Collinsville CUSD #10 Families and Community,
First and foremost, I am thrilled to be a part of the Collinsville CUSD #10 family. I look forward to learning more about our students, staff and communities.
Throughout my career, I have focused my efforts in several areas, including: open lines of communication, transparency, decisions in the best interest of children and an emphasis on regular improvements. However, in order for this to occur, students, staff, parents and community members must work together to meet our student’s individual academic and social-emotional needs. Therefore, I encourage all families to be active participants in your child’s education. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school.
Our staff is getting ready to welcome 6,300 students back to school in a few days. I want to wish everyone a successful 2019-20 school year and I look forward to our students’ return on August 14th.
Don’t forget to wear purple and show your KAHOK PRIDE!
Dr. Mark B. Skertich
Superintendent
Here is news and information I want to share as we get ready to start the 19-20 School Year:
Back to School
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 14. Because it falls on a Wednesday, school will dismiss ½ hour early. For school dismissal times, look on the School Hours page on kahoks.org website.
To promote school spirit, we are asking students to consider wearing their school colors or Kahok purple on the first day of school. Going forward, we encourage everyone to show Kahok Pride every Friday because “On Fridays We Wear Purple” in CUSD 10!
Also, please note our Kindergartners will be adjusting to their school year with a special schedule: Only students with last names A-K will attend on Wednesday, August 14; students with last names L-Z will attend on Thursday, August 15. Parents should plan to stay for 30 minutes on the first day of school. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school.
Open House Events
Our schools will hold Open House events during the first week of school. Open House is a great time to see your child’s school, meet teachers and learn expectations for the school year.
Open House dates/times are listed in the Events calendar on the kahoks.org website.
Kahok Kickoff
Kahok Athletics is hosting the 2019 Fall Sports Kahok Kickoff on Friday, August 23, from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Collinsville High School. All CUSD #10 families are invited. There will be no admission charge, but everyone is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Collinsville Food Pantry.
Back to School Bash for Collinsville CUSD #10 Community
Everyone in the CUSD #10 community is invited to a special Back to School Bash hosted by the City of Collinsville on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. There will be food, fun and games. Families who participate will receive discounted admission to Collinsville Aqua Park.
You do not have to live in the City of Collinsville to attend – just be part of our school district. Admission to the Back to School Bash is free. To find out more, look for information on the City of Collinsville website 2019 C3 Back to School Bash page or check out Collinsville Community Collaboration on Facebook.
New Staff and Administrative Positions
The Kahok Family is welcoming nearly 70 new staff members for the 2019-20 school year. We are pleased to announce new administrators: Dr. Kari Karidis (Daugherty) as Principal, Kreitner Elementary; Ms. Stephanie Pulse as Principal, Summit and Jefferson Elementary Schools; Mr. Doug Kirk as Assistant Principal, Dorris Intermediate School; Ms. Tara Glynn as Special Education Supervisor and Principal, Hollywood Heights School; and Ms. Geneka Gully as Assistant Principal, Collinsville High School.
Recent Building Upgrades and Improvements
While schools were not in use over the summer, several received upgrades and improvements. Our new Buildings & Grounds Director Josh DeWitte joined us in July. Mr. DeWitte previously had a similar role with St. Louis Community College.
Here are a few things you will notice when you return to our schools: All new upper level bleachers in Fletcher Gym at CHS; new floor tile in some classrooms at Maryville, Renfro, Caseyville and DIS; remodeled library at DIS; refreshed cafeteria and library at Maryville; new lighting in Vocational Center hallways; expanded parking lot at DIS; new scoreboard and refurbished gym floor at Webster.
PBIS Initiative
An important district-wide initiative in our K-8 classrooms this year is Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS). PBIS improves social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students by rewarding positive behavior. You will be hearing more about this as the school year progresses.
Social Media
Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is on Facebook and Twitter (@CUSD10). Our elementary schools, DIS, CMS and Kahok Athletics are also on social media. Like and Follow us to stay up-to-date.
District Website/School Webpages
Everything you need and want to know about Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is posted on our website: www.kahoks.org. You will find calendars, forms, policies, food service info, handbooks, virtual backpacks and our staff directory – as well as important news and events. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact the school district at 618-346-6350 and we will assist you.
Each school has its own individual webpage which can be accessed under the SCHOOLS drop down menu on the www.kahoks.org homepage. We suggest you bookmark the school pages for easy access.
Upcoming Events:
★ Teachers Institute on Friday September 20, 2019 (no school)
★ CHS Homecoming Week September 30 – October 5
★ Homecoming Parade at 4:30 on Thursday, October 3
★ Homecoming Football Game vs. Granite City on Friday, October 4
★ Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25 (no school)