For full details, see the flyer below. Ready to RSVP? Reserve your spot by completing the RSVP form at this link: https://forms.gle/eSvEniHdfcR34ywE9
For more information or questions, please email Dr. Petrowske at kristinpetrowske@chester139.com.
Chester High School
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Seniors - No School
College/Career/Community Service Day
Juniors - ACT
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Sophomores - PreACT Secure
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Freshmen - PreACT 9 Secure
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Chester High School
Jueves, 2 de abril de 2026
Último año (Seniors) – No hay clases
Día de Universidad/Carrera/Servicio Comunitario
Tercer año (Juniors) – ACT
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Segundo año (Sophomores) – PreACT Secure
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Primer año (Freshmen) – PreACT 9 Secure
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Then we want YOU!
We are seeking a Head Cook to lead our grade school kitchen and help fuel young minds!
Perks of the job:
⭐Built-in fan club of kids who love your cooking (and will tell you honestly when they don’t😉 )
⭐The joy of making a real difference… one tray at a time
‼️Attention: FREE before and after school enrichment program.
In-person registration is TOMORROW March 31st until 5:00 pm at the Grade School
Online registration coming soon..
Thursday, April 2, 2026 (CORRECTION)
Seniors - No School
College/Career/Community Service Day
Juniors - ACT
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Sophomores - PreACT Secure
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Freshmen - PreACT 9 Secure
Arrival 7:15 am - 7:45 am Breakfast in Sharp Cafeteria
Report to Testing Location at 7:50 am bell
Bring fully charged Chromebook
Chester High School
Jueves, 2 de abril de 2026
Último año (Seniors) – No hay clases
Día de Universidad/Carrera/Servicio Comunitario
Tercer año (Juniors) – ACT
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Segundo año (Sophomores) – PreACT Secure
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Primer año (Freshmen) – PreACT 9 Secure
Llegada: 7:15 a. m. – 7:45 a. m. (desayuno en la Cafetería Sharp)
Presentarse en el lugar de examen al timbre de las 7:50 a. m.
Traer la Chromebook completamente cargada
Michalah “Micy” Troutt, Jennifer Gehrket, and Katie Hannan will begin a new era of music at CHS and CGS
BY JIM BEERS
During the band period at the end of the day, Mr. Colonel introduced Miss Troutt to the current CHS Band members and let her observe the rehearsal. At one point in the rehearsal, Mr. Colonel noted to the students that they had just performed a march to perfection, and that if having Miss Troutt there to observe them made them play so much better, he would have her come to every performance and contest the rest of the year!
Miss Troutt grew up in West Frankfort and attended West Frankfort High School. Troutt said, “At one point during a first-round of budget cuts at West Frankfort, the band program was in danger. She went to the school board and requested permission to lead a volunteer student band at the high school. She was granted that permission and led the band. That experience enticed her to pursue a music teaching degree.
At that time, Troutt enrolled at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She marched all of her years at SIU in the world famous SIU Marching Salukis. She was the Section Leader for the Bass Drum Line her senior year. Her very spirited personality helped her to win the “Charles Jurjevich Spirit Award” for 5-Years-in-a-row. Troutt graduated from SIU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education May of 2022.
Trout took the next school year off to substitute teach and serve as Carterville’s Drum Tech the 2022 fall season. At SIU Troutt was a drum and percussion major. During this year she also accepted a K-4 General Music Position on a very short notice in January of 2023. In the fall of 2023 Miss Troutt returned to SIU as an Athletic Bands Graduate Assistant when she began Graduate School to earn her Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance.
During the next two years she served as a Clinician and she was an instructor for the SIU Summer Music Camps. During her time finishing her Master’s Degree, Troutt had the opportunity to direct the SIU Pep Band and Marching Salukis on several occasions.
She finished substitute teaching at Unity Point School and she assisted the Trico Band Camp as a Percussion Instructor. West Frankfort also utilized her assistance from time to time. To make ends meet, Miss Troutt worked at Olive Garden in Marion, Illinois. Troutt graduated from SIU in May of 2025.
Micy is very excited to be coming to Chester and has enjoyed her first day of orientation to the CHS Music Department. Steve Colonel, CHS Band and Choral Director said, “Today I had the opportunity welcome the 2026-2027 Chester High School Band and Choral Director to CHS. Miss Michalah “Micy” Troutt spent the day observing rehearsals and getting acquainted with CHS Music Students.”
“We had a fantastic day that ended with her asking questions about the department and its traditions. She understands the history behind our music department, and she is so eager to learn! I truly believe I will be leaving the department in very capable hands!”
At one point during the 8th hour band rehearsal, Mr. Colonel told the students that Miss Troutt reminds him of himself when he was just starting out his band teaching career. She is eager to begin and full of enthusiasm. Welcome to CHS Miss Michalah “Micy” Troutt!
PHOTO 1
Steve Colonel (right) current CHS Band and Choir Director, is pictured with the new CHS Band and Choral Director Michalah "Micy" Troutt who will begin teaching band and chorus at CHS next fall of 2026-27 school year. Miss Troutt had a Master's Degree in Percussion Performance and Music Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Mr. Colonel will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 school year. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Current Chester High School Band and Chorus Director, Steve Colonel (left) introduces the new CHS Band and Choral Director, Michalah "Micy" Troutt (right) to the current CHS Concert Band Thursday March 26, 2026. Miss Troutt will be the new CHS Band Director next fall of 2026 as Mr. Colonel will retire at the end of this school year. Jim Beers Photo
Michalah “Micy” Troutt, Jennifer Gehrket, and Katie Hannan will begin a new era of music at CHS and CGS
BY JIM BEERS
The wait is over! Chester School District # 139 announced at their monthly board meeting Thursday March 19 that three new music teachers have been hired to fill the shoes of Sue and Steve Colonel upon their retirement at the end of the 2026 school year.
Music fans of the Chester School District programs were getting very worried about the departure of the Colonels who have been at the helm of the Chester Grade School and Chester High School music programs for more than 30 plus years.
Until just recently there had not been a lot of interest expressed in the available music positions. Applications were not coming in as quickly as hoped. In the past several weeks, however, the interest peeked and at least six applicants had interviewed and the board had ample talent from which to choose.
The board also made a very favorable announcement that they intended to bring back the second music position at the Chester Grade School that had been vacant for nearly a decade. The General Music and Choir position at CGS was abandoned ten or more years ago when funding was very lean. That position was not re-instated until it was announced at the March 19 board meeting that that position would be filled for the 2026-27 school year.
At the Chester Grade School, Jenny Gehrket will teach all band programs including 5th Grade Beginner Band, 6th Grade Band, and 7th& 8th Grade Junior High Band. Gehrket comes as a graduate from Illinois State University.
Also at CGS will be Katie Hannan who will teach General Music, Kindergarten through 4th Grades. She will further be the Choral Director for 5th through 8th Grade choral groups. Miss Hannan graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
At Chester High School Michalah Troutt will teach all CHS Bands including Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. She will also be the vocal director for all CHS choral groups including Concert Choir and Swing Choir, “Sound Affect”. Miss trout has a Master’s Degree from SIU-C. She prefers to be called, “Micy” (pronounced “Mikey”).
District # 139 Superintendent Kimberly Griggs said, “We’re excited about this! We’re very fortunate because we had several different applicants. Music is a very big piece of our district. We are very well known for our band. We want to continue moving that forward and receiving that support.”
Miss Troutt visited Chester High School Thursday March 26 and spent the day with Mr. Colonel to get a feel for his program. Colonel introduced Troutt to staff and students throughout the day and gave her a good tour of the school.
Miss Troutt said, “I hope to visit several times during the final weeks of the 2026 school year and learn from Mr. Colonel what he has been doing in his program. I really don’t intend to come in a make a lot of changes right away. I want to get to know the students and find out what they expect as I grow into my new position at CHS.”
El viernes, el instituto Chester High School organizó una feria de empleo para todos los estudiantes. Más de 20 proveedores estuvieron presentes y cubrieron una amplia variedad de campos profesionales. Los estudiantes pudieron recorrer e interactuar con los proveedores para conocer más sobre los negocios y posibles oportunidades profesionales. Agradecemos a todos los que dedicaron tiempo a dedicarlo con nosotros en CHS.
CGS would like congratulate our March Faculty Member of the Month: Sue Colonel! Thank you, Mrs. Colonel, for your years of service to the students and community of Chester!
"Making a difference one word at a time." 🧡🖤🧡🖤
CHS: MARCH PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to recognize our March PBIS Students of the Month. These students have been acknowledged by our faculty for exemplifying this month's character trait: HONESTY. Our school community is committed to fostering positive character traits that contribute to a constructive learning environment.
Pictured: Iraisa (Katy) Ordoñez, Sunny Jausel, Olivia Vasquez, Jessie Stumpe, Hailey Yankey, Erin Liefer, Peyton Dickson, Peyton Moll, Ty Tindall, and Katie Werner.
Thank you for your continued support.
CHS: ESTUDIANTES DEL MES PBIS DE MARZO
Nos complace reconocer a nuestros Estudiantes del Mes PBIS de marzo. Estos estudiantes han sido reconocidos por nuestro personal docente por ejemplificar el rasgo de carácter de este mes: HONESTIDAD. Nuestra comunidad escolar está comprometida con fomentar rasgos de carácter positivos que contribuyan a un ambiente de aprendizaje constructivo.
En la foto: Iraisa (Katy) Ordoñez, Sunny Jausel, Olivia Vasquez, Jessie Stumpe, Hailey Yankey, Erin Liefer, Peyton Dickson, Peyton Moll, Ty Tindall y Katie Werner.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo.
CHS CAREER FAIR & 11:30 DISMISSAL DETAILS, FRIDAY, MARCH 27th
Our career fair is Friday in Colbert Gym. We should have over 20 employers represented.
The timeline for classes to go through is as follows:
Freshmen and Sophomores: 8:30-9:30
Juniors: 9:30-10:30
Seniors: 10:30-11:45
Class Schedule (11:30am Dismissal)
==================
1st Hour 7:55-8:19
==================
2nd Hour 8:22-8:44
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3rd Hour 8:47-9:09
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4th Hour 9:12-9:34
==================
7th Hour 9:37-9:59
==================
8th Hour 10:02-10:24
==================
A-Lunch 10:27-10:57
6th Hour 11:00-11:30
==================
6th Hour 10:27-10:57
B-Lunch 11:00-11:30
==================
Opt-Out and Work Force students to follow their normal schedule with the above listed times.
All 8th period opt-out students report to the Career Fair at the start of 8th period..
All CCSI students need to report to your regular 7th period class starting at 9:37am.
Thank you
CHS: FERIA DE CARRERAS Y DETALLES DE SALIDA A LAS 11:30 A. M., VIERNES 27 DE MARZO
Nuestra feria de carreras será el viernes en el Gimnasio Colbert. Contaremos con la participación de más de 20 empleadores.
El horario para que las clases asistan es el siguiente:
Primer y segundo año (Freshmen y Sophomores): 8:30–9:30
Tercer año (Juniors): 9:30–10:30
Último año (Seniors): 10:30–11:45
Horario de clases (Salida a las 11:30 a.m.)
==================
1.ª hora: 7:55–8:19
==================
2.ª hora: 8:22–8:44
==================
3.ª hora: 8:47–9:09
==================
4.ª hora: 9:12–9:34
==================
7.ª hora: 9:37–9:59
==================
8.ª hora: 10:02–10:24
==================
Almuerzo A: 10:27–10:57
6.ª hora: 11:00–11:30
==================
6.ª hora: 10:27–10:57
Almuerzo B: 11:00–11:30
==================
Los estudiantes de Opt-Out y Work Force seguirán su horario normal con los tiempos indicados anteriormente.
Todos los estudiantes de Opt-Out de 8.º período deben presentarse en la feria de carreras al inicio del 8.º período.
Todos los estudiantes de CCSI deben presentarse a su clase regular de 7.º período a partir de las 9:37 a. m.
Gracias.
👇
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3096/Ccsd/f3ff5657-d2de-4285-a39c-a023bcad0151/Employment_Application_2025-_fillable.pdf?disposition=inline
Thirty four members of the Spanish Club went to SIU-C's World Languages and Cultures Day on March 19. The day started with a welcoming ceremony in the ballroom at the Student Center. Students were asked to guess the language as each one of the presenters introduced themselves. Students then attended five different sessions about various cultures. Some popular sessions included Zumba, a Spanish or German scavenger hunt, American Sign Language, Japanese dance and the red devil buses of Panama. There was also a poster contest for the twenty three schools that attended. Chester received third place for the poster by Grace Kirkpatrick, Jaimy Duran and Ashley Garcia. Students ate lunch at the Student Center before returning to CHS.
CHS: DÍA DE LENGUAS Y CULTURAS DEL MUNDO EN SIUC
Treinta y cuatro miembros del Club de Español asistieron al Día de Lenguas y Culturas del Mundo de SIU-C el 19 de marzo. El día comenzó con una ceremonia de bienvenida en el salón de baile del Centro Estudiantil. A los estudiantes se les pidió adivinar el idioma mientras cada uno de los presentadores se presentaba. Luego, los estudiantes asistieron a cinco sesiones diferentes sobre diversas culturas. Algunas de las sesiones más populares incluyeron Zumba, una búsqueda del tesoro en español o alemán, lengua de señas americana, danza japonesa y los autobuses “diablo rojo” de Panamá. También hubo un concurso de carteles entre las veintitrés escuelas que asistieron. Chester obtuvo el tercer lugar con el cartel de Grace Kirkpatrick, Jaimy Duran y Ashley Garcia. Los estudiantes almorzaron en el Centro Estudiantil antes de regresar a CHS.
Twenty six members of the Spanish Club went to a dance performance at the Grandel Theatre in St. Louis on Monday, March 9. They saw the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet's Hispania American show. This performance had a live band and six dancers who performed dances from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Afterwards, students went to Tequila's in Columbia for lunch before heading back to school.
CHS: EXCURSIÓN DEL CLUB DE ESPAÑOL
Veintiséis miembros del Club de Español asistieron a una presentación de danza en el Grandel Theatre en St. Louis el lunes 9 de marzo. Vieron el espectáculo “Hispania American” del Ballet Flamenco Hispano. Esta presentación contó con una banda en vivo y seis bailarines que interpretaron danzas de México, Argentina, Brasil y Puerto Rico. Después, los estudiantes fueron a Tequila’s en Columbia para almorzar antes de regresar a la escuela.
The Chester High School Senior Backyard Barbeque has become a cherished spring tradition for seniors who do not attend the Chester Women’s Club Senior Tea.
Students were released from class to enjoy a meal prepared by our administration outside the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, followed by time in the sunshine—relaxing in the yard and enjoying the courts during these final days of their high school journey.
We are incredibly proud of this group of seniors and all they have accomplished. It was truly a day well spent celebrating their time at CHS.
CHS: BARBACOA ANUAL DE SENIORS
La Barbacoa Anual para Seniors de Chester High School se ha convertido en una apreciada tradición de primavera para los estudiantes de último año que no asisten al té de seniors del Chester Women’s Club.
Los estudiantes fueron liberados de sus clases para disfrutar de una comida preparada por nuestra administración al aire libre, frente a la Cafetería Professor Sharp, seguida de tiempo bajo el sol—relajándose en el patio y disfrutando de las canchas durante estos últimos días de su trayectoria en la escuela secundaria.
Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de este grupo de seniors y de todo lo que han logrado. Realmente fue un día muy bien aprovechado celebrando su paso por CHS.
