Before the doors even officially opened for Chester Grade School's open house on Aug. 14, there was a long line waiting to enter the school.
The hour-long event was jam-packed with activities, and everyone worth knowing was there -- teachers, administrators, Parent-Teacher Society officers and volunteers, Scouting representatives, bus route personnel and more.
In the former school lobby, parents met Principal Bill Grafton and David Kaiser, assistant principal and athletic director.
"I enjoy being around the kids and like knowing parents," Grafton said. "It is a great way to kick off the school year!"
Many students brought backpacks filled with school supplies and got a head start emptying the contents into their lockers and desks. In the lobby parents could find out information about the numerous bus routes. School started at 8 a.m. the next day.
Teachers had welcome materials, gifts and huge smiles to greet parents and students. For four teachers it was truly their "first welcome," as CGS welcomed kindergarten teacher Meghan Blechle, first-grade teacher Madison Wofford, fifth-grade teacher Kailey Mana and 7th and 8th-grade social studies teacher Katie Kelly.
The Boy and Girl Scouts manned a station. Grayson Wolcott, district executive of the Kaskaskia District of Boy Scouts was on hand, assisted by Emma Bryant, a member of the Chester Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Each student at the open house was given a hot dog, a bag of chips and a bright orange plastic drinking cup with the Junior Jacket logo.
Parent-Teacher Society
All four PTS officers were there to meet parents and students: Cristie Brace, president; Michele Myers, vice president; Tiffany Bryant, secretary and Lyndsay Roche, treasurer. Other PTS members were in the lobby, recruiting new members from among the parents.
The PTS meets every other month, on Sept. 17, Nov. 12, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10 and May 12. Their only fundraising activity is the CGS Fitness Day held each spring and is focused on wellness, fitness, food and fun.
"Our goal is for students to experience a positive, successful and enjoyable school year and that involves parents and teachers working together," Brace said. Membership in the PTS is $1 per family.
At the open house, the PTS also introduced the public to the 2019-2020 apparel promotion. It has been a while since the last "school-wide" apparel promotion and it is hoped that getting students to wear Junior Jacket apparel will help build school spirit and develop pride at CGS.
Items being offered this year include screen-printed short-sleeved T-shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts, and hooded sweatshirts. They come in orange, black and gray and with the option of two different Junior Jacket logos.
Embroidered items for sale include a soft-shell jacket, a Tour De Force Jacket, a Record-Setter Pullover and a knit beanie hat. The PTS is also offering a black cloth folding stadium chair. Order forms are available at school or by contacting Cristie Brace.
