District Newsletter
February 2025
From Superintendent Catherine O'Hara
As we approach our upcoming budget presentations, our focus remains on continuous improvement in all areas. This includes safety initiatives and educational programs aligned with the New York Next Generation Learning Standards. We are strengthening instructional opportunities in reading, math, and content areas while enhancing experiences in the arts, music, physical education, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining the small class sizes that make Chester unique, while advancing innovative, career-connected learning.
This summer, we anticipate beginning construction at Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School as part of the Safety Capital Project approved last year—thank you for your support. This work is contingent on final NYSED approval, which we continue to monitor closely.
Our priority is to develop a fiscally responsible budget that supports educational excellence, social-emotional well-being, and a strong school-community partnership. We appreciate your engagement in this important process.
Investing in Excellence: Preparing the 2025 - 2026 Budget
Chester continues to approach budget development with transparency and a data-driven mindset, ensuring fiscal responsibility while prioritizing student success. Each element of our budget is developed to best support education for next-generation learning. Through continuous curriculum review and multiple data sources, we identify areas for targeted improvement. Our proposed 2025-26 budget is fiscally responsible and strategically designed to support student learning while maintaining a strong focus on safety and security, as well as addressing increasing demands in Special Education, transportation, and instructional support. We encourage our community to stay engaged in the process as we shape the future of education in Chester.
March 5 Budget Presentation
The first 2025-26 Budget Presentation was held on Wednesday, March 5th, covering these key priorities.The first 2025-26 Budget Presentation was held on Wednesday, March 5th, covering these key priorities.
View the March 5 Budget Presentation, which covers the priorities laid out above, as well as a general overview of enrollment and staffing projections, information on the maximum allowable tax levy, and revenue projections.
Upcoming Budget Presentations:
March 19: Instructional Programs, Student Support Services & Technology
March 26: Facilities, Transportation & Athletics
April 9: Undistributed Expenses, Central Services & BOCES Services
April 24: Final Budget Overview & Board Actions
May 13: Public Budget Hearing
All budget presentations will be accessible online through the 2025-26 Budget Development Calendar.
Important Dates:
March 10
Pre-K & K registration begins
March 11
SEPTSA
March 13
CES PTA
March 19
BOE Meeting
March 20
Family Instructional Academy
March 26
BOE Meeting
March 28
Last day pre-K lottery registration
From Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan
As we move into March, there are several important events and updates to share with our Chester Academy community.
The five-week progress reporting period ends on March 6, and reports will be available for viewing on March 13. Please take this opportunity to review student progress and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.
Excitement is building as the Junior Class hosts the Harlem Wizards on March 10! This thrilling event promises an evening of high-energy basketball entertainment for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now—be sure to secure yours by checking the district website, ParentSquare updates, posters around the building, or by clicking this link: Harlem Wizards Tickets. We anticipate this to be a sellout so get your tickets now!
On March 13, Chester Academy is honored to welcome Rohan Murphy, a former Division 1 college wrestler and nationally recognized motivational speaker. Rohan’s inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of wrestling at Penn State University will be shared with students during two assemblies. Community members are also invited to a special evening presentation at 7:00 PM in the Chester Academy Auditorium. We encourage everyone to attend and hear his powerful message.
Thank you for your continued support in making Chester Academy a place of learning, inspiration, and community connection!
Winter Wonderland: Painting together at Chester Academy
The latest Family Instructional Academy was an unforgettable evening of creativity, community, and winter magic!
Families came together for our Painting Together Experience, where art education took center stage. Mrs. Garcia highlighted the importance of art education and shared the amazing programs offered at Chester Academy.
From brushstrokes to sculpting, the night was filled with laughter, learning, and beautiful artwork.
NYS Assemblyman visits Chester Academy
New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec visited Mr. Maggi’s Participation in Government classes, providing our seniors with an enriching civic engagement experience.
During his visit, Assemblyman Brabenec taught students about the roles and responsibilities of an Assemblymember, including how he supports and advocates for his constituents. He also walked students through the legislative process, explaining how bills are proposed, debated, and passed into law.
This was a fantastic opportunity for our seniors to gain real-world insight into state government and civic responsibility.
Harlem Wizards return!
Get ready for an unforgettable night of basketball, tricks, and fun!
The Harlem Wizards are returning to the CUFSD on March 10th at 7:00 p.m., bringing their high-energy show that’s perfect for all ages!
Watch your favorite Academy and Elementary teachers take on the Wizards in this fun and friendly rivalry game.
Click here to purchase tickets.
From CES Principal Mary Kate Bosch
February was a month full of reflection, celebration, and community at CES!
We recently completed our iReady assessments, and reports have been sent home via ParentSquare. Teachers are reflecting on student progress since the beginning of the year and making plans to support individual student needs as we move forward. Report cards have also been sent home, providing another opportunity to recognize growth and set new goals.
We marked the midpoint of the school year with a fun ‘90s Spirit Day on February 4th! Students and staff dressed in their best ‘90s outfits, bringing fun energy to CES!
From February 10th to 13th, we embraced diversity during Multicultural Spirit Week. Students represented their cultural backgrounds by repping their flags, participating in a multicultural show and tell, wearing Black History Month colors, and spreading kindness.
We wrapped up the month with a PBIS assembly on February 28th, recognizing students and staff for their positivity and their contributions to our school community.
As we head into March, we remain committed to fostering student growth, celebrating achievements, and strengthening our school community. Thank you for your support in making CES a great place to learn and grow!
Behind the Scenes: Meet the CES Broadcast Team!
The Chester Elementary School Broadcast Team recently released their latest edition of its monthly broadcast, sharing up-to-date information from the school with the community!
The latest edition includes an exclusive interview with music teacher Brandon Sparkman about the winter concert, as well as a deep dive into the history of Valentine’s Day!
To prepare for the release of the episode, the students brainstormed story ideas before writing their scripts. Students can work as producers, on-screen talent, writers and correspondents.
Read more about the broadcast team here!
Third graders Zoom with students in Ukraine
Students in Lori Bonito’s third grade class were proudly displaying their drawings of the Motherland Monument, Kyiv, to fellow third graders in Ukraine during a video call Wednesday, February 19th. The activity was designed to introduce students here to their peers from across the world and learn more about their culture. Click here to view the full story!
100th day of school!
February 21st marked the 100th day of school! Our students have tackled challenges and gained new knowledge.
Finding Nemo, Kids
Fifth graders are getting ready to perform Finding Nemo, Kids on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 pm, at CES. Don’t miss these talented students perform!
