The Chester Upland School District is proud to launch You are the Light, a recognition program for all members of our Learning Community; students, faculty, staff and administrators. These awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of all employees and students who continue to produce exceptional results that support the mission and vision of Chester Upland Public Schools.

Commencing on December 18, 2020, The Chester Upland School District will recognize students, certified employees, and non-certified employees. All of the honorees were selected by their school community or department for their service, leadership and commitment. Members of our Learning Community may be selected for a wide range of achievements, but overall, will have distinguished themselves through a commitment of being a Trendsetter, Classroom Catalyst and/or a Community Hero/Heroine.

Trendsetter

Employee: A member of the Chester Upland School District Learning Community who utilizes opportunities to create new paths for self, peers, colleagues and/ or members of the Chester Upland School District community. Contributes to the development and/or improvement of programs, services, or curriculum; fosters staff and student growth, effectiveness, or professional development.

Student: A member of the student body who is a positive role model, with exceptional leadership skills and passion in championing a cause or idea, is involved in mentorship, and demonstrates outstanding achievement, diligence, and hard work.

Classroom Catalyst

Employee: A member of the Chester Upland School District Learning Community who continues to champion change. Contributes to student success by closing achievement gaps, measuring progress/using assessments, implementing interventions, or student engagement.

Student: A member of the student body who inspires others and brings positive change through meaningful contribution in class. This student is an independent learner, who takes responsibility for learning, is goal oriented, fosters student activism for social justice and supports the social and emotional well-being of other students making positive impact on the school environment.

Community Hero/Heroine

Employee: A member of the Chester Upland School District Learning Community who continues to nurture those within their schools and departments. Develops successful partnerships and outreach to parents, businesses, or neighborhoods; provides community services or service-learning projects; displays outstanding responsiveness, customer service, or customer satisfaction.

Student: A member of the student body who is amazing, special and different, and has a passion for the school and community giving back time and talent in the service to others. The student demonstrates trustworthiness, is a good citizen, problem-solver, inquirer, and seizes opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

NOMINATION PROCESS:

Employee: Employees are encouraged to nominate their colleagues within the aforementioned categories

• one employee per category, per month. *You may consider nominating a community partner for the Community Hero/Heroine
  • Nomination forms are available at the top of this page.
  • Nominations must be submitted by the second Friday of each month 3:00 m.

Student: Employees (Teachers and Staff) are encouraged to nominate students within the aforementioned categories—one student per category, per month. *You may consider nominating a community partner for the Community Hero/Heroine category.*

• Nomination forms are available on the District’s
• Nominations must be submitted by the second Friday of each month - 3:00 m.

Selections will be made based upon the presentation of the applications - compelling content, justification, and creativity. The selection team will review each form intensively and with careful consideration. So, take pride in your nominations!

If you have any questions about the District’s You Are the Light employee and student recognition program, please email us at lighthouse@chesteruplandsd.org.

Our commitment to honoring talent within our Learning Community is a priority. We are hopeful that you will support our efforts to ensure that the Chester Upland School District continues to be a Learning Community of choice.