October 23, 2026 Update Message from Dr. Skertich
Kahok Families,
Our community has a rich history, and we are proud to share it with our students. This November, we are celebrating an important part of that history: 100 years of the Kahok mascot.
In this update, I also have several things to share about student safety, parent-teacher conferences, school improvements, and new opportunities for our students.
Celebrating Our History and the Kahok Mascot
This year marks 100 years of the Kahok mascot. In 1926, the Chanticleer, Collinsville High School's newspaper, asked students to suggest names for the school's athletic teams. There was no prize for the winning name other than the honor of having it used for years to come.
A group of coaches and team captains reviewed the names. The committee included W.O. Larson, D.R. Sherrett, Ralph Cornell, John Klobuchar, Henry Gillaspy, Nick Nichols, Earl Esterlein, and Val Jokerst. Names such as the Panthers, Yellow Jackets, and Scalpers were suggested but set aside because they were not appropriate or relevant.
Instead, the committee looked at the history of our area and chose the name “Kahoks.” Despite being a fictional character, it was selected because of our vicinity to Cahokia Mounds, and they felt it would be a good representation of our student athletes.
The yearbook stated, “Our new name signifies the history of years ago, of the Mound Builders whose efforts and works are still traceable, so may the efforts of our team be something that will live down through time…by signifying speed, courage, cunningness, power and bravery.”
Over the past 100 years, our schools, communities, and society have changed and evolved in many ways. However, the Kahok name has remained a special part of who we are. It connects generations of students, families, staff, and community members and is one of the most recognizable high school mascots in Illinois and beyond.
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to watch this video honoring the many students who served as Chief Kahok during their high school years. This tradition continued until the early 2000’s. Please take a moment to look back on years past.
Keeping Our Students Safe: E-Bikes and E-Scooters
Student safety remains one of our top priorities. As part of this commitment, Collinsville CUSD #10 will update its student handbooks to address e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric mopeds or e-motos. These updates are connected to new Illinois legislation, Senate Bill 3484, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The new law includes rules about the age of riders, where devices may be used, and the requirements for more powerful vehicles. Families should be aware of the following information:
Age limits: Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which can travel up to 20 miles per hour. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate Class 3 e-bikes, which can travel up to 28 miles per hour, and e-scooters.
Sidewalks: E-bikes and e-scooters may not be ridden on pedestrian sidewalks under the new statewide rules. Riders must use approved bike lanes or roadways.
More powerful devices: E-bikes and e-motos that exceed 750 watts or travel faster than 28 miles per hour may be classified as motor-driven cycles. These vehicles may require a driver's license, state registration, a title, and insurance. They are also restricted from bike paths, sidewalks, and school walkways.
We encourage families to learn about these rules and talk with their children about safe transportation choices. Please watch for more information from the district in the coming weeks.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: October 29–30
We encourage all families to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences. These meetings give parents and teachers time to talk about each student's academic progress and social and emotional growth.
Conference times are:
Thursday, October 29: Noon to 8:00 PM
Friday, October 30: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
If you have not signed up, there is still time. These meetings are a great chance to celebrate your child's successes, discuss areas where your child may need extra help, and work together to support continued growth.
When families and teachers work together, we can help every student reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing you.
School Improvements and Planning for Summer 2027
Our school buildings receive updates and improvements each summer. At this week's Board of Education meeting, we shared information about recent work completed across the district in the summer of 2026.
Many upgrades are funded from the money approved by the March 2024 ballot initiative. These projects help us provide safe, comfortable, and welcoming places for our students and staff to learn and work.
Planning is already underway for Summer 2027. We will continue to share information as plans are finalized and completed.
Collinsville Community Collaboration (C3) Honorees from CUSD 10
C3 is a partnership between the City of Collinsville, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. and Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 to recognize excellence in community and public service.
This year C3 will honor Collinsville High School senior Lillian O’Donnell as the 2026 Leader of Tomorrow and CUSD 10 Lead School Nurse Lisa Sabatino as the recipient of the Stan Schaeffer Educational Leadership Award.
Consider attending the awards dinner on Wednesday, December 2, at the Gateway Center. Our district honorees will be recognized along with others representing local businesses and the Collinsville community.
Use this link for the list of recipients and ticket information. The C3 awards are always a great night to celebrate our schools, neighbors and community.
CAVC Expansion: More Opportunities for Our Students
We are excited to celebrate the expansion of the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) and the new opportunities it will offer students throughout Collinsville and the Metro East region.
A Community Open House will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the new CAVC building, located at 1050 Caseyville Road in Collinsville. Community members are invited to tour the expanded building and learn more about the programs available to students.
We are grateful to the elected officials, community leaders, businesses, industry partners, organizations, and supporters who helped make this project possible. Their hard work and support show what we can accomplish when we come together for our students. Please stop by and check out this amazing new facility.
Thank you for your constant dedication to our students and don't forget to wear your purple and show your Kahok Pride!
Brad Skertich, Ed.D.
Superintendent