Kahok Families, 

Last weekend brought significant snowfall and extremely cold temperatures across the region. After two days of E-Learning, we are glad to see students back in the classroom to finish out the month of January. 

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our custodians and maintenance crew for their hard work clearing parking lots and sidewalks earlier this week.  Their efforts ensured our district was ready to welcome students and staff back as soon as road conditions allowed. Please take a moment to thank them and let them know their work is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

CPD’s P.I.N. Sticker Program

Earlier this year, our school resource officers were spreading the word about the Collinsville Police Department’s P.I.N. Sticker Program.  As a reminder, P.I.N. stands for “Potentially Impaired or Non-Verbal Person.”  

This voluntary -  and completely free - program allows community members to register a potentially impaired or non-verbal individual in their household.  Eight color-coded categories identify individuals with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s/dementia, diabetes, impaired vision, a service animal, impaired hearing, autism and other/not listed. 

 Once registered, families receive a colored sticker for their home and/or car, and the information will be shared with local police, fire and EMS.  This ensures first responders are properly prepared to communicate with and assist each individual they encounter.  

Our SROs are currently making another push to get community members to sign-up. Use the QR Code below to participate in the program and register with the police department.  

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

On January 16, school districts and Madison County leaders announced a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This partnership, sponsored by the Madison County Board, local libraries and community donations, will provide free monthly books to children from birth until the age of five. 

Since the initial announcement, more than 2,500 children throughout Madison County have been registered. If you have not enrolled your child, or know of a child who has not been enrolled, please review the attached flyer and follow the simple steps provided. 

Once completed, each child will receive their first book, The Little Engine That Could, within six to eight weeks.  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Participate in the 5Essentials Parent Survey 

Collinsville CUSD 10 will join the Illinois State Board of Education in the thirteenth statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. 

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school’s organizational culture in an individualized report measuring five “essentials” critical for school success:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environment

• Ambitious Instruction

From February 3 - March 10, students, teachers and parents will be invited to participate in research-based surveys to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation.

Watch for additional information and the survey link next week.  Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us improve our schools.

Attendance Matters

Please help! Regular attendance and punctuality are vital for students to build relationships that support their academic and social development.

In addition, consistent attendance and being on-time are important life skills that prepare children for future expectations related to work and adult responsibilities. Unless your child is sick, we want to see them at school every day and on-time!

Since finalizing the district Strategic Plan in the spring of 2025, central office staff, administrators, teachers and support staff have developed action steps to help our district achieve the goals established by our stakeholders. During this process, we created a phrase that encapsulates our mission and goals for Kahok graduates.

The phrase - Envision. Empower. Achieve. - is about helping students see their potential and giving them the tools and confidence to reach their goals.

A special Kahok logo (in English and Spanish) featuring our motto is attached. Please consider adding it to your email, social media, etc., to show your support.

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

Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D. 

Superintendent