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UPLAND, PA- October 30, 2025 - Main Street Elementary School continued its tradition on October 25 by hosting the annual “Walk for a Cure” event in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Scholars and staff filled the school grounds with a wave of pink as they walked together holding signs of encouragement for those courageously battling the disease.
The walk was made even more memorable this year thanks to a lively performance by STEM Academy’s drumline.
More than $1,000 was raised through lollipop sales, walk donations, and proceeds from October’s pretzel sales, with additional contributions still coming in. The funds were presented to a local recipient who is currently fighting breast cancer.
This year’s event marks the seventh year Main Street has united to raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer, continuing a tradition of compassion and community inspired by third grade teacher Connie Sierra.
About Main Street Elementary School’s Annual “Walk for a Cure” Event:
Main Street Elementary launched its “Walk for a Cure” in 2018 after third-grade teacher Connie Sierra was inspired to create the event in memory of her sister, who passed away from breast cancer at age 54. The annual event has since become a highly-anticipated school tradition, promoting awareness, unity, and hope while supporting individuals within the community impacted by breast cancer. Over the years, Main Street has raised funds to assist women in need through donations, gift cards, and essential support to help ease their journey during treatment.
CHESTER, PA- October 15, 2025 - The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) recently wrapped up its month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with its 3rd Annual Closing Fiesta at Chester High School.
The closing fiesta welcomed scholars and staff to school in the morning as they entered the third floor lobby with music, salsa lessons, breakfast tacos donated by The Foundation for Delaware County’s Center for Hispanic Resources, and festive decorations that transformed the space into a vibrant cultural celebration. Representatives from the Foundation, including Daisy Artiles-Strekis, Coordinator for the Hispanic Resource Center and Case Manager/Team Lead for the Healthy Start Program, joined the festivities to share community resources and support.
Throughout the month, schools across the district recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with classroom lessons, cultural projects, and community-building activities led by the Department of Student Success and Engagement. This year also marked the launch of CUSD’s Multicultural Committee initiative, which establishes committees in every school to celebrate and learn about different cultures year-round.
“I’m really excited about how we were able to expand Hispanic Heritage Month through our multicultural committees,” said Dana Bowser, Director of Student Success and Engagement. “It gives students a voice in how they want to celebrate, during this month and for future activities. Every year the celebration grows, and we’re proud to see our students so engaged and curious about each other’s cultures.”
The Closing Fiesta featured artwork from the entire Chester High School art department, including sugar-skull masks created by students in the Art, Special Education, Spanish, and English Learners programs. Scholars also showcased research projects highlighting the history, geography, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.
“When events like this are created, it gives students a sense of community and pride,” said Artiles-Strekis. “They get to identify with their native countries, see how their parents might have celebrated, and share that joy with classmates. Our heritage is something we live every day, and we’re proud to collaborate with the district to help families feel supported and connected.”
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, CUSD leaders emphasized that this celebration is just one part of a larger effort to foster inclusion, belonging, and cultural awareness throughout the school year. Currently, approximately 11% of the student population identify as Latino.
The district’s multicultural committees will continue to plan events, organize learning opportunities, and build connections that celebrate the diversity of the CUSD community.
CUSD’s Annual Back 2 School Resource Fair Draws Big Crowds with Support from Eagles Star Nakobe Dean
CHESTER, PA- August 28, 2025 - The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) was excited to welcome hundreds of families to its annual Back 2 School Resource Fair on August 23. This year’s event, as in years past, brought the community together for a day of celebration and support ahead of the new school year.
The event, held on Eyre Drive behind Chester High School, was made even more special by the appearance of Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champion Nakobe Dean, as attendees had the chance to meet him, take photos, and even chat about the Eagles’ Super Bowl season. Families also enjoyed free food, book bags, school supplies, haircuts, entertainment, and access to dozens of local vendors offering valuable resources.
Superintendent of Schools for CUSD, Dr. Latrice Mumin, praised the turnout and the collaboration that made the day a success. “This annual tradition brings together district leaders, local officials, community organizations, and businesses to support CUSD families and scholars while creating excitement for the year to come,” said Dr. Mumin. “We are especially grateful to Nakobe Dean, the Kind Hearts 4 Lyfe Foundation, T.I.P.S., the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, and the City of Chester for their support, along with the incredible work of our CUSD staff. Seeing so many families together, with our scholars smiling and enjoying the festivities and good weather, was truly encouraging and marks just the beginning of even greater things ahead this school year.”
Mrs. Claudia Averette, Chief of Staff for CUSD, who led the planning for the fair, also reflected on the impact of Dean’s involvement. “Nakobe Dean and his foundation have collaborated with the district on several initiatives over the last year, and this event was another great example of his commitment to our students, community service, and engagement in the area,” said Mrs. Averette. “I’m always honored to lead the efforts to bring these events to our school community and know that it would not have been possible without partnerships, volunteers, our dedicated staff, and of course, our families.”
The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, September 2, and the district is preparing to welcome scholars back during the annual district-wide bell ringing ceremonies. The bell ringing ceremonies are another well-attended and highly anticipated tradition for the CUSD community that takes place across the district on the first day of school. District leaders, local officials, teachers, families, and community members come together to 'ring the bell' and celebrate the return of students to the classroom. The community is invited to join us at any school on the morning of September 2, just before the first bells ring.
Additional pictures from the event can viewed on the district’s Facebook page.
CHESTER, PA- May 8, 2025 - The Chester Upland School District (CUSD), in partnership with the City of Chester, Delaware County, the Delaware County Bar Association, and the Chester Education Foundation, hosted a 2025 Law Day celebration on Friday, May 2.
This long-standing tradition brought students, families, local and county judges and officials, and community members together for an expanded experience to honor the U.S. Constitution, civic engagement, and student voice. This year’s district-wide celebration featured special guest, Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith—who made history in 2022 when he was elected at age 18 as the youngest African American mayor in U.S. history.
New this year was a three-part experience that gave students multiple opportunities to engage, learn, and lead. The day began with a TED-talk style discussion and catered lunch from local favorite Amir’s at Chester City Hall, where student representatives spoke directly with Mayor Smith, and event partners. Midday, students presented essays and speeches inspired by this year’s Law Day theme—“The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One”—at Chester’s historic 1724 Courthouse. The celebration concluded with a relaxed community meet-and-greet at Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill later in the evening.
“Providing opportunities like Law Day is a priority for this district,” said Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, Superintendent of Schools. “It’s about more than academic achievement. This experience and others like it includes preparing our scholars to lead, express themselves, and understand how government and civic engagement work. These experiences go hand in hand with strengthening student government and creating a complete academic experience built on exposure and empowering our scholars. We’re grateful to all our partners, including Ms. Jean Arnold for helping to expand this experience for our scholars.”
This year’s enhanced experience was made possible through collaboration between district leaders and dedicated community members. Ms. Arnold, a passionate community and education advocate who has helped coordinate Law Day for over a decade, personally reached out to Mayor Smith’s office after learning about his historic leadership.
“Life is knowledge dependent which is the testimony of Law Day and without question, Mayor Smith elevated this year's celebration to another level as so many stakeholders came together for our children,” said Ms. Arnold. “Everyone in Chester who met the Mayor was impressed. He captivated our young people with the ageless wisdom we long for them to receive and he did it in such a powerful way that it was palpable. Actually, someone likened him to a piper. With intention may we join our youth's journey to learn for life knowing we will never fully arrive. Jaylen Smith had a village and so do our children, us."
CUSD is thankful for the amazing partnerships that made the day possible, including the City of Chester, the Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County, and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, whose support helped bring everything together.
District officials, Ms. Arnold, and the Law Day partners are excited to keep the momentum going and are already thinking about how to build stronger connections with Mayor Smith and other young leaders to create more opportunities for scholars down the line.
Additional pictures from the event are available online.
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On Sunday, a formal induction ceremony was held at STEM Academy, where 68 scholars were officially welcomed into the prestigious organization.
The NHS recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Eligible scholars from STEM and CHS, in grades 10-12 with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher were invited to apply for membership. The faculty council, which is made up of six dedicated members supporting both schools, played a pivotal role in the selection process.
“Recognizing the scholastic achievements of our secondary students is a priority for CUSD, and I’m proud to serve as the faculty advisor for the newly re-established National Honor Society chapter within the district,” said Dr. Deidre Jones-Lowman, Information Technology/Computer Science teacher at STEM Academy. “CUSD is home to resilient high school scholars who deserve to be celebrated for their academic accomplishments, despite the challenges they may face in our community. Membership in the STEM Academy/Chester High School chapter of the National Honor Society not only reflects academic excellence but also a commitment to leadership within the school community. This milestone achievement opens the door to additional scholarship opportunities and supports growth in NHS’s four core pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, shared her pride in the moment, saying, “Seeing our students honored for their academic success and leadership is a reminder of why we do this work. Their dedication is inspiring, and this ceremony is just one example of the bright future they’re building for themselves. I’m excited to see the impact they will continue to make in our schools and community. ”
The re-establishment of the National Honor Society at CUSD reflects both Dr. Mumin’s and the district’s ongoing priority to expand meaningful opportunities and support the growth, talents and dedication of its students.
About the National Honor Society
Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Honor Society (NHS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious student recognition programs in the United States. NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. With chapters in all 50 states, NHS has been recognizing and encouraging the development of these qualities in students for over a century.
Additional pictures from the event are available online.