Education staffers for Senator Mark Kirk visit Chester Grade School

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Andrew Wissert and Jeannette Windon, education staff members for United States Senator Mark Kirk, recently contacted Regional Superintendent Dr. Marc Kiehna and asked to visit an elementary school in Randolph County. During the morning of May 1st Dr. Kiehna, Principal Tim Lochhead and Superintendent Chris Diddlebock hosted the staff members, who were on a fact finding mission to learn about the status of education in rural Southern Illinois. The group visited a number of programs throughout the school and interviewed pre-kindergarten teacher Tara Knop, Title I math room coordinator Mandy Kueker and Title I reading room coordinator Marlene Palmer. Kirk's staffers learned about the considerable use of technology in the building and the tremendous work of the grade school teachers, who make extensive use of data to help drive their instruction. Dr. Kiehna commented, "It was a good visit. Andrew and Jeannette were excited to see the work of the Chester teachers. We were able to showcase the work we are doing for students. They are excited to inform Senator Kirk about their visit to Randolph County."