March 12, 2021 update letter to families from CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich:
Hello Kahok Nation,
Spring temperatures arrived a little early this week and not a moment too soon! While they may not last, it is a sign of what’s to come in the months ahead and anything over sixty degrees is welcome!
This week we welcomed back Dorris Intermediate School students four days-a-week and we are excited to increase CMS and CHS student attendance to four days-a-week beginning next Tuesday, March 16th. It has been a challenging twelve months to say the least, but the increase in student attendance has been a morale booster for staff, students and families. We appreciate everyone’s constant dedication to our students.
The Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health updated quarantine information stating fully vaccinated persons, per CDC guidelines, are not required to quarantine if identified as a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case. This will limit staff quarantines for the remainder of the school year and aid in our efforts to maintain our newly expanded in-person learning setting.
While the transition to more in-person learning days will bring excitement for our students, it will also bring stressors they have not experienced in a long time. We encourage families to have conversations with your children regarding their school day and social interactions. Enjoy the smiles that come with these discussions, and be mindful of potential concerns. Living through a pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially young people, if you have a concern reach out to your child’s respective building staff. We are here to help.
This week also marks the beginning of girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer and football at CHS. The seasons are later than the norm and are much shorter. However, over the next few weeks we will get to see Kahoks compete and our high school bands perform outside. This is far different than the normal we experienced a year ago, but it brings us a step closer to normalcy.
Continuing with our district’s efforts to improve cultural awareness among our staff, students and families, here is a link to the CHS Multicultural Kahoks presentation celebrating National Women’s History Month. This project recognizes the many accomplishments of our Kahok Alumnae. On behalf of our district, I would like to recognize the efforts of our CHS students celebrating the many accomplishments of women from Collinsville High School.
Please be safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance. Don’t forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Mark B. Skertich Ed.D.
Superintendent