September 10, 2021 – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich released an update to families and the community today.
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Kahok Families,
This Friday marks the conclusion of our fourth week of the 21-22 school year. We are grateful to be in attendance five days-a-week along with a full-day schedule. The district has enjoyed a good start to the school year, despite the challenges related to COVID-19, adapting to students’ academic and social emotional needs, and the reality, as much as we long for normal, we aren’t quite back to normal yet. I appreciate the efforts made by our staff, families and community!
Since the school year began, our practice has been that unvaccinated “close contacts to a positive case” were excluded from school for 14 days or opted to participate in the test-to-stay option. After conversations with the local health department and looking at data, we determined we can lessen exclusion time to 10 days out of school. This lesser amount of time, along with the test-to-stay option for close contacts, will minimize students’ time away from their peers and teachers in a face-to-face setting. In the weeks ahead, additional changes are likely for the district’s Return to Learn Plan and we will continue to provide transparent communication when changes occur.
This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. After twenty years, those of us who are old enough, remember exactly where we were that day, like it was yesterday. Below you will find a poem by Sue Ellen Silva entitled, “September 11, 2001: A Day of Remembrance.” Please take a moment this weekend to remember and never forget those who lost their lives two decades ago.
It’s a day we will always remember.
It’s a day we will never forget.
It’s a day of our country’s vulnerability in a world of the unknown.
The unknown hit our country fast and with vengeance,
We, as a people, stood tall and proud, fighting for our freedom; our way of life.
In the midst of many ashes of innocence and sorrow;
We, America, will always remain forever.
-Sue Ellen Silva
Finally, I want to remind everyone, on Friday, September 17th, students will only be in attendance for a half-day followed by a Teacher In-Service in the afternoon. That Friday also kicks off the Italian Fest and the opportunity to celebrate Collinsville’s Italian Heritage and indulge in some local favorites!
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend. Good luck to Kahoks Football tonight against Alton. Don’t forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride!
Sincerely,
Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D.
Superintendent