Kahok Families,

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff and administrators to keep our students safe during Monday’s extended tornado and storm warnings. Our primary commitment is the safety of our students, a priority that remained at the forefront of our team’s efforts during the prolonged weather warnings.

I also want to thank our families for the patience and trust you demonstrated while our schools sheltered in place. 

Fortunately, we experienced no significant damage, and the storm did not develop over our communities as predicted by meteorologists.

As we do following any extraordinary situation, this morning school leadership conducted a debrief to review what went well, what can be improved and how we move forward should a similar situation occur in the future.  

Based on that discussion, we want to share a few important reminders in the event of severe weather this spring or in the future:

Communication Procedures 

When local sirens are activated, parents will be notified via the ParentSquare alert system of any changes in transportation, as well as school delays, associated with shelter in place orders. 

Tornado Alerts

According to the National Weather Service:

• A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area; it does not mean a tornado will occur. 

• A tornado warning is more serious; it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in the area and requires immediate action. During a tornado warning, all staff and students are required to seek shelter in a designated tornado-safe area.

Shelter In Place

During a shelter in place, school staff act in loco parentis (in place of a parent), granting them legal authority to maintain student discipline, supervision and safety.  Students are moved (or remain) inside for their safety because there is severe weather (i.e. tornado warning) or an environmental or chemical threat to the well-being of students. 

School administrators and district officials work closely with government agencies during a shelter in place to maximize student safety.  

Important Parent/Guardian Guidance During Shelter in Place

During any event (including a tornado warning) in which students, faculty and staff are sheltered in place:

• Please DO NOT come to school to pick up your child. Rushing to campus during severe weather or a local emergency can endanger you and your child, block emergency responders and hinder safety protocols. 

• Students CANNOT be checked out to leave during this time. Our students and staff will be in their designated secure area waiting for the situation to pass and allow them to resume normal activity or leave the building.  Staff will be tending to the needs of the children in their care and will not respond to building visitors.  

• In the event that the building goes into shelter during a time that impacts dismissal, please note: students will not be dismissed until the district determines that there is no threat to student safety and the all clear has been given by the superintendent of schools.  This action might delay the ending of the school day. Buses will not transport students until the warning is lifted.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the highest priorities for Collinsville CUSD 10. We are grateful for our families’ cooperation in helping us maintain a secure environment. 

Please contact your student’s building principal if you need any clarification on our safety protocols.

As we enter the final three weeks of the school year, we hope to avoid further weather disruptions.  However, spring weather is unpredictable.  We will continue to stay vigilant and prepared to keep our school community safe. 

Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D.

Superintendent