Chester Community School District 139

Chester Grade School honors local veterans with school-wide assembly (1 of 3)
Approximately 40 veterans and family members enjoy a morning of recognition, music and tribute
BY JIM BEERS
Monday morning November 10, Chester Grade School faculty, students, and staff honored local veterans at their annual Veteran’s Day breakfast and school-wide assembly. The event began at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the CGS cafeteria. Students who invited a guest veteran were allowed to go to the breakfast and join their guest for a delicious meal of fresh fruit, doughnuts, coffee, and orange juice.
Approximately 40 local veterans and their guests attended the event and enjoyed the royal treatment. The community was also invited to attend the celebration and several community members joined in on the fun and recognition.
A Veteran’s Day Assembly Committee worked hard to organize and implement the event including Katie Kelley, Sue Colonel, CGS Principal Tim Blair, Meg Smith, Casey Peters, Danielle Conway, and Assistant Principal Dr. Kristen Petrowske.
Sue Colonel, CGS Band Director and General Music Teacher did an amazing job organizing and directing a wide variety of music for the hour-long event. Mrs. Colonel taught the Kindergarten through 4th Grade students in learning two featured songs and directed the students in performing those songs to perfection. Local pianist, Vicky Beers, was the accompanist for the vocal performances.
Mrs. Colonel further worked with her 6th Grade Band and 7th & 8th Grade Junior High Band to learn instrumental music for the event. The 6th Grade Band was featured on one selection while the Junior High Band performed three songs. Both bands did a wonderful job of providing instrumental music for the assembly.
The assembly began with the entrance of a three-person Color Guard consisting of Suhaily Torres, Ethan Werner and Cameron McClaine. All three are Boy Scouts of America. The Color Guard led the group of Veteran Honorees into the gym as the Chester Grade School Junior High Band played, “Invincible”, by Robert W. Smith. Veterans and their family members were seated in reserved seats to the left of center stage on the floor.

PHOTO 1
This sin greeted local veterans at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veteran's Day Assembly and breakfast. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
Approximately 40 local veterans and their guests attended the 2025 Veterans Day Assembly Monday November 10, Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 3
Students, local veterans, teachers, staff, and guests stand to take part in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", at the 2025 CGS Veteran's Day Assembly. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 4
CGS Principal, Tim Blair, led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 5
Veterans and guests enjoy a delicious breakfast prior to the start6 of the Chester Grade School Veteran's Day celebration Monday November 10 at CGS. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 6
A Boy Scout Color Guard led the veterans into the Chester Grade School Gym Monday November 10 at the 2025 CGS veteran's Day Assembly. The scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance and saluted the flag during the National Anthem. Color Guard members include Suhaily Torres, Ethan Werner and Cameron McClaine. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 7
Guest Speaker at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veteran's Day Assembly was former Chester High School graduate Wyatt Rueling. He is now a Captain in the Illinois Air National Giard and he teaches full time at Chester High School in the Histrory Department. He also is a quarterback coach for the 2025 undefeated, Conference Champion YellowJacket Football JV Football Team. Jim Beers

CECC, CGS & CHS KINDNESS WEEK, FOOD & HYGIENE DRIVE, AND COIN DRIVE
Next week November 10th-14th will be a district-wide Kindness Week in honor of World Kindness Day on November 13th. Join us in Coloring the World in Kindness by participating in different colorful dress up days throughout the week.

To spread kindness a little further, there will be a week-long coin drive and on Thursday a food/hygiene product drive to support the Just for Jackets program in the school district. Donations will earn students kindness points for their grade and the chance to win a party.

SEMANA DE LA AMABILIDAD, RECOGIDA DE ALIMENTOS E HIGIENE Y MONEDAS EN CECC, CGS Y CHS
La próxima semana, del 10 al 14 de noviembre, se celebrará la Semana de la Amabilidad en todo el distrito en honor al Día Mundial de la Amabilidad, el 13 de noviembre. Únete a nosotros para llenar el mundo de amabilidad participando en los diferentes días de disfraces coloridos durante la semana.

Para difundir aún más la amabilidad, habrá una recogida de monedas durante toda la semana y, el jueves, una recogida de alimentos y productos de higiene para apoyar el programa Just for Jackets del distrito escolar. Las donaciones otorgarán a los estudiantes puntos de amabilidad para su curso y la oportunidad de ganar una fiesta.

CHS: PBIS JACKET SHOUT-OUTS WEEKS 8-9
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 8-9 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you, and Go Jackets!

CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS A LOS ESTUDIANTES DESTACADOS DE PBIS (SEMANAS 8-9)
La Escuela Secundaria Chester se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes que recibieron el Reconocimiento a los Estudiantes Destacados de las semanas 8 y 9 por su contribución positiva a nuestra comunidad educativa. Este reconocimiento permite a los docentes felicitar a los estudiantes que han realizado valiosas aportaciones a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Agradecemos a estos estudiantes su ejemplar dedicación y por ser un ejemplo para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias y vamos, estudiantes destacados!

The Chester Grade School October Students of the Month for 2025 were announced Tuesday October 28. Each grade level, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, nominated one student who has demonstrated all four of the "HIVE" good character traits. Those traits include Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Empathy. Each recipient received a certificate and his or her name was announced over the school public address system. All recipients for the year will also be invited to a "Jacket of the Month" party later in the year. October honorees included Reyna Martin, Kindergarten; Paisley Davis, 1st Grade; Jeremiah Ferrell, 2nd Grade; Ellanore Forsting, 3rd Grade; Breanna Schatte, 4th Grade; Miguel Hernandez, 5th Grade; Riley Rains, 6th Grade; Ella Bert, 7th Grade; and Miles Bert, 8th Grade. At CGS, students thrive as a HIVE every day! Jim Beers Report. Photo by Kasey Crook, School Social Worker

El martes 28 de octubre se anunciaron los Estudiantes del Mes de octubre de 2025 de la Escuela Primaria Chester. Cada grado, desde kínder hasta octavo, nominó a un estudiante que demostró las cuatro cualidades de buen carácter de la "HIVE": Respeto, Responsabilidad, Seguridad y Empatía. Cada estudiante recibió un certificado y su nombre se anunció por el sistema de megafonía de la escuela. Todos los estudiantes premiados del año también serán invitados a una fiesta de "Chaqueta del Mes" más adelante en el año. Los estudiantes homenajeados de octubre fueron Reyna Martin, de kínder; Paisley Davis, de primero; Jeremiah Ferrell, de segundo; Ellanore Forsting, de tercero; Breanna Schatte, de cuarto; Miguel Hernández, de quinto; Riley Rains, de sexto; Ella Bert, de séptimo; y Miles Bert, de octavo. ¡En la Escuela Primaria Chester, los estudiantes prosperan como una HIVE todos los días! Informe de Jim Beers. Fotografía de Kasey Crook, trabajadora social escolar.

CHS: CCSI STUDENTS Chester High School CCSI students may drive to CCSI at the discretion of their parents on Friday, November 7th, 2025.

🎃👻 Hey everyone! It’s time for the CGS Staff Halloween Costume Contest! Vote for ONE individual and ONE group! (Multiple same email entries will not count!) Voting will end Thursday, November 6th at 3pm! Click the link to place your votes! >>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-BqIDaqpGbK0xfsGQTlItuCYdsqVw5x2gpvlJqY6HHS77yg/viewform?usp=header

CHS: FRIDAY 11/07/25 EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE INFORMATION
Friday 11/07/25 will be an 11:30 dismissal following the schedule noted in the attached graphic. Additionally, CCSI students will attend CCSI instead of CHS. CCSI students will return at their regular Friday scheduled time and be provided lunch. As usual, Opt-out, Start-up, and Work Force students should do their best to follow the adapted schedule. If staying on campus, they should be in the media center due to the unusual rescheduling of the 6th period to the end of the day. Thank you

CHS: INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EL HORARIO DE SALIDA ANTICIPADA DEL VIERNES 11/07/25
El viernes 11/07/25 la salida será a las 11:30, según el horario indicado en la imagen adjunta. Además, los estudiantes de CCSI asistirán a CCSI en lugar de CHS. Los estudiantes de CCSI regresarán a su hora habitual de los viernes y se les proporcionará el almuerzo. Como siempre, los estudiantes de los programas Opt-out, Start-up y Work Force deben hacer todo lo posible por seguir el horario adaptado. Si permanecen en el campus, deben estar en el centro de medios debido al cambio de horario de la sexta hora al final del día. Gracias.

CHS: ICONIK SENIOR TUX/DRAPE PICTURE DAY & PICTURE RETAKE
Chester High School Senior Tux/Drape Picture Day & Picture Retakes, Friday, October 7th, 2025

CHS: FOTOS DE GRADUACIÓN CON ESMOQUIN Y TOGA Y REPETICIÓN DE FOTOS
Día de fotos de graduación con esmoquin y toga y repetición de fotos de la Escuela Secundaria Chester, viernes 7 de octubre de 2025

🏀 5th and 6th grade Boys Head Basketball Coach Vacancy 🏀

The Chester High School SADD chapter presented a Red Ribbon presentation to all 7th- and 8th-graders at the three grade schools on the importance of making wise decisions and saying NO to Vaping, Drinking, and Drugs. SADD presenters were: Erin Liefer, President, Macy VanZandt, VP, Addie Gottschammer, Secretary, Isabella Smith, Rylie Myers, and Jackie Bess, SADD members.

La sección de SADD de la escuela secundaria Chester ofreció una presentación sobre el lazo rojo a todos los alumnos de séptimo y octavo grado de las tres escuelas primarias, con el fin de resaltar la importancia de tomar decisiones responsables y decir NO al vapeo, el alcohol y las drogas. Las personas que presentaron la ponencia fueron: Erin Liefer, presidenta; Macy VanZandt, vicepresidenta; Addie Gottschammer, secretaria; Isabella Smith, Rylie Myers y Jackie Bess, miembros de SADD.

📣 Parents — We Need Your Input!

We’re applying for a grant to help expand student supports like homework help, tutoring, and transportation for after-school programs. Your feedback will help us identify what families need most and strengthen our application.

Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey — your voice makes a difference! 💬
👉 https://forms.gle/drsjWREqT2oQsqzu5

Thank you for partnering with us to support our students’ success! 💙

It's time to nominate CGS Faculty Member of the Month for November! Use the link provided to submit your vote for who you feel deserves this honor! Nominations close at 3:00 pm on November 20. https://forms.gle/hTzfZ12US7mYhw8R8

Chester Football announces Week 11 “Special Teams Player of the Week” and “Practice Players of the Week”
Weekly “Special Teams” player of the week is sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” is sponsored by Knight Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced his Week 11 “Special Teams” player of the week and his “Practice Players” of the week. This new program has been active weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Knight Hawk Coal, LLC.
Each week Belton and his staff select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award recognizes the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award recognizes the best “Practice Players” or “Scout Team” Players of the Week.
Belton is proud to announce award winners for Week 11 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: #3 Alex Blechle
Coach Belton said, “Alex led the Special Teams with a major tackle He also has a couple of good punt returns in the great win over Nashville. This is the 3rd time that Blechle has earned a Special Teams Player of the Week award. ”




“Knight Hawk Coal, LLC “Practice Players” of the Week: # 5 Gage Lynn, # 20 Donnie Sabo, #14 Landen Conder, # 10 Rhett Creason, & # 34 Ryker Hoffman
Coach Belton said, “These five boys did a fantastic job of recreating the offense on the Scout Team. There efforts helped the varsity plan for their defense in our latest win!”
Each of the weekly award winners received a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Knight Hawk Coal, LLC have stepped up to be the 2025 sponsors of the “Special Teams” and “Practice Player” of the Week Awards for Chester Football.
Coach Belton stated, “I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Korando Heating and Cooling and Knight Hawk Coal, LLC for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
The awards for Week 11 were announced and presented Friday October 31 at the weekly team meeting and supper in the CHS Football Offices. This presentation is a weekly event following the Friday afternoon “Run-Through” practice in preparation for the Saturday November 1st Round Playoff game against Maroa-Forsyth. Congratulations Alex Blechle, Gage Lynn, Donnie Sabo, Lannin Conder, Rhett Creason, and Ryker Hoffman for being the Week 11 award winners!

PHOTO 1 Alex Blechle SPECIAL TEAMS
Alex Blechle earned the Week 11 Special Teams Player of the Week. This was his 3rd Special Teams recognition this season. Blechle made a major tackle in the great win over Nashville last week. He also had a couple of good punt returns to help his team beat Nashville, 29-19.

PHOTO 2 Practice Players of the Week 11
This week there were five YellowJacket players recognized as Practice Players of the Week including (left to right) Gage Lynn, Donnie Sabo, Lannin Conder, Ryker Hoffman, Rhett Creason. These five players did a great job re-creating the offense of the YellowJacket's opponent. Their efforts helped the varsity squad prepare for their game.

CHS: PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The Chester High School October Students of the Month are (left to right) Lucas Buskirk, Kingston Turner, Devin Neal, Addison Gottschammer, Peyton Dickson, and Annah Helvey Ahring. The Student of the Month Program is coordinated by teachers, Jackie Clendenin, Social Studies and Brittany Mueller, Science. Jim Beers Photo

CHS FOOTBALL STREAM The Chester High School Varsity Football vs. Maroa-Forsyth (1st Round Playoffs) stream on YouTube is experiencing technical difficulties. Both the stream on Facebook and Hudl are working great as another option. Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139