CECC is excited to announce our Staff Member of the Month for March, Cassie Venus!!
CECC: EMPLEADO DEL MES
¡CECC se complace en anunciar a nuestra empleada del mes de marzo, Cassie Venus!



CECC is now accepting Pre-K registration sign-ups for children who will turn 3 years old before September 1, 2026.
If your child is eligible, please call 618-822-0829 to begin the registration process or to learn more.
Help us spread the word by sharing this post with families who may have a child ready to start their Pre-K journey!



CHS NHS BUTTER BRAID SALES
Please help Chester High School National Honor Society with their annual fundraiser by purchasing butter braids, frozen pizza, and/or frozen cookie dough batter. The sale ends on 03/18/2026, so don’t wait to order! Members of our group will deliver your products when they arrive. You can place an order online by clicking this link.
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/d63f09a9-5158-4a93-9a18-b499c803cec5
Please add your request to a student you know or to either sponsor. Thank you for your support.
CHS NHS: VENTA DE BUTTER BRAIDS
Por favor apoye a la Sociedad Nacional de Honor de Chester High School en su recaudación anual de fondos comprando Butter Braids, pizza congelada y/o masa para galletas congelada. La venta termina el 18 de marzo de 2026, ¡así que no espere para hacer su pedido! Los miembros de nuestro grupo entregarán sus productos cuando lleguen. Puede realizar un pedido en línea haciendo clic en este enlace
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/d63f09a9-5158-4a93-9a18-b499c803cec5
Por favor agregue su pedido a un estudiante que conozca o a cualquiera de los patrocinadores.
¡Gracias por su apoyo!


Selected students have demonstrated all four of the “PBIS HIVE” good behavior criteria”
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School selects monthly “Jackets of the Month”, formerly known as “Students of the Month”.
“Jackets of the Month” are selected from among all teacher and staff nominations of students that qualify. Students can qualify for this honor by adhering to and exhibiting all four of the PBIS “HIVE” criteria.
The four “HIVE” criteria include: 1) having RESPECT; 2) initiating RESPONSIBILITY; 3) valuing SAFETY; and 4) encouraging EMPATHY. All Chester Grade School students are strongly encouraged to “Thrive as a HIVE” every day!
CGS teachers meet monthly to evaluate and nominate students who demonstrate all four of the “HIVE” criteria. From among all of the nomination, one students is selected from all grade levels, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, to be the “Jacket of the Month”.
“Jackets of the Month” are recognized and introduced to the entire school, either at the bi-monthly all-school assembly or over the CGS Public Address System. Each honoree also receives an Official “Jacket of the Month” certificate. Finally, he or she is invited to an end-of-the-year party.
Recent nominees include:
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
Miles Bert, 8th Grade
The Chester Grade School PBIS “HIVE” Jacket of the Month Program is coordinated and managed by Kacey Crook, School Counselor.

Students are rewarded for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, and Empathy
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School recognized 27 students on February 13, Kindergarten through 8th Grades, for demonstrating the “HIVE” PBIS good character traits of either Respect, Responsibility, Safety, or Empathy.
There are four “HIVE” PBIS characteristics that teachers and staff at CGS look for and encourage every day. Students are praised for 1) Having Respect, 2) Initiating Responsibility, Valuing Safety, and Encouraging Empathy.
Teachers and staff can nominate students for demonstrating one or more of these traits. Nominations are made twice a month. Students caught using at least one of these traits are eligible for nomination.
For the Friday February 13 award program there were 27 students who received awards, 7 for Respect, 12 for Responsibility, and 8 for Empathy. Those students are listed below.
RESPECT: (7)
JoLee Braun, Kindergarten; Scarlett Rains, 1st Grade; Briana Berkbuegler and Ensley Perruquet, 2nd Grade; Harper Cushman, 3rd Grade; Tana Clover Pastor, 4th Grade, and Alexus Shrout, 7th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY: (12)
Millie Louveau, Kindergarten; Jazz-min Reid and Jesy Medford, 1st Grade; Prudence Webb, 2nd Grade; Hoyt Cushman, Haven Hall, and Sadie Bentem, 3rd Grade; Elena McClaine, 4th Grade; Eriana Quintana, Grayson McCoy, and Brendon Essman, 5th Grade; and Jaelyn Keeton, 8th Grade.
EMPATHY: (8)
Josie Grau, Kindergarten; Kru Jany, 1st Grade; Abel Kinkade, and Ellanore Forsting, 3rd Grade; Noelia Rosales, Jacelyn Reeves, Nyah Taylor, 5th Grade; and Cash Hargis, 6th Grade.
Each student was recognized at the Friday morning all-school assembly. Each also received a certificate and all recipients were included in a group photo. Kasey Crook, School Counselor, coordinates the “HIVE” PBIS awards program.
Students are rewarded for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, and Empathy
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School recognized 26 students on Thursday March 12, 2026 in grades Kindergarten through 8th, for demonstrating the “HIVE” PBIS good character traits of either Respect, Responsibility, Safety, or Empathy.
There are four “HIVE” PBIS characteristics that teachers and staff at CGS look for and encourage every day. Students are praised for 1) Having Respect, 2) Initiating Responsibility, Valuing Safety, and Encouraging Empathy.
Teachers and staff can nominate students for demonstrating one or more of these traits. Nominations are made twice a month. Students caught using at least one of these traits are eligible for nomination.
For the Thursday March 12, 2026 awards program there were 26 students who received awards, 8 for Respect, 10 for Responsibility, and 8 for Empathy. Those students are listed below.
RESPECT: (8)
Willow Holley, Kindergarten; Marta Herrera Sica and Elliot Rogers, 2nd Grade; Sadie Bentem, 3rd Grade; Arabelle Anderson and Jacelyn Reeves, 5th Grade; and Ian Lazu-Colon and Kayden Britton, 8th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY: (12)
Jolene Gleason and Pascual Sebastian, Kindergarten; Jace Denbow-Sanders, 1st Grade; Charlie Carroll and Teagan Draves, 2nd Grade; Ronin Wingerter, 3rd Grade; Jacob Stork, Breanna Schatte, and Marlyn Cardona Velasquez, 4th Grade; and Lucas Maes, 6th Grade.
EMPATHY: (8)
Zander Martin, 3rd Grade; Saphera Luers, 5th Grade; Camron McClaine and Emma Voudrie, 7th Grade; and Kenzie Bentem, Elannah Denbow, Braden Lloyd, and Kayden Briton, 8th Grade
Each student was recognized Thursday March 12, 2026. Each also received a certificate and all recipients were included in a group photo. Kasey Crook, School Counselor, coordinates the “HIVE” PBIS awards program.

Students are rewarded for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, and Empathy
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School recognized 18 students, Kindergarten through 8th Grades, for demonstrating the “HIVE” PBIS good character traits of either Respect, Responsibility, Safety, or Empathy.
There are four “HIVE” PBIS characteristics that teachers and staff at CGS look for and encourage every day. Students are praised for 1) Having Respect, 2) Initiating Responsibility, Valuing Safety, and Encouraging Empathy.
Teachers and staff can nominate students for demonstrating one or more of these traits. Nominations are made twice a month. Students caught using at least one of these traits are eligible for nomination.
For the Friday January 30th award program there were 18 students who received awards, 6 for Respect, 9 for Responsibility, 1 for Safety, and 2 for Empathy. 15 of those students are listed below. The other 3 are “not publishable”.
RESPECT: (5)
Evelyn Galster, 2nd Grade; Kinley Krantz, 3rd Grade; Bryson Grau and Taylor Luthy, 4th Grade; and Jackson Conway, 6th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY: (7)
Reyna Martin and Emely Pastor Hernandez, Kindergarten; Brianna Gonzalez, 1st Grade; Corbin Woodall, 2nd Grade; Freya Roche, 4th Grade; Sophia Bogard, 6th Grade; and Justin Johanning, 7th Grade.
Safety: (1)
Cruz Hernandez Ajanel, 1st Grade.
EMPATHY: (2)
Nicandro Cortes Vasquez and Ellen Shipley, 6th Grade.
Each student was recognized at the Friday morning all-school assembly. Each also received a certificate and all recipients were included in a group photo. Kasey Crook, School Counselor, coordinates the “HIVE” PBIS awards program.
28 students earn HIVE Awards
BY JIM BEERS
There were 28 students at Chester Grade School who earned HIVE awards for demonstrating the character traits of having RESPECT; Initiating RESPONSIBILITY; valuing SAFETY; and encouraging EMPATHY.
Nine students earned recognition for respect, 11 students for responsibility, 1 for safety, and 7 for sympathy. Those students are listed below.
RESPECT (9)
Melody Schwier, Kindergarten; Thea Kelley, 1st Grade; Mateo Jimenez Velasquez, Phoenix Leftwich, and Colt Utz, 2nd Grade; Zane Stafford and Zander Davis, 3rd Grade; Libby Guetersloh, 5th Grade; and Lorenzo Brooks, 8th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY (11)
Gracelynn Stephens and Scarlett Molina Villatoro, Kindergarten; Evelynn Schwier, 1st Grade; Warren Taylor, 2nd Grade; Lizzy Absher, 3rd Grade; Chloe Keeton and Carter Belton, 4th Grade; Angel Aguilar, 5th Grade; Kinberlin Mo-Sica, 6th Grade; Curi Davis, 7th Grade; and Annabell Cross, 8th Grade.
SAFETY (1)
Miguel Maldonado Hernandez, 5th Grade.
EMPETHY (7)
LaNorah Poe, Kindergarten; Eloise Anderson and Sebastian Martin, 1st Grade; Caleb Reed, 2nd Grade; Maelee McDonough and Cash Reese, 3rd Grade; Xander Hammel, 5th Grade.
Students can be nominated by a teacher or staff member for a HIVE award by demonstrating one of the four HIVE characteristics. Each recipient receives a certificate and recognition at school for earning a HIVE award. The HIVE Program is coordinated by Kasey Crook, School Counselor.

Celebrate Earth Day in style while supporting Chester Schools!
Get ready for our celebration on April 17, 2026, by grabbing your official Earth Day shirt. Whether you’re a student, parent, or community member, we have a size for everyone!
The Details:
Sizes: Youth Small to Adult 4XL
Price: Just $12 (Note: Small additional fee for sizes 2XL - 4XL)
Payment: Cash or checks accepted (Please make checks payable to CHS)
How to Order:
Contact any school office to place your order, or contact Evelyn Hankins at CHS: 826-2303 ext. 2115.
Don't miss out—last day to order is March 26, 2026.
PEDIDOS DE CAMISETAS DEL DÍA DE LA TIERRA
¡Celebra el Día de la Tierra con estilo mientras apoyas a las Escuelas de Chester!
Prepárate para nuestra celebración el 17 de abril de 2026 adquiriendo tu camiseta oficial del Día de la Tierra. Ya seas estudiante, padre de familia o miembro de la comunidad, ¡tenemos una talla para todos!
Detalles:
Tallas: Youth Small hasta Adulto 4XL
Precio: Solo $12 (Nota: pequeño cargo adicional para tallas 2XL - 4XL)
Pago: Se aceptan efectivo o cheques (Por favor haga los cheques a nombre de CHS)
Cómo ordenar:
Comuníquese con cualquier oficina escolar para realizar su pedido o contacte a Evelyn Hankins en CHS: 826-2303 ext. 2115.
No se lo pierda — el último día para ordenar es el 26 de marzo de 2026.










See attached Graphic
CECC: DÍA DE FOTOS DE PRIMAVERA
Vea el gráfico adjunto.


CHS Dance Team Tryouts will be held April 17, 2026 at 6:00p in Colbert Gym.
Tryout clinics will be held April 14-16, 2026 from 6:00p-8:00p in Colbert Gym.
Any current 8th grade through Juniors 25-26 school year may attend tryouts. Please fill out the google form https://forms.gle/6Z6h7nuFWz3TAW2Q6 prior to tryout clinics.
Anyone attending tryout clinics please wear appropriate clothing (Leggings or shorts. Tshirt and tennis shoes or appropriate dance shoes.) Also bring a drink.
The Dance Team is excited for tryouts and cannot wait to see everyone there.
CHS: PRUEBAS PARA EL EQUIPO DE BAILE
Las pruebas para el Equipo de Baile de CHS se llevarán a cabo el 17 de abril de 2026 a las 6:00 p. m. en el Gimnasio Colbert.
Las clínicas de preparación para las pruebas se realizarán del 14 al 16 de abril de 2026, de 6:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m., en el Gimnasio Colbert.
Cualquier estudiante que actualmente esté en 8.º grado hasta tercer año (junior) durante el año escolar 2025-2026 puede asistir a las pruebas. Por favor complete el formulario de Google https://forms.gle/6Z6h7nuFWz3TAW2Q6 antes de asistir a las clínicas de preparación.
Quienes asistan a las clínicas de preparación deben usar ropa apropiada (leggings o shorts, camiseta y tenis o zapatos de baile apropiados). También traiga una bebida.
El Equipo de Baile está emocionado por las pruebas y espera ver a todos allí.

Spanish I-IV students celebrated Foreign Language Week March 2-6. The week started out with students doing research on the Spanish-speaking countries and a famous Spanish-speaking person. These activities were followed by a craft such as amate bark painting or making a passport. The week culminated with a Spanish scholar bowl competition and a sampling of common Hispanic food and drink prepared by the students. A good time was had by all!
CHS: SEMANA DE LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS
Los estudiantes de Español I–IV celebraron la Semana de Lenguas Extranjeras del 2 al 6 de marzo. La semana comenzó con los estudiantes investigando países de habla hispana y personas famosas de habla hispana. Estas actividades fueron seguidas por una manualidad, como pintura en corteza de amate o la creación de un pasaporte.
La semana culminó con una competencia de Spanish Scholar Bowl y una degustación de comidas y bebidas típicas hispanas preparadas por los estudiantes.
¡Todos pasaron un buen momento!









Just a reminder that Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for:
Monday, March 9 — 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, March 12 — 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Both of these days are early-dismissal days with student dismissal at 1:26 PM.
There will be no school on Friday, March 13th.
If you still need to arrange a conference, please contact your child’s teacher, email crystaltindall@chester139.com or call our school office at 618-826-2302 during business hours.
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your day.
CHS: RECORDATORIO DE SALIDA TEMPRANA POR LOS DÍAS DE CONFERENCIAS DE PADRES Y MAESTROS
Solo un recordatorio de que las Conferencias de Padres y Maestros están programadas para:
Lunes, 9 de marzo — 3:00 PM a 7:00 PM
Jueves, 12 de marzo — 3:00 PM a 6:30 PM
Ambos días serán días de salida temprana, con la salida de los estudiantes a la 1:26 PM.
No habrá clases el viernes 13 de marzo.
Si aún necesita programar una conferencia, por favor comuníquese con el maestro de su hijo, envíe un correo electrónico a crystaltindall@chester139.com o llame a la oficina de la escuela al 618-826-2302 durante el horario laboral.
Gracias y que disfrute el resto de su día.


The curtain goes up this Thursday March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School will present its annual spring theatre production this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 12, 13, and 14. This year the production will be a stage play, not a musical.
The title of the play is, “The PLAY that GOES WRONG!” It is a comedy and promises to bring the house down each night. It is the story of a college Theatre Department that is “putting on” a play, titled, “The Murder at Haversham Manor”, and everything that possibly could go wrong does go wrong!
The cast of this year’s production is a small one with only nine primary cast members. Those featured cast members include:
Megan Zimmer as Annie
Karim Landeros as Trevor
Jason Sibley as Chris
Bentley Valleroy as Jonathan
Natalie Guethle as Rachel
Kendall Nanney as Denise
Brodie Mattingly as Max
Alyssa Stehl as Sandra
Sadie Young as Winston
Many of the cast members are seasoned to the stage. Megan Zimmer, Bently Valleroy, and Jason Sibley had key roles in last year’s musical production of “The Addams Family”. Alyssa Stehl, Kendall Nanney, and Natalie Guethle had lesser roles as “Addams Family Ancestors”.
In addition to the nine key roles as “Speaking Cast Members” there are also 14 “Non-Speaking” roles as members of the “Cornley Drama Society Crew”. This group is on stage frequently, but have no speaking parts. The 14 Cornley Drama Society Crew include:
Jaden Bert
Emma Bogard
Abby Carter
Raelyn Cleland
Addy Gottschammer
Emily Gruenewald
Phoenix Holland
Grace Irose
Justice Mattingly
Raven Rinderer
Gracie Snider
Natalie Venus
Ashlyn Via
Ashlynn Young.
Of these 14 cast members, Jaden Bert, Abby Carter, Addy Gottschammer, and Justice Mattingly had roles last year as “Addams Family Ancestors”.
Crew Members include:
Student Director: Lizzy Wilson
Assistant Student Director, Monica Anaya
Hair and Makeup: Hayden Cartwright and Macy Vanandt
Lights: Chelse Mathis, Natalie Guetersloh, Anna Menefee, and Kylie Eggemeyer
Sound: Liam Holland
Back Stage Coordinators: Mrs. Paula Ray, Mrs. Shirley Stegmann, Miss Alex Westbrook
THEATRE DIRECTOR: Mr. Steve Colonel
All performances take place in Chester High School’s Juergens Gymnasium on Juergen’s Stage. Tickets are now on sale at the CHS Main Office. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students.

Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) TECH ED instructors visited CHS on Friday. They talked to the students about programs available to them at the college level.
VISITA UNIVERSITARIA EN CHS
Los instructores de Educación Técnica (Tech Ed) de Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) visitaron CHS el viernes. Hablaron con los estudiantes sobre los programas disponibles para ellos a nivel universitario.




