The application is available for FREE download in Google Play and Apple App Store.

The app allows one-touch access to:

• District Website
• District Social Media
• Skyward
• Maps
• School Calendars/Events
• Lunch Menus
• Student Handbooks
• Kahok Online Store
• Lunch and Fee Payments
• Staff Directory
• Virtual Backpacks

and more…

Download it to your smartphone or tablet today!

(October 2019)

The post Introducing CUSD Connect – Our New District App appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

First and foremost, I am thrilled to be a part of the Collinsville CUSD #10 family. I look forward to learning more about our students, staff and communities.

Throughout my career, I have focused my efforts in several areas, including: open lines of communication, transparency, decisions in the best interest of children and an emphasis on regular improvements. However, in order for this to occur, students, staff, parents and community members must work together to meet our student’s individual academic and social-emotional needs. Therefore, I encourage all families to be active participants in your child’s education. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school.

Our staff is getting ready to welcome 6,300 students back to school in a few days. I want to wish everyone a successful 2019-20 school year and I look forward to our students’ return on August 14th.

Don’t forget to wear purple and show your KAHOK PRIDE!

Dr. Mark B. Skertich
Superintendent

Here is news and information I want to share as we get ready to start the 19-20 School Year:

Back to School
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 14. Because it falls on a Wednesday, school will dismiss ½ hour early. For school dismissal times, look on the School Hours page on kahoks.org website.

To promote school spirit, we are asking students to consider wearing their school colors or Kahok purple on the first day of school. Going forward, we encourage everyone to show Kahok Pride every Friday because “On Fridays We Wear Purple” in CUSD 10!

Also, please note our Kindergartners will be adjusting to their school year with a special schedule: Only students with last names A-K will attend on Wednesday, August 14; students with last names L-Z will attend on Thursday, August 15. Parents should plan to stay for 30 minutes on the first day of school. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school.

Open House Events
Our schools will hold Open House events during the first week of school. Open House is a great time to see your child’s school, meet teachers and learn expectations for the school year.

Open House dates/times are listed in the Events calendar on the kahoks.org website.

Kahok Kickoff
Kahok Athletics is hosting the 2019 Fall Sports Kahok Kickoff on Friday, August 23, from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Collinsville High School. All CUSD #10 families are invited. There will be no admission charge, but everyone is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Collinsville Food Pantry.

Back to School Bash for Collinsville CUSD #10 Community
Everyone in the CUSD #10 community is invited to a special Back to School Bash hosted by the City of Collinsville on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. There will be food, fun and games.  Families who participate will receive discounted admission to Collinsville Aqua Park.

You do not have to live in the City of Collinsville to attend – just be part of our school district. Admission to the Back to School Bash is free. To find out more, look for information on the City of Collinsville website 2019 C3 Back to School Bash page or check out Collinsville Community Collaboration on Facebook.

New Staff and Administrative Positions
The Kahok Family is welcoming nearly 70 new staff members for the 2019-20 school year. We are pleased to announce new administrators: Dr. Kari Karidis (Daugherty) as Principal, Kreitner Elementary; Ms. Stephanie Pulse as Principal, Summit and Jefferson Elementary Schools; Mr. Doug Kirk as Assistant Principal, Dorris Intermediate School; Ms. Tara Glynn as Special Education Supervisor and Principal, Hollywood Heights School; and Ms. Geneka Gully as Assistant Principal, Collinsville High School.

Recent Building Upgrades and Improvements
While schools were not in use over the summer, several received upgrades and improvements. Our new Buildings & Grounds Director Josh DeWitte joined us in July. Mr. DeWitte previously had a similar role with St. Louis Community College.

Here are a few things you will notice when you return to our schools: All new upper level bleachers in Fletcher Gym at CHS; new floor tile in some classrooms at Maryville, Renfro, Caseyville and DIS; remodeled library at DIS; refreshed cafeteria and library at Maryville; new lighting in Vocational Center hallways; expanded parking lot at DIS; new scoreboard and refurbished gym floor at Webster.

PBIS Initiative
An important district-wide initiative in our K-8 classrooms this year is Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS). PBIS improves social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students by rewarding positive behavior. You will be hearing more about this as the school year progresses.

Social Media
Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is on Facebook and Twitter (@CUSD10). Our elementary schools, DIS, CMS and Kahok Athletics are also on social media. Like and Follow us to stay up-to-date.

District Website/School Webpages
Everything you need and want to know about Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is posted on our website: www.kahoks.org. You will find calendars, forms, policies, food service info, handbooks, virtual backpacks and our staff directory – as well as important news and events. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact the school district at 618-346-6350 and we will assist you.

Each school has its own individual webpage which can be accessed under the SCHOOLS drop down menu on the www.kahoks.org homepage. We suggest you bookmark the school pages for easy access.

Upcoming Events:
★ Teachers Institute on Friday September 20, 2019 (no school)
★ CHS Homecoming Week September 30 – October 5
★ Homecoming Parade at 4:30 on Thursday, October 3
★ Homecoming Football Game vs. Granite City on Friday, October 4
★ Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25 (no school)

The post 2019-20 Back to School Message from Dr. Skertich appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Here’s a list of important back-to-school information and links for the 2019-20 school year:

2019-20 School Calendar
Click for SCHOOL HOURS & 2019-20 CALENDAR

School Supply Lists
Access current SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS for Pre-K thru 8th grade

Online Registration
Online registration began Monday, July 15, 2019.  If you still need to register you child(ren), click HERE for details and a link.  For questions regarding enrollment, click HERE or call 618-346-6350 ext 4237.

Medical and Health Requirements
Visit the HEALTH & WELLNESS section of the website for all medical information, school nurse staff and annual forms needed for back-to-school.  SCHOOL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS page has requirements and forms for physical exams and immunizations.

Student Fees
For 2019-20 student fee schedule:  Click HERE

Student/Parent Handbooks
To view/download 2019-20 Handbooks for Elementary, Dorris Intermediate, Collinsville Middle and Collinsville High Schools, click HERE and access the 2019-20 folder under RELATED DOCUMENTS.

Free/Reduced Lunch Application
The application for Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL) is found as HEA in the RELATED DOCUMENTS section of the FOOD SERVICE website page.  The application can also be completed using SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS.

Bus Transportation Information
After 3:30 pm on Friday, August 9, 2019, students may access their bus transportation information via the Skyward Family Access Portal.  Parents/Guardians may log into their account using their Username and Password  to access their child’s bus information via the Student Information menu link (on the left). On the Student Information screen, click View Bus Schedule to view the assigned bus number.  Then click the View Pickup/Dropoff Bus Stops link to see detailed information regarding the bus stop.

First Day of School
The first day of student attendance for the 2019-20 school year is Wednesday, August 14.  Because the first day of school this year falls on a Wednesday, all schools will follow the regular Wednesday early dismissal schedule.  To see dismissal times:  SCHOOL HOURS & CALENDARS.  

Open House Schedule
To view the Open House Schedule for August 2019:  ENGLISH or SPANISH

Class Schedules/Teacher Assignments

Elementary Schools:  Elementary School students may access their teacher assignment via the Skyward Family Access portal after 3:30 pm on Friday, August 9, 2019.  Parents/Guardians 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).

Dorris Intermediate School:  Dorris Intermediate School students may access their teacher assignment via the Skyward Family Access portal after 3:30 pm on Friday, August 9, 2019.  Parents/Guardians 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).

Collinsville Middle School:  CMS student class schedules will be available at the CMS Move-In Days (August 7, 1-7 pm or August 8, 8 am- 4 pm) and via the Skyward Family Access Portal beginning August 7, 2019 at 1:00 pm.  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).

Collinsville High School: Collinsville High School Students attended Centralized Registration on either July 23 (A-K) or July 24 (L-Z) from 1 pm- 7 pm to receive their class schedule as well as PE uniforms, athletic participation information, CHS Bands Information, parking assignments (qualified students in grades 11 and 12), Driver’s Education information, photo IDs, textbooks and Chromebooks.  If your student did not attend, the make-up day is Tuesday, August 6th from 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m.  Students/parents should use the main Visitors Entrance by the flag pole.

The post Back to School Info 2019-20 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Administrators have been meeting with student-leaders in those schools to discuss how to recognize and participate in this event.

CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Robert Green says, “We believe our students are best served by working together to ensure safety, cooperation and an orderly return to learning.”

All CMS and CHS students will be given the option to participate, but no one will be forced or expected to take part.  CUSD 10 student-leaders have chosen to emphasize unity and inclusiveness, rather than a political agenda.

CHS Seniors Venise Govoan & Larah Gross

At Collinsville High School, student-leaders, under the auspices of the school’s Illinois Democracy School program, have organized a peaceful 17 minute walkout at 10:00 a.m. “to serve as a respectful, inclusive event to bring attention to the problem of school violence and pay respects to the Parkland, FL victims.”

CHS Principal David Snider emphasizes the school’s participation in the National School Walkout is voluntary and entirely student-led.

Seniors Venise Govan and Larah Gross are organizing representatives from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes to lead the walkout.

The seniors want their fellow students to realize the walkout is way to draw attention to the problem of school violence, but the real way to make a difference is to vote.

“Many seniors are – or will be – 18 years old in the upcoming election cycle,” says Larah Gross, “We should exercise our right to vote.”

A message to CHS students from Govan and Gross says:

“After the recent tragedy in Parland, Florida, we would like to bring more awareness to gun violence and the impact it has on our lives as students and teachers.

In solidarity with the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, we – along with other schools across the nation – will be walking out of class at 10:00 a.m. for 17 minutes to remember the 17 lives that were lost during the Florida tragedy.

We invite you to pay respects by joining on this day, but we do not want anyone to feel obligated to attend.  If you choose to attend, this is a school sanctioned event.”

At 9:55 a.m., a school wide announcement will be made to dismiss CHS students who wish to participate.  Students who do not want to participate will remain in their classrooms.  Teachers who have students remaining in class will be staying with those students. If ALL students in a class are participating, the teacher does not have to remain in the classroom and may choose to go with the students or remain in the building.

Students will remain outside for 17 minutes in memory of the 17 individuals killed in Parkland, FL.  The victims’ names will be read and few CHS student leaders will speak.  Students will return to classrooms at approximately 10:25 a.m.

At Collinsville Middle School, the students’ stated purpose is to “bring awareness to the need for greater safety within schools.”

CMS classes/students will be given the opportunity to go outside to a designated area at 10:00 a.m.   The students will recognize the 17 individuals lost in the recent Florida shooting by reading a brief biography of each and placing roses into a circle.  This will be followed by a moment of silence.

Collinsville Middle School students who do not wish to participate will be supervised in the gymnasium.  At the conclusion of the memorial event,  all students will return to class and the school day will continue as usual.

Students in CUSD 10 elementary and intermediate schools will not be participating in organized events on March 14.

One elementary school’s staff has announced plans for a time of “remembrance, solidarity, and support” on March 14.  

Staff members at Kreitner Elementary have the option to arrive to work early on March 14 to begin their day gathered in the Lickfield Memorial Garden “for a time of remembrance for those lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, as well as a time of prayerful support for our middle and high school students who will be peacefully joining millions of fellow students as they walk out of class later [in the] day.”

Superintendent Dr. Robert Green wants to remind parents that school safety is an ongoing priority.

“Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 believes school and student safety are among our most important duties.  We are constantly reviewing security plans, resources and equipment.  Our Student Resource Officers and District Security Manager are trained law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to anticipate threats and protect our students from harm.  Our schools partner with local police departments and first responders to keep students and staff safe,” says Dr. Green.

To learn more about school safety policies or procedures, please see the student handbooks and/or board policy manual on the kahoks.org website.  Parents and guardians should never hesitate to contact schools with questions and concerns about safety.

 If you are aware of something that could potentially harm a child, utilize the district’s Safe and Secure Hotline (618) 979-6406.  If a threat is imminent, contact your local police department. 

The post CMS & CHS to Participate in National School Walkout March 14 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville High School believes attendance at school is important to student success.  If your child needs to miss school, arrive late or depart early, please use the following procedures:

Use Skyward Family Access:

Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 parents and guardians can conveniently report a student absence using your Skyward Family Access  account.  While you can choose to call your child’s school to report an absence, using Skyward Family Access gives you the ability to report or request an absence 24/7 using your computer or mobile device.  Click here for instructions.  

Contact the CHS Attendance Office:

Calls/emails to the Attendance Office may be made 24 hours/day, but must be made no later than 10:00 am on the day of the absence.  (Please note:  phone numbers and email addresses used to report an absence MUST match what is on file for parent/guardian contact in the student’s school information.)

To report a documented absence from school:

Contact: Kim Vasquez
618-346-6320 ext. 1113 or option 3
chs-attendance@cusd.kahoks.org

To request early dismissal or late arrival to/from school:

Contact: Linda Arnold
618-346-6320 ext. 1123 or option 4
chs-attendance@cusd.kahoks.org

Absences are marked “unexcused” until written documentation is presented to the Attendance Office.  Excused absences (including those due to early dismissal or late arrival) MUST be documented by a medical provider’s note or letter from the court.  Transportation issues are NOT excused absences.  

To provide written documentation of an absence:

Fax number – 618-346-1387
Email – chs-attendance@cusd.kahoks.org

It is the responsibility of the parent to report the reason for the absence.  All requests for reported absences, after the actual absence date(s) MUST be submitted in writing to the Attendance Officer within five days of the student’s return to school.  Documentation may be hand delivered to the Attendance Office, faxed or emailed.

All students who are absent for five or more consecutive days MUST provide written documentation from a health care provider for the absences to be considered excused/reported/documented.

To review the complete CHS Attendance Policy, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Attendance & Parking Privileges

Students are expected to be punctual to all classes and instructional programs.

• Students who receive 15 tardies (cumulative) to ANY class during the course of an academic quarter will have their parking privileges revoked for the duration of the school year.
• Student who receive 10 tardies and/or unexcused absences (cumulative) to FIRST HOUR class during the course of an academic semester will have their parking privileges revoked for the duration of the school year.

Attendance & Second Semester Final Exam Exemption Policy

In order to promote positive attendance, positive behavior and reward hard work, students may be exempt from taking second semester final examinations if certain criteria are met.  (The full Final Exam Policy is found in the Student Handbook. )

• The student must have NO unexcused absences and NO discipline resulting in in-school suspension, out of school suspension or assignment to the STOP program during the school year.
• If the student is absent the day before exams, he/she will be required to take the exams unless excused by an administrator before the absence.
• Students not enrolled in Collinsville High School for a FULL YEAR are required to take second semester final exams.

The post Attendance appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017

7:55-8:45-6th Period

8:45-8:50-Passing

8:50-9:38-7th Period

9:38-9:43-Passing

9:43-10:31-1st Period

10:31-10:36-Passing

10:36-11:25-2nd Period

11:25-11:30-Passing

11:30-12:25-3rd Period & Lunch/Study
11:30-11:55-3a
12:00-12:25-3b

12:25-12:30-Passing

12:30-1:25-5th Period & Lunch/Study
12:30-12:55-5a
1:00-1:25-5b

1:25-1:30-Passing

1:30-2:55-4th Period Final Exam
1:30-1:55 All 4th hour lunch
2:00-2:55 All 4th hour study

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017

7:55-9:30 – 1st Period Final

9: 30-9:40 – Passing

9:40-11:15 – 2nd Period Final

11:15-11:25 – Passing

11:25-12:55 – 3rd Period Final
11:25-11:50  All 3rd hour lunch
11:55-12:55 All 3rd hour study

VOC – Sec A Final  9:40-12:55 (Break 11:15-11:25)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

7:55-9:30 – 7th  Period Final

9: 30-9:40 – Passing

9:40-11:15 – 6th Period Final

11:15-11:25 – Passing

11:25-12:55 – 5th Period Final
11:25-11:50  All 5th hour lunch
11:55-12:55  All 5th hour study

VOC Sec.B Final:  9:40-12:55 (Break: 11:15-11:25)

EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY

Students are required to take semester exams: 1) during the class period(s) and 2) on the day(s) assigned. Documentation from a medical physician is required for students missing final exams. Parents should not schedule appointments or vacations for students during final exams. If a student misses the first semester final exam(s) with a documented absence, he/she will be expected to make up these exams no later than the first three days of the second semester. If a student misses the second semester final exams with a documented absence, he/she will be expected to make up these exams no later than the first week of summer break. Students will not be permitted to complete semester final exams before the scheduled exam period. If snow days are used, the final date for second semester changes, thus moving the date of second semester final exams. Please take this into consideration as you are scheduling vacations. Students may not be permitted to make up final exams for unexcused absences that occur on a final exam day (i.e. vacation). Students enrolled in a dual credit course with Southwestern Illinois College are required to take that final exam. (reprinted from the CHS Student Handbook)

The post CHS Bell Schedule for Final Exam Days appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.