Chester Community School District 139

2026 CHS Signing Day honors Class of 2026 seniors (1 of 3)
76 seniors are recognized for future plans following graduation
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School seniors will graduate Sunday May 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Several years ago CHS began a tradition of recognizing every senior in a school-wide assembly titled, “Senior Signing Day”.
During that assembly each student is introduced and his or her future plans are announced to highlight what “life after high school” will be for that student. According to design, the assembly serves two primary functions.
The first is to help seniors celebrate the conclusion of their careers at CHS and announce what their immediate futures have in store for them. The second function of honoring the seniors is to help set an example for the remaining underclassmen at CHS to encourage them to strive for similar goals in their remaining three years of high school at CHS.
The annual “Senior Signing Day” assembly typically takes about 45 minutes-to-an-hour and is led by Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle. Blechle serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event which includes all students at CHS. Parents are invited to attend the event as well as members of the community in general.
The 2026 CHS Senior Signing Day took place Wednesday May 6 at 11:15 a.m. There was a large group of parents and community members in attendance as well as all CHS seniors and underclassmen. Seniors were seated front-and-center in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, on Rocky Bridges Court.
CHS Technology Advisor, Dwight Lochhead, utilized the huge video screen that was recently installed in Colbert Gymnasium as a backdrop for the event, and as each individual was announced, he or she came to the front of the presentation area in front of the audience and signed his or her specially designed Signing Day Certificate in front of the crowd.
Every student in the Class of 2026 was honored and recognized. Students were brought to the signing tables located along the sidelines of Rocky Bridges Court, in groups, determined by what the individual future plans of each group were.
This year, student groups included students going to 4-Year Colleges or Universities, students who will attend 2-Year Junior Colleges, students joining the United States Military, students taking a “Gap Year” (taking a year off to decide what their future plans will be), Students going into Trade Schools, and students going into the Work Force.

PHOTO 1
Jeremy Blechle, Chester High School Principal, was Master of Ceremonies at the 2026 CHS Senior Signing Day event. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
At the conclusion of the 2026 Chester High School Senior Signing Day assembly Principal Jeremy Blechle meets with his Class of 2026 for the final time prior to final exams. Seniors had final exams a week earlier than underclassmen and were released from school. Friday May 8 was the last day of school for the Class of 2026. Graduation is Sunday May 17 at 3:00, p.m. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 3
This is the left half of the CHS Class of 2026 that were recognized and honored at the 2026 CHS Senior Signing Day event held Wednesday May 6 at CHS at 11:15 a.m. All seniors were introduced and honored during the evet. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 4
This is the other half of the CHS Class of 2026 that sat on the right side of center court at Chester's Colbert Memorial Gymnasium. The event was Senior Signing Day 2026 when all seniors were introduced and praised for their intentions to pursue individual post-high school goals. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 5
Anah Helvey Ahring will attend Columbia College. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 6
Morgan Miers will attend Greenville University next fall. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 7
Jonathan Hayes, Ethan Colvis, and Gabriel Coffman will attend McKendree University next fall. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 8
Megan Zimmer will attend Millikin University next fall. Jim Beers Photo

CGS presents 28 HIVE awards
Students are rewarded for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, and Empathy
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School recognized 28 students on Friday April 24, 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 Friday April 24, 2026 awards program there were 28 students who received awards, 13 for Respect, 9 for Responsibility, 1 for Safety, and 5 for Empathy. Those students are listed below.
RESPECT: (13) Karsen Downey, Kindergarten, Eloise Anderson, 1st Grade, Axl Law, and Jeremiah Ferrell, 2nd Grade, Delaney Partin, Reagan Bryant, Za’niayh Wilson, and Rhylann Huey, 3rd Grade, Mariela Pastor Clover, 4th Grade, Neymar Sica Ixcoy, Evelee Ahring, and Jonathon Keeton, 6th Grade, and Jaxon Hanna 8th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY: (9) Kash Perreuquet, Kindergarten, Kennedy Risley and Karson Nanney, 3rd Grade, Edwin Valesquez, 4th Grade, Briseida Keeton, 5th Grade, Chad Hoffman, 6th Grade, Kierstan Coffey, 7th Grade, and Jake Dunn and Jaxon Hanna, 8th Grade.
SAFETY: (1) Javari Heinemeyer, 5th Grade.
EMPATHY: (5) Kru Jany, 1st Grade, Kris Crouch and Caleb Voudrie, 4th Grade, Harper Moist, 5th Grade, and Arieanna Lee, 8th Grade.
Each student was recognized Friday April 24, 2026 over the CGS Public Address System. Each also received a certificate and all recipients were included in a group photo. Kasey Crook, School Counselor, coordinates the “HIVE” PBIS awards program.

Have you registered for the Summer Meal Program?
Come to the High School Cafeteria tonight from 3:00–6:00 PM to register or pick up your car tag.

CHS: COLLEGE SIGNING WEDNESDAY 5/13/25
Hayden Cartwright signing for Dance at Southern Illinois University Carbondalee
Please join us in the Professor Sharp Cafeteria at 3:15pm.

CHS: FIRMA UNIVERSITARIA MIÉRCOLES 13/5/25
Hayden Cartwright firmará para Danza en Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Acompáñenos en la cafetería Professor Sharp a las 3:15 p. m.

CHS: AWARDS NIGHT, WEDNESDAY 5/13/25
CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE AT CGS GYMNASIUM

School Awards, 6:00pm (Attendance and Academic Recognition)

Intermission

Scholarship Awards, 6:30pm

Doors open to the public 5:30pm
Please enter through the CGS main entrance.

Official invitations will be mailed to all nominees on Monday, May 4th.

CHS: NOCHE DE PREMIOS, MIÉRCOLES 13/5/25
LA CEREMONIA SE LLEVARÁ A CABO EN EL GIMNASIO DE CGS

Premios Escolares, 6:00 p. m.
(Asistencia y Reconocimiento Académico)

Intermedio

Premios de Becas, 6:30 p. m.

Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 5:30 p. m.
Por favor, ingrese por la entrada principal de CGS.
Las invitaciones oficiales serán enviadas por correo a todos los nominados el lunes 4 de mayo.

CHS SPRING BAND CONCERT (STREAMING BROADCAST)
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.
CHS CONCERT LIVESTREAM
The CHS concert will be streamed for live viewing as well as reviewing on Hudl, Youtube and Facebook.
For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!

Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139

In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.

CONCIERTO DE PRIMAVERA DE BANDA DE CHS (TRANSMISIÓN EN VIVO)
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.

TRANSMISIÓN EN VIVO DEL CONCIERTO DE CHS
El concierto de CHS será transmitido en vivo y también estará disponible para volver a verse en Hudl, YouTube y Facebook.

Para su conveniencia, los códigos QR están incluidos en los gráficos adjuntos y los enlaces se proporcionan a continuación. ¡Los invitamos a acompañarnos en este emocionante evento!

Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
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En caso de cualquier problema con la transmisión en vivo de Facebook, les recomendamos utilizar una de las plataformas alternativas disponibles. Gracias por su comprensión.

Social Workers make the world a better place. ☀️🌈

Monday, May 11, will be the last day to sign up online. You can still sign up after Monday, but it will have to be in person only.

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: Every Tuesday and Thursday 3-6 pm, at the High School Cafeteria, 1901 Swanwick, from 3-6 pm. You can get your car tag at pick-up. Also, the District Unit Office at 1940 Swanwick from 8-3 pm.

ALL THE INFO YOU NEED IS IN THIS GOOGLE FORM: SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK: https://forms.gle/rbgQbZXvRYZAdhjW9.

CHS: SPRING 2026 UNDERCLASSMEN FINAL EXAM INFORMATION
See attached graphics for details.
Students are not permitted in the halls while exams are in session or the breaks between exams. All students who are in the building during exams or breaks, but not in an exam are required to be in either the Professor Sharp Cafeteria for quiet study and snack or the Professor Sharp Media Center for silent study.

Any students who do not show up and take finals without a verified excuse will fail the course, and receive no credit for the semester, as noted in the handbook.

Wednesday 5/13/26, EXAM DAY 1
1st hour 7:55-9:05am
*40 minute Break*
4th hour 9:45-10:55am
*60 minute Lunch/Study Break*
6th hour 11:55-1:05pm
1:26pm Release

Thursday 5/14/26, EXAM DAY 2
2nd hour 7:55-9:05am
*40 minute Break*
7th hour 9:45-10:55am
*60 minute Lunch/Study Break*
8th hour 11:55-1:05pm
1:26pm Release

Friday 5/15/26, EXAM DAY 3
3rd hour 7:55-9:05am
*40 minute Break*
Make-Up Exams 9:45-10:55am
11:30am Release

* Snacks are available for purchase in the Professor Sharp Cafeteria during breaks *
Enjoy Summer Break and we will see you next year!

CHS: INFORMACIÓN DE LOS EXÁMENES FINALES DE PRIMAVERA 2026 PARA ESTUDIANTES QUE NO SON DE ÚLTIMO AÑO
Consulte los gráficos adjuntos para más detalles.
No se permite que los estudiantes estén en los pasillos mientras los exámenes estén en sesión ni durante los descansos entre exámenes. Todos los estudiantes que estén en el edificio durante los exámenes o descansos, pero que no estén tomando un examen, deberán permanecer en la cafetería Professor Sharp para estudio tranquilo y refrigerio, o en el Centro de Medios Professor Sharp para estudio en silencio.

Cualquier estudiante que no se presente a tomar los exámenes finales sin una excusa verificada reprobará el curso y no recibirá crédito por el semestre, según lo establecido en el manual estudiantil.

Miércoles 13/5/26, DÍA DE EXÁMENES 1
1.ª hora — 7:55-9:05 a. m.
Descanso de 40 minutos
4.ª hora — 9:45-10:55 a. m.
Almuerzo/Descanso de estudio de 60 minutos
6.ª hora — 11:55 a. m.-1:05 p. m.
Salida — 1:26 p. m.

Jueves 14/5/26, DÍA DE EXÁMENES 2
2.ª hora — 7:55-9:05 a. m.
Descanso de 40 minutos
7.ª hora — 9:45-10:55 a. m.
Almuerzo/Descanso de estudio de 60 minutos
8.ª hora — 11:55 a. m.-1:05 p. m.
Salida — 1:26 p. m.

Viernes 15/5/26, DÍA DE EXÁMENES 3
3.ª hora — 7:55-9:05 a. m.
Descanso de 40 minutos
Exámenes de recuperación — 9:45-10:55 a. m.
Salida — 11:30 a. m.

Habrá refrigerios disponibles para comprar en la cafetería Professor Sharp durante los descansos.
¡Disfruten las vacaciones de verano y nos vemos el próximo año!

Last week, 5th grade students visited Cahokia Mounds! A big thank you to the Lambda State Foundation of Delta Kappa Gamma for awarding the stipend that made their field trip to Cahokia Mounds possible! Students enjoyed a guided tour, played the Native American game Chunkey, and climbed to the top of Monks Mound. They wrapped up the day with a picnic lunch and a walk along the trails. Thank you as well to Beta Delta member Mardell Granger for joining them on this memorable trip!

CECC, CGS, CHS & CUSD 139: SCHOOL NURSE APPRECIATION DAY
The Chester Early Childhood Center, Chester Grade School, and Chester High School would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our school nurses for their dedication and commitment to caring for our students each day.
Through their compassion, professionalism, and support, our school nurses help bridge the connection between families, healthcare providers, mental health services, and emergency response resources while promoting wellness and safety throughout our schools.
Thank you for all you do for our students, schools, and community.

CECC, CGS, CHS Y CUSD 139: DÍA DE APRECIACIÓN A LAS ENFERMERAS ESCOLARES
El Chester Early Childhood Center, Chester Grade School y Chester High School desean expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a nuestras enfermeras escolares por su dedicación y compromiso en el cuidado de nuestros estudiantes cada día.
A través de su compasión, profesionalismo y apoyo, nuestras enfermeras escolares ayudan a fortalecer la conexión entre las familias, los proveedores de atención médica, los servicios de salud mental y los recursos de respuesta a emergencias, mientras promueven el bienestar y la seguridad en todas nuestras escuelas.
Gracias por todo lo que hacen por nuestros estudiantes, escuelas y comunidad.

CHS: 2026-2027 PARKING PERMITS SALES
The 2026-2027 parking permits will go on sale starting with the 2026-2027 seniors and followed by the juniors, then sophomores. The permits will be sold at Colbert Gym popcorn stand during lunch. Students were assigned random numbers and then placed in descending order to lottery the purchase order. Groups will be posted on the TVs in the cafeteria and will be called to purchase in turn.

Students are required to provide the YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, COLOR, and LICENSE PLATE of their primary and secondary vehicle at the time of purchase.

It is critical that ALL FEES ARE PAID PRIOR TO PURCHASE TO BE ELIGIBLE for this first opportunity. Any remaining permits will be on sale through the office after this initial sale until sold out. Parking fee will be added to school fees at the time of purchase if not paid while selecting the parking spot.

Seniors (Class of 2027): Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Juniors (Class of 2028): Thursday, May 7, 2026
Sophomores (Class of 2029): Friday, May 8, 2026

CHS: VENTA DE PERMISOS DE ESTACIONAMIENTO 2026-2027
Los permisos de estacionamiento para el año escolar 2026-2027 saldrán a la venta comenzando con los estudiantes de último año 2026-2027, seguidos por los estudiantes de tercer año y luego los de segundo año. Los permisos se venderán en el puesto de palomitas del Colbert Gym durante el almuerzo. A los estudiantes se les asignaron números al azar y luego fueron colocados en orden descendente para determinar el orden de compra mediante lotería. Los grupos se publicarán en las pantallas de la cafetería y serán llamados para comprar por turnos.
Los estudiantes deberán proporcionar el AÑO, MARCA, MODELO, COLOR y NÚMERO DE PLACA de su vehículo principal y secundario al momento de la compra.
Es fundamental que TODAS LAS CUOTAS ESTÉN PAGADAS ANTES DE LA COMPRA PARA SER ELEGIBLE para esta primera oportunidad. Los permisos restantes estarán disponibles para la venta en la oficina después de esta venta inicial hasta agotarse. La cuota de estacionamiento se agregará a las cuotas escolares al momento de la compra si no se paga mientras se selecciona el espacio de estacionamiento.
Estudiantes de último año (Clase de 2027): Miércoles, 6 de mayo de 2026
Estudiantes de tercer año (Clase de 2028): Jueves, 7 de mayo de 2026
Estudiantes de segundo año (Clase de 2029): Viernes, 8 de mayo de 2026

CHS: SENIOR SIGNING DAY WEDNESDAY 5/06/25
Senior Signing Day, 11:15am
Doors open to the public 11:00am
The community is invited to celebrate with our students in Colbert Gym.
Please enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria

Seniors are encouraged to wear apparel representing the college, trade program, military branch, or workforce pathway they will be pursuing as they participate in Senior Signing Day.

CHS: DÍA DE FIRMA DE ESTUDIANTES DE ÚLTIMO AÑO — MIÉRCOLES 06/05/25
Día de Firma de Estudiantes de Último Año, 11:15 a. m.
Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 11:00 a. m.
La comunidad está invitada a celebrar con nuestros estudiantes en el Colbert Gymnasium.
Por favor, ingrese por la cafetería Professor Sharp.
Se anima a los estudiantes de último año a usar ropa representativa de la universidad, programa técnico, rama militar o trayectoria laboral que seguirán al participar en el Día de Firma de Estudiantes de Último Año.

Coaching vacancies 🏐

Registration and/or CAR TAG PICK UP for SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM TODAY 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.

CGS CAREER DAY (2 of 2)
Friday, Chester Grade School’s PACE Framework Committee hosted the University of Illinois Extension Office and several local businesses for a "Welcome to the Real World" simulation and Career Day. The event offered two activities for 7th- and 8th-grade students: a one-month budgeting simulation in which each student received an assigned career and salary and made financial decisions, and a set of rotating presentations featuring local entrepreneurs and information about various career options.

DÍA DE CARRERAS DE CGS
El viernes, el Comité del Marco PACE de Chester Grade School organizó a la Oficina de Extensión de la Universidad de Illinois y a varias empresas locales para una simulación “Bienvenidos al Mundo Real” y el Día de Carreras. El evento ofreció dos actividades para los estudiantes de 7.º y 8.º grado: una simulación de presupuesto de un mes en la que cada estudiante recibió una carrera y un salario asignados y tomó decisiones financieras, y una serie de presentaciones rotativas con empresarios locales e información sobre diversas opciones profesionales.

CGS CAREER DAY (1 of 2)
Friday, Chester Grade School’s PACE Framework Committee hosted the University of Illinois Extension Office and several local businesses for a "Welcome to the Real World" simulation and Career Day. The event offered two activities for 7th- and 8th-grade students: a one-month budgeting simulation in which each student received an assigned career and salary and made financial decisions, and a set of rotating presentations featuring local entrepreneurs and information about various career options.

DÍA DE CARRERAS DE CGS
El viernes, el Comité del Marco PACE de Chester Grade School organizó a la Oficina de Extensión de la Universidad de Illinois y a varias empresas locales para una simulación “Bienvenidos al Mundo Real” y el Día de Carreras. El evento ofreció dos actividades para los estudiantes de 7.º y 8.º grado: una simulación de presupuesto de un mes en la que cada estudiante recibió una carrera y un salario asignados y tomó decisiones financieras, y una serie de presentaciones rotativas con empresarios locales e información sobre diversas opciones profesionales.

CECC, CGS & CHS STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
Student participation ideas:

Monday, 5/4- Bring a staff member a HANDMADE card
Tuesday, 5/5- Bring in a snack or drink for a staff member
Wednesday, 5/6- see how many staff members you can high-five or fist bump
Thursday, 5/7- Bring a flower, drawing, or note for a staff member
Friday, 5/8- bring in a small gift or gift card for a staff member

**all ideas are completely optional. Please participate to your families comfort level and have fun wtih it!

SEMANA DE APRECIACIÓN AL PERSONAL DE CECC, CGS Y CHS
Ideas para la participación de los estudiantes:

Lunes, 5/4 — Entrega a un miembro del personal una tarjeta HECHA A MANO
Martes, 5/5 — Trae un bocadillo o bebida para un miembro del personal
Miércoles, 5/6 — Saluda con un “choca esos cinco” o un golpe de puños a la mayor cantidad de miembros del personal que puedas
Jueves, 5/7 — Trae una flor, dibujo o nota para un miembro del personal
Viernes, 5/8 — Trae un pequeño regalo o tarjeta de regalo para un miembro del personal

Todas las ideas son completamente opcionales. Por favor, participen según el nivel de comodidad de sus familias y ¡diviértanse!