Dear Families,

I would like to provide an update on the water testing and PFAS levels the district has been monitoring since the City of Collinsville advised all residents to filter their water on September 24, 2025.  

Since that announcement, the district has been working with JS Held to complete water testing at each of our schools.  During this time, a total of fifty-three water samples were taken from drinking fountains and kitchen areas in every school.  Of those, only two locations throughout the district showed levels of PFAS slightly above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold of four parts per trillion. 

Although only two out of fifty-three samples returned levels of PFAS slightly above the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines, we believe it is important to take proactive measures.  The two affected fountains have already been replaced with filtered units, and we are taking additional steps to further safeguard the water consumed by our students and staff.

In the coming weeks, the maintenance staff will be installing retrofit filters on drinking fountains throughout all district schools, as well as on kitchen sinks used for meal preparation. These filters will help ensure our water is safe for consumption, even if PFAS levels fluctuate or future regulations become more stringent. 

The district's next steps align with recommendations from the City of Collinsville and EPA guidance while the city works to update the water treatment plant in the future.  Thank you for your patience as we maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff.

Support the KAHOKstrong Food Drive 

KAHOKstrong is hosting a Food Drive to support local families and the Collinsville Food Pantry  during this time of increased need.  Donation boxes are available at the district office, schools throughout the district, and various local businesses.  The items most needed are listed below.  Monetary donations can also be made as outlined in the attached flyer.  We greatly appreciate your support as KAHOKstrong continues to help families in need. The food drive will conclude on November 21st.

Items Most Needed:

• Canned Fruit/Vegetables

• Canned Soup or Chili   

• Instant Mashed Potatoes

• Noodles/Dry Pasta

• Pasta Sauce (jar or can)

• Hygiene Products

Test of Emergency Alert Notification System

With winter weather just around the corner, we are conducting a test of our district’s emergency alert system to make sure all families receive and recognize important communications, such as those regarding weather emergencies and school closures.  The test will take place next Tuesday morning, November 11, when school is not in session.  

Urgent alerts override all notification preferences, and are sent via text, voice, email and app notification. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in Skyward to ensure you receive important communications from the district.  

Somehow November has arrived which brings us to a busy time of year.  Please make note there will be no school on the following holidays that are on the horizon.  

• November 11th - Veterans’ Day

• November 26th - 28th Thanksgiving Break    

Thank you for your constant dedication to our students and don’t forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride! 

Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D.

Superintendent