Chester Community School District 139

Chester Grade School Christmas Concert creates holiday spirit (2 of 2) 6th Grade Band and Junior High Band perform exceptionally well! BY JIM BEERS PHOTO 1 Sue Colonel Chester Grade School Band Director, Sue Colonel, welcomes everyone to the 2024 CGS Christmas Concert Thursday December 5th. Colonel directed both 6th Grade Band and the Junior High Band in a delightful program to kick-off the Christmas season. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Junior High Band The Chester Grade School Junior High Band performs one of four songs at the 2024 Chester Grade School Christmas Concert Thursday December 5th. The group played, "Christmas Light Fanfare", "Dance of the Slippery Slide Trombones", "The Polar Express Medley" and "All I Want for Christmas is You". Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 CGS 6th Grade Band The Chester Grade School 6th Grade Band performed four selections at the 2024 CGS Christmas Concert Thursday December 5th. The group played "March for Christmas", "Santa's Toy March", "Sleigh Ride", and "A Christmas Fanfare". Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 4 CGS Trumpet Section The Chester Grade School Junior High Band Trumpet shines at the 2024 CGS Christmas Concert. Jim Beers Photo

Chester Grade School Christmas Concert creates holiday spirit (1 of 2) 6th Grade Band and Junior High Band perform exceptionally well! BY JIM BEERS The Annual Chester Grade School Christmas Concert took place Thursday December 5. The event was hosted at the Chester High School Gymnasium in order to accommodate the large crowd comfortably and safely, and because parking was much more available at the CHS Location. Sue Colonel is the CGS Band Director and she had the members of the 6 th Grade Band and Junior High Band well-rehearsed! The musicians performed very well and very professionally, and provided the large crowd on hand with a fantastic evening of Christmas Music. The first half of the concert featured the 6 th Grade Band. Mrs. Colonel praised their high level of improvement above last year’s abilities and noted that the music to be presented was of noticeably higher quality and accuracy. Mrs. Colonel was certainly correct, as the 6 th graders did a wonderful job of performing and wowed the crowd with four musical selections. The first song was titled, “March for Christmas”, by John Edmondson. Next the band played, “Santa’s Toy March”, by Sean O’Loughlin. The third selection was the ever-popular, “Sleigh Ride”, arr. Michael Story. The 6 th Grade Band closed out its portion of the show with a rousing song titled, “A Christmas Fanfare”, by Randall Standridge. Following the 6 th Grade performances, Mrs. Colonel and her husband, Steve Colonel, the Chester High School Band Director, conducted their annual fund-raising effort to help support the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry. This has become an annual event at District # 139 concert. Mr. Colonel noted that the project is nearing $10,000 mark that has been raised by concert-goers over the years from collections at CGS Concerts, the CHS Concerts and at the Colonel’s Christmas light displays hosted at their home. The 2024 CGS Christmas Concert raised $471.58 from donations made by patrons in attendance. That amount will be combined with the CHS Christmas Concert donations and donations made at the Colonel household from drive-by viewers of their Christmas light show. The second half of the concert featured the Junior High Band which included musicians from the 7 th and 8 th grades. These musician are seasoned and perform with a high level of music excellence and pageantry. The Jr. High Band also performed four musical selections. The first song was titled, “Christmas Light Fanfare”, by Randall Standridge. The second tune was a crowd-pleaser titled, “Dance of the Slippery Slide Trombones”, by David Shaffer. This lively song naturally featured the trombone section. The third performance was a very popular song that was also familiar with many of the younger music patrons. This crowd-pleaser was titled, “The Polar Express Medley”, arr. Paul Lavender. The medley featured many of the popular tunes that were featured in the hit movie, “Polar Express”. The Jr. High musicians closed out their portion of the concert, as well as the entire concert, with a long time, romantic, Christmas song titled, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, arr. Michael Brown. Mrs. Colonel praised the Junior High Band for its excellent performances and noted how much improvement that had been made from the start of the 2024-25 school year throughout the first semester. Prior to adjourning the evening event, Mrs. Colonel announced several upcoming music department events, including the following: Saturday December 7: Christmas on the River Parade, 5:30 Monday December 9: CHS Christmas Concert, 6:30 Thursday December 12: Grades 1-4 Christmas Program, 6:30 Saturday March 1: IGSMA State Solo & Ensemble Contest @ Carterville Junior High March 20-23: CHS Presents: “The Addams Family” Musical at CHS Juergens Gym Friday March 28: Jr. High Band Organizational Contest @ Marion Jr. High Thursday May 1: CGS Spring Concert @ CHS Colbert Gym, 6:30 Tuesday May 13: CHS Spring Concert @ CHS Colbert Gym, 6:30 Thursday May (TBA): CGS 8 th Grade Graduation, 6:00 p.m. ? Sunday May (TBA): CHS High School Graduation, 3:00 p.m. ?

CGS Students, Faculty & Staff will be kicking off our annual Christmas Spirit Week next week starting Monday, December 16! See details below!

Chester CUSD 139:

CHS: PBIS STAFF OF THE MONTH November: We show PERSEVERANCE Perseverance- Continuing a good course of action despite difficulty. Marsha Bartley Bryce Bainter Sophia Durbin

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (3 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Recipients receive a congratulatory letter and Certificate of Achievement from ISAC. They can also download an official Illinois State Scholar Badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms. Such badges can further be shared with their high school counselors, employers, family members and others. The designation as an Illinois State Scholar begins not on the year that they graduate from high school, but it is based on the year they would begin any post-secondary education. The ISAC strongly recommends that all high school students complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (better known as FAFSA) so that they can make the most informed decisions and choices possible about their education after graduating from high School. FAFSA results are used to determine a prospective student’s eligibility for any available federal and most state and institutional financial aid. Such financial aid is available for any type of post-secondary education including certificates, two-or-four year degree programs, and some vocational programs. There is also an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid that may determine that a student could be eligible for some state financial aid even if they are not eligible for federal student aid. ISAC further supports high schools and students statewide by offering free assistance with college and career exploration. They also help students complete financial aid forms and college applications. Recent college graduates are trained to serve as near-peer mentors to assist students and families in navigating education after high school. State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of a high school senior class from about 765 high schools across the State of Illinois. These students possess strong academic potential. Potential recipients must be United States citizens and be residents of the State of Illinois. They must also be attending approved high schools. Finally, they must perform in the top one-half of their class at the end of their third semester prior to graduation. Congratulations to Chester’s Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars and best of luck in all future endeavors!

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (2 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer Whitney Sulser Whitney Sulser was born May 28, 2007. Her parents are Shane and Lori Sulser. Miss Sulser attended Chester Grade School where she was active in the CGS Junior Beta Club. AS a younger child she was active in Girl Scouts. Whitney now attends Chester High School where she is active in many clubs and extracurricular activities including Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Spanish Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Miss Sulser has also participated in the CHS Dance Team, Volleyball, and Softball teams. Whitney has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her freshman year. She earned a Student of the Month Award for demonstrating “Responsibility”. She further earned a Scholar-Athlete Award from the Illinois Dance Team Association and was recognized as “Best Showmanship Recipient” her junior year at CHS. Future plans include attending Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) at Cape Girardeau, Missouri to major in Agribusiness with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Following her studies at SEMO, Miss Sulser would like to attend either the University of Missouri or the University of Illinois to earn a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine. Following her educational endeavors, she hopes to return to the Chester area to practice at a local Veterinary Clinic. Rylie Conley Rylie Conley was born January 14, 2007 to Erica Eggemeyer and Erin Conley. She completed her elementary schooling at Chester Grade School. At CGS she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was a member of the honor society, the Junior Beta Club. Throughout grade school Rylie enjoyed competing in the sports of volleyball, basketball, and softball. At Chester High School has continued her academic excellence by maintaining a perfect Grade Point Average of 4.0. At CHS Rylie is active in the Environmental Club, Spanish Club, and she is a member of the CHS Student Council. She is further an active member of the Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society. Miss Conley is a key member of the CHS Golf Team, Basketball Team, and she has played on the Lady Jacket Volleyball Team. Track and Field are also in her repertoire of sports interests. Upon graduation from Chester High School in May of 2025, Rylie plans to continue her educational pursuits at either Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) or Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (SIU-C) to study nursing. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the State of Illinois’ college access and financial aid agency. It is pleased to announce this year’s State Scholars. These exceptional individuals are selected based upon standardized test scores combined with sixth semester, or junior class rank. These students represent approximately the top ten percent of graduates from all Illinois High Schools. The achievements of these students are a credit to their resilience, and to the support and encouragement of their families, principals, teachers, mentors, counselors, and others invested in their growth and success.

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (1 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle and School Counselor, Casey Hawkins, are pleased to announce that five students from the Chester High School graduating Class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. Those students include Nico De Guzman, William “Will” Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley. Nico De Guzman Nico was born in Pasig City, Philippines and came to the U.S. when she was five years old. Her parents are Marlen and Robert Todd. She attended Chester Grade School where she maintained a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average and graduate a class Valedictorian. She was involved in band and she was a member of the Beta Club honor society. At Chester High School she is involved in many extracurricular clubs and activities. Nico a member of the Theatre Club, National Honor Society, Writer’s Circle, Scholar Bowl, Spanish Club, and Band. Last year as a junior, Nico won 1 st Place in the Poetry Out Loud Contest which is a spoken word poetry competition. This honor encompassed the entire Southern Illinois region. She then competed against 15 other students in the State of Illinois Competition in Springfield, Illinois. Outside of school, Nico has several interests including drawing, writing, poetry, film, and crocheting. After graduating from CHS she hopes to attend college at either the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, or the University of Washington in Seattle. She plans to have a career as an Archivist or as a Librarian. William “Will” Welge Will Welge is the son of Tom and Tracy Welge of Chester. Will attended Chester Grade School where he was a member of the Beta Club and the CGS Student Council. At Chester High School Will is the President of the Environmental Club. He is also the Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team and President of the Spanish Club. He is a member of the Theatre Club and is Drum Major of the CHS Marching YellowJackets. Mr. Welge is a member of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society and carries a perfect 4.0 GPA. He received a CHS Stinger Award last year and earned the College Board National Recognition Award. Future plans include attending a university (undecided) and study to become a music producer. His favorite classes at CHS are music and band. Jack Heffernan Jack Heffernan is the son of Michael and Joanie Heffernan. He attended elementary school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chester. Throughout elementary school Jack was on the Honor Roll. He was Class Valedictorian and member of the Junior Beta Club. Jack was a church server and loved competing in track, baseball and basketball at St. Mary’s. At Chester High School Jack has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and is the Treasurer of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society. He was an Illinois Boys State Representative and has served on the Youth Advisory Council. Jack was a junior 2024 Graduation Marshall and has served on the CHS Student Council all four years. He is the Treasurer of the Interact Club and has served as Class of 2025 Treasurer all four years. Mr. Heffernan is an active member of the CHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and has been a key member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams at CHS. He further sings in the CHS Concert Choir. Jack is interested in sports, music, and spending time with family and friends. He is a Lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jack plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and will major in accounting.

CHS: NEW EXTERIOR SIGNAGE Over the weekend, new way finding signage was installed around CHS, better directing traffic and facilities details. CHS takes pride in our school and community. Our promise is to continue improving in hope to make CHS a place where students can learn, thrive and be proud to call themselves a Yellow Jacket. Keep watching as more exterior building identification and school spirit signage is on the way.

Tonight is the night! Come on out to Chester Dairy Queen and get some dinner or enjoy a sweet treat in support of the Chester Grade School PBIS Student Program! We appreciate your support!

Join us for a fantastic basket raffle organized by our Chester Grade School PTS on this Thursday, December 12th! Baskets will be displayed in the CHS Sharp Cafeteria starting at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased both before and after the 1st - 4th Grade Christmas Program! For additional details, please refer to the flier. Thank you for your continued support of the CGS PTS!

CHS: PBIS CELEBRATION  The Chester High School students and staff had a great opportunity to celebrate the positive changes PBIS has fostered in our school.  We look forward to the continued success and growth with the clarity that positive expectations bring. https://youtu.be/3h8YlqxFX2k

CHS: PBIS CELEBRATION CHS is proud to announce that today will be our 2nd PBIS Celebration Day where we celebrate the improvements and gains driven by the PBIS program. There will be a variety of activities including: trivia in the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, video games and tabletop games in the Professor Sharp Media Center supported by our E-Sports team, culminating in our Holiday Themed Games Assembly in Colbert Gym where all students will have chances to participate in our epic Holiday relay with opportunities to win amazing prizes. There are rumored to be expected appearances of surprise Holiday characters.

CGS & CHS 12/06/24 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: Friday 12/6/24 is an 11:30am Dismissal for School Improvement Bus Drop Off & Parent Pick-Up Times Adjust NO Jacket Care on 11:30am dismissal days.

CHS FAFSA NIGHT ADDITION (SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL & CHEER) Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict of an evening basketball game in Du Quoin, Chester High School Student Services has arranged for an ISAC representative from Rend Lake College to assist those Senior parents in filling out the FAFSA prior to leaving for the game. Today, Wednesday 12/4/24, at 3:15 in Mrs. Durbin's Computer Lab room 228, parents of Senior basketball players and cheerleaders will be afforded the opportunity to receive help with their FAFSA. Remember FAFSA is an Illinois State Mandate for graduation. The school FAFSA meeting is not mandated, but this is a services that CHS is providing in helping all senior parents meet this important graduation requirement. Please bring taxes, student taxes, FAFSA ID's, and a cell phone to receive confirmation messages. Any questions, please contact the School Counselor, Casey Hawkins at extension 2209 or caseyhawkins@chester139.com.

CHS ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS Congratulations CHS Illinois State Scholars Rylie Conley Beatriz Deguzman John Heffernan Whitney Sulser William Welge To be eligible for the Illinois State Scholar Program, students must meet the following requirements: Perform in the top one-half of your high school class at the end of the third semester prior to graduation*, and/or score at or above the 95th percentile on the ACT or SAT. Graduate from high school during the academic year in which you were selected as a State Scholar.

CHS POEM OF THE MONTH December poetry winners!

CHS POEM OF THE MONTH November poetry winners!

CHS SENIORS FAFSA NIGHT Wednesday, December 4th 5:00-7:30 pm CHS C228 Computer Lab (off of Colbert Gym next to Professor Sharp Media Center) Enter through Professor Sharp Cafeteria All graduating seniors with a parent should plan on attending, Student and parent should both have a FAFSA ID, prior to attending FAFSA night, last years taxes, and cell phones to receive verification messages. Seniors who plan to sign a FAFSA non-participation form, should also attend with a parent. Completing the FAFSA or a FAFSA non-participation form is an Illinois mandate for high school graduation.

CHS: PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH November: We show PERSEVERANCE Perseverance- Continuing a good course of action despite difficulty. Lily Dowdy ”Lily has shown perseverance by digging deep down within herself to press forward to overcome obstacles and hardships. She is coming out of her shell and interacting more with teachers and students.” Evelyn Hankins Moises Felix Sebastian ”I believe Felix faces one of the biggest challenges here: the language barrier. Despite not speaking English, he is determined to learn, graduate, and become a police officer. His perseverance earns my vote.” Mert Dinç Ryan Junger ”Ryan shows us how to keep going even when faced with a difficult diagnosis. ” Dina Chandler Peyton Dickson ”She works with me through the School program. She has literally saved me a few times. She has grown tremendously as far as getting her work finished and always helping and asking if anyone needs help.” Kay Rubach Olivia Vasquez ”Olivia is such a hard-working student. She works really hard to do her best and achieve good grades. I'm very proud of her and admire her for all the hard work she puts into her education.” Shirley Stegmann Lannin Caron ”Lannin has shown many times the determination and perseverance it takes to be a successful student and person. He has fought his way this year through numerous ailments with grace and determination.” Tim Lochhead Kale Sprengel ”This student is very kind and respectful towards staff and students. He is also a very hard worker.” Bryce Bainter Southern LaChance ”Despite dealing with some tough situations Southern always strives to do her best to reach her goals. She works hard to make sure she completes tasks to the best of her ability!” Ashly Bert