CAR TAG PICK UP TODAY and Thursday from 3-6 pm at the High School Cafeteria, 1901 Swanwick. If you need to come during the day, please stop by the District Unit Office at 1940 Swanwick from 8-3 pm.
CECC, CGS, CHS & CUSD 139: BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY
The Chester Early Childhood Center, Chester Grade School, Chester High School, and Chester Community Unit School District 139 would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our bus drivers and Robinson Transport for their dedication and commitment to safely transporting our students each day.
From daily routes to field trips and athletic events, we are grateful for the care, professionalism, and attention you provide to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
Thank you for all you do for our schools and community.
CECC, CGS, CHS Y CUSD 139: DÍA DE APRECIACIÓN A LOS CONDUCTORES DE AUTOBÚS
El Chester Early Childhood Center, Chester Grade School, Chester High School y Chester Community Unit School District 139 desean expresar nuestro sincero agradecimiento a nuestros conductores de autobús y a Robinson Transport por su dedicación y compromiso para transportar de manera segura a nuestros estudiantes cada día.
Desde las rutas diarias hasta los viajes escolares y eventos deportivos, estamos agradecidos por el cuidado, profesionalismo y atención que brindan para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes.
Gracias por todo lo que hacen por nuestras escuelas y nuestra comunidad.
Next week, May 4-8, we celebrate CCUSD 139 Staff Appreciation Week! Send that special staff member (or members) a 'thank you' using the link below! All submissions completed by 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1 will be delivered throughout the week next week!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOAbNXv9_WIJ0cYLvpzGIKoXIzRxpoSlFKg3Q8ERepvxWAVQ/viewform?usp=dialog
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOAbNXv9_WIJ0cYLvpzGIKoXIzRxpoSlFKg3Q8ERepvxWAVQ/viewform?usp=dialog
You're Invited! 🎓Join us in celebrating our 8th Grade Graduates!
📅 May 14th at 6:00 pm
📍 Chester High School — Colbert Gymnasium
Important Reminders:
Last day for 8th graders: May 7th
Graduation Practice: May 14th at 9:00 am at the high school - Students must attend practice to walk at the ceremony
We can't wait to celebrate this milestone and their accomplishments! 🎉
CHS: BLOOD DRIVE
CHS is hosting a blood drive in Juergen's Gym on Tuesday, April 28th.
To donate blood, sign up on the American Red Cross' website: RedCrossBlood.org.
We hope to see you there!
CHS: DONACIÓN DE SANGRE
CHS está organizando una campaña de donación de sangre en el Gimnasio Juergens el martes 28 de abril.
Para donar sangre, inscríbase en el sitio web de la Cruz Roja Americana: RedCrossBlood.org.
¡Esperamos verlo allí!
CGS & CHS SPRING BAND CONCERTS
Chester Grade School Spring Concert
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30pm
Please Enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria
Doors open to the public 6:00pm
Help us celebrate another year of remarkable music as Mrs. Colonel says goodbye to CGS.
Chester High School Spring Concert
Thursday, May 12th, 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30pm
Please Enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria
Doors open to the public 6:00pm
Help us celebrate another year of remarkable music as Mr. Colonel says goodbye to CHS.
CONCIERTOS DE PRIMAVERA DE BANDA DE CGS Y CHS
Concierto de Primavera de Chester Grade School
Jueves, 30 de abril de 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30 p. m.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 6:00 p. m.
Acompáñenos a celebrar otro año de música excepcional mientras la Sra. Colonel se despide de CGS.
Concierto de Primavera de Chester High School
Jueves, 12 de mayo de 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30 p. m.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 6:00 p. m.
Acompáñenos a celebrar otro año de música excepcional mientras el Sr. Colonel se despide de CHS.
Chester Grade School Spring Concert
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30pm
Please Enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria
Doors open to the public 6:00pm
Help us celebrate another year of remarkable music as Mrs. Colonel says goodbye to CGS.
Chester High School Spring Concert
Thursday, May 12th, 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30pm
Please Enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria
Doors open to the public 6:00pm
Help us celebrate another year of remarkable music as Mr. Colonel says goodbye to CHS.
CONCIERTOS DE PRIMAVERA DE BANDA DE CGS Y CHS
Concierto de Primavera de Chester Grade School
Jueves, 30 de abril de 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30 p. m.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 6:00 p. m.
Acompáñenos a celebrar otro año de música excepcional mientras la Sra. Colonel se despide de CGS.
Concierto de Primavera de Chester High School
Jueves, 12 de mayo de 2026
Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, 6:30 p. m.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 6:00 p. m.
Acompáñenos a celebrar otro año de música excepcional mientras el Sr. Colonel se despide de CHS.
CGS ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY
CGS 8th grade students will participate in the Illinois Youth Survey on May 7, 2026. Participation is voluntary. If you would rather not have your child participate, please return this form to the grade school office no later than Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
ENCUESTA JUVENIL DE ILLINOIS – CGS
Los estudiantes de 8.º grado de CGS participarán en la Encuesta Juvenil de Illinois el 7 de mayo de 2026. La participación es voluntaria. Si prefiere que su hijo(a) no participe, por favor devuelva este formulario a la oficina de la escuela primaria a más tardar el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026.
CGS 8th grade students will participate in the Illinois Youth Survey on May 7, 2026. Participation is voluntary. If you would rather not have your child participate, please return this form to the grade school office no later than Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
ENCUESTA JUVENIL DE ILLINOIS – CGS
Los estudiantes de 8.º grado de CGS participarán en la Encuesta Juvenil de Illinois el 7 de mayo de 2026. La participación es voluntaria. Si prefiere que su hijo(a) no participe, por favor devuelva este formulario a la oficina de la escuela primaria a más tardar el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026.
Congratulations to our CGS Faculty Member of the Month for April: Mary Bohnert!
CHS GRADUATION 2026
Come join us to celebrate a milestone in the lives of our graduating class.
The CHS Commence Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 3:00pm in the Colbert Memorial Gymnasium.
Doors enter to the public at 2:00pm, please enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria.
GRADUACIÓN DE CHS 2026
Acompáñenos para celebrar un momento importante en la vida de nuestra clase graduada.
La ceremonia de graduación de CHS se llevará a cabo el domingo 17 de mayo de 2026 a las 3:00 p. m. en el Colbert Memorial Gymnasium.
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 2:00 p. m.; por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp.
Come join us to celebrate a milestone in the lives of our graduating class.
The CHS Commence Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 3:00pm in the Colbert Memorial Gymnasium.
Doors enter to the public at 2:00pm, please enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria.
GRADUACIÓN DE CHS 2026
Acompáñenos para celebrar un momento importante en la vida de nuestra clase graduada.
La ceremonia de graduación de CHS se llevará a cabo el domingo 17 de mayo de 2026 a las 3:00 p. m. en el Colbert Memorial Gymnasium.
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 2:00 p. m.; por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp.
CHS SALUKI TAKE OVER 2026
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Chester High School hosted the annual SIUC Saluki Take Over. We were honored to welcome Austin A. Lane, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, along with Wendell Williams, Carl Franks, Sarah Jiter, Cade Cockburn, and Jeff Harmon.
This distinguished group spoke with our students about the many educational opportunities available at SIU and officially welcomed six Chester High School seniors as future Salukis: Morgan Absher, Hayden Cartwright, Rylie Myers, Kaylee Rogers, Jason Sibley, and Jessica Stumpe.
We are especially proud to recognize Rylie Myers as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship, SIU’s most prestigious first-year award, covering tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing, and meals for four years.
Congratulations to these students on this significant next step in their educational journeys. We are incredibly proud of you!
CHS SALUKI TAKE OVER 2026
El jueves 23 de abril de 2026, Chester High School fue sede del evento anual Saluki Take Over de SIUC. Tuvimos el honor de dar la bienvenida a Austin A. Lane, rector de Southern Illinois University Carbondale, junto con Wendell Williams, Carl Franks, Sarah Jiter, Cade Cockburn y Jeff Harmon.
Este distinguido grupo habló con nuestros estudiantes sobre las numerosas oportunidades educativas disponibles en SIU y dio la bienvenida oficialmente a seis estudiantes de último año de Chester High School como futuros Salukis: Morgan Absher, Hayden Cartwright, Rylie Myers, Kaylee Rogers, Jason Sibley y Jessica Stumpe.
Nos enorgullece especialmente reconocer a Rylie Myers como beneficiaria de la Beca del Rector, el premio más prestigioso para estudiantes de primer año en SIU, que cubre la matrícula, las cuotas obligatorias, el alojamiento en el campus y las comidas durante cuatro años.
Felicitaciones a estos estudiantes por este importante paso en sus trayectorias educativas. ¡Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de ustedes!
CHS 2026 SISHSA BANQUET
The 54th annual Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement (SISHSA) banquet was held April 16 at SIU Carbondale. Six students represented Chester High School. Those students were Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis, Lillian Diskey, Addison Gottschammer, Tray Peters and Jason Sibley.
BANQUETE SISHSA 2026 DE CHS
El 54.º banquete anual de la Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement (SISHSA) se llevó a cabo el 16 de abril en SIU Carbondale. Seis estudiantes representaron a Chester High School. Estos estudiantes fueron Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis, Lillian Diskey, Addison Gottschammer, Tray Peters y Jason Sibley.
The 54th annual Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement (SISHSA) banquet was held April 16 at SIU Carbondale. Six students represented Chester High School. Those students were Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis, Lillian Diskey, Addison Gottschammer, Tray Peters and Jason Sibley.
BANQUETE SISHSA 2026 DE CHS
El 54.º banquete anual de la Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement (SISHSA) se llevó a cabo el 16 de abril en SIU Carbondale. Seis estudiantes representaron a Chester High School. Estos estudiantes fueron Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis, Lillian Diskey, Addison Gottschammer, Tray Peters y Jason Sibley.
CHS ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY
CHS students will participate in the Illinois Youth Survey on May 5, 2026. Participation is voluntary. If you would rather not have your child participate, please return this form to the school office no later than Friday, May 1.
ENCUESTA JUVENIL DE ILLINOIS – CHS
Los estudiantes de CHS participarán en la Encuesta Juvenil de Illinois el 5 de mayo de 2026. La participación es voluntaria. Si prefiere que su hijo(a) no participe, por favor devuelva este formulario a la oficina de la escuela a más tardar el viernes 1 de mayo.
CHS students will participate in the Illinois Youth Survey on May 5, 2026. Participation is voluntary. If you would rather not have your child participate, please return this form to the school office no later than Friday, May 1.
ENCUESTA JUVENIL DE ILLINOIS – CHS
Los estudiantes de CHS participarán en la Encuesta Juvenil de Illinois el 5 de mayo de 2026. La participación es voluntaria. Si prefiere que su hijo(a) no participe, por favor devuelva este formulario a la oficina de la escuela a más tardar el viernes 1 de mayo.
CHS SIUC SALUKI TAKE OVER 2026
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Saluki Take Over
April 23, 2026 at 11:15am
Chester High School, Colbert Gymnasium
This event open to the Public
Please enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, 11:00am
CHS TOMA DE SALUKI DE SIUC 2026
Toma de Saluki de Southern Illinois University Carbondale
23 de abril de 2026 a las 11:15 a. m.
Chester High School, Colbert Gymnasium
Este evento está abierto al público.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp a las 11:00 a. m
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Saluki Take Over
April 23, 2026 at 11:15am
Chester High School, Colbert Gymnasium
This event open to the Public
Please enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, 11:00am
CHS TOMA DE SALUKI DE SIUC 2026
Toma de Saluki de Southern Illinois University Carbondale
23 de abril de 2026 a las 11:15 a. m.
Chester High School, Colbert Gymnasium
Este evento está abierto al público.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp a las 11:00 a. m
CECC STAFF OF THE MONTH
CECC is excited to announce our Staff Member of the Month for April, Rachel Vasquez!
PERSONAL DEL MES DE CECC
¡CECC se complace en anunciar a nuestra Empleada del Mes de abril, Rachel Vasquez!
CECC is excited to announce our Staff Member of the Month for April, Rachel Vasquez!
PERSONAL DEL MES DE CECC
¡CECC se complace en anunciar a nuestra Empleada del Mes de abril, Rachel Vasquez!
CECC, CGS, CHS, & CUSD 139 ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY
We would like to show our appreciation to our hard working Administrative Professionals for their service to our students, staff, parents and community. Thank you for all that you do!
DÍA DE LOS PROFESIONALES ADMINISTRATIVOS DE CECC, CGS, CHS Y CUSD 139
Nos gustaría expresar nuestro agradecimiento a nuestros dedicados profesionales administrativos por su servicio a nuestros estudiantes, personal, padres y comunidad. ¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen!
We would like to show our appreciation to our hard working Administrative Professionals for their service to our students, staff, parents and community. Thank you for all that you do!
DÍA DE LOS PROFESIONALES ADMINISTRATIVOS DE CECC, CGS, CHS Y CUSD 139
Nos gustaría expresar nuestro agradecimiento a nuestros dedicados profesionales administrativos por su servicio a nuestros estudiantes, personal, padres y comunidad. ¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen!
Our Summer Food Program, SUN MEALS TO GO, will start on Tuesday, June 2nd!
Please use THE LINK BELOW to complete your Google form. We are asking every family to complete this form, so we know how many meals to prepare. We are SO excited!
CAR TAG PICK-UP: Tuesday, April 28, and Thursday, April 29, at the High School Cafeteria, 1901 Swanwick, from 3-6 pm. You can get your car tag at pick-up. (More dates coming)
ALL THE INFO YOU NEED IS IN THIS GOOGLE FORM: SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK: https://forms.gle/rbgQbZXvRYZAdhjW9.
Please use THE LINK BELOW to complete your Google form. We are asking every family to complete this form, so we know how many meals to prepare. We are SO excited!
CAR TAG PICK-UP: Tuesday, April 28, and Thursday, April 29, at the High School Cafeteria, 1901 Swanwick, from 3-6 pm. You can get your car tag at pick-up. (More dates coming)
ALL THE INFO YOU NEED IS IN THIS GOOGLE FORM: SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK: https://forms.gle/rbgQbZXvRYZAdhjW9.
Check out these employment opportunities for the 2026-27 school year
https://www.chester139.com/page/employment-opportunities
🧡Grade School and High School Special Education Teacher
🖤Spanish Teacher
🧡Jr. High Science Teacher
🖤Elementary Teacher
🧡Grade School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students
🖤High School ESL Teacher
🧡Grade School and High School Social Worker
🖤Speech Language Pathologist
🧡Jr. High Math Teacher
🖤High School Girls Asst. Basketball Coach
https://www.chester139.com/page/employment-opportunities
🧡Grade School and High School Special Education Teacher
🖤Spanish Teacher
🧡Jr. High Science Teacher
🖤Elementary Teacher
🧡Grade School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students
🖤High School ESL Teacher
🧡Grade School and High School Social Worker
🖤Speech Language Pathologist
🧡Jr. High Math Teacher
🖤High School Girls Asst. Basketball Coach
CHS “A DAY IN THE TRADES: MANUFACTURING EDITION”
On April 20, SWIC in Red Bud and area businesses hosted A Day in the Trades: Manufacturing Edition for students in Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. Students had the opportunity to hear from business owners, view vendor booths, and tour two businesses. Fourteen students from Chester participated in the day. They toured the new SWIC addition and V8 Resto in Red Bud and Flexline in Chester.
CHS “UN DÍA EN LOS OFICIOS: EDICIÓN MANUFACTURA”
El 20 de abril, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) en Red Bud y empresas del área organizaron Un Día en los Oficios: Edición Manufactura para estudiantes de los condados de Randolph County, Monroe County y St. Clair County. Los estudiantes tuvieron la oportunidad de escuchar a propietarios de negocios, visitar puestos de proveedores y recorrer dos empresas. Catorce estudiantes de Chester participaron en la jornada. Visitaron la nueva ampliación de SWIC y V8 Resto en Red Bud, así como Flexline en Chester.
On April 20, SWIC in Red Bud and area businesses hosted A Day in the Trades: Manufacturing Edition for students in Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. Students had the opportunity to hear from business owners, view vendor booths, and tour two businesses. Fourteen students from Chester participated in the day. They toured the new SWIC addition and V8 Resto in Red Bud and Flexline in Chester.
CHS “UN DÍA EN LOS OFICIOS: EDICIÓN MANUFACTURA”
El 20 de abril, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) en Red Bud y empresas del área organizaron Un Día en los Oficios: Edición Manufactura para estudiantes de los condados de Randolph County, Monroe County y St. Clair County. Los estudiantes tuvieron la oportunidad de escuchar a propietarios de negocios, visitar puestos de proveedores y recorrer dos empresas. Catorce estudiantes de Chester participaron en la jornada. Visitaron la nueva ampliación de SWIC y V8 Resto en Red Bud, así como Flexline en Chester.
CHS 2026 Graduation Practice
See attached graphic
See attached graphic
4th Annual CHS Distinguished YellowJacket Ceremony is huge success! (4 of 4)
CHS teachers and staff honor 28 students and two current staff members at the 2026 event
BY JIM BEER
Chester High School Curriculum Director Shirley Stegmann came to the podium to recognize Steve Colonel for his 31 years of service and dedication to CHS. Mr. Colonel will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Another teacher that was nominated and recognized with a Distinguished YellowJacket Award was Cherie Diercks-Boyd. She will also be retiring at the end of the school year. Making the nomination and presenting the award was former CHS Agriculture teacher, Emily Millburg.
At the conclusion of the presentations all teachers and new Distinguished YellowJackets met for a group photo. Principal Blechle strongly encouraged both teachers and students to proudly wear their medals to school the next day.
Blechle said, “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in the planning, setup, execution and overall presence at our 4th Distinguished YellowJacket event. The feedback from our community members was overwhelmingly positive.”
“Many shared that the ceremony was both meaningful and inspiring. Some even noted how moving the experience was. It was truly a wonderful evening and a reflection of the dedication and effort put forth by this team. Thank you all for your continued commitment!”
PHOTO 4
Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle greets everyone to the 4th Annual Distinguished
PHOTO 5
Pictured are Distinguished CHS Teachers and their nominating individuals. (Left to right) are Cherie Diercks-Boyd, CHS teacher and her nominating individual, Emily Milburg, a former CHS Agriculture teacher, and Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director and his nominating individual, Shirley Stegmann, the CHS Curriculum Director. Both Diercks-Boyd and Colonel will be retiring at the end of this school year. Jim Beers Photo
CHS teachers and staff honor 28 students and two current staff members at the 2026 event
BY JIM BEER
Chester High School Curriculum Director Shirley Stegmann came to the podium to recognize Steve Colonel for his 31 years of service and dedication to CHS. Mr. Colonel will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Another teacher that was nominated and recognized with a Distinguished YellowJacket Award was Cherie Diercks-Boyd. She will also be retiring at the end of the school year. Making the nomination and presenting the award was former CHS Agriculture teacher, Emily Millburg.
At the conclusion of the presentations all teachers and new Distinguished YellowJackets met for a group photo. Principal Blechle strongly encouraged both teachers and students to proudly wear their medals to school the next day.
Blechle said, “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in the planning, setup, execution and overall presence at our 4th Distinguished YellowJacket event. The feedback from our community members was overwhelmingly positive.”
“Many shared that the ceremony was both meaningful and inspiring. Some even noted how moving the experience was. It was truly a wonderful evening and a reflection of the dedication and effort put forth by this team. Thank you all for your continued commitment!”
PHOTO 4
Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle greets everyone to the 4th Annual Distinguished
PHOTO 5
Pictured are Distinguished CHS Teachers and their nominating individuals. (Left to right) are Cherie Diercks-Boyd, CHS teacher and her nominating individual, Emily Milburg, a former CHS Agriculture teacher, and Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director and his nominating individual, Shirley Stegmann, the CHS Curriculum Director. Both Diercks-Boyd and Colonel will be retiring at the end of this school year. Jim Beers Photo
