January 15, 2026 Update from Superintendent Dr. Skertich

Posted Date: 01/15/26 (12:00 PM)

Kahok Families,

Winter Weather

The new year is off and running. Mother nature has been relatively calm so far, but that can change, so I want to remind families to make sure your email address and phone number are up-to-date in Skyward.

As we push through January and February, we want to ensure you receive information regarding inclement weather, emergency school closure and E-Learning Days. These messages are sent by the district and your child’s school via our ParentSquare communications platform.

Recent Issues with Skyward App

Speaking of Skyward, over the winter break, there was an update to our district's Skyward account that created a new log-in link. The change resulted in parents being unable to log-in to Skyward.

The link has been updated in the ParentSquare app and on the district website, however, some families continue to have issues with the Skyward app. YOU MUST UNINSTALL AND RE-INSTALL THE SKYWARD APP to fix the problem.

DELETE and REMOVE the app, then reinstall it from your app store.

Update on “Ballot Initiative" Projects Summer 2026

This time of year the district is extremely busy preparing for facilities projects that will be completed during the summer. Many of these projects are funded by the ballot initiative approved by the community in March 2024 for safety, HVAC and ADA improvements.

This summer’s projects funded by the ballot initiative include HVAC work at CHS and Maryville; restroom renovations at Kreitner and Renfro; safety bollards at CHS; window safety film throughout the district; and exterior door replacement at CHS.

We will continue to share information about the progress of improvements supported through the ballot initiative. We want to assure the community the funding is being utilized as intended.

Post Holiday Social/Emotional and Mental Health Resources

Once the holidays have passed, there tends to be a post-holiday downturn, and none of us are immune to experiencing it. As we move through January and February, below are some helpful resources and links related to social, emotional and mental health support for students and families:

Mental health articles and resources posted on our website: Including the Safe2HelpIL hotline, a link to community resources and articles dealing with social media, peer pressure and grief.
Our district’s Virtual Calming Room: A place for students, families and staff to locate tools and strategies to positively manage emotions and feelings, and build resilience.

Both of these directories, compiled by our counselors and social workers, are accessible year-round. Please bookmark them so you have this information at your fingertips any time your student or family is looking for resources or support.

In addition, our partner, Cartwheel, has compiled a variety of resources to help families navigate various challenges. Even if everything is currently going well in your life, they have included fun family activities for filling cold days at home. Here’s the link to those materials.

2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The district is proud to be hosting this year’s Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Kahok Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, February 19, at the Gateway Center in Collinsville.

We will welcome our fourth group into the Kahok Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes one team and eight individuals whose exceptional accomplishments have made a lasting impact on our schools, community and beyond. Use this link to learn about them and get event/ticket information.

The ceremony promises to be an evening filled with inspiration, celebration and Kahok pride. Tickets are required. This event is expected to sell out, so we encourage guests to purchase tickets soon by clicking on this link. Join us as we honor these outstanding Kahoks and celebrate their achievements together.

Upcoming Days to Note

As a reminder, there is no school on Friday, January 16, as the district will conduct a Teachers’ In-Service to provide professional development and training for our staff. Additionally, there is no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Have a safe and enjoyable four day weekend. We look forward to students returning on Tuesday, January 20.

Thank you for your constant dedication to our students and staff. Don’t forget to wear your purple and show you, Kahok Pride!

Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D.

Superintendent