February 18, 2022
Kahok Families,
Throughout the past two years, families, educators and students have adapted to reimagined classrooms, varied deliveries of instruction and drastic changes in the educational setting. I’m proud to say, we have effectively worked together to meet our students’ academic, nutritional and social needs. However, this prolonged situation has been a challenge for everyone.
Despite the obstacles we have faced, our district’s greatest strength continues to be our focus on students. This was evident as families turned their homes into classrooms, cafeteria and bus company staff collaborated to ensure meal delivery, and educators reworked everything traditional about education. All while our communities have worked to close the digital divide, provide financial assistance and help a child or family in need. In Kahok Nation, we take care of each other!
The stress our neighbors, families, students and educators have been under has taken a toll after two calendar years. While this school year may seem a little closer to normal, it has been the most challenging as the months go by and the wear and tear on everyone is evident. We are all tired! Now, more than ever, we need to communicate, focus on positives and not be lured into negativity and hate. Treating each other with kindness and respect is The Kahok Way.
This year, with our students back in classrooms for in-person learning, we have been able to appreciate the hundreds and hundreds of special moments that occur each day in our schools. The connections between our educators and families, the strong bonds formed between students and staff, and peer-to-peer relationships among our students overshadow the challenges.
As we continue through the second half of the school year, I’m asking everyone to remember that our district staff chose education as a career to positively impact students, partner with families and make a difference in our communities. Simply put, our teachers, principals, educational assistants, health staff, cafeteria workers, custodians and bus drivers positively impact students every day. Our staff care about kids and I do not want this to be forgotten or overshadowed. We have a lot to be proud of in our district, and that comes from our talented students, the quality of our staff, and communities that show unwavering support for our district. We are KAHOKstrong.
Good luck to our CHS Wrestling and Girls’ Bowling teams in state competition; and to our Kahok Basketball teams as the girls continue Regional play and the boys’ regular season comes to a close and post-season play gets underway. Finally, thank you to all the Kahoks participating in the 2022 Special Olympics Polar Plunge this evening at the Collinsville VFW. Their efforts have raised over $11,500 for student athletes!
Remember: there is no school on Monday, February 21st as we observe Presidents’ Day. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Don’t forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride!
Sincerely,
Mark B. Skertich Ed.D.
Superintendent