Chester Community School District 139

34th Annual Chester (1 of 2) Invitational Cross Country Meet Vanessa Teel of Pinckneyville wins Girls’ overall title (19:41.4) and Landen Roman of Pinckneyville takes Boys’ overall title (15:56.7) BY JIM BEERS The 34th Annual Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet took place Thursday October 3 at the Randolph County Conservation Area. The event kicked off at 4:30 p.m. with the Girls’ Race and 5:15 p.m. for the Boys’ Race. Shelter 1 was the center of the staging area and the location where the race began and ended. The event featured a Varsity Race and a Freshman/Sophomore Race with Overall Results calculated for all competitors. It was a mild, sunny day with temperatures in the low 70’s. The 3.0-mile course was dry and had several places where there were minor obstacles such as various sorts of nuts and sticks underfoot. That is the nature of true cross country courses and races. Girls’ Race Overall there were a total of 55 runners that took off in the Girls’ Race as Race Official Paul Stallman fired the starting pistol. The Girls’ Race had runners from 10 different schools that were registered in either the Girls’ Varsity Division or the Girls’ Freshman-Sophomore Division. Overall results were also calculated. The overall winner of the Girls’ Race was Vanessa Teel of Pinckneyville. She is a senior and won among the 55 runners with her time of 19:41.7 and a pace of 6:34 per mile. The Chester course is known for being rather difficult in places. The 10 schools that were represented included Pinckneyville, Okawville, Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Columbia, Red Bud, Freeburg, Woodlawn, Marissa, Waterloo Gibault Catholic and Bluford-Webber. Times ranged from 19:41.4 by Pinckneyville’s Vanessa Teel (1st Place) to 41:20.6 by Okawville’s Paige Kolweier (55th ). The Girls’ Varsity Division included a total of 22 runners from seven schools including Pinckneyville, Okawville, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Columbia, Red Bud, Freeburg, and Waterloo Gibault Catholic. Vanessa Teel won the Varsity Division with her time of 19:41.4 and race pace of 6:34 per mile. Paige Kolweier of Okawville finished in 22nd Place with her time of 41:20.6. She turned in an overall race pace of 13:47 per mile. Chester had no entries in the Girls’ race, either division. The Freshman-Sophomore raced had a total of 33 runners from 8 different schools. Schools included were Okawville, Pinckneyville, Freeburg, Columbia, Woodlawn, Marissa, Red Bud, and Bluford-Webber. Katelyn Gogolek of Okawville won the Freshman-Sophomore Division. Her time was 22:17.6 with a race pace of 7:26 per mile. Teams had to have at least five (5) runners to qualify for a team score. There were five schools that qualified for a team score. Results from the “team” category included the 2024 winner, Pinckneyville, with a total team time of 1:50:11 and an average runner time of 23:02. The other four teams included Okawville (2nd, 1:52:52, 22:35); Freeburg (3rd, 1:59:28, 23:54); Columbia (4th, 2:02:39, 23:32); and Red Bud (5th, 2:12:01, 26:25). Boys’ Race The Boys’ Race had a total of 76 runners that came from 13 different schools. The Boys’ Race also featured both a Varsity and a Freshman-Sophomore Division. In addition, Overall Results were calculated. Competing schools included Pinckneyville, DuQuoin, Bluford-Webber, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Gibault Catholic High School of Waterloo, Columbia, Freeburg, Trico, Chester, Okawville, Sparta, Marissa, and Red Bud. The overall winner of the Boys’ Race was Landen Roman of Pinckneyville. Roman’s time was 15:56.7 and he had a race pace of 5:19 per mile. Times ranged from Boman’s 15:56.7 to Gage Lang of Freeburg who recorded a time of 30:24.8. Out of the 13 schools, only seven schools qualified for a team score. Team standings included Pinckneyville who was the overall winner with a team total time of 1:25:20 and an average runner’s time of 17:04 per mile. Other finishers in the team standings included Bluford-Webber (2nd , 1:29:00, 17:48); Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School (3rd, 1:34:07, 18:50); Okawville (4th, 1:35:09, 19:02); Freeburg (5th, 1:36:07, 19:14); DuQuoin (6th, 1:38:38, 19:44); and Columbia (7th, 1:42:00, 20:24).

The following students have been recognized with as Chester Grade School "HIVE" award for demonstrating one of or more of the traits of "Respect", "Responsibility", "Safety" or "Empathy". Row 1: Benjamin Westbrook, Violet Smith, Charlie Carroll, Cayson McDonough, and Mia Phillips. Row 2: Mathew Holdman, Hunter Lloyd, Joseph Belton, Cora Doyle, Eloise Anderson, Zayne Houk. Row 3: Harper Cushman, Brooklyn Eggemeyer, Maelee McDonough, Yeimi Pascula Jimenez, Haley Sellers, Natalie Eggemeyer, Miguel Maldonado Hernandez, and Michael Martin. Row 4: Ella Newton, Brayden Brown, Ian Lazu-Colon, Emma Bogard, Jaylyn Jausel, Madeline Fuentes, and Suhaily Torres. Not Pictured: Jax Casten, Brady Cushman, Brianna Gonzalez, and Evelyn Galster. Each honoree received a certificate, a PBIS Point, and his or her name was announced over the school PA System. The "HIVE" Program is organized and coordinated by Kasey Crook, School Social Worker. Jim Beers Photo

CHS ORANGE & BLACK ATTACK SIGN-UP: CHS is now accepting students to sign-up for our new Orange & Black Attack group. Students will pay a once yearly membership fee of $25 and complete the required form at either of our fee drop off locations. With membership students will receive free admittance to all home athletic events hosted at CHS, excluding Regionals, Sectionals, Playoffs, Finals and any other IHSA restricted events. Students will also receive a group T-Shirt identifying them as part of the Orange & Black Attack as well as an insignia sticker placed on their student ID to be presented at the door to ticket takers entitling them to their free admittance. This is a great opportunity for students to show their school pride and receive the benefit of free entrance to home athletic events. Go Jackets!

CHS IN-PERSON FEE PAYMENT PROCESS UPDATES: There are now two locations to acquire forms and pay fees in-person at CHS. The first is the former lunch money locker at the W.O. Smith Field end of the 2nd floor of the A-Building, which now also has some forms available as well as two types of envelopes. The second location is in the new secure vestibule of our new main entrance office on the W.O. Smith Field side of the A-Building (1925 edition). Parents are free to use the entrance office site for their convenience as well as building security. Our two new envelopes are: small, used for lunch money deposits only and large, used for all non-lunch fee deposits and accompanying forms.

Check it out!!! CGS is now offering a variety of apparel items for purchase in support of our PTS!! By supporting the CGS Parent-Teacher Society through these apparel purchases, you can show your school spirit and contribute to the organization's initiatives. Apparel also makes a good Christmas gift!! 😉 Orders need to be in by October 31st!!! Thank you for your support!! https://chestergrade2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

CGS, CHS & DISTRICT OFFICE HAPPY BOSS'S DAY: We would like to thank our Admin Team at CGS, CHS and the District Office and wish them a Happy Boss's Day. Thank you for all of your hard work, all you do for our students, staff and community!

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, October 17th is an early dismissal day with CHS dismissing at 1:26pm and CGS at 1:30pm. There is no school Friday, October 18th. Have a great evening!

Join our awesome staff at the Grade School 🤩

CHS FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SHIRTS (CORRECTION 2): This year's CHS Football Playoff Shirt is being sold through the online store at the link that follows. Last day to order is 10/21/24. Pickup at CHS after 10/29/24. https://shopsilkworm.com/chesterhsfootball Please contact Silkworm at 618-687-4077 if you have any questions

CGS FALL PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE EXIT SURVEY LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP7b1P-9W7QGGVvyVDH57bftZg9RbCYZ5l0usarwgAHy_EwQ/viewform?usp=sf_link See attached graphic.

CHS FALL PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE EXIT SURVEY LINK: https://forms.gle/wxXoGPELqMQ1FQiW8 See attached graphic.

CHS VOLLEYBALL SENIOR NIGHT: Tuesday 10/22/24 Volleyball Senior Night Colbert Gym Before the Varsity Game

CHS FALL SPORTS SENIOR NIGHT: Friday 10/18/24 Fall Sports Senior Night Football, Cross-Country, Golf, Cheer, Dance & Band W.O. Smith Field 6:15 PM

CGS: Junior High Girls Basketball PRACTICE IS CANCELED this evening, 10/14. The parent meeting will now take place Wednesday 10/16 after practice.

PHOTO 1 Several Chester High School students from Amy Miller's class volunteered at the September 2024 CACFP Mobile Market. Pictured (left to right) are Amy Miller, Teacher, Drew Wilderman, Amari Perez, Brookelyn McLain, Leslie Asbury, Peyton Dixon, and Angie Werner, Paraprofessional. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Volunteers sort and arrange 11 pallets of food to be distributed at the September CACFP Mobile Market. Some of the food items offered Wednesday September 25 included cabbages, potatoes, cookies, crackers, meats, water, fruit juices, cheeses, sour cream, hot dogs, sandwich cheese slices, broccoli, red cabbage, beef roasts, asparagus, and various assorted food items. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 A packed parking lot awaits 11 pallets of food to be unloaded and sorted for distribution at the September 25, 2024 Mobile Market sponsored by the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry. Food items were delivered by the St. Louis Area Food Bank. The September 2024 Mobile Market was one of the biggest hosted in years and included 112 vouchers that fed 291 individuals. The Mobile Markets are held at the Cohen Recreation Complex on the 4th Wednesday of each month at approximately 8 a.m. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 4 The Wednesday September 25 Mobile Market hosted by the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry (CACFP) was one of the biggest and best held in years. The parking lot at the Cohen Recreation Complex in Chester was filled with more than six rows of cars and trucks awaiting to be served when the market opened at approximately 9 a.m. During the month of September 2024 the Food Pantry served 220 households that had 557 individuals. That total included 190 children. The Food Pantry now needs donations of diapers sizes 2, 5, and 6; kids snacks & treats; drinks, cereals, and boxed dinners. Monetary donations are always welcomed which help to stock shelves with items that are not donated. Beginning WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6, the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry will ONLY BE OPEN ONE DAY A WEEK due to staffing issues. The pantry will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ON WEDNESDAYS ONLY! Jim Beers Photo

CGS & CHS, NO SCHOOL FRIDAY OCTOBER 11TH & MONDAY 14th: Just a friendly reminder that there is NO school tomorrow the 11th or Monday, the 14th. Parent Teacher Conferences are Tuesday the 15th and Thursday the 17th from 3:00pm to 6:30pm with both days being 1:30pm early dismissal days for students. Online scheduling for grade school conferences closes tonight. High school online scheduling will be open until Sunday evening. Please call CGS at (618) 826-2354 or CHS at (618) 826-2302 if you have questions with scheduling a conference. Thank you.

CGS & CHS PHONE SERVICE RESTORED: Phone service has been restored to both CGS & CHS. Thank you for your patience.

CGS & CHS PHONE OUTAGE: Apologies for the inconvenience, CGS & CHS are currently experiencing a phone outage. We will post when service is restored.

CGS: JACKETS OF THE MONTH The following students at Chester Grade School were the winners of the September "Jackets of the Month" awards. Each grade, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, was represented by one student who has demonstrated ALL FOUR of the "HIVE" character traits of Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Empathy EVERY DAY at CGS throughout the month. The nine winners received 5 PBIS Points, a certificate, and will be invited to attend a special party at the end of the year. Pictured are: (Row 1) Evelynn Schwier, Kindergarten; Zoe Atchison, 1st Grade; and Karmin Jara, 4th Grade. (Row 2): Myah Ordonez, 5th Grade; Makenzly Stewart, 6th Grade; Jaylee Belton, 7th Grade; and Morgan Nanney, 8th Grade. Not Pictured: Phoenix Leftwich, 1st Grade and Tegan Breeden, 3rd Grade. The "Jacket of the Month" program is coordinated by Kasey Crook, School Social Worker. (article & photo by Jim Beers)

YellowJackets shut out Carlyle 41-0 to improve to 6-0, 3-0 (2 of 2) Quarterback Zain Al-Jassim sets new all-time CHS record for passing yards at 3,957 BY JIM BEERS Individual performances included senior Devante Palacio who led the defense with 5 solo tackles, 7 tackle assists, 1 quarterback sack, and 4 tackles for a loss. Junior Ethan Colvis had 5 solos and 5 assists. Other defensive efforts included Nate Maes (3 solos, 2 assists, and 1 tackle for a loss (TFL), Cayden Brunkhorst (2 solo, 5 assists), Tino Rafael (2 solos, 5 assists), Tray Peters (2 solos, 3 assists), Zane Eggemeyer (1 solo, 4 assists), Gene Bicket (1 solo, 4 assists), Lannin Caron (1 solo), Kolton Jany (7 assists), Alex Williamson (8 assists), Morgan Miers (2 assists), and TaShawn Palacio, Alex Blechle, Landon Conder, Jack Heffernan, Jakob Stueve, and Lincon Schroeder with 1 assist apiece. With the win, the YellowJackets improved to an overall record of 6-0 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record of 3-0. The Jackets lead the conference. Next up for Chester is a trip up north to Dupo, Illinois Friday October 11, to challenge the Tigers. Following the win at Carlyle, CHS Head Coach Billy Belton said, “That was a great team win! Cayden Brunkhorst made a great play with that fumble return for a touchdown. That is his second defensive TD of the year. The defense did a great job. They controlled the line of scrimmage all throughout the game. To hold a team like that under 100 yards (72) is a great job. The Defensive line did a great job, and I felt like our linebackers played extremely well.” Offensively we only had the ball for 31 plays. I credit Carlyle’s offense for keeping the ball away from our offense, however our offense made some big plays! Kolton Jany, Brenden Malley, and Devante Palacio really played well.” “Zain Al-Jassim had a great game. He broke Nick Meyer’s all-time passing record which is really neat since we all coached both of them. To witness that record-breaking performance was really neat to see. Zain is a great player and he has worked really hard for this.” Photo 1 Cayden Brunkhorst (3) Chester's Cayden Brunkhorst (3), a senior defensive back, picked up a Carlyle fumble in the first quarter and ran 75-yards for Chester's second touchdown of the night to extend the YellowJacket's lead to 13-0. Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and Chester led, 14-0 early on. For the night Brunkhorst recorded 75 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 solo tackles, and 5 tackle assists. Jim Beers Photo Photo 2 Zain Al-Jassim (1) Chester YellowJacket quarterback Zain Al-Jassim (1) set a new school record Friday October 4 at Carlyle as the Jackets defeated the Indians in a shut out, 41-0. For the night Al-Jassim completed 13-of-15 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a 22-yard TD. In the process, Zain broke the school record for passing yards set years ago by Nick Meyer. Al-Jassim now had 3,957 passing yards with still three regular-season games left on the 2024 schedule. Jim Beers Photo