
📢 Reminder, PPS Families!
Wednesday, August 27th is a SIP Day!
⏰ Students will have a half day of school.
🚸 Please plan accordingly for early dismissal.
🏫 There is no school for Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center.
Wednesday, August 27th is a SIP Day!
⏰ Students will have a half day of school.
🚸 Please plan accordingly for early dismissal.
🏫 There is no school for Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center.


🏆 We want to celebrate Alantis M., Jennifer E., Jermany A., Delilah L., and Mya Watkins—winners of the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Award!
Out of 867 submissions from 187 schools, these five students—four from Whittier Primary and one from Harold B. Dawson Middle School—were selected as the top poems in Illinois! 🙌🏆
Five grade levels, five PPS poets, one incredible honor!
Out of 867 submissions from 187 schools, these five students—four from Whittier Primary and one from Harold B. Dawson Middle School—were selected as the top poems in Illinois! 🙌🏆
Five grade levels, five PPS poets, one incredible honor!






🚍👏 Congratulations to Sara Brill, General Education Transportation Supervisor, for steering her way to a Remarkable Spirit Award at yesterday’s Board meeting! 🎉
Her dedication keeps PPS moving in the right direction—and we’re grateful she’s always going the extra mile for our students and families!
Her dedication keeps PPS moving in the right direction—and we’re grateful she’s always going the extra mile for our students and families!


Missing a vaccine? It’s like turning in homework half-finished. Let’s complete the assignment!


Paraeducators with an associate degree are invited to apply by Sept. 30th.


Join us for the Schoolhouse Open - a fundraising event for the PPS Foundation. Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uvpr8t7/lp/7888bc10-01bb-4634-bc26-f3828cd34094

🎉 Community Contribution Award Winner! 🎉
We’re beyond thrilled to honor the Dream Center for giving 2,000 backpacks to the PPS community! Thanks to their amazing Backpack Peoria event, our students are starting the school year fully equipped and ready to learn. 🎒
We’re beyond thrilled to honor the Dream Center for giving 2,000 backpacks to the PPS community! Thanks to their amazing Backpack Peoria event, our students are starting the school year fully equipped and ready to learn. 🎒


🎉 Community Contribution Award Winner🎉
At last night's board meeting, we proudly celebrated Komatsu volunteers who have adopted Lincoln K-8 — generously giving their time and resources to support our students and school community. Their dedication truly makes a difference! 🙌
At last night's board meeting, we proudly celebrated Komatsu volunteers who have adopted Lincoln K-8 — generously giving their time and resources to support our students and school community. Their dedication truly makes a difference! 🙌


🌟 Senior Fenix F., PPS 7 Mindsets Student Ambassador for Peoria High, was featured at the Board Meeting for representing us at the 7 Mindsets Ultimate Life Summit in Orlando, FL! PHS staff say he was the clear choice because of his positive mindset, strong accountability for himself and his classmates, and the way he carries himself with top-tier character both in and out of the classroom. 💪


🎉 Congratulations to Maria Rodriguez, our amazing Records Clerk at Administration, for receiving the Remarkable Spirit Award! 🌟 Your positivity always brightens our day — way to go, Maria! 🙌


Shoutout to our Remarkable Spirit Award winners! 🎉
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, Stephanie Hanselman (Northmoor Kindergarten teacher), Katie Cobb (Valeska Hinton Principal), and Susan Klesath (Valeska Hinton Administrator) were recognized for leading the Waterford Upstart Program—helping preschoolers get kindergarten-ready!
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, Stephanie Hanselman (Northmoor Kindergarten teacher), Katie Cobb (Valeska Hinton Principal), and Susan Klesath (Valeska Hinton Administrator) were recognized for leading the Waterford Upstart Program—helping preschoolers get kindergarten-ready!


Harold B. Dawson Jr. Middle School celebrated its namesake's legacy on August 5th! Mrs. Lori Dawson and her family honored his birthday by bringing 130 pizzas for everyone to enjoy — a delicious tribute to a life that continues to inspire!





🎉 Welcome back, Peoria Public Schools! 🎉
We’ve missed you and can’t wait to kick off an amazing 2025–26 school year! 📚
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: make this year the best one yet!
We’ve missed you and can’t wait to kick off an amazing 2025–26 school year! 📚
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: make this year the best one yet!


🎒 School starts tomorrow!
Need help with uniforms? You’re not alone — for the latest information and support, please reach out to your student’s school directly. 👕


🍴 Now Serving: New Job Opportunities!
School officially kicks off next week, and Peoria Public Schools has 20 open cafeteria positions waiting for you.
Step up to the plate—apply today at https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/page/job-openings
School officially kicks off next week, and Peoria Public Schools has 20 open cafeteria positions waiting for you.
Step up to the plate—apply today at https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/page/job-openings


🎒 Backpack Peoria is almost here!
The Dream Center will be giving away 800 FREE clear backpacks for middle and high schoolers — first come, first served!
The Dream Center will be giving away 800 FREE clear backpacks for middle and high schoolers — first come, first served!


Starting Monday, a limited number of clear backpacks will be available at middle and high schools. If your school runs out, don’t worry—a backup supply can be found at the Administration office.


📣 Join us in welcoming the 2025-26 Board of Education! We’re excited to kick off a new year with this dedicated team of leaders working to support our students, staff, and community!
👥 Pictured left to right:
🟥 President Dr. Gregory Wilson
🟥 Lynne Costic
🟥 Vice President Paris McConnel
🟥 Christina Rose
🟥 Martha Ross
🟥 Newest member Brenda Wilson
(Not pictured: Larry Ivory)
👥 Pictured left to right:
🟥 President Dr. Gregory Wilson
🟥 Lynne Costic
🟥 Vice President Paris McConnel
🟥 Christina Rose
🟥 Martha Ross
🟥 Newest member Brenda Wilson
(Not pictured: Larry Ivory)


🎉 Huge congrats to Marvin P., a 6th grader from Trewyn K-8! He wowed the Board of Education with his presentation — no surprise, since he’s the youngest ever to win National Champion in Humorous Interpretation at the National Speech & Debate Tournament! 🏆🎭 Keep an eye out on this rising star!


🎒 Clear is the new cool! 🎒
Starting October 15th, 2025, all middle and high school students will be required to use clear backpacks.
✔️ A limited supply will be available for purchase in your school’s office.
🛍️ You can also find clear backpacks at most local retail stores!
Starting October 15th, 2025, all middle and high school students will be required to use clear backpacks.
✔️ A limited supply will be available for purchase in your school’s office.
🛍️ You can also find clear backpacks at most local retail stores!
