Peoria Public Schools

Shoutout to our amazing PPS substitute teachers! ✨
Thank you for being the backup that always brings us forward!

The Liberty Leadership Middle School Winter Chess Classic on November 22, 2025, is just 2 days away. Register now at https://www.kingregistration.com/event/Liberty25 This is a K-12 chess meet open to ALL Illinois students!! 5 rounds (K-5), 4 Rounds (6-12) Swiss system, G/30;d5 7 sections: K-3, 4-5, 6, 7, 8, HS, Grand Prix. Doors Open at 8am First Round starts no later than 9:30am. $5 if registered online by 5pm on 11/21/2025 (max. $100 per school), $10 if registering at the Door. The Grand Prix is only open to those with a rating of 1000 or higher. ALL Payments will be collected at the door. School checks may be made payable to Liberty Leadership Middle School. USCF membership required --- Memberships (1 year) will be available from the Greater Peoria Chess Foundation for $9 at the tournament, a maximum of $99 per school. GPCF will cover the cost of anyone over the 11 players. GPCF will cover the cost of any Peoria Public Schools students. Make membership checks payable to GPCF.

🏀 Basketball signups start December 1st!

🦺 Our youngest learners at Lincoln K-8 took center stage for a puppet show all about staying safe and protecting their brains! From car seat rules to not climbing on dressers, these kindergartners are learning important safety lessons while having a blast.

🎉 Congratulations, Miranda Gonzalez! 🍎
Today, our Grow Your Own Teacher candidate, Miranda Gonzalez, received her Letter of Commitment from PPS! She graduates next month from Bradley University, and we’re so proud of her hard work and are excited for her to join our team! 🎓

🕵🏾Students in the Criminal Justice pathway at WCTC are putting their investigative skills to the test through a hands-on mock trial experience! This immersive activity lets them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a realistic scenario, strengthening their abilities in evidence collection, interviewing, critical thinking, and teamwork. 🔍

🍝 Take a delicious break at the Warrior Way Café this Thursday with WCTC Culinary students! Say “I do” to Italian wedding soup, penne all’arrabiata, and a tiramisu pudding cup that’ll have you saying “That’s amore!”
For reservations, please email warriorwaycafe@psd150.org by noon on 11/19!

Dedicated counselors are available - reach out to your principal or school counselor for a referral to Cartwheel today!

Big shout-out to the City of Peoria’s Department of Public Works for the Paint a Plow Program!
Miss Hinrichsen’s 7th/8th graders at Lincoln K-8 proudly participated and brought incredible creativity to their plow design.

NOVEMBER OPEN CHESS NIGHT ***Special Location**** TONIGHT November 14th - 4-7pm Pere Marquette Hotel - Marquette Ballroom Join K-12 students from around the Tri-County area for friendly over the board play, chess puzzles, and of course PIZZA. This is a FREE event! Pizza is FREE, just come and enjoy chess! For questions, email Emily Dawson at emily.dawson77@gmail.com or emily.dawson@psd150.org. Sponsored by the Mark W. Bills Middle School Chess Team and Greater Peoria Chess

🎭 It’s Opening Night! 🎭
The curtain goes up tonight on the Richwoods High School Fall Play, and our remarkable students can’t wait to share their hard work and talent with you!
Showtime: 7 PM | Tickets: $10

On Friday November 7, seven high schools students from Richwoods and Peoria High attended the Future Teacher Conference at Illinois State University. The conference was especially focused for students that are considering a career in education. This conference informed and inspired students about the process of becoming a teacher, and what to expect after graduation as they enter a classroom. Since its inagugural year in 2019, this conference has served nearly 5,000 students from over 120 school districts from across Illinois, and earned a 94% high satisfaction rating from students and school personnel.

The Central Illinois HBCU Fair held at Danville High School on Thursday, November 6, provided students from Glen Oak and Mark Bills the chance to explore the unique opportunities offered by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Attendees were immersed in vibrant culture and had the opportunity to win prizes throughout the event. The fair was organized by the Jelani Day Foundation, highlighting their commitment to education and cultural awareness.

📸 Photo Contest Reminder! 🎉
We have 0 submissions so far and only TWO days left to enter! Submit your best shot to be our December Facebook cover photo and show off your school spirit! ✨
Send in your photo today to remarkabletimes@psd150.org!

Join us THIS Thursday!

At last night’s board meeting, PPS bus driver 🎈Carnisha Adams🎈 was honored with the Remarkable Spirit Award for her professionalism when a Peoria High volleyball player experienced a medical emergency on her bus.
Her training and commitment to safety guided her every step of the way, ensuring the student received the care they needed.

👏🏿 October Attendance Highlights 👏🏿

Most Improved Attendance

Von Steuben Middle School: +4.02%

Lincoln K-8 School: +3.34%

Franklin Primary School: +2.73%

Most Improved Chronic Absenteeism

Mark Bills Middle School: down 11.34 points

Franklin Primary School: down 9.85 points

Reservoir Gifted Academy: down 7.06 points

🎊 Congratulations, Dr. Sharonda Buckner! A counselor at Glen Oak CLC, she was presented with a Remarkable Spirit Award in recognition of her consistent support and leadership within the PPS community.