Chester Community School District 139

CHS: VETERANS DAY Monday 11/11/24 is Veterans Day, and in observation CHS students planted 1000 flags in the front yard, and our Military Appreciation slideshow is posted on both the front yard marquee and W.O. Smith Field scoreboard/display. We would like to thank all who have spent time in the service of our country.

CHS: IHSA FOOTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS PEP BUS Parents-if your student is riding the pep bus tomorrow please remind them to dress warm, bring $10 for bus, $8 for game ticket and spending money. Please be there by 9:30. Bus leaves at 10:00 sharp. Thanks and Go Jackets!!!

CHS UPDATES & UPGRADES (2 of 2) Chester High School has had some recent updates and upgrades, with the following being a few examples: Glass & Metal Entry Door Graphic Art New Entrance Identification Graphics Window Security Room Identification Numbers Metal Outbuilding Graphics Pickleball/Basketball Court Wind Screens Security Camera Upgrades and Additions We continue to strive to provide our students and our community with the best education possible in a facility that is safe and secure that we can all be proud of.

CHS UPDATES & UPGRADES (1 of 2) Chester High School has had some recent updates and upgrades, with the following being a few examples: Glass & Metal Entry Door Graphic Art New Entrance Identification Graphics Window Security Room Identification Numbers Metal Outbuilding Graphics Pickleball/Basketball Court Wind Screens Security Camera Upgrades and Additions We continue to strive to provide our students and our community with the best education possible in a facility that is safe and secure that we can all be proud of.

CHS: OFFICE CLOSURE Chester High School offices will closed today from 1:30 - 3:10pm for an all faculty and staff meeting.

Jim Beers Report The October Students of the Month for October 2024 include (left to right) Evan Dunning, Karim Landeros, Brenden Malley, Cayden Cavaness, Madison Stauffer, Whitney Sulser, Grace Kirkpatrick, Baliey Hartman, and Manuela Lopez. These students were nominated for this award by their teachers and/or CHS staff members. Each recipient was presented with a certificate and 5 Jackpot Points. Jim Beers Photo

The Chester High School Teachers of the Month of October 2024 include (left to right) Ashly Bert, Physical Education Paraprofessional; Steve Colonel, Band Director; and Ashleigh Stegmann, In-House Substitute Teacher. At the right is CHS Principal, Jeremy Blechle. Blechle has instituted several new programs at Chester High School to increase morale and let teachers, staff, and students now that they are truly appreciated. The Teacher of the Month Program allows students to select their favorite teachers for the honor. Recipients are presented with gift a certificate and cards as well as recognition at school. Jim Beers Photo

CHS: PBIS STAFF OF THE MONTH October: We Initiate RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility: Being accountable in word and deed.  Having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment. Ashley Bert Steve Colonel Ashleigh Stegmann

CHS: PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH October: We Initiate RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility: Being accountable in word and deed.  Having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment. Cayden Cavaness ”Cayden can be trusted, and is valued for his sense of responsibility. He helps to clean the cafeteria every day, and does an excellent job!” Evan Dunning “Evan is a student who I have seen to be responsible and trustworthy in many situations. He can be relied upon to take responsibility even in situations where others would avoid it. He is an upstanding individual.” Bailey Hartmann ”Bailey is always prepared for class and does her homework Every night! She is very responsible!” Grace Kirkpatrick “Grace has exemplified what it means to be a responsible student by her excellent behavior and outstanding work ethic. If she is going to absent she is sure to get her work ahead of time, and always tries her best.” Karim Landeros “Karim consistently demonstrates exceptional responsibility in his classwork and within the classroom environment. He completes tasks on time while approaching them with focus and dedication. He is respectful and considerate towards staff and his peers, often offering help when needed and contributing positively to the overall classroom dynamic." Manuela Lopez “She is a hardworking young woman who balances significant responsibilities at home while excelling in school. Not only does she support herself, but she also helps many people around her, showcasing a level of maturity and dedication that is remarkable for someone her age." Brenden Malley “Brenden organized cleanup after Homecoming and sought out permission for him and 2 other students to complete the cleanup and organization under the stage. It was also reported that Brenden assisted a teacher by asking other students in his class to follow directions.” Madison Stauffer “I nominated this student because she works hard, asks good questions when she has them, and always turns her work in on time. I also nominated her because I didn't even know who she was until she joined my class this year and I think she probably doesn't get recognized for much. She just kind of does her thing and stays under everyone's radar." Whitney Sulser ”I'm impressed by her work ethic, organization, and drive to get things done!”

CHS: SUMMIT CHAPTER OF NHS 2024 INDUCTION CEREMONY Congratulations to all of our NHS Inductees! A special thank you to Mr. Hankins and Mrs. Ray for organizing such a wonderful ceremony. New Members: Brayden Absher David August Maggie Caby Peyton Cole Callie Davis Lillian Diskey McKenna LaChance Southern LaChance Erin Liefer Rylie Myers Trayton Peters Katherine Pierce Madison Stauffer Jessica Stumpe Summer Valleroy Olivia Vasquez Alex Williamson Camryn Wolff Current Members: Max Blechle Cayden Brunkhorst Rylie Conley Nico DeGuzman Evan Dunning Gianna Eggemeyer Jack Heffernan Mirra Krieg Elaina Lutman Ary Shipley Whitney Sulser William Welge

CHS teachers choose Whitney Sulser for 2024-25 DAR Good Citizens Program Award (2 of 2) BY JIM BEERS Whitney began her educational career at Chester Grade School where she was active in Beta Club, Volleyball, Track, Band (she played clarinet), and chorus. Shed earned High Honors and was the Valedictorian of her class. At CHS Whitney is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Dance Team (she is Captain), Softball Team, HIVE Pep Club, and Interact Club. Awards include High Honor Roll, Illinois Drill Team Association Scholar-Athlete, and Best Showman Award for Dance. Extra-curricular activities include, the Woman’s Leadership Initiative out of the Office of State Representative David Friess District 115; the American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State; she Works at Chester Animal Hospital; she Works at the Immaculate Conception Kaskaskia Church Picnic; and she takes part in Youth Girl Scouts. Miss Sulser said, “I try to help with as many community activities as I can. Most involve children, such as CHS Dance Camp, Easter Egg Hunt, and volunteering at the local animal hospital.” “After I graduate from CHS my plan is to go to Southeast Missouri State University and major in Agribusiness: Animal Science with an emphasis in Pre-Vet Medicine. After earning my Bachelor’s Degree I would like to go to either the University of Missouri or the University of Illinois at Champaign to get a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine.” Sulser finished by saying. “I am really grateful for this honor. The teachers at CHS nominated me for the DAR Good Citizen Award, and that is especially humbling for me.” Chester High School Counselor, Casey Hawkins said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Whitney. She is well-deserving of this honor and I have great hopes that she will move forward in this competition and that many more accolades will come her way!” Chester High School senior, Whitney Sulser, is the school's 2024-25 DAR Good Citizen Program Award recipient. For her recognition Sulser received a certificate and a DAR Pin. In addition she was entered into the DAR Scholarship Program Essay Contest for the opportunity to advance to the State, Divisional, and National levels which offer monetary awards and an eventual $10,000 college scholarship. To earn this opportunity Sulser was chosen by her CHS teachers for demonstrating the traits of Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism. Her essay has been submitted and she is currently awaiting the results of the judging to see if she will advance to the State Contest level. Jim Beers Photo

CHS teachers choose Whitney Sulser for 2024-25 DAR Good Citizens Program Award (1 of 2) BY JIM BEERS Chester High School senior Whitney Sulser has been named the DAR 2024-25 Chester High School Good Citizen Award winner. Sulser is the daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser. Whitney was born in May of 2007 and has attended school in Chester throughout her elementary and high school years. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors the DAR Good Citizens Program, with Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright, as President General. The DAR Good Citizens Committee, with Cindi Newbold as National Chair, and Kathy Hanlon as Vice Chair, oversee the program. The DAR Good Citizen’s Program Overview states, “The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools in good standing with their state boards of education or a recognized accrediting organization such that a General Educational Development (GED) test is not required to receive a high school diploma. United States citizenship is not required.” “The student that is selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the following qualities: Dependability: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality, and being worthy of trust Service: cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others Leadership: personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and be a decision-maker Patriotism: , devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historical importance of America’s unique population.” Miss Sulser definitely possesses the above characteristics and qualities! In short, a candidate must be dependable, be involved in service activities, demonstrate leadership, and exemplify patriotism. Each participating school may use a method of choosing its DAR recipient based upon its own desires. Only one student per year may be honored as the school’s DAR Good Citizen. That DAR recipient receives a DAR pin and certificate. This student is eligible, if they wish, to enter the DAR Good Citizens scholarship contest. The DAR Scholarship consists of three parts. Parts I and II consist of providing the student’s personal information and a description of their qualities. Part III is a timed essay to be administered under the supervision of a faculty or DAR member. It must be completed in one siting within a two-hour time limit and without any assistance, using only a dictionary. Each contest is evaluated by independent, non-DAR judges. The winning entry is advanced through state, division, and national levels of judging. Local DAR Good Citizens who enter the scholarship contest are eligible for awards beyond the local, chapter level. State winners receive a cash award of at least $500.00 in addition to a State Pin and Certificate. The next level of advancement is the Divisional Level which includes multiple states’ winners. Each of the eight Divisional winners receive a cash award of $1000.00. A National winner will be invited to Washington, D.C. to attend Continental Congress and will be awarded a $10,000.00 scholarship, an inscribed bowl and a certificate. Miss Sulser has already written her essay at Chester High School under supervision and had submitted it to DAR officials for judging. She was selected for her honor as Chester High School’s 2024-25 DAR Good Citizen by nominations from CHS teachers.

CGS & CHS: KINDNESS WEEK & FAMILY GAME NIGHT Kindness Week Dress-Up Days, Tuesday Nov. 12 - Friday Nov. 15 Family Game Night, Wednesday Nov. 13 See attached graphics for details.

Photo 6 COIN TOSS YellowJacket seniors meet in the center of W.O. Smith Field for the pre-game coin toss with members of the Westville Tigers. Westville won the toss and elected to receive to start the game. Jim Beers Photo Photo 7 Cheerleaders Chester High School Cheerleaders, under the direction of Karson Colvis and Cassy Helmers, perform during pre-game festivities Saturday November 2 at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs. he event was hosted by CHS at W.O. Smith Field. No. 7 Chester hosted No. 10 Westville in a close and exciting game that featured a total of 11 touchdowns, six for Chester and five for Westville. CHS won, 40-35, to advance to the 2024 "Sweeet-16". Chester will travel to No. 2 Maroa-Forsyth Saturday November 9 to take on the Trojans at 2:30 p.m. Jim Beers Photo Photo 8 Marching YellowJackets The 2024 Chester High School Marching YellowJackets perform the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs Saturday November 2 at Chester's W.O. Smith Field. The Marching YellowJackets are under the direction of Steve Colonel and Drum Majors Will Welge, Jaden Lopez, and Addy Gottschammer. Jim Beers Photo Photo 9 YellowJackets take the field The Chester High School Football YellowJackets take the field prior to the start of ther2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football First Round game between No. 7 Chester and No. 10 Westville. Leading the charge carrying the orange and black YellowJacket flags are seniors Alex Williamson (66) and Nate Maes (55). The No. 7 Jackets won the contest, 40-35. and will advance to Round 2, "The Sweet-16", to face the No. 2 Maroa-Forsyth Trojans Saturday November 9 on the road at 2:30 p.m. Jim Beers Photo.

Photo 1 Peters breaks away CHS Junior Tray Peters (16) a 6-0, 155 Lb. YellowJacket running back breaks away for a 61-yard touchdown at the 5:23 mark of the 3rd quarter in the first round playoff game vs Westville. It was Peters' first of two touchdowns in the 40-35 win. The other was a 15-yard TD run to start the 3rd quarter which gave Chester a 40-21 lead. Jim Beers Photo Photo 2 Kolton Jany Kolton Jany (8) a senior, 5'11", 185 Lb. Chester running back sprints down W.O. Smith Field Saturday November 2 at the IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoff game. No. 7 Chester hosted No. 10 Westville in Round 1 action in the field of 32 teams. In the 40-35 Chester win, Jany scored the YellowJacket's first touchd0wn on a 5-yard run to give CHS six points. Jim Beers Photo Photo 3 Devante Palacio Devante Palacio (9), Chester's record-setting 6'3", 195 lb. senior wide receiver, scored the YellowJacket's third touchdown of the game Saturday November 2 on the first play from scrimmage to start the second quarter. Palacio took just 7 seconds to accomplish this task on a 7-yard pass from quarterback Zain Al-Jassim to give Chester a 19-14 lead over Westville. Kolton Jany ran for the 2-point conversion and the Jackets led, 21-14. The game was the first round of the 2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs held at Chester's W.O. Smith Field. In the win, Devante caught 4 passes for 75 yards and 1 touchdown. He also added 3 solo tackles and 1 tackle assist on defense. In the process he further broke a record he previously set for receptions. He had 111 earlier in the season and now has 114 receptions for the year. Former CHS player, Jim Howie had the previous record f 96 receptions. Jim Beers Photo Photo 4 Ethan Colvis YellowJacket junior, 6'1", 195 Lb. Running Back, Ethan Colvis (25) scored two touchdowns in the first round win over Westville. The No. 7 Jackets won, 40-35, over the No. 10 Westville Tigers Saturday November 2. The occasion was the 2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs. Colvis scored his first TD at the 4:16 mark of the first quarter on a 56-yard touchdown pass to give CHS a 12-7 lead Karim Landeros kicked the extra points and the Jackets led, 13-7. Ethan's second touchdown came in the 2nd quarter as Colvis had a 55-yard interception return for the score. Landeros kicked the extra-point and the YellowJackets led, 28-14, with 7:22 remaining in the first half. Colvis also ran five times for 57 yards, and caught 2 passes for 58 yards and 1 TD. On defense, he led the team with 7 solo tackles, and 5 tackle assists. Jim Beers Photo Photo 5 Colvis and Maes celebrate Chester's Ethan Colvis (25) and Nate Maes (55) celebrate in the end zone after Colvis scored one of his two touchdowns in the first round IHSA Class 2A State Playoff game. The Jackets won, 40-35, to advance to Round 2 Saturday November 9 at Maroa-Forsyth at 2:30 p.m. Jim Beers Photo

Jim Beers Report Chester Grade School teachers selected one student in each grade, Kindergarten through 8th Grade who had demonstrated ALL of the "HIVE" Character Education Traits of Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Empathy EVERY DAY throughout the month of October 2024. The nine students include (left to right) Dayana Maldanado, Kindergarten; Aracely Hernandez, 1st Grade; Quinn Davitz, 2nd Grade; Bailee Bentem, 3rd Grade; Myah Palacio, 4th Grade; Serena Hall, 5th Grade; Josiah Bert, 6th Grade; Jordyn Cowell, 7th Grade; and Larne Luchavez, 8th Grade. To the far left is CGS Staff Member of the Month, Danielle Conway. Jim Beers Photo

CHS: IHSA PLAYOFF FOOTBALL CHS is sponsoring a pep bus for high school students for Saturday's playoff game against Maroa-Forsyth. There is a $10 fee to ride. Students sign up in CHS cafeteria or room C229. Money will be collected Thursday, Friday and Saturday before boarding. Departure time TBD.

Chester Grade School presented 28 "HIVE" Character Awards Friday October 25 during the bi-monthly morning school-wide assemble. "HIVE" Awards are earned by demonstrating the character traits of Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and/or Empathy. For this round of "HIVE! Awards there were 12 for Respect, 11 for Responsibility, and 5 for Empathy. Each award winner received a certificate and a PBIS Point. In addition, his or her name was announced over the CGS Public Address System. Pictured are (Row 1, left to right): Joslyn Gregory, Liam Draves, Aria Richardson, Wilson Sica Herrera, Kailer Keeler, Deegan Carter, Macey Rensing, Ella Bilderback, Kru Jany, and Raelyn Downey, Row 2, left to right) Evander Williams, Martin Licea, Bentley Schweizer, Blake Brown, Preston Miller, Isaiah Eggemeyer, Oliver Schroeder, Korryn Smith, and Abel Kinkade. (Row 3, left to right): Mabrie Cushman, Jaymie Dickerson, Grace Snow, Maggie Stueve, Jake Dunn, Kingston Turner, Gonzalo Amaro, and Haylhn Masterson. Not pictured: Brantley Hall. The CGS Character Education Program is coordinated by School Social Worker, Kasey Crook. Jim Beers Photo

CHS: NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY CHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Wednesday, November 6th, 5:30PM Colbert Gymnasium Please Enter Through Professor Sharp Cafeteria

CGS & CHS: COMWELL PRESENTS DMARCO SPEAKS Wednesday, 11/13/24 ComWell Presents: DMARCO SPEAKS Guest Speaker for CGS & CHS Students CHS Colbert Gymnasium 8:40am