Clipper Connection
~~ E-Newsletter (March 18, 2026) ~~
Message from Superintendent Dr. Latrice N. Mumin
Greetings, CUSD Families!
It’s Read Across America Month, and our schools have been celebrating with spirit week activities and a continued focus on the joy of reading. I’m really looking forward to spending time in classrooms next week reading with our scholars. We also hope those who observed had a happy St. Patrick’s Day yesterday.
Please note that schools and offices will be closed this Friday in observance of Eid al-Fitr. In this edition of Clipper Connection, we’re highlighting several upcoming events and sharing an important new safety enhancement designed to help keep our scholars safe at bus stops.
As a reminder, the third marking quarter ends next Friday, March 27. Please encourage and help your scholar to finish strong, and don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher with any questions or concerns.
As we head into the final stretch of the marking quarter, I also want to take a moment to emphasize how important it is that we continue working together to maintain a safe and healthy school environment for all students. This is truly a shared responsibility between our schools and our families. We ask that you take a few moments to talk with your child about making safe choices, including not bringing prohibited items to school and using technology appropriately.
If something doesn’t feel right or raises concern, please reach out to your child’s school directly. You can also report concerns to school administrators, district security, or local law enforcement, or submit an anonymous tip through the Safe2Say Something program.
How to submit an anonymous tip?
- Call 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729)
- Download the Safe2Say Something app
- Visit www.safe2saypa.org to submit a tip online
When we stay connected and communicate openly, we help ensure our schools remain safe, supportive spaces where every child can learn and thrive. Thank you for your partnership.
School Bus Cameras Going Live on March 23
I’m excited to share that our partnership with BusPatrol to launch a new School Bus Safety Program in line with PA Motor Vehicle Code § 3345 is ready to GO LIVE.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
As part of the program, all CUSD school buses that transport CUSD scholars have been outfitted with safety technology to make the ride to and from school safer for all. This technology includes photo enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign is deployed and red lights are flashing. Every incident is reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a violation notice is issued to the offender.
The safety of our CUSD children is a top priority. During Pennsylvania’s Operation Safe Stop, state authorities reported almost 200 violations in just one school day in 2023, equivalent to 31,500 violations in a 180-day school year. CUSD is no exception.
This safety initiative will curb dangerous driving behavior around school buses to protect our students.
WHEN WILL THE CAMERAS GO LIVE?
Cameras on all CUSD buses will be turned on (go live) on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Click the link below to learn more about our BusPatrol partnership:
Oratorical Contest & Art Competition
Our annual Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest and Andrew Turner Art Competition will take place on Wednesday, March 25, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Our scholars in pre-K - 8th grades will recite an excerpt from a Frederick Douglass speech, while students in 9th - 12th grade will recite an original speech written by the student on any topic.
Additionally, scholars from all grades will submit original drawings or paintings that will be displayed around the room.
We hope you can come out to support their hard work.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 25
WHERE: STEM Academy
TIME: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Parent Training (Online Safety for Students)
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) is hosting a FREE parent training focused on online safety for students. A detective from the Aston Township Police Department will present on the topic.
This training is meant to help parents understand the digital world their children live in, as well as
learn ways to keep them safe online. We will discuss social media, online gaming,
cyberbullying, privacy, and more.
Parents will be given tips they can use to protect their children while supporting healthy technology use.
WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 2026
WHERE: Via Zoom
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Register by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Click here to rsvp.
The Zoom link will be sent to you just before the training starts.
Chester's Got Talent, Staff/Student Talent Showcase
Our annual "Chester's Got Talent" showcase is back, and tickets are now on sale.
The showcase, presented by CHS & STEM, will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at Chester High School and will feature incredible performances from both our scholars and staff.
Every year, this showcase highlights the creativity, passion, and talent that make our school community so special.
Most importantly, proceeds will benefit the Shining Star Art Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors pursuing the arts.
Tickets are $5.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 14
WHERE: Chester High School (Auditorium)
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
Prom Dress/Suit Giveaway
CUSD is partnering with the Keystone First Wellness Center and The Wardrobe to give away FREE prom attire to scholars attending the 2026 prom.
We know preparing for prom and other senior activities can be expensive so we are encouraging our families to come out to this event to find prom attire for your scholar.
WHEN:
- Saturday, April 18 ( 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday, April 21 (3:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, April 23 (3:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
Spring Summit on April 25
Our Annual Spring Family Summit is set for Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at STEM Academy.
This year, we are partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Chester, the CAAT Center, and Chester Community Coalition to bring families a day filled with engaging activities and valuable resources.
Attendees can enjoy hot breakfast and lunch, participate in a 3-point basketball contest, floral arrangement design, STEM activities, and a Chess Wizards workshop. There will also be parent workshops, games, music, and fun activities for children of all ages.
In addition, families can explore dozens of vendors and informational tables, along with opportunities for giveaways and prizes.
We look forward to bringing our community together for a day of learning, connection, and fun.
Onsite registration: 8:30 a.m.
