To the Class of 2020,

I have been thinking of you during the last month. I know that this has been a very confusing time for our seniors, as we approach the final weeks of your time in high school.

On the one hand, I know that you are excited about graduating and moving on to the next phase of your promising young lives. On the other hand, I am sure you are disappointed that the rituals and events of those final weeks aren't unfolding the way you envisioned, not to mention the precious time and memories with friends during a normal school week.

I want you to know that it's okay to be sad, but to also look out for your own health and well-being. Turn to those around you for support - your parents, family members and friends. All of us at Peoria Public Schools are here for you as well. If you have social-emotional needs, reach out to a teacher, your principal or your counselor for support.

I also want to express how impressed I am at your ability to change and adapt. We are making history at Peoria Public Schools by completely transitioning to Remote Learning, and you are a huge part of that success.

One positive that will result from this period of virtual learning is that you'll be very prepared for college or a career starting this fall. Continue to check your school emails for TEAMS meetings with your teachers so that you have a strong finish to your final semester.

Lastly, I know you're concerned about graduation. We don't know how the ceremony will look right now, but we will find a way to celebrate your hard work, dedication and accomplishments from the past four years.

I am proud to be your Superintendent.

Peoria Public Schools families,

I want to share with you today a few vital COVID-19 statistics that illustrate our continued need for social distancing.

• According to statistics from the Illinois Department of Health - to date, 41.2 percent of all Illinois residents who have died so far from COVID-19 are African Americans.
• African Americans make up just 14.6 percent of the population in Illinois.
• Another 38.7 percent of the dead are white and 7 percent are Latino.

We want to stop this disparity by asking all of our Peoria Public Schools students and families to be conscientious and continue practicing social distancing during this time. With nice and warm weather tomorrow, parks and trails should be used primarily for WALKING, BIKING, AND HIKING.

Sports like basketball, football, or soccer in open space should be avoided for now for the safety of everyone.

Our strongest weapon against COVID-19 is you. We have to be All In for Illinois. Please stay home and work from home if you can. Hold your family members accountable.

Thank you,

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat

Help Us Help You Play SAFE and Play SMART!

1. Wash your hands BEFORE going outdoors!
   
   
2. Know what SIX FEET looks like… it’s the length of an adult bike, a yoga mat, or two yard sticks end to end… and honor that space!
   
   
3. Go by yourself or with those you live with.  AVOID CROWDED SPACES.
   
   
4. Parks and trails should be used primarily for WALKING, BIKING, AND HIKING. Sports like basketball, football, or soccer in open space should be avoided for now for the safety of our users.
   
   
5. Wash your hands AFTER going inside!

Our directive has been to keep groups under 10 people and socially distanced to keep us all as safe as possible. 

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat

Superintendent