This evening, we invite you to our Open House for grades 1 through 8, taking place from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. You are welcome to bring your child’s classroom supplies during this time.
If your family needs help obtaining school supplies, don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful office staff during the Open House.
Bussing Information:
* Please note that student bus routes have been updated in TeacherEase. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to visit the Transportation Table in the main lobby during Open House or call the school office.
* Bus route pick-up and drop-off schedules may vary during the first few weeks of school. It is recommended that you have your child ready and waiting before the scheduled bus arrival time, and be prepared for potential delays beyond that time. To guarantee that bus routes operate efficiently, students should be present at their bus stop or outside where the driver can easily spot them. Failing to do this may result in delays.
Below are some key dates for the CECC!
Monday, August 25th - PreK/EC Open House at the New CECC Building at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26th - First Day of School for PreK/EC
Monday, September 1st - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 2nd - CECC and CGS School Picture/Fall Sports Picture Day
We eagerly look forward to seeing you and kicking off the school year!
CHS SECOND DAY SCHEDULE UPDATE
See attached graphic.
Today CGS teachers: Mary Bohnert, Sue Colonel, Gail Kordys, and Robin Renfroe as well as CHS teachers: Steve Colonel and Cheri Diercks-Boyd, started the final first day of school in their careers, as each retire at the end of this school year. They have served our students and community, and have the opportunity of this final year to enjoy seeing the young people of Chester learn and grow, becoming our next generation. Thank you for your service!
Students started their morning with breakfast in the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, followed by an engaging opening presentation introducing our amazing staff. Throughout the day, groups rotated through sessions on bus evacuation, student pictures, the handbook, code of conduct, and Chromebook policy. After a delicious lunch, everyone followed their schedules for the final three periods. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Staff Introduction Video
https://youtu.be/i9cXo8vXZ9o
Thursday, August 14th is the First Day of School
Additionally, it is Iconik Student Picture Day and Fall Sports Picture Day at CHS only.
See you in the morning for the start of a great year! Go Jackets!
IMPORTANT:
-Workforce, Opt-Out and Start-Up students are required to be in attendance at CHS Thursday, August 14th and Friday, August 15th, not their scheduled locations.
-Half Day CCSI students are required to be in attendance at CHS Thursday, August 14th. On Friday, August 15th, they will attend CCSI half day and finish their day at CHS.
-Parent Drop-Off & Pick-Up Location is on Swanwick Street in front of Professor Sharp Cafeteria. The bus porch drive is for buses only. These two designated drop off and pick up locations are established to ensure our student safety.
-Jostens reps will be in the building Thursday, August 14th to speak with Sophomores about Class Rings and Seniors about Graduation.
This evening, we invite you to our Open House for grades 1 through 8, taking place from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. You are welcome to bring your child’s classroom supplies during this time.
If your family needs help obtaining school supplies, don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful office staff during the Open House.
Bussing Information:
* Please note that student bus routes have been updated in TeacherEase. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to visit the Transportation Table in the main lobby during Open House or call the school office.
* Bus route pick-up and drop-off schedules may vary during the first few weeks of school. It is recommended that you have your child ready and waiting before the scheduled bus arrival time, and be prepared for potential delays beyond that time. To guarantee that bus routes operate efficiently, students should be present at their bus stop or outside where the driver can easily spot them. Failing to do this may result in delays.
* It’s important to remember that the first two days of school for grades 1 through 8 will have an early dismissal at 1:30 PM. If your child uses a different bus for early dismissal, they will be sent home on that bus unless instructed otherwise by a parent or guardian. Please ensure that any changes to transportation are communicated at least one hour before dismissal, with a note from a parent or guardian being the best practice for safety. Students will only be allowed to ride their assigned bus, and no changes will be permitted throughout the year. For any further inquiries, please contact the office.
* Students in 4th grade and below are REQUIRED to have an assigned adult at the bus stop and cannot walk alone to their destination.
Below are some key dates for CGS and CECC!
Thursday, August 14th - First Day of School for Grades 1-8 - 1:30 PM dismissal
Friday, August 15th - 1:30 PM dismissal
August 14th, 15th, and 18th - Kindergarten Screening (By Appointment Only)
Tuesday, August 19th - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Night at 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 20th - First Day of School for Kindergarten
Thursday, August 21st - PreK/EC Open House at the New CECC Building at 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26th - First Day of School for PreK/EC
Monday, September 1st - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 2nd - CECC and CGS School Picture/Fall Sports Picture Day
We eagerly look forward to seeing you and kicking off the school year!
Chester Early Childhood Center, Chester Grade School and Chester High School would like to thank Grace Church for providing donuts, fruit, and beverages to our staff this morning. We would also like to thank Buena Vista National Bank for providing pizza for lunch. The tasty treat greatly helped our hard working staff with the transition into the new school year.
Thank you!
Thursday, August 14th is the First Day of School for 1st-12th Grade
Additionally, it is Iconik Student Picture Day and Fall Sports Picture Day at CHS only.
CECC and CGS Iconik Picture Days will be announced soon.
We are looking forward to the start of a great year. Go Jackets!
COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 139 HALL OF FAME
We would like to congratulate the winners of the CUSD 139 Hall of Fame for 2025. These individuals each served our community working in our schools and dedicating their lives to our students. Each had a lifelong impact on not only the students they served, but also the buildings in which they worked, leaving their marks and setting a standard for those that followed. We would like to recognize their contributions and show them our appreciation.
The community is invited to the Chester Community Unit School District Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in the Chester Grade School Gymnasium, Tuesday August 12th at 8:30am.
CHS FRESHMAN ACADEMY REMINDER TOMORROW, MONDAY, AUGUST 11TH :
The first day of high school can be both exciting and a little scary! From navigating a new building, facing new teachers, courses and responsibility, Freshman Academy will help new students feel confident taking their first steps in transitioning to Chester High School.
Monday, August 11th | 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (cafeteria doors open at 9:45 for check-in)
Freshman Academy at Chester High School is a fun and engaging sneak peek into the high school experience. All attendees will:
- Walk schedules to locate classrooms and lockers with passing periods.
- Meet their teachers and peers.
- Learn essential skills to adjust to high school expectations and routines.
- Engage in team-based activities to strengthen school relationships.
Attendees will receive lunch and a CHS lanyard at no cost!
Sign up for this event during CHS online school registration starting July 14th.
Be on the lookout for further information.
CHS: FOOTBALL ONLINE STORE (CLOSES AUGUST 12th)
The 2025 CHS Football Online Store is OPEN!
Show your Yellowjacket Spirit in the latest gear! (Link Below)
http://chesterfootball2025.itemorder.com/
Just a reminder the football store closes on August 12th.
August 22nd is our Gatorade scrimmage vs Carbondale 7pm
August 29th is our home opener vs EAWR
Thank you for all your support!!!!
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
CHS Freshman Academy REMINDER:
The first day of high school can be both exciting and a little scary! From navigating a new building, facing new teachers, courses and responsibility, Freshman Academy will help new students feel confident taking their first steps in transitioning to Chester High School.
Monday, August 11th | 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (cafeteria doors open at 9:45 for check-in)
Freshman Academy at Chester High School is a fun and engaging sneak peek into the high school experience. All attendees will:
- Walk schedules to locate classrooms and lockers with passing periods.
- Meet their teachers and peers.
- Learn essential skills to adjust to high school expectations and routines.
- Engage in team-based activities to strengthen school relationships.
Attendees will receive lunch and a CHS lanyard at no cost!
Sign up for this event during CHS online school registration starting July 14th.
Be on the lookout for further information.
CHS WELCOMED BACK THE CLASS OF 1970
Today, August 1st, 2025, the class of 1970 returned to the halls of Chester High School for a tour, organized and lead by Principal Jeremy Blechle and Dwight Lochhead. The building, still in the finishing phases of construction and updates in the closing days of summer, stirred memories that span a lifetime. It was a great opportunity to catch up and walk the halls of a place that is at the heart of our community.
CECC, CGS & CHS 2025-2026 STAFF INTRODUCTIONS
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
Great Opportunity for High School students. Must be 16 years and older.
