The STEM Weekly Stream 25/26

Hello STEM Families,

Our first full week of school is in the books! Students are getting used to the norms and rules of the 26/27 School Year. Please make sure you have signed the new Update Technology Policy so Your Scholar can be issued a device. There has been a change to the Cell Phone Guidelines. Please review and make sure you have a conversation with Your Student regarding compliance with this initiative. Important upcoming dates are listed below. We are asking for your full support with the new norms and requirements of the High School Electronics Guidelines. Teachers have reported that these new guidelines and norms have already made a difference in the classroom and scholars have taken a more active role in learning. Please also speak with Your Scholar about leaving campus when they get off the bus or dropped off to go to the store. This is not allowed. Once Students arrive on STEM Campus they must come into the school building, leaving campus to go to the store is not permitted. This is both a safety concern and liability. Back to School Night is this Wednesday, Sept 16 from 4-6, please come and meet your child's teacher and ask any questions you may have with regards to the school year.

Student Dress Code

Chester Upland High School Dress Code (CHS & STEM Academy)

Students may wear Chester Upland, Chester Clippers, or STEM Academy logo shirts. Additionally, Students may wear plain black, navy, gray or orange polo shirts.

Pants must be black, navy blue, or tan.

Plain gray, black or navy sweatpants can be worn (NO LOGO SHOULD BE DISPLAYED UNLESS IT IS THE CUSD LOGO OR CHESTER CLIPPERS LOGO)

Shoes must have a closed toe

SKIRTS MUST BE KNEE LENGTH OR STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CALL HOME TO HAVE APPROPRIATE LENGTH SKIRT OR PANTS BROUGHT TO STEM.

Students Will Not Be Permitted to Wear:

Head Scarves, Hair Bonnets, or Caps(except for religious garb)

High Heel Shoes, Flip Flops, Slides, Bubble Slippers

Shorts of any type

Apparel that is lewd or offensive in language or culture

Leggings, Tights or Yoga Pants

Hoods may not to be worn over the head

*** STEM Academy Administration will make the final decision in regard to appropriate and inappropriate dress as well as what is considered distracting to the learning environment****

Dress Down Days

• STEM Academy may from time to time offer students opportunities to “dress down” according to a theme, or to raise funds

• In order to participate in “dress down,” student outfits must adhere to the day's theme

• STEM Academy administration will have discretion to determine whether students conform to “dress down”

• The following items may not be worn on Dress Down Days: short shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, tights/leggings, mid-riff shirts, jeans that have holes or rips

9/15-9/30 MAP Testing Window (Fall Diagnostic)

9/16. STEM Back to School Night 4:00-6:00

9/21. Yom Kippur SCHOOLS CLOSED

The past few weeks have been both an adjustment and challenge for students as they are not permitted on their electronic devices in the school building as well as not permitted to wear headphones or airpods and have Ipads or tablets. STEM leadership is fully committed to ensure we have a cell phone, tablet-free, headphoneless school day. Please continue to have conversations with your student in regards to compliance with this policy. It is IMPERATIVE that we have your support with this new initiative. Students who are repeat offenders of the cell phone and electronics guidelines will be required to have a parent/guardian come to the building and pick up their student devices, They will not be released to the student without the parent. Students who bring in multiple devices and damage the phone cases will be responsible for the cost of the case. All this information was explained at the orientation sessions as well as posted on social media platforms. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT and BACKING.

High School Personal Electronic Device and Cell PhoneGuidelines

Purpose

The following personal electronic device and cell phoneprocedures will be implemented at both Chester High School and STEM Academy at Showalter High School. The purpose of these guidelines is to establish clear, consistent expectations for the storage and use of personal electronic devices during the school day.

Cell Phone Storage Procedure

1. Each student will be provided with one cell phone storage case at no cost. Students are responsible for bringing their assigned case to school every day.
2. Upon arrival at school, students must place their cell phonein the assigned case and securely lock the case before entering the high school building.
3. As students proceed through the arrival process, they may be required to demonstrate to Climate and/or Security personnel that their phone is secured in the locked case.
4. Students will maintain possession of their locked phone case throughout the school day. The phone case must remain locked during the instructional day.
5. Students may not unlock or access their cell phone during the school day unless specifically authorized under an approved school procedure.
6. At dismissal, students may unlock their case, retrieve their cell phone, and leave the building with their assigned case.
7. Students are expected to follow this procedure every school day throughout the school year.

Lost, Damaged, or Forgotten Cases

1. Each student will receive one case at no cost. Replacement cases will be available for $20.00.
2. If a student arrives at school without their assigned case, the student must turn their cell phone in to the designated Climate Manager upon arrival. The phone will be secured for the remainder of the school day and returned to the student at dismissal in accordance with building procedures.
3. If a student's case is lost, damaged, broken, or otherwise unavailable, the student must turn their phone in to the designated Climate Manager upon arrival each day until a replacement case has been obtained.
4. The District/building will establish and communicate a specific process for obtaining and paying for replacement cases.

Repeated Noncompliance

1. A student's first occurrence of arriving without their assigned case will be addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined above.
2. Beginning with the second occurrence, the student will participate in an administrative conference with a member of the building leadership team.
3. Continued or repeated noncompliance may result in additional disciplinary or administrative consequences consistent with the District's student code of conduct and applicable school procedures.
4. Students who refuse to secure, surrender, or otherwise comply with the cell phone procedure will be referred to building administration for appropriate follow-up.

Early Dismissal

1. When a student has an approved early dismissal, the Main Office will manage the phone-release process as part of the official sign-out procedure.
2. A parent/guardian must complete the required sign-out process in the Main Office before the student's phone case is unlocked and the student leaves the building.

Other Personal Electronic Devices

1. Personal electronic devices other than District-issued technology may not be used or worn during the instructional day unless specifically authorized by school personnel or required for an approved educational purpose.
2. This expectation includes, but is not limited to:

• Headphones or earbuds of any type
• AirPods or similar wireless earbuds
• Personal tablets or iPads
• Smartwatches
• Meta Glasses or other smart glasses
• Other personal electronic devices capable of communication, recording, or accessing the internet

1. Students are responsible for complying with all school procedures regarding the storage and use of personal electronic devices.

Student IDs will be distributed this week and must be worn as soon as distributed. the Expectations for Wearing Student ID Lanyards are as follows:

To ensure a safe and organized school environment, the following expectations are established for all students:

1. Mandatory Display: Students must wear their school-issued ID on a lanyard, visibly displayed around their neck, at all times during the school day, including during transitions and lunch.

2. Proper Use: IDs must remain unaltered and legible. Students are responsible for keeping their ID in good condition and reporting any loss or damage immediately to the school office.

3. Replacement Process: Lost or damaged IDs must be replaced within one school day. The school will replace the students’ ID at no cost for the first time an ID is lost. The second time a student loses an ID they will need to pay for the replacement. Temporary IDs will be issued for immediate compliance. Replacement IDs will cost $5.00 for each lost ID after the first offense.

4. Compliance Checks: Staff may conduct periodic checks to ensure students are wearing their IDs. Non-compliance will result in progressive disciplinary measures as outlined below.

Rationale for Mandating Student ID Lanyards

Requiring students to wear an identification card (ID) on a lanyard during the school day enhances safety, accountability, and efficiency within the school environment. The key reasons for this mandate are:

1. Safety and Security: Visible IDs allow staff to quickly identify students, ensuring only authorized individuals are on campus. This is critical during emergencies, enabling rapid accountability and response.

2. Promoting Responsibility: Wearing an ID fosters a sense of accountability and school pride, reinforcing expectations for students to adhere to school policies.

3. Community Building: Consistent use of IDs helps staff and students recognize each other, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and trust within the school community.

Progressive Discipline for Non-Compliance

To encourage adherence to the ID lanyard policy, a progressive discipline approach will be implemented. The goal is to support students in meeting expectations while maintaining a fair and consistent process. The steps are as follows:

1. First Offense: Verbal Warning

• The student will be reminded of the ID policy and its importance.

• A staff member will provide a temporary ID (if needed) and direct the student to obtain a replacement if their ID is lost or damaged.

• The incident will be documented in the student’s record.

2. Second Offense: Written Warning and Parent Notification

• The student will receive a written warning, and a parent/guardian will be notified via email or phone call.

• A temporary ID will be issued if necessary, and the student will be required to replace their ID by the next school day.

3. Third Offense: Parent Notification and Admin Meeting

• The student will serve a detention (duration determined by school policy).

• The student must meet with a school counselor or administrator to discuss the importance of compliance.

• The student will receive a written warning, and a parent/guardian will be notified via email or phone call.

• The student will be required to replace their ID immediately (if not already done).

4. Subsequent Offenses: Detention and Loss of Privileges

• Repeated non-compliance may result in detention and a loss of privileges in school and outside of school (i.e., school events), or other disciplinary measures, as determined by school administration in accordance with district policies.

5. Insubordination or Disrespect:

• Students who become seriously disrespectful (foul language, refusal to comply, disruption in class, etc.) with a staff member about the ID policy will be issued an immediate referral.

Denial of Credit

Pennsylvania School Code mandates students to attend at least 90% of school days in order to receive credit for coursework. Students with more than eighteen (18) absences will be subject to Denial of Credit. Parents will be contacted to schedule meetings as students approach 18 absences. Students who exceed 18 absences may be required to complete Credit Recovery in order to receive credit for classes.

Additionally, students with more than 18 absences will not be permitted to participate in: Extra-Curricular Activities, Athletics, Prom, Graduation, other School Sanctioned Events.

Seat Time Requirement

Chester High School/STEM Academy – Attendance Impact on Course Credit

Regular and punctual attendance is essential for academic success and is a key expectation at Chester High School/STEM Academy. Students are required to be present for at least 90% of all scheduled class sessions in any full-credit or half-credit course in order to be eligible to earn course credit. Excessive absences—whether excused or unexcused—may place a student’s academic credit at risk.

Monitoring and Notification Process:

• At 4 class absences (half-year course) – Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone to inform them of attendance concerns and the potential academic consequences. Students will also be reminded of their current absence total and encouraged to take corrective action.

• At 9 class absences (half-year course) – The school will issue a formal written notice to the parent/guardian. A Due Process Hearing will be scheduled with school administration, during which the student and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to present documentation and rationale to request retention of course credit. This standard applies proportionally to shortened courses and half-credit courses.
  
  

• At 9 class absences full year course) – Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone to inform them of attendance concerns and the potential academic consequences. Students will also be reminded of their current absence total and encouraged to take corrective action.

• At 18 class absences (full year course) – The school will issue a formal written notice to the parent/guardian. A Due Process Hearing will be scheduled with school administration, during which the student and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to present documentation and rationale to request retention of course credit. This standard applies proportionally to shortened courses and half-credit courses.

Absences Not Counted Toward the Attendance Cap:
Certain absences, when properly documented, will not count toward the attendance threshold that may lead to loss of credit. These include:

• School-imposed suspensions

• Approved school-sponsored events or activities

• Verified college visits (within district guidelines)

• Recognized religious observances

• Funerals of immediate family members

• Court appearances with documentation

• Medically excused absences with a physician’s note (subject to administrative review and approval)

Consistent attendance is a shared responsibility between the school, the student, and the family. Chester High School/STEM Academy is committed to working with families to address barriers to attendance and to support every student in maintaining strong engagement in their learning.

Please reach out if you are having difficulty creating a PowerSchool Parent/Guardian Account.

Creating PowerSchool Parent Account

Follow the steps below to create your Parent Account:

1. Go to cusd.powerschool.com/public

2. Click "Create Account" and fill in your information under Parent Account Details

3. Scroll down to "Link Students to Account"

4. Enter your Student's name. Enter your Student's ID number for Access ID. Enter your Student's ID number again for Access Password

5. Repeat to add additional Students

6. Scroll all the way down and Click Enter

7. Check your email from Chester Upland School District for a link to confirm your account. Be sure to check your Junk and/or Spam folder for this email.

After you have confirmed your account, you can sign in and check your student's grades through the website cusd.powerschool.com/public. If you want to download the PowerSchool App, follow the steps below:

1. Search for the PowerSchool app on Apple Store or Google Play

2. Download the App

3. When opening the app, enter the District Code: PLLL

4. Sign in using the Username and Password you created

Please reach out with any questions. We encourage you to have regular conversations with your student about their progress and learning. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity to continue to partner for your student’s success!

Student attendance will be a major area of focus at STEM and throughout CUSD this year. In order for our students to achieve at the highest level, they need to be on time and in all their classes each day. We need all students and families to be aware of these guidelines and work together to ensure we have a great year. PLEASE REMIND YOUR STUDENT TO GET A LATE PASS BEFORE GOING TO CLASS SO ATTENDANCE CAN BE RECORDED CORRECTLY.

1st Period begins promptly at 7:30a.m. Students are allowed to begin entering the building at 7:10a.m. and are encouraged to go to the Cafeteria to get breakfast.

All students must enter the school building no later than 7:35 a.m.

Students will be marked tardy if they are not in class by 7:45 a.m.

Students will not be admitted into their classroom after 7:45 without a late note signed by the Front Office.

Students will not be allowed inside the building after 8:00 a.m. without a parent or guardian to sign them in.

Students will be reminded of these rules in all classes. We appreciate the support of families helping to improve student attendance this year!