The STEM Weekly Stream
STEM Academy Family Newsletter
Week of January 10
Hello STEM Families and welcome to this week's newsletter. 2022 has not started the way we all wanted, however we are hard at work making the most of it. Please read below for updates on remote learning. Also included are details about the end of the semester and upcoming report cards. Important information about vaccination clinics, the upcoming schedule of athletic events, and the December Students and Staff of the Month are also included below.
Remote Learning
As you're aware, toward the end of last week, it became apparent that we needed to extend remote learning for another week. Like many schools in our area, we have high numbers of students and staff who are currently isolating or quarantining.
It is our intention to return students to the building on Tuesday, January 18 (Monday is the Martin Luther King Holiday). We are doing everything possible to make that happen, as we know in-person learning is critically important for our students.
In the meantime, this is a crucial week for students to stay engaged in their classes. The marking period will close on Friday (more information below), and students should be turning in final projects and exams for their courses.
Daily Schedule
Please remind your students that attendance is mandatory in all Zoom classes. Students are expected to be on time and remain logged in for the duration of each period.
Keystone Testing - Tuesday and Wednesday (January 11 & 12)
All 9th grade students currently enrolled in Ms. Adore's Biology classes are scheduled to take their Keystone exams Tuesday and Wednesday (January 11 & 12). Students and families of testers have already been notified.
Buses will pick students up at their regular stops, and meals will be provided for those testing. Students will then return home following the exam at 11:00 AM each day. If you have questions about the Biology Keystone exam, please email Mr. Bell (bbell@chesteruplandsd.org).
Vaccination Clinic
The best way to reduce your family's risk from Covid is vaccination. We encourage all eligible students and family members to become vaccinated as soon as possible. A free vaccination clinic open to the CUSD community will be held this Thursday at Chester High. We hope to see you there.
Date: Thursday, January 13
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Chester High Third Floor (Barkley Street Entrance)
Cost: Free
Vaccinations: First Doses, Second Doses, and Boosters
SEMESTER ENDS FRIDAY, JANUARY 14
Marking Period Conclusion
This Friday, January 14 will mark the end of the second marking period and first semester. That means all high school students at STEM will complete their core classes this week. It is very important that students are in class each day, complete their final assignments, and finish their courses strong.
Due to the abrupt change to remote learning, there will be an extension until Friday, January 21 before grades must be submitted by teachers. Although this may give students a few extra days to turn in assignments, please encourage them to do so by the end of this week.
Report Cards
Report Cards for the second marking period will be published to the Home Access Center (HAC) on Monday, January 24. If you do not have login information for HAC, please email Ms. Memon (
mmemon@chesteruplandsd.org) so she can instruct you how to sign up. We will not print report cards for all students, however we can do so upon request. If you would like to have a paper copy, please call our office or email Ms. Jones (
yjones@chesteruplandsd.org) or Ms. Dixon (
ldixon@chesteruplandsd.org).
Report card conferences will be held from 11:30-5:30 on Thursday, January 27. Appointments will be available in person or on Zoom. More information about conferences will be coming next week. We hope to see you then!
DECEMBER STUDENTS AND STAFF OF THE MONTH
Students of the Month
The following students were chosen by their teachers as December Students of the Month. They displayed excellence in Academics, Leadership and Character throughout the month. Congratulations!! Pictures will be coming soon once students return to the building.
7th Grade: Vanel Melendez
8th Grade: Sanaa Davis
9th Grade: Taeqwann Naylor
10th Grade: Hamira Robinson
11th Grade: Gabriel Echevarria
12th Grade: Victoria Caratello
Staff Member of the Month
Middle School English teacher, Julanne Labrum has been named December Staff Member of the Month. Not only is Ms. Labrum an excellent teacher, she goes above and beyond to make sure our Middle School students are successful in and out of the classroom. Congratulations Ms. Labrum!!
A STEM Winter Tradition
Right before Winter Break each year, STEM students and teachers take part in the annual Door Decorating Contest. 2021 was the most competitive ever, as our students and teachers displayed their creativity and artistic talents. It was a close decision, but the winners were:
1st Place: Mr. Schoppet & AP Literature Class
2nd Place: Mr. Darbouze with artwork by STEM Junior Sarrah Payne
Honorable Mention: Ms. Adore
