Our Principal
Chester Academy
Back to School Message
August 3, 2026
Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year. My hope is that everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer, and are relaxed and recharged, ready to start a new school year starting September 2nd. I am looking forward to a great year here at Chester Academy.
Last year, ninety students graduated from Chester Academy. This year, I am excited for the approximately ninety members of the senior class, as they work toward their graduation and the next stages of life. Our projected Academy enrollment for this coming school year is approximately five-hundred and forty students, allowing for a small school learning environment with personalized attention paid to the individual student, yet large enough to provide a competitive academic program with a vast offering of athletics and extracurricular opportunities.
Please note the following information for the upcoming school year:
Athletics Information: Fall Sports
The fall season is fast approaching and registration will open on July 17th. Student-athletes may not participate in tryouts unless they are registered on Synergy ParentVUE and cleared by the school's health office with a current physical. Physicals may not be older than one year on the first day of tryouts. Registration can be located by returning to Synergy ParentVUE at any time and reenter the Online Registration section to register your child for sports using the “Athletic Registration” option.
To access Synergy ParentVUE in the future, please visit and bookmark:
https://NY-CUFSD-PSV.
Start dates:
Varsity Football: 8/17/26
Varsity Boys & Girls Soccer: 8/24/26
Varsity/JV Girls Volleyball: 8/24/26
Varsity Cross Country: 8/24/26
Modified Sports (Football, Soccer, and Volleyball): First week of classes. More information on specific tryout times, locations, and contact information will be sent out as we approach these dates for Modified. JV, and Varsity.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Physical Education and Athletics, at (845) 469-2231 ext 3377.
Transportation
Students bus routes will be posted to the ParentVue in Synergy later this summer. You will be informed once this is posted. For questions regarding transportation, please contact Chester Academy at 845.469.2231 extension 3312. Busing for Greenwood Lake students is coordinated by the Greenwood Lake Transportation Department. Any matters concerning transportation of Greenwood Lake students should be directed to the Greenwood Lake Transportation Department 845.477.2411 extension 54300.
School Forms
Each year, Chester Academy requires parents/guardians to complete the Online Registration process through the Synergy ParentVUE portal. During this process, parents/guardians will verify student and family information, update emergency contacts, review required annual notices, and complete mandatory acknowledgments and permissions. Please note that completion of the Online Registration process is required each school year. Also, please note that students will not be able to access the school computer network or receive their Chromebook until the Acceptable Use Policy and Code of Conduct Acknowledgment (AUP/COC) has been completed.
Sixth Grade & New Student Orientation:
Sixth Grade & New Student Orientation are scheduled for 9 A.M. on Monday, August 24. This orientation is for all incoming Sixth Grade students, as well as any students that are new to Chester Academy. Students attending this orientation will receive their class schedule, locker assignment, a building tour, and an overview of the academic programs and other important information pertaining to Chester Academy. This orientation program will last approximately 90 minutes. Transportation for incoming high school students from the Greenwood Lake UFSD students will be provided. If you use Greenwood Lake transportation, please contact their bus garage for more information.
Chromebook Distribution
Chromebook distribution for sixth grade and new students (Grades 6-12) will take place directly following orientation on Monday, August 24th.
Student Schedules
We will send you a separate email to inform you when schedules will be available in Synergy. This generally is available towards the end of August. We anticipate the tentative schedules to be available for viewing one week prior to the start of the school year.
Use of Electronic Devices:
The Chester Union Free School District, in compliance with the mandate from NY State Governor Hochul, continues to enforce the ban on the use of electronic devices at Chester Academy. Student electronic devices, including smart phones, ear buds, and smart watches (and any other smart device) must be stored in a locker or a student’s bag during the entire school day. This includes time between classes and lunch. As a reminder, student bags are not permitted in the cafeteria and must be stored in a locker when students go to lunch. Any student that attempts to use a device will have that device confiscated and be referred to the main office in compliance with the Code of Conduct.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone back in September. We still have a month of summer vacation so remind your students to relax and enjoy themselves. Have a great remainder of the summer!
Sincerely,
John Flanagan
Principal
Chester Academy
Bell-to-Bell Electronic Device Policy
Dear Families,
As you may know, New York State’s new bell-to-bell ban on electronic devices goes into effect at the start of the upcoming school year. At Chester Academy, students will be required to store their electronic devices in their bags or lockers during the school day.
This policy will be reviewed with students on the first day of school and reinforced during scheduled grade-level assemblies in the first week. Please note that any unauthorized use of an electronic device will result in the device being confiscated for the remainder of the school day, without prior warning.
For students choosing to keep their devices in their bags (backpacks or string bags), it is important that they remain mindful of their belongings at all times. To ensure both student safety and the security of personal devices in high-traffic areas, all bags must be stored in lockers before entering the lunchroom or the gymnasium for physical education classes. Bags left on the floor in these spaces create safety hazards and can easily be misplaced or taken, which is why this rule will be strictly enforced. We recognize this may be an adjustment for some students who have not traditionally used a locker, but this expectation will apply to all students without exception.
We understand that this new state policy may require some changes to students’ daily routines. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support in helping us implement this law to create the best possible learning environment.
Thank you,
John Flanagan
Principal, Chester Academy
