District Newsletter

October 2025

Download a PDF of the October 2025 newsletter here.

From Superintendent Catherine O'Hara

Excitement continues to build as we take the next steps toward shaping Chester’s future! Our focus remains on creating opportunities that empower students and strengthen our school community. The proposed Interscholastic Athletic Facility Capital Project is an investment in our students and a lasting source of pride for the entire Chester community. The initiative also reflects our commitment to continued growth, helping to attract families and support the future of our district.

The proposal represents three years of thoughtful planning and due diligence, beginning with an interscholastic athletic audit and followed by a two-year feasibility study led by our architectural, engineering, and design partners. Together, these efforts have provided a comprehensive understanding of the site and its potential for development.

Parent, staff, and community input has been essential every step of the way. The Chester Academy Parent Athletics Advisory Panel and CUFSD Parent Advisory Panel met in late October to review and provide feedback on the draft presentation prior to the November 5 Board of Education meeting. A CUFSD Community panel, including residents near the project site and representatives from local Town and Village organizations, offered additional insight ahead of the upcoming public forums scheduled for November 12 and 19.

A video shared at the November 5 meeting captured the heart of this initiative, with our students, teachers, and staff sharing why this project matters. From athletes practicing in parking lots to teachers describing what an on-campus facility would mean for safety, pride, and opportunity, their voices reflect the “why” behind Building Chester Pride, Community Wide!

We are excited to continue this conversation with our community and hope to see you at one of the upcoming Capital Project forums.

Proposed Interscholastic Athletic Project: Raising Chester, Pride Community Wide

The proposed $26.9 million facility includes a multi- sport artificial turf field and eight-lane track, grandstand and terrace seating for 750+ spectators, a press box, a fieldhouse for home and visiting teams, public restrooms, and a concession stand. Designed with both safety and community access in mind, the project includes a single main entryway with perimeter fencing, along with a designated ADA and Emergency Accessible roadway.

The project is supported by $6 million in capital reserve and an estimated $6.6 million in NYS building aid. For a homeowner with a full property value of $300,000 and the Basic STAR exemption, the estimated cost would be less than $15 per month, representing a long-term investment in every student, our community, and the future of Chester.

Important dates regarding capital project.

From Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan

As we enter November, Chester Academy is proud to continue several important traditions and exciting events that showcase the talent, dedication, and spirit of our students.

On November 10 at 1:45 P.M., we will hold our Annual Veterans Day Assembly. This cherished event allows our school community to come together in gratitude and remembrance, honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. It is essential that our students understand and appreciate the history and courage of those who have served our country.

We are also thrilled to announce that the Chester Academy Drama Club will present Matilda Jr. on November 14 and 15 at 7:00 P.M. This year’s production, directed by Mrs. Rachel Scali, promises to be an inspiring and entertaining performance that highlights the creativity and talent of our students.

On November 6, we celebrated the induction of 20 eighth-grade students into the National Junior Honor Society, recognizing their commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

Looking ahead, Winter Sports begin November 17 for JV and Varsity teams and November 24 for Modified teams. Finally, Senior families are encouraged to attend our FAFSA Information Night on December 1 at 6:00 P.M. to learn about the financial aid process for college.

We hope everyone has a great November!

Chester Academy welcomes newest members of National Honor Society

18 students proudly stood on stage and passed the flame from one candle to another, signifying their induction into the National Honor Society. Cheers and applause filled the auditorium at Chester Academy as proud family members and loved ones witnessed the monumental moment.

Read the full story here!

Erika Alban enjoys interesting internship with Chester Historical Society

As an intern with the Chester Historical Society, Erika embarked on a journey through local history.

Erika delved into researching George Seely and his family, uncovering layers of history that revealed his life and the lives of his ancestors. From old newspaper articles to historical registries, her efforts painted a vivid picture of a bygone era and the people who once called Chester home.

Robotics lesson leaves haunting impression

Students in Mr. Rodman’s class combined creativity, coding and robotics to celebrate Halloween in high-tech style! Using Hummingbird Robotics kits and the micro:bit platform – along with with plenty of foamcore and hot glue – students designed their own haunted houses that move, glow and surprise!

Projects features motors, sensors and tri-color LEDs to make spooky effects like creaking doors, cracking roofs, rotating ghosts, glowing pumpkins, and even a flying bat. The hands-on projects show how students are learning engineering, programming, and the engineering design process... all while having a hauntingly good time.

From CES Principal Mary Kate Boesch

October was an exciting and activity-filled month at CES! We kicked things off with Fire Safety Day on October 10th, when members of the local fire department spent the day with our students. They joined us for lunch, played with students during recess and PE, and shared important lessons about fire safety. It was a wonderful day of learning and community connection.

Our STEAM Night was truly Out of this World! Families explored space-themed STEM challenges throughout the evening, and our library was transformed with the Star Lab, which was also available for classes to enjoy throughout the week leading up to the event. The excitement and curiosity in the building were contagious!

As the month came to a close, classrooms embraced spooky-themed learning. Students brewed up creativity with “ witches’ brew” experiments and took on a makerspace STEM challenge to design and launch spiders.

We wrapped up the month with our annual Halloween Parade on October 31st. Students proudly paraded around CES in their costumes, spreading smiles and Halloween spirit throughout the school. The PTA and SEPTSA also supported Picture Day with volunteers, a successful Scholastic Book Fair and the PTA coordinated and awesome Trunk or Treat!

What a fun, and engaging month it has been at CES!

CES families explore the world of STEAM

Families blasted off into an exciting world of curiosity, creativity and exploration at Chester Elementary School’s STEAM night. Families spent the evening smiling ear to ear, engaging in interactive activities with their loved ones as they learned about the world of STEAM. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

STEAM plays an integral role in students’ habits of mind and specific skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and conscientiousness to succeed in school and beyond.

Read the full story here!