🎉 Way to show up, PPS! 🎉
Congratulations to the schools making big strides in attendance!
Most Improved Attendance – December
🥇 Von Steuben Middle School – Principal June Smothers
🥈 Kellar Primary – Principal Jaime Peterson
🥉 Charter Oak Primary – Principal Dr. Kathy Rodriguez
Most Improved Chronic Absenteeism
🥇 Mark Bills Middle School – Principal Tyler Hesh
🥈 Franklin Primary – Principal Dr. Amanda Brown
🥉 Von Steuben Middle School – Principal June Smothers
Your hard work is making a real difference for students every day.
Not pictured: Principal Tyler Hesh and Principal June Smothers.
Congratulations to Margaret Baker, school nurse, and Matthew Shirley, PHS SRO. Your service, courage, and professionalism make an impact every day. Thank you for all you do for our students and the PPS community! 💙
Your mental health matters 💚
Cartwheel provides FREE counseling services, and we’re hosting a FREE informational webinar on January 16th at 6 PM! Come learn how Cartwheel can support you and your student(s).
📲 Mark your calendar and join us!
https://tinyurl.com/mska8ja
🛒 From the Heart Food Pantry
-January 8 & January 22
👶 Diaper Giveaway
-January 7 & January 21
📍 Wraparound Center
1419 S. Folker Ave.
Door 15 (Laramie & Latrobe side of Trewyn School)
We’re here to help connect families with the resources they need! 🤝
Valeska Hinton and KCSS are back in session on January 13th. Get ready for a great semester ahead!
As we turn the page to 2026, The Remarkable Times invites you to kickstart your January with a dose of inspiration, laughter, and a few surprises. Wishing you a brilliant start to the new year!
Click here to read the January Issue.
🏢 Offices closed: January 1
📚 Schools resume: January 6
⭐ Knoxville Center for Student Success & Valeska Hinton return: January 13
Wishing our students and staff a great start to 2026! 🎆
Congratulations, Mr. Brix! 🛠️👏
The drive also marked the school’s first house challenge, with students collecting 287 brand-new pairs of pajamas, and Altruismo collecting the most! 👏
Our 7th–8th graders brought their A-game with confident handshakes, strong presence, and professionalism beyond their years. We are so proud of the way they represented their schools!
🏆 1st Place: Delilah Lawson – Rolling Acres Middle School, House of Rêveur
🥈 2nd Place: Kavinaya Mahendran – Reservoir Gifted Academy, House of Amistad
🥉 3rd Place: Inanna Tucker – Annie Jo Gordon, 8th Grade, House of Amistad
👏 Incredible job to all students who stepped up, showed out, and made this year’s Amazing Shake unforgettable!
WCTC culinary students are selling their house-made croutons! They're perfectly seasoned and snackable!
Grab yours after enjoying lunch at the Warrior Way Cafe today! 1 bag for $3 or 2 for $5!
We’re excited to honor these three outstanding scholars who brought confidence and professionalism to the stage:
🏆 1st Place: De'Angela W — 6th grader at Mark Bills Middle School, representing Amistad!
🥈 2nd Place: Armani G — 5th grader at Rolling Acres, representing Isbindi!
🥉 3rd Place: Tyland J — 5th grader at Reservoir Gifted Academy, representing Altruismo!
Fantastic job to all three!
🎉 Congratulations to our 3rd & 4th grade Amazing Shake Champions! 🎉
We’re thrilled to celebrate these three incredible scholars who brought their confidence and professionalism to the spotlight:
🏆 1st Place: Mallorie A. — 4th grader at Northmoor Primary, proudly representing Altruismo!
🥈 2nd Place: Braylee J. — 3rd grader at Northmoor Primary, shining bright for Amistad!
🥉 3rd Place: Amaranth G. — 3rd grader, showcasing the spirit of Reveur!
These students wowed judges with their people skills, way to go!
The PPS Board of Education recognized several schools for major improvements in November!
✨ Attendance Growth
Von Steuben: +5.3%
Trewyn K-8: +3.8%
Richwoods: +3%
📉 Chronic Absenteeism Down
Mark Bills: –11.2 pts
Franklin Primary: –11 pts
Trewyn K-8: –7.4 pts
👏 Amazing work by our schools, staff, and students! Keep it going!
Her positivity, dedication, and heart shine bright! Thank you for all you do for PPS students!
Congrats to all our champions, finalists, and team winners, we’re so proud of you!
Huge thanks to our volunteers, staff, coaches, and judges for making it all possible. 💙
