Peoria Public Schools

💛 To our amazing Special Education teachers across Peoria Public Schools: thank you for creating inclusive classrooms where every student can grow and shine. We are grateful for all that you do! 🌟

Unwrap the December Issue of the Remarkable Times!
https://www.psd150.org/remarkabletimes

This season, your generosity can change someone’s day. 🌟 Please consider donating to the Hand Up Food Pantry at the Wraparound Center. Together, we can make sure every family feels supported.

To get connected to a Cartwheel counselor, reach out to your school principal today.

Last night, Brien Dunphy, who’s retiring this year, received a Remarkable Spirit Award! After 25 years in PPS and 15 years as Peoria High’s athletic director, he’s known as “the calm in the chaos.” He always makes sure kids are taken care of and is famous for organizing the IHSA Cross Country Meet hosted at Peoria High. A remarkable career with incredible impact! Congratulations!

🎉 Congrats to Stacy Peyton! At last night's board meeting, she was honored with the Remarkable Spirit Award! Students and staff at Whittier Primary know her classroom as Peyton’s Positive Palace, where attendance is 97% and kids lift each other every day! She even received a special thank-you from Ron Clark of Ron Clark Academy! 👏

CT. Vivian Primary School kindergarteners celebrated Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving this week! They shared what they were thankful for, wrote about it, and then came together to enjoy a special treat. We’re so thankful for all our students!

When life gets complicated Cartwheel can help. Ask your school counselor or principal for a referral today.

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 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