Chester Community School District 139

📣 We Want to Hear from YOU!

Chester School District is launching a long-term Strategic Plan, and your voice matters. As part of this process, we are conducting a Community Survey to gather valuable input from parents, employees, board members, and community members.

Your feedback will help guide our priorities, shape district goals, and strengthen the future of our schools.

📝 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey:
🔗 https://forms.gle/ZnSEDCqxxYnSjP1J8

📱 Or scan the QR code in the image attached to this post!

The survey is open to all stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, business owners, and residents who want to be part of shaping our future.

Thank you for being an important part of Chester CUSD 139’s continued growth and success.

#ChesterCUSD139 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #TogetherWeGrow

CECC, CGS, CHS: Ice Warning
Please exercise increased caution when driving or walking in school parking lots and on sidewalks today. Thawing and refreezing conditions may create icy, slippery surfaces. Your attention to safety is appreciated. Stay safe.

CECC, CGS, CHS: Advertencia de Hielo
Por favor, tenga mayor precaución al conducir o caminar hoy en los estacionamientos escolares y en las aceras. Las condiciones de deshielo y recongelación pueden crear superficies resbaladizas y con hielo. Agradecemos su atención a la seguridad. Manténgase a salvo.

CECC, CGS, CHS COMFY CLOTHES DAY REMINDER
Today’s Comfy Clothes Day is to support Love Abby!
Wear your sports attire and your donation goes to support this great cause!
Thank you

RECORDATORIO DEL DÍA DE ROPA CÓMODA DE CECC, CGS Y CHS
¡El Día de Ropa Cómoda de hoy es para apoyar a Love Abby!
Usa tu ropa deportiva y tu donación se destinará a apoyar esta gran causa.
¡Gracias!

CHS SIUC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Rylie Myers, CHS senior, was awarded the Chancellor Scholarship from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. This is a highly competitive award and the most prestigious academic scholarship that an incoming student can earn. To be considered for this scholarship, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Have a faculty recommendation and they must have strong leadership skills and be involved in their community. Congratulations Rylie, we are all so proud of you! CHS SIUC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Rylie Myers, estudiante de último año de CHS, recibió la Beca del Canciller de la Universidad del Sur de Illinois, Carbondale. Este es un premio altamente competitivo y la beca académica más prestigiosa que un estudiante entrante puede obtener. Para ser considerado para esta beca, el estudiante debe mantener un GPA de 3.8 o superior. Tener una recomendación del profesorado y deben poseer fuertes habilidades de liderazgo y estar involucrados en su comunidad. ¡Felicidades Rylie, todos estamos muy orgullosos de ti!

CHS VALENTINES DAY WEEK DRESS UP DAYS
Celebrate Valentines Day Week with us at CHS.
Attached are the dress up days for the week of Valentines Day, beginning on February 9th.
CHS would LOVE for everyone to participate.

CHS SEMANA DE SAN VALENTÍN DÍAS DE DISFRAZ
Celebra la Semana de San Valentín con nosotros en CHS.
Adjuntos están los días de disfraces para la semana de San Valentín, comenzando el 9 de febrero.
A CHS LE ENCANTARÍA que todos participaran.

It's time to cast your vote for CGS Faculty of the Month for February! Use the link below or visit the Chester139 website to nominate who you feel deserves recognition! Nominations will close on February 20, 2026 at 3:00 pm. https://forms.gle/FaQeiVGuQWrxK4ax8

🏀CHS Food Drive at the Chester V. Red Bud Basketball Game! 🏀
Join us at the February 6th, Chester vs. Redbud basketball game as we host a food drive in support of our Just 4 Jacket's Pantry!
This pantry helps provide meals and grab-and-go snacks for students in need at CHS.
As a thank you, everyone who donates will receive a voucher for a FREE bag of popcorn.
Please see the flyer attached for a list of needed items and additional details.
Thank you for helping support our students!

🏀 ¡Colecta de Alimentos de CHS en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud! 🏀
¡Acompáñanos el 6 de febrero en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud mientras realizamos una colecta de alimentos para apoyar nuestra Despensa Just 4 Jacket’s!
Esta despensa ayuda a proporcionar comidas y refrigerios para llevar a estudiantes de CHS que lo necesitan.
Como agradecimiento, todas las personas que donen recibirán un vale para una bolsa de palomitas GRATIS.
Por favor, consulta el volante adjunto para ver la lista de artículos necesarios y más detalles.
¡Gracias por ayudar a apoyar a nuestros estudiantes!

CHS Dance Team rocks SIU Banterra Center (2 of 2)
Chester performers wow 3,670 Saluki fans as Salukis dismantle Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50
BY JIM BEERS
Keeping in step with the “Chester Night” theme for the evening, more than 100 local Chester fans attended the event to watch the Salukis battle the UNI Panthers including the Chester High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, the Chester Grade School Girls Basketball Team, the CHS Dance Team, as well as parents and other local Saluki fans.
The Southern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletics Department and Thomas Becker, MBA, Interim Assistant Athletic Director of Ticketing, offered special discounted ticket prices for Chester fans attending the game.
Becker was very pleased with the turnout from Chester fans and the performance of the CHS Dance Team. Becker said, “The turnout was great! I hope we can continue to have a ‘Chester Night’ event for not only basketball but other Saluki sports. We love having Chester fans in the seats to help support the Salukis and I want to continue that relationship with the people of Chester.”
It was also “Autism Awareness Night” at the SIU game and Papa John’s Pizza and SIU made a contribution of $5,500.00 to the Center for Autism and Spectrum Disorders. The CGS Girls Basketball Team had a good time going down to the court to greet the SIU players as they were introduced in pre-game activities. The CHS Dance Team also had to opportunity to go the court and sit along the baseline to cheer the Salukis for a while.
A huge highlight to end the game was a big Saluki win! The Dawgs won by 15 points, 65-50, over the UNI Panthers. The win broke a 4-game losing streak for the Salukis and improved their record to 9-12 overall and 3-7 in the MVC.
Hopefully the winning spirit will continue as the Dawgs finish-up the 2025-26 regular season and head to St. Louis for the 2026 MVC Basketball Tournament, Arch Madness, March 5-8, at the Enterprise Center. It was fun for Chester fans to be a part of the big win over UNI on “Chester Night”, and a great opportunity for the CHS Dance Team to perform in front of 3,670 fans, their biggest crowd of the year. The game was also televised on ESPN.

PHOTO 4
The Chester High School Dance Team is coached by Head Coach Adrianne Kern (Far Left) and Assistant Coaches Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth (Far Right). The coaches joined the dancers for a team photo just before the group took the floor at the SIU Banterra Center for the halftime performance of the SIU vs UNI basketball game. The group danced a mixed Jazz and Hip-Hop routine to the tune, "Hey Baby" by Pit Bull. The performance brought the house down as the CHS dancers received a fantastic round of applause for their efforts! Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 5
The CHS Dance Team finishes their performance at the Southern Illinois University game Wednesday January 28. The event was the "Chester Night" game when the SIU Salukis hosted the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The Chester girls performed a mixed routine of jazz and hip-hop to the Pit Bull song, "Hey Baby". The performance was very well received by the 3,670 Saluki fans in attendance which included approximately 100 Chester fans who came to the game to support the Salukis and the CHS Dance Team. The game was also televised on ESPN. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 6
Most of the more than 100 Chester fans who attended the 2026 "Chester Night" basketball game at SIU Carbondale Wednesday January 28, got to sit together in Section 113 behind the basket by the Saluki bench. The crowd had a great time seeing the CHS Dance Team perform at halftime and watching the Salukis Beat Northern Iowa, 65-50, in a Missouri Valley Conference game. Attendance at the game was 3,670 and the game was televised on ESPN. Jim Beers Photo

CHS Dance Team rocks SIU Banterra Center (1 of 2)
Chester performers wow 3,670 Saluki fans as Salukis dismantle Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50
BY JIM BEERS
Wednesday January 28 was “Chester Night” at the SIU Banterra Center when Southern Illinois hosted the University of Northern Iowa Panthers in a Missouri Valley Conference game of basketball. The guest performers for the halftime show were the Chester High School Dance Team members and the 3,670 fans in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
For many years the CHS Dance Team has been invited to perform at halftime of one of the SIU home basketball games. CHS Head Dance Coach, Adrianne Kern said, “The girls were very excited. I was happy with their performance! SIU was very welcoming and the current SIU-Carbondale Chancellor, Austin A. Lane, even came over and took a picture with the girls.”
Kern said that the CHS Dance Team performed a mixed routine of jazz and hip-hop to the tune of “Hey Baby” by Pit Bull. The entire group of 3, 670 people in attendance appeared to get into the performance as evidenced by the huge round of applause at the completion of the dance.
The SIU Saluki Shakers Dance Team, who just returned from a major collegiate competition at Disney World, and the SIU Saluki Cheerleading Squad, both sat on the floor in front of the scorer’s table and watched in support of the Chester dancers. The expressions of delight on their faces appeared to demonstrate approval college spirit teams of the CHS Dancer’s performance.
The CHS dance Team includes Seniors Annah Helvey-Ahring, Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, and Southern LaChance; Juniors Aubrey Petrowske, Macy Van Zandt, and Katie Werner; Sophomores Jaden Bert, Grace Irose, and Justice Mattingly; and Freshmen Peyton Moll and Kennedy Nortin. The CHS Dance Team is coached by Adrianne Kern, Head Coach. She is assisted by Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth.
The team has recently finished 1st at the Belleville East Open Pom Competition and 1st in Jazz at the Herrin Competition. Coach Kern said, “The girls have been competing extremely well and are improving at every competition. Our seniors are showing amazing leadership and our underclassmen are really stepping up. We are still working towards qualifying for the State Competition in both Jazz and Open Pom.”

Photo 1
The Chester High School Dance Team poses for a picture just prior to taking the floor at the SIU Banterra Center Wednesday January 28. The group performed for the halftime entertainment of the SIU vs Northern Iowa game. The team consists of Seniors Hannah Helvey-Ahring, Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, and Southern LaChance; Juniors Aubrey Petrowske, Macy Van Zandt, and Katie Werner; Sophomores Jaden Bert, Grace Irose, and Justice Mattingly; and Freshmen Peyton Moll and Kennedy Nortin. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
The Chester High School Varsity Boys' Basketball Team made the trip to SIU-Carbondale for the "Chester Night" performance of the CHS Dance Team Wednesday January 28. They had already made arrangements to attend the game to watch the Salukis take on the Northern Iowa Panthers and then got the extra bonus of getting to see their fellow classmates perform for the halftime entertainment. The boys had a great time and had the opportunity to witness the Salukis play one of their best games of the season in the 65-50 win over the Panthers. CHS Head Coach, Coach Chris Toledo, and his Assistant Coaches, Tony James, and Nick Severs accompanied the boys to the game. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 3
The Chester Grade School Girl's Basketball Team attended the SIU vs UNI Basketball game to Southern Illinois University Wednesday January 28 when the Salukis hosted the Panthers from the University of Northern Iowa. They were accompanied by coaches and parents. The girls had a great tine at the event and had the opportunity to go down on the Banterra Center floor for the pre-game introduction of both team's starters. The "Chester Night" event was a huge success as the girls also had the opportunity to watch the CHS Dance Team perform for the halftime entertainment, as well as watching the SIU-C Salukis dismantle the Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50. Jim Beers Photo.

CHS RANDOLPH COUNTY startUP PROGRAM EXTENSION
The deadline for the Randolph County startUP program has been extended to February 11th.
Questions, contact:
Jill Miesner Director of Student Services
Chester High School
(618) 826-2302 ext. 2209
jillmiesner@chester139.com

EXTENSIÓN DEL PROGRAMA startUP DEL CONDADO DE RANDOLPH DE CHS
La fecha límite para el programa startUP del Condado de Randolph ha sido extendida hasta el 11 de febrero.
Preguntas, comuníquese con:
Jill Miesner
Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles
Chester High School
(618) 826-2302 ext. 2209
jillmiesner@chester139.com

Chester CUSD 139:

School will be in session tomorrow.
At this time, buses are unable to safely access Highland Acres Mobile Home Park. Students who normally board there will need to come up to the street to one of the following pickup locations:
• Corner of Sycamore & Brenda Street
• Corner of West Holmes & Brenda Street
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to keep everyone safe.

We will be holding athletics and extracurricular activities this afternoon and evening.

Chester CUSD 139: Due to the roads and extreme cold temperatures, Chester CUSD 139 will have an E-Learning on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

CGS is proud to announce our Faculty Members Of The Month Of January: Kellie Crawford, Luke Lochhead and Shaina O'bryan!!! Way to goooo!!!

CHS SAFETY NOTIFICATION:
For safety reasons, we kindly ask that individuals refrain from sledding on the football field.

However, if you’re looking for a great spot, the hill by the track is available and safe for sledding.

Chester CUSD 139: Due to the roads and extreme cold temperatures, Chester CUSD 139 will have an E-Learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Chester CUSD 139: Due to the roads and extreme cold temperatures, Chester CUSD 139 will have an E-Learning on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Lady Jackets win over Steeleville, 62-34 (2 of 2)
Mott, Diskey, Stumpe, and Caby score in double figures
BY JIM BEERS
Down the stretch, CHS opened the 4th quarter with a 7-0 run in the first three minutes of the period. Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, and Lexi Mott each hit baskets and Marlie Caby sank a free throw. Chester led by 34 points, 62-28. There was a running clock after Chester achieved a 30-point lead.
At the 2:40 mark Steeleville scored two points when Corinne Mueller sank two free throws. With 1:46 on the clock, Bailey Cole connected for a 2-pointer. To close out the game, and a 6-0 run, Teagen Patterson knocked down a field goal with .50 on the clock, to give the Lady Warriors 34 points. Chester won the game by 28 points, 62-34.
Steeleville had all seven of its players score in the game. Bailey Cole led the Lady Warriors with 16 points. Lily Hepp and Karsen Wedemeyer each added four points apiece. Lynlee Rubach and Hillari Cowan each scored two points apiece. Steeleville made 11-of-19 free throws (58%). They also added 10 two-pointers and one 3-pointer.
Coach Cowan mentioned that his leading scorer, Rylan Reiss, was injured and was unable to play in the game. Steeleville came to Chester with only seven players including two juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen.
The Lady Jackets had four players score in double figures including Lexi Mott, Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, and Marlie Caby. Lexi Mott led all scorers on either team with 23 points. Lillian Diskey added 15 points. Jessica Stumpe and Marlie Caby each contributed 11 points apiece. Aubrey Coleman rounded out the Lady Jacket’s scoring with two points. The Jackets also shot (58% from the free throw line (11-of-19). They drained three 3-pointers and 21 two-pointers.
In the win, Natalie Guetersloh saw playing time in all four quarters and contributed to the win. She had some key rebounds and played good defense in her time on the floor. Kinley Davitz, a freshman, saw ample playing time and was not hesitant to mix it up with the upper classmen. Kenna Thompson, a sophomore, also entered the game in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
With the win, Chester improved to an overall record of 12 wins and 10 losses. In the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division the Lady Jackets have 2 wins and 3 losses.
Next up for the Lady Jackets are two home games. Thursday January 29 CHS hosts Cahokia Conference rival, Okawville, and Saturday January 31 Carterville comes to CHS Colbert Memorial Gymnasium for a non-conference game.
Including the Lady Jacket Mid-Winter Classic, the Lady Jackets finish with 10 home games and just four on the road. The Jackets are currently in the middle of an 8-game home schedule vs one away game which has already passed at Red Bud. The team has already completed 10 weeks of a 13-week regular season.

PHOTO 1
Marlie Caby (35) a sophomore, was one of four Lady Jacket basketball players to score in double figures Thursday January 22 when Chester hosted Steeleville. Caby scored 11 points and did a great job of handling the basketball. Miss Caby worked her way into the starting lineup this season when senior Riley Lochhead broke her leg. Caby had done an excellent job going up against upper classmen night-after night. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
Lillian Diskey (21), a CHS senior, was Chester's second-leading scorer in the win over Steeleville Thursday January 22. The Jackets won, 62-34, over the Lady Warriors, partly due to Diskey's 15-point effort and scrappy play and hustle on the court. Over her four years at CHS Diskey has been one of the most improved players of not the most improved player. She now excels in both offense and defense\e and is a leader on the court. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 3
The Chester High School Lady Jacket Basketball seniors have stepped-up their level of play this senior season. Both athletically and via leadership skills on the court, these six seniors have made a lasting impression on a successful season. Pictured (left to right) are Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, Lexi Mott, Riley Lochhead, Natalie Guetersloh, and Aubrey Coleman. These young ladies have seven more regular season games, four of which are at home at Chester High School, in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, on Rocky Bridges Court. In addition, they will compete in the 2026 IHSA Regional Basketball Tournament. Jim Beers