May 2025 Newsletter
May 2025
From Superintendent Catherine O'Hara
As we head into the final busy and, of course, celebratory month of the school year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Chester community for approving the 2025–26 school budget. Thank you for your continued commitment to the students and our shared vision for their future.
The approval of this budget strengthens our ability to deliver high quality learning experiences and ensures that all students have access to the resources they need to reach their highest potential.
This investment supports our dedicated staff and reflects our team-driven mission to promote student-centered learning. It advances Next Generation aligned programs, enhances professional development, and expands opportunities in the arts, athletics, and extracurriculars. It also strengthens school safety, enhances communication and engagement with families, and fosters future-focused learning that inspires innovation, creativity, and preparation for lifelong success.
Thank you once again for your support. I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming Moving Up Ceremonies and celebrating the accomplishments of our seniors at Graduation on June 26!
Voters approve CUFSD 2025-2026 Budget
Chester voters approved the $38,222,499 budget for the 2025-26 school year by an unofficial 194-90 vote.
Additionally, two candidates were reelected to the Board of Education: Kim DiCurcio and Caroline Negersmith.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, thank you to our Chester community for supporting the 2025–2026 budget,” said Superintendent Catherine O’Hara. “Your engagement reflects our shared commitment to continually Investing in Excellence, expanding programs and instruction, strengthening partnerships and communication, advancing safety and security, and creating opportunities for all students to achieve success. Your continued support helps build a brighter future for every student.”
The budget supports educational programs aligned with the NY Next Gen Learning Standards, strengthens instruction in reading, math, and other foundational content areas, while enhancing opportunities in the arts, music, physical education, athletics, and extracurriculars. It also maintains small class sizes, a hallmark of a Chester education.
The budget advances critical safety, security, and infrastructure initiatives., including our dedicated police presence, strengthened security measures, and targeted facility upgrades; all contribute to the secure and supportive learning environment Chester students enjoy, where innovative, career-connected learning happens every day
The scoop on Professional Development
Our May 16 Professional Development was packed with purpose and a scoop of appreciation! Faculty and staff were introduced to our new student information system for 2025-26 – SYNERGY!
Special thanks to our very own “data ninjas,” Daniel Svarczkopf and Dennis Lepre, for leading our district-wide workshops as we transition away from SchoolTools.
Important Dates:
June 11
BOE Meeting
June 17
Pre-K Showcase
June 18
Grade 5 Moving Up
June 19
Juneteenth, No School
June 23
Grade 8 Moving Up
June 26
HS Graduation
June 27
Last Day of School
From Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan
Chester Academy has been buzzing with excitement as the school year winds down with celebrations, academic milestones, and upcoming events.
On May 27, our eighth-grade students enjoyed a fantastic class trip to Lego Land. A special thank you goes to Mr. DeLao for organizing the outing, and to the 8th-grade team and Mrs. Cuomo for serving as chaperones. The trip was a fun and memorable way to celebrate the Class of 2025.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the many students who received honors during our High School and Middle School Awards Ceremonies, held on May 27 and May 28. It is always inspiring to witness the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students being recognized.
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, exam schedules have been released and are available on ParentSquare and the district website. Families are encouraged to review them and support students in preparing for their assessments.
Additionally, middle school students will complete their final iReady diagnostics in Math and ELA over the next week. To celebrate their hard work, we’re looking forward to our Middle School Field Day on June 6, a fun reward for their effort and growth throughout the year. Go Hambletonians!
Chester Academy hosts STEM + ARTS = STEAM Expo
Exciting student projects developed through innovative lessons were on display during the STEM + ART = STEAM EXPO on May 20 at Chester Academy.
Students in all grades showed off their artwork and interactive STEM projects for their families, friends and community members to enjoy.
High school artists provided an inspiring collection of artwork from Ms. Kriner’s art courses. The art show with Mrs. Lamitie showcased a wide range of student artwork from grades sixth through eighth, including drawing, painting, and ceramics.
Visitors toured the High School Tech Showcase, featuring hands-on student work from CAD, architecture, digital fabrication, podcasting, and more. Middle school technology selections outlined a sample of what the students have been working on in Technology Education with Mr. Jordan.
Chester Academy shows gratitude for community partners at Internship Appreciation Breakfast
Local business owners were welcomed by Chester Academy students expressing their gratitude for the guidance they have received while exploring potential career paths at the school's Partnership Appreciation Breakfast.
The Chester Union Free School District proudly collaborates with professionals in the local community to provide students with real-world experiences and specialized insights into a wide variety of careers. This program offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore a field of interest first-hand and gain knowledge that will help enhance career readiness.
This year, the program had over 40 business partners working with 57 students ranging from a variety of careers. Click here to read the full story!
The makerspace Monster Exchange Tech students build, race dragsters
Tim Jordan’s 7th-grade tech students put Newton’s laws of motion to the test, designing, building and racing their own carbon dioxide-powered dragsters!
They did everything from creating precise AutoCAD blueprints of their designs, to hands-shaping the bodies, painting, and assembling. Another great example of science and creativity in STEAM education!
From CES Principal Mary Kate Bosch
May has been a busy and productive month at CES! Our 3rd–5th grade students successfully completed the New York State ELA, Math, and Science Assessments, along with the NYSESLATs and associated field tests.
We are so proud of their hard work and resilience throughout this important time of year.
Students across all grade levels enjoyed exciting and enriching field trips, including visits to Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Turtle Back Zoo, Bergen County Zoo, Esopus Meadows, and Philipsburg Manor.
These hands-on learning experiences provided valuable connections to our curriculum and a lot of fun along the way!
As summer approaches, we partnered with the Orange County Health Department to bring tick identification and safety presentations to all CES students. With outdoor activities on the rise, this was an important and timely learning opportunity.
We wrapped up the month with our PBIS Assembly on May 30th, where we celebrated students who continue to demonstrate positive behavior and embody the values of our school community. Their efforts make CES a great place to learn and grow every day.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to all the excitement that June will bring!
CES students showcase their talents at Book Themed Art Show
The Makerspace at Chester Academy was transformed into a mesmerizing museum of artwork as students from Chester Elementary unleashed their imaginations and creativity during the Book Themed Art Show on Tuesday, May 20.
Families congregated to observe the artistic talents and projects students have been working on throughout the year.
Many of the pieces featured in the show correspond with various children’s books, such as “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh, and “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems.
Additionally, students recorded themselves reading these books so observers can listen to the book while looking at the different exhibits. Read more about the Book Themed Art Show here!
CES brings music to the community
Jadyn Francis, Noah Keegan, and Gabrielle Thomas proudly represented Chester Elementary School at Junior High All-County. Selected from students across Orange County, they dedicated their time to rehearsing challenging pieces with guest conductors — culminating in a spectacular concert today. We’re so proud of their hard work and musical excellence!
Brandon Sparkman’s Chester Elementary Jazz Band kicks things off at Meadow Blues with style, soul, and swing—opening for the incredible Simone and the Fellas on May 3! These talented young musicians have been working hard and it showed. It was truly an unforgettable afternoon full of music and entertainment. A round of applause for all of our talented musicians!
