March 24, 2024 – Dorris Intermediate School teacher Ukyah Wilburn was recognized today as April 2024 Kahok Educator of the Month. The award was presented by DIS Principal Kevin Stirnaman and local Benjamin F. Edwards financial advisor Jason Rehg.

In his nomination of Ms. Wilburn, Principal Stirnaman wrote:

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Last year, CMC Rotary provided $1,500 in seed money to pilot a literacy program at CMS. Following a successful launch, the reading incentive program has grown to encompass DIS students, too.  CMS Rotary generously increased their support for 2023-24.

Students earn rewards for reaching milestones based on the number of words they read. The top prize is a $50 certificate for Scholastic Books for every million words read. 

The program includes students at all levels of literacy:  from rewarding those who are already avid readers, to incentivizing and supporting students who desire to read, but struggle with comprehension. 

For more information on the Kahoks Read program, contact Library Media Specialist Michael Hayman: mhayman@cusd.kahoks.org.

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Baumgartner will be recognized by the St. Louis Jewish Light later this month as one of their 2023 Unsung Heroes:

Unsung Heroes, which began in 2010, shines a light on individuals of any background or faith who generously volunteer or go above and beyond to help the St. Louis Jewish community, and Jewish St. Louisans who volunteer, either within the local Jewish community and/or the community at large. This year, two of the 11 Unsung Heroes are not Jewish; both are teachers, one in Jefferson County, the other in Collinsville, and both are going above and beyond in their efforts to stop antisemitism in their classrooms and in their communities.

Last school year, Baumgartner, who teaches sixth-grade at Dorris Intermediate School, heard one of her students say “Hitler is cool” and instruct two other boys to give the Nazi salute.  Baumgartner, who is Catholic, took determined action to use the event as a teachable moment for her class.  She used lessons to combat antisemitism, showed a YouTube interview with a Holocaust survivor and took her class on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in St. Louis.

At the school board meeting, Baumgartner was introduced and congratulated by DIS Principal Kevin Stirnaman.  She received a certificate signed by BOE President Gary Peccola and Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.

Click HERE to read an article from St. Louis Jewish Light about Ms. Baumgartner being recognized by CUSD 10.

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The award is presented annually by the district superintendent in two categories: certified staff and non-certified staff.  Individuals are nominated by district colleagues and chosen by Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich based on their merits and accomplishments. Mrs. Himmelberg was honored in the certified staff category.

Criteria for the Superintendent’s Quality & Excellence award include: rapport with students; relationship with peers; professionalism; classroom activities and use of content knowledge (certified staff); going above and beyond in their profession; and community involvement.

Mrs. Himmelberg was nominated by colleague, Julie Giacoletto, who wrote:

Mrs. Himmelberg works hard to develop a positive rapport with students. She knows her students and adapts classroom activities and her content knowledge to meet their needs. If you enter her classroom, you will see her clarifying, providing examples, and modeling so all understand.

Her commitment to the students is exceptional. If students want to know more about a topic, she has someone in the community come in the next week. This past year, she went to a student’s house before the school year began in order to make sure the year would be a great one! She is making plans for the upcoming year for an experience for our students which requires building relationships with businesses in our community.

Mrs. Himmelberg is held in high regard in our building, demonstrating a level of professionalism for all to follow. She is always willing to share resources. She has made herself numerous files for the entire grade level to use for Wit and Wisdom. She serves on numerous committees.

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When she was growing up in Granite City, Ms. Davis knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. After high school, she attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While working as a sixth grade teacher at Dorris Intermediate School, she completed a master’s in teacher leadership, special education endorsement and principal certificate at McKendree University.

“This is my 12th year in education,” says Ms. Davis, “I consider myself lucky to have spent all of those years at DIS and am excited to continue my journey there in a new role.

“I believe the goal of education is to provide students with experiences that prepare them to be college and career ready, and become successful members of society. The foundation for this begins at the earliest years of school and continues through higher education.

“I believe there are three main pillars that are the foundation of successful schools: a strong community, home and school connection; a culture where patrons feel respected and valued within the school community; and rigorous research-based instruction that challenges students to continue to grow and develop as learners.”

Ms. Davis lives in Collinsville with her husband and two kids. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and walking/running with her four-legged companion, Cocoa, a chocolate lab. She also loves to travel. Her personal goal is to visit every national park in the United States.

She quotes Malala Yousafzai who said “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Ms. Davis adds “I truly believe this, and know that our students, teachers, faculty and staff are changing the world each and every day.”

The post Leah Davis is New Assistant Principal at Dorris Intermediate appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Ms. Asperger was nominated by a colleague who wrote:

Mrs. Asperger (aka Mrs. A) is the all-time best teacher there is. Her calm demeanor, fantastic classroom management, and knowledge of how to effectively teach reading skills (to even the academically challenged students) is truly amazing. In addition, Mrs. A was part of a team in Collinsville Unit 10 this year that enabled students to show their creativity and make an earning at the very first “Student Vendor Fair!”  Students made and sold everything from bracelets to origami to complex woodworking birdhouses.  On top of this, Mrs. A went the EXTRA mile.  She designed a unique virtual club to help those students participate that did not have transportation or the means to stay after school.  Mrs. A has such a great heart that she never wants to be or feel left out. Going this extra mile just proves how dedicated she is to not only her job, but her students.

The post DIS Teacher Ms. Asperger is Post-Dispatch May 2023 Teacher of the Month appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

In his nomination of Jenna Klucker, Mr. Stirnaman wrote:

Ms. Klucker is the very definition of a student centered educator.  Her caring demeanor and positive attitude are evident every day when watching her interact with students and parents.  She is one of the first people at DIS to step up to help under any circumstance.  Whether it’s working with her students on academic or social emotional learning, supporting her colleagues, or being a constant advocate for her kids, Ms. Jenna Klucker shows herself to be a worthy recipient of the Kahok Educator of the Month Award.  It’s a privilege to work with her.

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These students are invited to attend the 32nd Annual Madison County Young Authors Conference hosted by the Madison County Regional Office of Education on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Edwardsville.

The Illinois Young Authors program celebrates exceptional writing by students in grades K through 8.  This year’s CUSD 10 student entries were judged by the Collinsville High School English Department.

Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich welcomed everyone and read one of the Young Author books:  The Dirt Bike Kid Who Didn’t Give Up by Brentley Krimminger.

Collinsville CUSD 10 2023 District Winners

Jillian Smithe – The Journey of Untold Mysteries
Bianca Post-Biondi – The Blue Mermaid, Octopus O, and The Mermaid Ball
Fiona Delaney – Ducky Goes To The Dentist
Macy Korando- The Amazing Adventures of Murray and Millie
Gia & Ella Bossetto – The Queen’s Dog
Maverick Freeman – Luna’s Wild Adventure
Lela Post – Biondi – The Black Fairy
McKenzie Langston – The Little Fox
Preslee Williams – Willow
Brentley Krimminger – The Dirt Bike Kid Who Didn’t Give Up
Melanie Urquizo – El Mundo De Las Mascotas
Rylee Dushane – Rylee’s Family and Friends Book
Desmond Dotdot – Cooper The Turtle
Vivian Gottschalk – The Lost Unicorn Horn #2
Baylee Phelps – Saving Our Oceans
Bianca Romero – Witches
Giselle Romero – The Amazing Ballerina
Evelynn A. Nessel – The Tri-State Tragedy
Layla Williams – Light From the Hall
Alie Cary – Lori’s Recovery
Malia Bangaru – The Wild Adventure of Posie & Chase
Cora Tanner – The Academy of Lies
Makenzie Myrick – Paranormal Communication
Ailee Murphy – Because She Does
Aurora Doris – Alpheratz

The post 2023 Young Authors Winners Celebrated at Annual Tea appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

In this video, Dr. Skertich is joined by sixth grade STEM students from Dorris Intermediate School talking about the STEM program, and by members of the Collinsville High School Student Advisory Board promoting their spring semester service project.

Transcripts in English and Spanish are posted below.

Read the video transcript in English
Read the video transcript in Spanish

CHS Spring Allergy Season Tissue Project

To contribute to the Collinsville High School Student Advisory Board Tissue Project, send boxes of tissues to school with a CHS student, or drop donations at the school’s visitor entrance check-in.

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Elementary school students were taken by bus to Collinsville High School where they were given the opportunity to pick out shoes and socks, and have a quick visit with Santa Claus.  One-hundred-thirty Dorris Intermediate School students went to their school’s gym to chose their new shoes and socks. This was the first year the program expanded to include DIS.

Shoe Carnival in Edwardsville works with Collinsville Charities for Children to offer a wide selection of shoes in various sizes.   This year, socks were donated to collection points throughout the community, as well as purchased by the Charities for Children organization.

Volunteers from the charity, students from the Collinsville High School Leadership 101 class and several administrators from CUSD 10 helped fit the children with shoes.

Funding for the shoe distribution program is raised through donations and the Collinsville Charities for Children’s Annual Golf Event held on the first Friday in June at Belk Park.  In addition, Collinsville Charities for Children was a beneficiary of the 2022 Collinsville Festival of Trees.

This Christmas season, Collinsville Charities for Children also provided gifts for eight local children in need.

Collinsville Charities for Children exists for the purpose of assisting children in CUSD 10.  For information about their work and how to support their efforts, contact them via email: collinsvillecharitiesforchildren@yahoo.com

Click HERE to view photos from the event.

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Nominations were sought from the CUSD 10 community in October 2022.  Nominees were judged based on four categories:  citizenship, innovation, resources and passion.

Alonzo “Skip” Skipper, VFW 5691 Post Commander and Teacher of the Year Committee Chair, said, “This Program recognizes teachers who care about America. VFW annually recognizes the Nation’s top classroom teachers who teach Citizenship Education topics regularly and who promote American history, traditions and institutions.”

Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators.  VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.

The post VFW Names DIS’ Kristen Leech 22-23 Teacher of the Year appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Kahoks as Mentors pairs JV/Varsity Collinsville High School Basketball players with fledgling basketball players from DIS.  High school student-athletes work with the younger students to mentor them on the sacrifices, responsibilities, commitment and motivation required to be involved in high school sports. Along the way, the mentors also work with students on various basketball skills.

The Kahoks as Mentors partnership is assisted by DIS teachers Holli Lorsbach and Brian Baca.

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November 21, 2022 – Dorris Intermediate School STEM Teacher Jason Watts has been named a 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. 

He is among more than 80 teachers from across the St. Louis metropolitan area recognized this year as an example of “truly outstanding educational excellence.”

The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, now in its 33rd year, is one of the region’s most well-known teacher recognition programs. The program annually honors educators – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field.

Recipients represent school districts in Franklin County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Louis City and St. Louis County (Missouri); and Jersey County, Madison County, Monroe County and St. Clair County (Illinois).

Mr. Watts has been a teacher and basketball coach at Dorris Intermediate School since 2010.  Principal Kevin Stirnaman says Watts’ teaching skill and consistent desire for students to reach their potential have positively impacted the lives of many students.

“The area where Mr. Watts stands out is STEM instruction,” according to Stirnaman, “In order to give all students in our school a chance to experience STEM, Mr. Watts formed an afterschool STEM Club, where he was responsible for organizing the entire program from the ground up.  This program serves 200 or more students annually and is a constant source of pride for our school and district.”

Assessment data consistently showed that students in the afterschool STEM Club demonstrated high levels of academic growth.  Prior to the 2021-22 school year, Watts and Stirnaman collaborated to gain approval to add a STEM class to school day course offerings. The resulting STEM class is now a part of the DIS academic program, with nearly 150 students getting a 40-minute block of STEM instruction daily.

“Mr. Watts rolled up his sleeves and developed a STEM curriculum for 5th and 6th graders, providing real world learning experiences for our kids,” said Stirnaman, “All  kids from our diverse student body get a meaningful STEM experience due to the constant efforts of Mr. Jason Watts.”

In addition to the STEM club and classes, Watts also organizes parent/student STEM nights, such as the Caine’s Arcade Family Night, where students build their own board or arcade games from recycled materials.  Hundreds of students and parents attend this event every year, with everyone playing the games the students developed.

Watts is grateful to the Collinsville CUSD 10 Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Skertich and Principal Stirnaman for the opportunity to share his passion for STEM with the students of Dorris Intermediate School.

“I know from personal experience that you cannot dream of a future you don’t even know exists, so it is very important to me that our STEM programs work for students of all abilities and levels, allowing them to develop a broader outlook on personal and professional possibilities,” says Jason Watts.  

“Students are eager to learn more about their world and how it works. The best parts of my day are the “aha” moments when something clicks with a student for the first time. After that, there is usually a big smile, and then that student is never the same. They are more because they were able to understand a concept so fundamentally that they can’t go back to not knowing. That is a pretty powerful thing to see happen,”

To commemorate his achievement, Emerson presented Mr. Watts with an engraved crystal apple from Tiffany & Co.

Dorris Intermediate School serves fifth- and sixth-grade students in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10. CUSD 10 comprises 13 schools, serving 6,100+ students PreK-12 in Madison & St. Clair Counties in southwestern Illinois.

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September 1, 2022 – Dorris Intermediate School’s first quarter 2022-23 STEM Challenge is “Top Gun – Take to the Sky Challenge.”

The first session (September 1) showed students how to fold & fly world record setting paper airplanes.  Other first quarter sessions include how to make candle powered hot air balloons and toy army parachutes, and other awesome explorations of simple aerodynamics principles. Sessions are held on Thursdays after school.

For more information about the 2022-23 DIS STEM Challenge series, click HERE or contact Mr. Watts at jwatts@cusd.kahoks.org.

The post DIS STEM Challenge Starts 22-23 with Aerodynamics appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

August 26, 2022 –

CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, district administrators, DIS principals and members of the Board of Education were joined by representatives of FGMArchitects and Holland Construction Services to mark the beginning of the much anticipated building expansion project.  

Rendering of DIS Addition (Exterior)

The two-story classroom addition will provide 13,400 square feet of new space, including eight classrooms and four restrooms.  The corresponding renovation impacts 1,000 square feet of existing office space and counseling area. 

DIS houses all 5th and 6th grade students in the district.  This project will provide additional space for the growing CUSD 10 population and relieve congestion in the school.  The building is the former North Junior High School which was built in 1962.  It became an intermediate school in 2004, and was named Dorris Intermediate School in 2007, in honor of the district’s longest serving superintendent, Charles H. Dorris, who served for 37 years.  

Construction is scheduled to begin at the beginning of September 2022 and be completed in August 2023.  

The DIS addition and renovations were designed by FGMArchitects. Holland Construction Services is the construction manager for the project. 

The DIS project is part of the district’s $40 million, 5-year Facilities Plan that includes repairs and renovations to improve energy efficiency and enhance the environment where students attend school, as well as the upcoming construction of a new Caseyville Elementary School.

Examples of work completed districtwide to date are: painting, installation of LED lighting, new epoxy flooring, upgraded restrooms, blacktop repairs/resurfacing, playground renovation, locker room renovation, HVAC upgrades, sewer repairs, erosion control and enhanced signage.

The post CUSD 10 Hosts Groundbreaking on $5.8 Million DIS Construction Project appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville Middle School students‘ Class Schedules will be available via the Skyward Family Access Portal. Parents/Guardians may log into their account (using their Username and Password) and access their child’s teacher information via the Schedule Tab (from the menu options on the left) on August 9, 2022.

Dorris Intermediate School and Elementary School Students may access their teacher assignment via the Skyward Family Access Portal on August 9, 2022. Parents/Guardians may log into their account (using their Username and Password) and access their child’s teacher information via the Schedule Tab (from the menu options on the left) on August 9, 2022.

Collinsville High School Kahok Kickstart make-up day is Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 8:00 am – 11:00 am and 12:00 pm – 3:00 p.m.  On At that time, students who were unable to attend Kahok Kickstart on July 26 and 27 can receive their class schedule, athletic participation information, CHS Bands information, parking assignments (qualified students in grades 11 and 12), Driver’s Education information, photo IDs, textbooks and Chromebooks; and have an opportunity to purchase PE uniforms.

Please Note: Online registration must be completed in order to view/receive class schedules and teacher information.  Use THIS LINK for information and a link to complete online registration for the 2022-23 school year.

The post 22-23 Schedules & Teacher Information Available Aug 9 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Open House & Kindergarten Orientation Schedule 2022-2023 Printable PDF
Noche de Conocer a los Maestros y Orientación de Kínder 2022-2023 PDF imprimible

Collinsville High School & Collinsville Area Vocational Center:

Tuesday, August 16th Open House 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Collinsville Middle School:  

Monday, August 15th Maroon Teams 7C/8C & Black Teams 7A/8A: 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Tuesday, August 16th Silver Teams 7B/8B & White Teams 7D/8D: 6:00PM – 7:30PM 

Dorris Intermediate School:  

Monday, August 15th Open House 6th Grade: 4:00PM-6:00PM
Tuesday, August 16th Open House 5th Grade: 4:00PM-6:00PM 

Caseyville Elementary: By Appointment Only  

Monday, August 15th Kindergarten Orientation & Open House 5:30PM – 7:00PM 

Jefferson Elementary: By Appointment Only

Monday August 15th, Open House 5:00PM-7:00PM 

Kreitner Elementary: 

Monday, August 15th Kindergarten Orientation: 4:45PM – 5:15PM
Monday, August 15th Open House 1st Grade – 4th Grade: 5:15PM – 6:15PM 

Maryville Elementary:  

Tuesday, August 16th K-4 Open House
Last Names A-K: 5:00PM-5:45PM & Last Names L-Z: 6:00PM – 6:45PM  

Renfro Elementary: 

Monday, August 15th Kindergarten Orientation: 5:00-5:45
Open House 2nd Grade & 4th Grade: from 5:45-6:30
Tuesday, August 16th Open House PK, 1st Grade & 3rd Grade: 5:45-6:30 

Summit Elementary: By Appointment Only

Monday August 15th Open House 5:00PM-7:00PM 

Twin Echo Elementary: 

Monday, August 15th Kindergarten Orientation & Open House 6:00PM – 7:00 PM 

Webster Elementary:

Monday, August 15th Kindergarten Orientation 5:30PM-6:00PM & Open House 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Hollywood Heights:  

Thursday, August 18th Open House 5:00PM – 6:00PM

The post 2022-2023 Open House & Kindergarten Orientation Schedule appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

CHS Math Teacher Bill Gottschalk announced the initiative to CUSD 10 teachers and students with a video explaining that Mr. Tayloe is a geometry teacher who has his students draw or color tessellations to learn concepts about shapes.  The goal is to pass along words of encouragement to Mr. Tayloe before the end of the school year by having students create or color tessellations for him. (Click HERE to watch Mr. Gottschalk’s video.)

A tessellation is a pattern created with identical shapes which fit together with no overlap or space between. (Think tiles.)  It works with shapes like squares and hexagons.  Tessellations can be created by hand or by using a computer.  Click below to watch a video explaining the concept.

For sample tessellations to create and color, click HERE.

What is a tessellation? Watch this four-part YouTube video series by Juliana Kunstler:

Here are photos of the tessellations delivered to Mr. Tayloe:

The post CUSD 10 Students Create Tessellations for Mr. Tayloe appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Principals and their 2022 honored guests:

The post District Principals & Guests Attend 2022 IPA Breakfast appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

April 22, 2022 – Dorris Intermediate School educational assistant Roniqueka “Kiki” White was recognized today as April 2022 Kahok Educator of the Month. The award was presented by DIS Principal Kevin Stirnaman and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jason Rehg.

In his nomination of “Ms. Kiki,” Mr. Stirnaman wrote:

“Ms. Kiki is a constant support for students in the building.  She is tough when she needs to be, firm and fair, to keep kids on the right path.  She is caring in all of her interactions with students.  Many students seek her out as the first adult they want to interact with in the building, getting a hug or a supportive word from her to start their day on a positive note.  Many of our kids gravitate towards Ms. Kiki, including some of our neediest students.

She always helps cover any area of the building where we are short handed, whether it’s the office or classrooms as an assistant.  Her efforts with cafeteria, morning and afternoon supervision are vital to keeping our building running on a day-to-day basis.

DIS is lucky to have Ms. Kiki.”

Local Edward Jones Representative Jason Rehg sponsors the award each month during the school year to recognize outstanding educators in Collinsville CUSD 10.

The post DIS’ Kiki White is April 2022 Kahok Educator of the Month appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

DIS Special Education teacher Tara Bode helped organize the event: “Our Spring Formal is an event where we transform our cafeteria into a fine dining restaurant and the students are served lunch from a waitstaff that is made up of KAHOKstrong officers from CHS. This is our third quarter celebration and it is a part of our district wide PBIS initiative.”

“We are celebrating #thekahokway and celebrating the student body at DIS. We have so many students who show up everyday ready to learn and make a difference in our school & community. They deserve to be celebrated! This is the second time we have been able to host the event. It has become special to us at DIS because the students and staff enjoy it, but it is also amazing to see all of the staff members, parents & students come together to pull off such a fantastic event for our student body,” she added. 

The menu included tossed salad and pasta.  Tables were covered in Kahok purple and white.  Every student had a personalized place card and DIS staff came dressed to impress.

The post DIS Hosts Formal Lunch for PBIS Celebration appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Young Authors is an Illinois State Board of Education program sponsored by the Illinois Language and Literacy Council, in conjunction with the Illinois Reading Council.  Young Authors celebrates exceptional writing by students in grades K through 8.  Locally, the Young Authors competition is coordinated through Madison County Regional Office of Education (ROE) 41.

Winners will participate in the Madison County Young Authors Conference sponsored by ROE 41 on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Edwardsville High School.  During the event, “students have the opportunity to share their books with each other, participate in reading/writing centric activities and be entertained by a local author, storyteller or performer.” (The 2022 Illinois Statewide Young Authors Conference has been cancelled.)

Collinsville CUSD 10 2022 Young Authors Winners

Sydnie Forys, The Princess and the T-Rex, Maryville Elementary, Grade K
Lela Post, Life with Leukemia, Renfro Elementary, Grade K
Emery Wallheimer, The Bat Finds a Snack, Webster Elementary, Grade K
Kaiyahna Duke, The Scary Story, Maryville Elementary, Grade 1
Milo Reid, Milo and his Puppy Scout, Jefferson Elementary, Grade 1
Kenneth Andrews, The Woods, Renfro Elementary, Grade 2
Vivian Gottschalk, The Lost Unicorn Horn, Jefferson, Grade 2
Brianna Besserman, The Black Bubbles, Caseyville Elementary, Grade 3
Owen Bovee, The Adventure of Jacob and Jackson: The Search for the Great Golden Brick, Jefferson Elementary, Grade 3
Mollie Forys, Wicked Weather, Maryville Elementary, Grade 3
Bianca Romero, The Quest of Queen Valentine, Renfro Elementary, Grade 3
Giselle Romero, The Girl Who Made a Difference, Renfro Elementary, Grade  3
Sullivan Wallheimer,  The Shadows in the Dark, Webster Elementary, Grade 3
Emilynn Dye, The WarStoppers Book #1: The Sun Trail, Renfro Elementary, Grade 4
Jesus Fuentes, Jesse Warlock and the Hypno-Marshmallow, Webster Elementary, Grade 4
Lillian Gottschalk, Spies in Training: A Story of Espionage, Jefferson, Grade 4
Madi Cameron, The Best Friends, Dorris Intermediate School, Grade 5
Annie Forys, The Story of 2020, Dorris Intermediate School, Grade 5
Addisen Tidball, The Angel Dog, Dorris Intermediate School, Grade 5
Avery Baugher, In the Dark, Dorris Intermediate School, Grade 6
Cora Tanner & Alyssa Juenger, What Happened to Alexa?, Dorris Intermediate School, Grade 6
Aurora Doris, Pretzel, Collinsville Middle School, Grade 7
Aliee Murphy, Puppet on a String: Part 1, Collinsville Middle School, Grade 7
Ellieanna Womak, Charles the Mouse Who Had No House, Collinsville Middle School, Grade 7

The post 2021-22 Young Authors Honored at District Event appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Dorris Intermediate School

Elly Peck was named a finalist by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra  in the Picture the Music Art Contest.  Click HERE to read about Elly and her artwork.

Collinsville Middle School

Hayden Rehg was recognized by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield for artwork she created for their ‘Survival Through Self Expression’ Art Contest hosted in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education.” Click HERE to read about Hayden and her artwork.

Collinsville High School

Cassandra Stirling and Carlos Cruz-Cortez were selected to perform with the 2022 Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Band.  This is one of the highest honors a high school musician can achieve.

The post Students Recognized at February 2022 Board of Education Meeting appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

For this year’s competition, artwork was inspired by Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.  Elly’s artwork was submitted by DIS music teacher Leah Milton.

As a finalist, Elly, her parents and guests are invited to the Picture the Music awards ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, at Powell Hall. Following the awards ceremony, the finalists’ artwork will be displayed at The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum April 7-20.  The exhibit will then be displayed at Plaza Frontenac from April 21-May 5.

Congratulations Elly!  #proudtobeakahok #thekahokway

The post DIS 5th Grader Elly Peck is Finalist in SLSO Art Contest appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

All students in grades K-8 are encouraged to participate by writing an original story to submit for competition. Winners are selected to attend the Madison County Young Authors Conference held in Edwardsville on April 29th, 2022. In addition, both state and county winners are invited to attend a Young Authors’ Tea in the spring at Collinsville Middle School. Authors of the winning books will receive further information on these opportunities.

CLICK HERE for a printable copy of the official rules and the manuscript card that must be included in all entries. Books are due to child’s teacher by January 28th, 2022.

The CUSD 10 Young Authors Program is coordinated by Mrs. Stephanie Pulse, Principal of Jefferson & Summit Schools, who said, “Our committee looks forward to reading the exciting adventures written by the children of Collinsville this year!”

2021-2022 Young Authors Guidelines 2021-22

● The manuscript identification card MUST be complete and attached to the front, inside cover of every book in order for it to be considered for advancement. (Click HERE for a printable copy of the rules – including manuscript identification card.)
● Books by three or more children will not be accepted. Books authored/illustrated by pairs of students will be accepted; however, co-authored/illustrated entries will count as two of the district/school allotment of entries.
● Due to issues with copyright laws, stories with copyrighted characters will not be allowed. (Ex. Spongebob, Superman, Batman, Legos, etc.)
● Dictated books may be typed or handwritten by an adult, but must be in the student’s own language.
● Manuscripts must have a substantial cover with pages securely attached. The title of the book and the author’s name is placed on the cover, as well as an illustration.
● Books need a title page including the title of the book, the author, a fictitious publishing company, and the copyright date (year).
● Books need a dedication page and an author’s page which may include information such as the author’s age, grade, likes, and hobbies. You may attach a picture to this page.
● Pages are numbered in the center on the bottom of each page and illustrations appear throughout the book.
● Should a book advance, parents will be responsible for transporting their children to and from the conferences.
● Books are due to teachers by January 28, 2022.

Have Fun and Be Creative!

The post K-8 Students Encouraged to Participate in Young Authors Program appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

November 1, 2021 – When weather conditions make travel hazardous, CUSD 10 will declare an E-Learning Day meaning students will learn remotely from home based on expectations determined by their schools/teachers. 

PLEASE NOTE: A complete school closure could still be issued if power outages or other circumstances make remote learning difficult or impossible. 

E-Learning Days are important because students do not lose instruction due to inclement weather, so learning continues and there are no missed days to make-up at the end of the school year. If school is “Closed” – those emergency days are added to the school calendar.  If no emergency days are used, the school year ends on the designated day.

The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education approved a plan to allow Snow/Emergency Weather Days to become E-Learning Days beginning in Winter 2020-21.  The change was approved on December 21, 2020.

WHAT IS AN E-LEARNING DAY?

E-Learning Days are designed to serve as official attendance days of school when the students and teachers stay at home due to emergency situations, yet learning continues as students remotely leverage digital tools and engage in teacher-prepared lessons. The Collinsville School District E-Learning Plan also includes teachers available remotely to assist students by email with their assignments during the hours of the E-Learning school day.

ISSUING AN E-LEARNING DAY

In the event conditions are such that school must be cancelled, administration will do its best to make that determination by 6:00am. Sometimes this is not possible, as conditions can change rather quickly in Southern Illinois, but the goal will be to make the determination by 6:00 am.

Once the decision is made, students, staff, and parents will be notified:

• through our District call system
• through our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• through local tv and radio stations, as well as newspaper websites

If an E-Learning Day is implemented, everyone will be notified in the same manner as when school is cancelled. Students will be expected to utilize the day to meet with their teachers virtually and work on their required assignments/activities.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

During E- Learning, attendance will be taken. The preferred method of collecting attendance is always a one-to-one daily connection between the teacher and the student. However, we recognize that this method is not available or practical for all student scenarios under an E-Learning situation. We encourage and suggest several ideas for how classroom teachers can collect and count a student as present during an E-Learning Day.

• Video conference “check-ins.”
• Wellness checks coupled with a question on student engagement/participation in lessons.
• Phone calls coupled with a question on student engagement/participation in lessons.
• Text messages or email communications coupled with a question on student engagement/participation in lessons.
• Packet collections by school personnel.

GRADING

Students will be accountable for completing the assigned tasks either online or by printed materials in the same manner as any other school day. Students will only receive a “present” for attendance once work is completed. Incomplete work will be considered incomplete.

Teachers are encouraged to hold students accountable for completing work as they would with any missing assignments. Completed work can either be turned in online or on an upcoming school day.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY

Teachers will periodically monitor their email and respond to questions during their school hours.  If you need an appointment please reach out to your teacher. For many teachers, other systems may work better than email (Telephone, ClassDojo, Google Classroom, etc.) and staff are encouraged to utilize these other communication tools as the situation dictates. However, all teachers will check their email regularly and provide feedback and guidance to students/parents on an as needed basis.

The District understands that many teachers have their own responsibilities that may arise with these days (supervising their own children, shoveling snow, etc.). The District also understands that there will be time spent in follow up activities after the E-Learning Day (reviewing completed assignments, providing support for students without internet access, encouraging students to complete assignments, etc.). Staff will respond to all communication requests in a timely manner (within 24 hours) during scheduled hours. Teachers may communicate outside of office hours as needed.

LIVE VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Google Meet will be one of the primary video conferencing tools used to host live class sessions in communication with students during E-Learning Days for online learners. If your child is unable to attend a live session, the classroom teachers may provide either notes or a recorded version of the session. 

Elementary teachers with students in grade PreK-6 will include in their morning announcement the times students are to log in for live instruction.

For grade levels 7-12, staff will use the following abbreviated class times when scheduling synchronous (live) sessions:

STUDENT/PARENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

In the event of an issue with a student’s District assigned device, please call or email the technology support person at your child’s school.  Click HERE for a list of tech support staff.

The post E-Learning Option for Use During Inclement Weather appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Andrew was invited to be a part of the program after attending the 2020 Real Madrid Soccer Camp, but due to the pandemic, the trip was postponed from April 2021 to November 2021. The trip, sponsored by Avanza Sports and the Real Madrid Foundation, was from Nov. 20-Nov. 29, 2021.

Immediately upon arrival in Madrid, Andrew was taken to a dormitory where he stayed with the other members of his team, Team Modric, which included eight boys and one girl (ages 7-10).  Two other age groups had players up 16-years-old. The players were pushed to their limits with training every morning at the Real Madrid Training Facility.  They participated in friendly games with Spanish youth soccer teams in the evenings. The players’ families (who stayed in separate hotels from the players) were able to watch two of the training sessions and every friendly game. Team Modric won two of the four games played and had the best record of all the age groups from the experience.

As part of the experience, the players and their families were also given tours of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium of Real Madrid CF, and Wanda Stadium of Atletico Madrid. The players also had the chance to see a Real Madrid Women’s’ game. On the last day, the players and their families were able to see a Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC game, which ended in a victory for Real Madrid. Hala Madrid!

Andrew’s mom (Jenn Hasamear), dad (Tim Hasamear) and older brother, Nick Hasamear, 12, also a DIS student, travelled to Madrid to be a part of this experience too.

The post DIS Student Andrew Hasamear Attends Soccer Camp in Madrid appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Click the image below for a downloadable copy of the flyer. 

The post Vaccine Clinic for 5- to 11-Year-Olds at Renfro Nov 15 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Click Image to Access Parent Portal

October 26, 2021 – Today Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is introducing the IAR Parent Portal​, where parents/guardians can learn about their children’s performance on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core.  IAR was administered in English language arts and mathematics to all students in grades 3-8 during spring of 2021.​

The IAR Parent Portal User Guide has information on how to create an account, log in to the account, and use your claim code to access student score reports and video of Individual Student Reports (ISRs). The portal will also allow parents/guardians to track their student’s scores from year to year, beginning with the spring 2021 results.  Spring 2021 performance information and a code to access the portal will be shared with parents during October 28 and 29 Parent Teacher Conferences. 

In a statement regarding the IAR Portal, ISBE said, “Parental involvement and support play a significant role in student success. Likewise, their access to their child’s results can enhance the ability of parents/guardians to communicate with their child’s educators. The IAR Parent Portal offers parents/guardians direct access to assessment information.”

The post ISBE Introduces Parent Portal to Access IAR Scores appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The post Photo Memories from the First Day of School 2021-22 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The new members of our Kahok Family were introduced to district principals, heard presentations from Dr. Skertich and the central administration team, took a bus tour of the communities in CUSD 10, received important trainings, and completed steps necessary to start in their classrooms.

Watch the 2021-22 Video Introducing New Certified Staff

List of New 2021-22 Certified Staff and their Schools

The post CUSD 10 Welcomes 21-22 New Certified Staff to the Kahok Family appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

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Collinsville High School & Collinsville Area Vocational Center:

Tuesday, August 17, Open House 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Collinsville Middle School:

Monday, August 16th Orientation for Incoming 7th Grade: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Tuesday, September 14th Open House (Grades 7 & 8): 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Dorris Intermediate School:

Monday, August 16th Open House 5th Grade: 4:00PM-7:00PM; By Appointment Only.
Tuesday, August 17th Open House 6th Grade: 4:00PM-7:00PM; By Appointment Only.

Caseyville Elementary:

Monday, August 16th Kindergarten Orientation & Open House 5:00PM – 7:00PM;  By Appointment Only.

Jefferson Elementary:

Monday August 16th, Open House 5:00PM-7:00PM; By Appointment Only

Kreitner Elementary:

Monday, August 16th Kindergarten Orientation: 4:45PM – 5:15PM
Monday, August 16th Open House 1st Grade – 4th Grade: 5:15PM – 6:15PM

Maryville Elementary:

Monday, August 16th K-4 Open House
Last Names A-K: 5:00PM-5:45PM & Last Names L-Z: 6:00PM – 6:45PM

Renfro Elementary:

Monday, August 16th Open House Grade KG, 2nd Grade & 4th Grade:
Last names A-K from 5:00PM – 5:30PM, Last names L-Z from 5:45 – 6:15

Tuesday, August 17th Open House 1st Grade & 3rd Grade:
Last names A-K from 5:00PM to 5:30PM, Last names L-Z from 5:45-6:15

Summit Elementary:

Monday August 16th, Open House 5:00PM-7:00PM; By Appointment Only.

Twin Echo Elementary:

Monday, August 16th, Kindergarten Orientation & Open House 6:00PM – 7:00 PM

Webster Elementary:

Monday, August 16th Kindergarten Orientation 5:30PM-6:00PM & Open House 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Hollywood Heights:

Thursday, August 19th Open House 5:00PM – 6:00PM

The post 2021-22 Open House & Kindergarten Orientation Schedule appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

On April 28, 2021, Dorris Intermediate School was honored by City of Collinsville Cool Cities Committee for their recycling and sustainability efforts.

Deputy City Manager Derek Jackson and CCC Chairperson Lisa Brennan presented a certificate to DIS teacher Anne Blevins and toured the school’s recycling center. Mrs. Blevins leads the DIS sustainability effort.

Here’s a video produced by Collinsville Cool Cities to highlight DIS’ green initiatives:

The post Cool Cities Committee Honors DIS for Green Initiatives appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Bus Transportation Schedule for 2021 Summer Programs 

Summer School Dates & Times

May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
June 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Grades K-6 Summer School – 8:00 am-12:15 pm
@ Renfro Elementary School & @ Kreitner Elementary School

May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
June 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Grades 7-8 Summer School – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Collinsville Middle School

May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
June 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22
Grades 9-12 Summer School
7:30AM-11 :00PM (Session I)
11 :30AM – 3 :00PM (Session II)
@ Collinsville High School

Jump Start Dates & Times

August 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12,
Grades K-4 Jump Start
@ Twin Echo -Site I @ Summit -Site II – 8:00AM-10:00AM

August 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Grades 5 + 6
@ Dorris Intermediate School – 8:00AM-11:00AM

August 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Grades 7 + 8
@ Collinsville Middle School – 9:00AM -12:00PM

July 26, 27, 28, 29, August 2, 3, 4, 5
High School
@ Collinsville High School – 9:00AM -1 :00PM

The post Bus Transportation Schedule for 2021 Summer School & Jump Start appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

May 2021 – In May of 2020, Dorris Intermediate School student Lyric Walton initiated a service project that has helped young girls like her deal with a private, potentially embarrassing problem: the need for feminine hygiene products while at school. 

Lyric’s mother, Kourtney Walton said, “She was motivated to do this after I suggested she keep a pack in her locker/backpack in case she would ever start at school. She asked if we could make one for every girl in DIS and it took off from there.”

Thanks to generosity from the community, Lyric assembled and donated 760 Emergency Kits for Girls to CUSD 10 schools.  The bags are kept by school nurses and are available to students upon request.

For summer 2021, Lyric hopes to grow her project and provide more bags to district schools.  For information and to support her project, check out her Facebook page: Lyric’s Emergency Kits for Girls Summer Project and Amazon wish list.  Lyric also collects unwanted IPSY and similar cosmetic/beauty bags to hold the the feminine hygiene kits. 

The post DIS Student Lyric Walton’s Project Helps CUSD 10 Girls appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

April 2021 – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 honored this year’s Young Authors with special yard signs delivered to their homes. 

“We had 41 students participate K-8.  Winners were chosen in categories of K-2, 3-4, 5, 6, 7 & 8.  Each elementary chose winners from their school,” said Principal Stephanie Pulse, the district’s Young Authors Program coordinator, “The winners each received a yard sign, a certificate and a book set of their choice.  The ROE [Regional Office of Education] also sent them a certificate, a congratulatory letter from the Regional Superintendent and a link for a virtual storyteller/entertainer performance.  Every participant received a certificate and a book.” 

Click HERE to view an album of the 2020-21 winner’s photos.

Young Author Participants & Winners 20/21 School Year 

The post 2020-21 CUSD 10 Young Authors Recognized appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

DIS Principal Mr. Stirnaman going head to head with Courtney in the Bonnie’s Bubble Challenge:

The post See DIS STEM 2020-21 End-of-Year Challenges appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

April 20, 2021 – Dorris Intermediate School special education teacher Vickie Jones was surprised in her classroom with the news that she was named April 2021 Kahok Educator of the Month.  The award was presented by Edward Jones Representative Jason Rehg and DIS Principal Kevin Stirnaman. 

Principal Stirnaman said the following:

“Vickie Jones is the teacher of the classroom at DIS serving students with elevated emotional needs.  Ms. Jones took over that role in the middle of last school year, which is a very difficult task.  Since taking over, Ms. Jones has been a calming and stabling influence on the students in her class.”  She is firm but fair, holding high expectations for herself and all the students in her class.  Her communication skills with her parents is top notch.  She’s been a blessing here at DIS!

Ms. Jones is also the ultimate team player.  She’s the first to volunteer to give of herself and her time when we’re short handed.  When I think of student centered educators at DIS, Ms. Jones is at the top of the list.  We are fortunate to have her and wish her congratulations on her honor as staff member of the month for April in Unit 10.”

The post DIS’ Vickie Jones is April 2021 Kahok Educator of the Month appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

April 2021 – Dorris Intermediate School education assistant Emily Matthews is the illustrator of a published children’s book: Maggie the Monkey Photographer.  The book is available on Amazon.

The post DIS’ Emily Matthews is Children’s Book Illustrator appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The number of students honored from each school is based on school size/enrollment.  CUSD 10 principals get nominees/input from school staff and chose students to receive recognition from their school.

Click the image below for a brief slide show of the 2021 Collinsville CUSD 10 recipients:

Here’s the photo gallery:

To see all of the IPA honorees from our region, USE THIS LINK.

The post CUSD 10 Celebrates 2021 Illinois Principals Association Honorees appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.