences, and a phone call will be made for a parent to bring them a change of class. Please be mindful that this is a requirement and is enforced.

Students are allowed to wear a sweatshirt or sweaters for inside building uses.

-Q2 Begins!!!

-11/12 /25: Half day for students. 11:45 Dismissal

- Coming Up: Report Card Conferences 11/25/25

ALL students have been assigned their designated lockers. If you would like to provide your student with a lock, you are more than welcome to. Please be mindful of the locks that your purchase, I suggest one with a short code or a key (pictures below for reference). Also, if for some reason a lock has to be broken to allow student in their lockers, the school will not be responsible for replacing the lock.

Dear ESA Middle School Families,

We are excited to invite you to become an active part of our ESA Middle School community! Parent involvement plays a huge role in creating a positive and supportive environment for our students. We welcome volunteers to assist with school events, classroom activities, student celebrations, and community projects throughout the year.

Your time, ideas, and energy help us make ESA a place where every student can thrive. Whether you can volunteer once a month or just for special events, your support makes a difference!

If you’re interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers, please sign up with Ms. Thompson nthompson@chesteruplandsd.org for more information.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community — we couldn’t do it without you!

From the Desk of Ms. Thompson, School Counselor

I know that transitioning into middle school can sometimes feel overwhelming.
It’s okay to take a moment for yourself. When things feel a little too loud or heavy, find a quiet space and listen to my calming music playlist. Allow the gentle sounds to soothe your spirit, ease your mind, and remind you that peace is always within reach.

Remember — taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your schoolwork. A few moments of calm can make a world of difference. 💛

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.