Peoria Public Schools

The final Warrior Way Café of the 2025–26 school year was a huge success! 🍽️ The café was packed, and culinary students even welcomed a special visit from the Mark Bills Life Skills class. Great food and hands-on learning go hand in hand! 👏

🤝 At the Superintendent Roundtable, Mariah Cooley shared ways students and community members can help prevent gun violence in our schools and neighborhoods. 🗣️ Her message was simple and powerful: See something, say something.

Explore the Construction career pathway at Woodruff Career and Technical Center and start creating the spaces where futures begin.
Learn more at www.psd150.org/nextlevel
#WoodruffCTC #NextLevelProgram #CareerReady #PPSProud

Congratulations on advancing to regionals!

📚✏️ Reminder! Wednesday, March 4 is a SIP (School Improvement Plan) Day!

It’s a half day for all students, and there is no school for students at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center.

Hats off to Fabian Daniels! 🎉

She’s one of just seven finalists chosen from nearly 100 school leaders across Illinois for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. 🌟

We’re so proud to see her leadership recognized! 👏

🍽️ This Thursday, March 5th, at the Warrior Way Café: cozy up with tomato basil soup, cheesy lasagna, and finish sweet with Limoncello layer cake! 😋

Don’t forget to snap a picture with our WCTC Bison 🦬 before you dig in! We’d love to see your café moments! 📸✨

💙 This week, we celebrate the remarkable school social workers of Peoria Public Schools who support our students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and overall growth every single day!

Join us in saying THANK YOU and write a word of encouragement in the comments!

🎓 Dr. Kherat delivered an inspiring message at the African American Hall of Fame Banquet this weekend!
We are so proud to share that PPS high school seniors were awarded $52,000 in scholarships to support their futures! 👏🏾👏🏾

Our award-winning culinary program at Woodruff Career and Technical Center is a recipe for success!
Learn more at www.psd150.org/nextlevel
#WoodruffCTC #NextLevelProgram #CareerReady #PPSProud

👏 Congratulations to the Community Contribution Award winners, the Peoria High School PPTO Officers!

President Trina Jordan, Treasurer Teresa Chappell, and Secretary Carrie Hill are the driving force behind the group’s strength and stability.

Their leadership and dedication show up in their monthly fundraisers, strong organization, and commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone. 💙

👏👏 We are so excited to celebrate Duranda Jones, a teacher’s aide at Glen Barton, for earning a Remarkable Spirit Award!

Known for her contagious laugh, she brings positive energy to all the students and staff around her.

PPS appreciates you!✨

🍎❤️ Shoutout to Josie Williams, a teacher at Whittier Primary, for earning the Remarkable Spirit Award!

Described as “loved by all,” she is known for bringing joy, kindness, and connection to her classroom every day!

PPS is brighter because of you! ✨

The Mardi Gras District-Wide Speech Competition was a huge success! 🎭✨

Here’s a clear look at our champions and team results:

🏆 Champions

Elementary Declamation: Justice D., Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center
Elementary Informative Speaking: Barbie A., Liberty Leadership Middle School
Elementary Original Oratory: Nova B., Whittier Primary School
Elementary Poetry: Marley H., Franklin Primary School
Elementary Prose: Langston F., Trewyn K-8 School
Elementary Storytelling: Treasure F., Trewyn K-8 School

Middle School Interpretation: Marvin P., Trewyn K-8 School
Middle School Public Speaking: Lucero M. R., Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center
Spanish Interpretation: Virginia R. G., Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center

Elementary Royal Rumble: Adonis P., Von Steuben Middle School
Middle School Royal Rumble: Martin R., Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center

🏆 Team Sweepstakes Results
Elementary Champions

🥇 1st – Trewyn K-8 School
🥈 2nd – Whittier Primary School
🥉 3rd – Lincoln K-8 School

Middle School Champions

🥇 1st – Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center
🥈 2nd – Sterling Middle School
🥉 3rd – Glen Oak Community Learning Center

A six-figure career doesn’t require a four-year degree. At Woodruff Career and Technical Center, students gain real skills that lead to real opportunities.

Explore WCTC programs:
💈 Barbering
🚗 Collision Technology/Auto Body
🏗️ Construction
💇‍♀️ Cosmetology
⚖️ Criminal Justice
🍽️ Culinary Arts
🚑 Emergency Services
🪮 Hair Braiding
🔥 Fire Science
❄️ HVAC
🩺 Health Occupations
💅 Nail Technology
🤝 Work-Based Learning

Find your path. Start building your future today.
#WoodruffCTC #NextLevelProgram #CareerReady #PPSProud

Announcing the Peoria County Chess Championship !!! Saturday, February 21, 2026 Hosted by Mark W. Bills Middle School Sponsored by Peoria County Regional Office of Education & Greater Peoria Chess ***Students must attend a Peoria County Public or Private school*** https://www.kingregistration.com/event/PeoriaCounty26 $5 Entry at the door (Peoria Public Schools plays FREE) Doors Open 8am Registration Open until 8:45am First Round 9:30am All other rounds ASAP 6 Sections - Swiss System K-3 - 5 Rounds - G30/5d 4-5 - 5 Rounds - G30/5d Junior High 6, 7, & 8 - 4 Rounds - G30/5d High School 9-12 - 4 Rounds - G30/5d Awards top 10 in each division (K-3, 4-5, 6, 7, & 😎 Top 5 HS. Biggest upset in each division. Top 3 teams in each division K-3, 4-5, 6-8, HS)

At Woodruff Career and Technical Center, students receive hands-on training and certifications for in-demand careers. The trades provide strong pay, job security, and opportunities to grow. 💼🏗️
Check out what WCTC has to offer:
💈 Barbering
🚗 Collision Technology/Auto Body
🏗️ Construction
💇‍♀️ Cosmetology
⚖️ Criminal Justice
🍽️ Culinary Arts
🚑 Emergency Services
🪮 Hair Braiding
🔥 Fire Science
❄️ HVAC
🩺 Health Occupations
💅 Nail Technology
🤝 Work-Based Learning
Build your future with skills that last.
#WoodruffCTC #NextLevelProgram #CareerReady #PPSProud