Chester Upland School District

The Chester Upland School District’s Department of Student Success and Engagement is committed to supporting the whole child by addressing the needs of students experiencing homelessness, enhancing social-emotional learning (SEL), and expanding mental health resources. The department strives to engage families and the school community as active partners in student growth while fostering student voice and focusing on policies that strengthen student support services. Additionally, the department promotes integrating the arts and mental health as a form of expression to create a well-rounded, comprehensive, and supportive educational environment for all students.

Ms. Dana Bowser, Director of Student Success and Engagement, will lead and oversee areas that promote student well-being, whole-child success, and engagement. This individual will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that support social-emotional learning, mental health resources, and services for students experiencing homelessness. The Director will serve as the McKinney Vento Homeless liaison for the district. The Director will work closely with district administrators, building leaders, school staff, community partners, and families to ensure all students and staff can access resources that foster a positive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the Director will collaborate with district leadership to develop and review policies that enhance student support services while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.   Below is an overview of our services and resources across each focus area.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-emotional learning is at the heart of our efforts to help students build strong, positive relationships and develop essential life skills. In our district, SEL includes:

• Implementation of The First Five: Developed in partnership with Ed Tomorrow, The First Five offers daily activities to foster connections between students and staff, emphasizing relationship-building and a sense of community in the classroom. (First Five Information)

Positive Action SEL Curriculum: This comprehensive curriculum promotes positive behavior by encouraging students to see the benefits of self-care, empathy, and respect for others.

Small Group Work and Supplemental Resources: We provide small group sessions, additional SEL resources, and activities designed to support the social-emotional needs of all students, whether individually or in groups, to enhance their self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.

Monthly SEL Calendar: 

Every month, there is a theme of focus with regard to social emotional learning that encompasses one of the five core competencies of social emotional learning. The calendars are posted around all of the schools and are also distributed to the community and posted on the website and social media pages so that social emotional learning does not just take place inside of school, but outside of school as well. 

By focusing on SEL, we aim to nurture the social, emotional, and academic growth of every student, helping them to thrive in a supportive school community.

Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness (Video link)

We believe that every student deserves stability and security. Our department is here to support students experiencing homelessness, helping them access the resources and rights to which they’re entitled. This includes:

Federal Education Protections for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness:  Executive Orders do not supersede federal laws. The following federal laws and court rulings are in place to ensure educational access and opportunity for children and youth experiencing homelessness.  Federal Education Protections for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Pennsylvania Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness: Under Pennsylvania law, students experiencing homelessness have specific rights, such as immediate school enrollment, free meals, and access to resources and support. More information can be found on the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) website.  

   Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

Resources in Delaware County: We provide a variety of local resources in Delaware County, including housing assistance, academic support, and basic necessities to help students and families navigate challenges associated with homelessness.

Contact Information: If you have questions or need support, please contact the social worker at your child’s school, or reach out to Ms. Dana Bowser, Director of the Department of Student Success and Engagement, at dbowser@chesteruplandsd.org.

Stakeholder Engagement, Collaboration and Community Partnerships:  The Department of Student Success and Engagement will: work closely with the attendance improvement office assisting families with displaced youth, foster relationships with community-based organizations, local government agencies, and nonprofit partners to enhance student support services, engage families as active partners in their children's education, providing resources and guidance to strengthen home-school connections will 

Our department is here to support all students, families, and staff. We are proud to be part of a district that values student success and community. Please reach out if you have questions, need assistance, or would like to learn more about our programs.

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