My annual State of the Schools address was broadcast virtually this year. I am so proud of our district's journey in the past year, and it was an honor to give an update to the greater Peoria community about our tremendous progress. 

Please click here to view the virtual program!

A message from Peoria Public Schools 

I am devastated over the senseless acts of violence and hate toward the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Georgia and throughout the country. As the Superintendent of the largest school system in in the Peoria area, I strongly denounce this violence against our Asian and Pacific Islander community members. I am disheartened by the failure of recognition of our shared humanity. We hold the people and families impacted by these tragedies close to our hearts. 

Our district and our lives are enriched and strengthened by the presence and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We stand in solidarity and support of those who work every day to stop violence against them. I am committed to moving beyond statements of condemnation and toward harnessing the full power of our collective will to name and fight hate speech and violence in our district. 

Below are several resources that are available as we work together to create the conditions at PPS so that every student feels a strong sense of belonging, a connection to caring adults, and receive the support needed so they are prepared to lead a more socially just world. 

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat 

Superintendent 

Reading- Asian American authors and books with video links

Watching- How to Talk to Children About Asian American Identity and Racism, 

IHI History of Anti Asian Hate

Classroom resources- Asian American Mental Health Activity Book and Coloring Book 

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) offers 6 Ways to Be an Ally.

How to Support Asian American Colleagues Amid Anti-Asian Violence

Reporting a Hate incident Hollerback Bystander Training