Peoria Public Schools

📚 First Day of School for ALL students: Wednesday, August 5
Before the first day, remember:
🎒 Clear backpacks are required for grades 5TH-8TH and high school students ONLY. They can be purchased at your student's school.
📵 Cell phones may only be used outside of school hours.
💉 Immunizations and physicals are due by October 15 for kindergarten, 6th, 9th, and 12th grade students.
We can't wait to welcome our students back on August 5!

A great first day at KCSS! 📚✨ Principal Thomas started the morning by encouraging students to make the 2026-27 school year their best one yet.

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🦅

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday year, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

📅 PPS offices will be closed on Thursday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.

👏 Join us in welcoming Dr.Jerry Bell as the incoming Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools! It is his first official day in this role, and we are excited for the leadership he brings to our district.

Dr. Bell shared his focus on supporting educators, strengthening communication with families, improving student learning, and ensuring safe schools for all students. He is committed to listening, learning, and working alongside staff and families as we prepare for the August 5th start of school.

Welcome, Dr. Bell! 🎉

Are you looking to up your chess game this summer?? Check out the ICA Chess Camps downstate the week of July 27-31th! There is a scholastic tournament too!! Peoria option - THREE Days of Lessons with IM Gauri Shankar, IM Arjun Vishnuvardhan in Peoria, and the Scholastic Tournament in Bloomington for $150!!! Peoria Public Schools Student $75 Discount = PEORIA150 (thanks to a generous donor) Bloomington/Normal option - One Day of Lessons with IM Gauri Shankar, and IM Arjun Vishnuvardhan for $50, and includes Free entry to the Scholastic Tournament in Bloomington. Peoria https://www.kingregistration.com/event/2026ChessCamp Bloomington/Normal https://www.kingregistration.com/event/26ICABNCAMP Tournament ONLY - Bloomington/Normal https://www.kingregistration.com/event/26camptour Greater Peoria Chess Mark W. Bills Middle School PPS Chess

🏫 Peoria Public Schools' incoming superintendent, Dr. Jerry Bell, shared his vision for the future of PPS at the Peoria Area Chamber’s State of Greater Peoria Education address.

📚 His goals include improving student achievement, reducing absenteeism, building strong relationships, and ensuring every student graduates ready for success. 🌟

🎒 Start the 2026-27 school year off right! Don't miss these back-to-school physical events to help your student be ready for the 1st day!

🏆 Eight months in a row!

Congratulations to Principal June Smothers and the team at Von Steuben Middle School for winning the Attendance Challenge! What a remarkable streak!

👏 May Attendance Challenge Winners:
🥇 Von Steuben Middle School
🥈 Harold B. Dawson Middle School
🥉 Franklin Primary School

🎉 Please join us in celebrating our 2025–2026 retirees! Together, this year's retiring employees contributed a remarkable 1,407.5 years of service to Peoria Public Schools. Thank you for your commitment and lasting impact on our school community!💙🍎

Congratulations to Mr. Thomas Mosley and Pastor Cyrus Burns! They received a Community Contribution Award for their generous $2,200 donation to Manual High School teachers through Ford Chapel A.M.E. Church. Thank you for supporting education!

⛳️ The Peoria Public Schools Foundation 29th Annual Golf Outing is underway!
The foundation is on par to hit its $90,000 goal, thanks to the remarkable support of sponsors, golfers, and community partners! Thank you for helping make a difference for PPS students and staff!

In observance of Juneteenth, all Peoria Public Schools offices will be closed.

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. We encourage our community to take time to learn, reflect, and uplift one another as we honor this important day. ❤️🖤💚

Dr. Kherat dedicated 11 years to leading Peoria Public Schools as Superintendent and 24 years total in the district!

Her years of service reflect a deep commitment to our students, staff, and community. Thank you, Dr. Kherat, for the lasting legacy you've built and the countless lives you've impacted along the way.

🍿 Grab the kids and catch a movie for just $2! 🎬 A perfect way to beat the heat without breaking the bank!

📧🤯 Dr. Kherat has sent an incredible number of emails during her time with PPS! Now that's a lot of communication, leadership, and dedication to our students, staff, and community!

🎓 Dream big and plan for your future!

ICC's Upward Bound program provides free support for first-generation and income-eligible high school students, including tutoring, college tours, academic advising, and career readiness opportunities. 🌟

As the 2025–26 school year comes to a close and Dr. Kherat prepares for retirement, we're sharing a little fun trivia to celebrate her incredible impact on Peoria Public Schools! 💙✨

🍎 We're Hiring Food Service Workers! 🍎

Help fuel student success every day while working with an amazing team.

Apply today at www.psd150.org/jobs