January 27, 2023 – Collinsville CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich shared the following update with families today.
Kahok Families,
I have several important things to share with you as we approach the end of January.
2023-24 School Calendar
The current school year is flying by and it is already time to think about next year. At their January meeting, the Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2023-24 school year. To assist your family in planning for the upcoming year, I have attached the new calendar to this letter. Here are important dates in 2023-24 for you to note:
- August 15th and 16th Teacher Institute Days
- August 17th First Day of Student Attendance
- October 26th and 27th Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)
- December 22nd – January 2nd Winter Break (No School)
- March 28th – April 1st Spring Break (No School)
- May 24th Last Day of Student Attendance*
*This date includes the use of 5 emergency days. If no emergency days are used, the last day of school would be May 17th
2023-24 Calendar (English)
2023-24 Calendar (Spanish)
Additional School Security Measures
Each day our district welcomes over 7,000 students and staff into our school buildings. The growing number of violent events throughout our country has led schools to rethink security measures, place a greater focus on relationships with students and increase communication between home and school. Our district will continue to evolve and proactively improve safety measures to protect our students and staff.
Earlier this year the district applied for a grant to fund a weapons detection system as a proactive measure for our schools. We are appreciative of the opportunity to expand security measures in each building, however, the thought of adding a weapons detection system comes with mixed emotions. On one hand, adding another layer of security is always welcome to keep our students and staff safe. On the other hand, it’s frustrating how society has changed in the past three decades and safety precautions we didn’t expect when we were young are commonplace today. We have to always keep in mind: no school district, business or public entity is immune from senseless violence despite our best efforts. With that in mind, we will always look for new ways to help increase school safety .
Just as security measures have increased at major sporting events, concerts, retail stores and other public venues, schools must now adopt additional security measures to help keep our students and staff safe.
This past fall, our Technology Department was notified the district was selected to receive a $398,114 grant to fund this additional safety measure. In the months ahead, a timeline, related costs, staffing needs, and any necessary changes associated with student drop-off procedures and visitor protocols will be finalized. Watch for additional information as we begin to implement this new program. This endeavor will take time. We ask for everyone’s patience as our district adopts this important safety measure and continues to evolve.
Illinois 5Essentials Survey
Building principals will be asking families to complete the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey through March 31st. The survey is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on important elements of school effectiveness. We ask all families to complete the survey by clicking THIS LINK.
Thank you for your constant dedication to our students. Don’t forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride!
Mark B. Skertich Ed.D.
Superintendent