Wow! I am so impressed with the growth our students have made in band and orchestra this year. Students that took band and orchestra had their concert on Friday evening and they did such an amazing job. It takes a lot of hard work, practice and preparation for a concert and tonight Mr. Herrold, Ms. Linda, Mr. Rabe, and Mrs. Ahmad did a great job organizing the after-school events for our students, so they were calm and confident and ready to perform. Mr. Herrold and our students put on a great performance on Friday evening. We see you all and are so proud of each of you! All their hard work paid off!
Reminder the City Track Meet this week is Tuesday, May 12:
Just a reminder the city track meet this week will be at 4:00 on Tuesday, May 12 at the Stadium. This is for students that qualify. Mr. Hess will communicate with students that will be participating.
Soccer Games This Week:
Monday, May 11 vs Mark Bills- 3:45 Girls’ Bubble Field #2
Monday, May 11 vs Mark Bills- 4:45 Boys’ Bubble Field #2
Staff Appreciation Week:
Thank you to everyone that made our staff feel appreciated this week. We spoiled our staff every day with different treats, breakfast, lunch, and special notes. Our Sterling team is blessed that our families share your children with us every day. We love watching our young Jaguars grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are thankful to be a part of your child’s journey.
Boys’ Varsity Basketball team will be Recognized:
We are excited to announce that our Varsity Boys’ Basketball team will be recognized at the upcoming city Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 12. This is an honor for them to be recognized as the 2026 City Champs!
Peace Plays in Peoria- Thursday, May 14:
We are excited that students from our fine arts program will be representing Sterling on Thursday, May 14 down at the Riverfront Museum. This is a great opportunity and we are excited that some of our art and music students have this opportunity to showcase their talents.
Please click on the link below for more information and opportunities in this week’s newsletter for additional information for the week May 11-15, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-news-volume-34-may-11-15-2026
Advantage Communications presents
Speech & Debate Camp June 1-18 for grades 3-8.
Register Today!
🌟 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🌟
This week, we’re celebrating the heart and soul of our schools—our incredible teachers!
📢 Here's what YOU can do
1. Encourage your kids to write a note, draw a picture, or simply say “thank you” to their teacher this week.
2. Let’s flood this feed with gratitude, appreciation, and love for the educators who make a difference every day. Tag your school and your favorite teacher in the comments and share a memory or a "thank you" message! 🍎🫶
FREE PEORIA SYMPHONY TICKETS
Hello Students, Parents, and Guardians,
I am delighted to invite you to attend the Peoria Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming GRAND finale season concert Grand Slam Jam featuring pianist Orion Weiss on Friday, May 15th! at 7:30 PM at the Peoria Civic Center Alliance Theatre Get ready for a funky, eclectic evening of Duke Ellington, Frank Zappa, the Moody Blues, & more! Plus, LiV Warfield returns for a special appearance!
This special opportunity is open to all Peoria Public Schools middle and high school band, orchestra, and choir students, along with their parents or guardians. Students who are 16 or older are welcome to attend on their own. There is no dress code, just come as you are. You will not want to miss this exciting experience.
TO RESERVE TICKETS-
Follow this link to reserve your tickets or scan the barcode. Reservation deadline for this concert is Tuesday, May 12th. Questions contact pam@peoriasymphony.org.
LINK FOR TICKETS-
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwJQMNGskQl_2fb2FmTEKya8-lcCS0JufHpif865J4LtRexw/viewform
What an incredible celebration of diversity! The 3rd Annual Multicultural Fair brought together teachers from 17 different countries to share their vibrant cultures with students, families, and the Peoria community. Peoria Public Schools proudly participates in the J-1 Visa program, welcoming global talent to enrich our classrooms and foster cultural exchange. Take a look back at this unforgettable event!
🎥 Watch the recap here!
https://youtu.be/OJZeESvuuM0
We will be continuing our spring NWEA math and ELA testing. Please make sure that your child is at school on time. It is important that all our students complete these tests this week.
Happy teacher Staff Appreciation Week! This week we will be recognizing and celebrating our amazing Jaguar team! We are so proud and grateful for the challenging work they put forth every day to help our students grow and succeed.
Reminder the Track Meet this week is Tuesday, May 5:
Just a reminder the track meet this week will be at 4:00 on Tuesday, May 5 at the Stadium.
Attention all 8th grade parents…. Log onto School Links and approve your child’s course planner for high school:
We still need quite a few of our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and approve your 8th graders’ course plan for high school. Please make sure you click on the newsletter link and follow the directions for School Links listed in the newsletter. We need our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and look at the course planner and approve your child’s high school schedule. If you have questions, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Ahmad at casey.ahmad@psd150.org.
Future Teacher Club Meeting:
On Thursday, our Future Teacher Club will be meeting with Ms. Mullen after school from 2:30-4:00. Students that participate in this club will need to make sure they have transportation arranged to be picked up at 4:00.
Please click on the link below for more information and opportunities in this week’s newsletter for additional information for the week May 4-8, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-newsletter-volume-33-may-4-8-2026
We will see everyone back tomorrow morning for a busy week ahead.
We hope you can join us for a retirement celebration honoring Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.
Click here to RSVP online.
Looking for something fun, free, and family-friendly this weekend? Join us on Saturday at the Third Annual Multicultural Fair at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Updates for the week of April 27-May 1:
Tomorrow we will be starting our NWEA spring testing. Please make sure that your child is at school on time, so they are here when their class takes the ELA and Math NWEA test.
Congratulations to our 8th graders for going to Chicago for the Science Convention:
Congratulations to Ethan and Landon for going to Chicago. They were invited to the state finals for Science Invention Convention.
Congratulations to Ms. Songbi:
Congratulations to Ms. Songbi for being recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Peoria Teacher of the Year this past week. We are so proud of her!
Congratulations to our 2 8th graders that will be recognized at the IPA student breakfast:
Congratulations to Robert and Claira for being recognized Monday morning for the IPA student recognition breakfast. These students have exemplified and live by our Sterling mission statement. These two students show dedication to and always strive for personal betterment to better each day in school and within our community.
Attention all 8th grade parents…. Log onto School Links and approve your child’s course planner for high school:
We still need quite a few of our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and approve your 8th graders course plan for high school. Please make sure you click on the newsletter link and follow the directions for School Links listed in the newsletter. We need our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and look at the course planner and approve your child’s high school schedule. If you have questions, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Ahmad at casey.ahmad@psd150.org.
Future Teacher Club Meeting:
On Thursday, our Future Teacher Club will be meeting with Ms. Mullen after school from 2:30-4:00. Students that participate in this club will need to make sure they have transportation arranged to be picked up at 4:00.
Please click on the link below for this upcoming week’s newsletter for additional information for the week April 27-May 1, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-news-volume-32-april-27-may-1-2026
We will see everyone back tomorrow morning for a busy week ahead.
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Let’s make a difference together!
Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program Opportunity
Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program 2026 Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 summer program. The program is a 6-week opportunity for students ages 14–15 who are graduating 8th graders or currently in high school.
Eligible students must submit a letter of recommendation from a principal, counselor, or teacher as part of the application process. The application is available on our Facebook page and linked in our newsletter. We also have additional copies in the main office.
HULT Trip for 7th grade on Wednesday, April 22:
Our 7th graders will be going to the HULT center on Wednesday from 9:00-12:00. The focus of the lesson will be Mega Brain. The parent information letter is included in the newsletter link.
Track for Boys and Girls:
Wednesday, April 22- Track Meet #2 @ the Stadium
Friday, April 24th- Trak Practice for Everyone after school
Saturday, April 25th- Track Practice for Everyone at 2:30
Soccer for Girls and Boys:
Monday, April 20th- Practice for girls and boys 2:45-4:45
Tuesday, April 21st- Game vs AJG- Bubble Field #2- Girls’ game starts at 4:30 and the Boys’ game starts at 5:30
Thursday, April 23rd- Practice for girls and boys 2:45-4:45
Attention all 8th grade parents…. Log onto School Links and approve your child’s course planner for high school:
We still need quite a few of our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and approve your 8th graders’ course plan for high school. Please make sure you click on the newsletter link and follow the directions for School Links listed in the newsletter. We need our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and look at the course planner and approve your child’s high school schedule. If you have questions, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Ahmad at casey.ahmad@psd150.org.
Future Teacher Club Meeting:
On Thursday, our Future Teacher Club will be meeting with Ms. Mullen after school from 2:30-4:00. Students that participate in this club will need to make sure they have transportation arranged to be picked up at 4:00.
Speech and Debate Championship on Saturday:
On Saturday the district speech and debate championship will be held at Manual from 8:00-2:00
Please click on the link below for this upcoming week’s newsletter for additional information for the week April 20-24, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-newsletter-volume-31-april-20-24-2026
Just a reminder that we are on spring break. School will resume on Monday, April 13 at 7:30 am. We hope all our students and families enjoy the break and stay safe. When we return April 13, we will be nearing the end and need to be sure that we stay focused and finish strong.
Congratulations to our 7th grade Spelling Bee School Winner:
We are so proud of Jhecob, a 7th grader at Sterling Middle School for moving on to the Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 28th. He will be competing against students from many different schools. Good luck Jhecob! We know you will do great and represent Sterling well.
Spring Break Choice Board Challenge:
Just a reminder there will be no school March 30-April 10 due to Spring Break. We encourage all our students to participate in our Spring Challenge and complete 6 items off the Choice Board. Students should have brought a hard copy of the choice board home so they can choose what activities they want to complete over break.
Track for Boys and Girls:
Congratulations to all the boys and girls that made the track team. Coach Hess will be connecting with students and families when he is holding practices. The first meet will be at the Stadium on April 15th.
Soccer for Girls and Boys:
Congratulations to all the boys and girls that made the soccer team. The girls and boys that made the team both received handouts for the soccer schedules and an information sheet on how to communicate with Coach DJ about any upcoming practices or games. The first game will be on April 15th. The girls’ game is at 4:30 and the boys’ game will be at 5:30 on field 3.
Attention all 8th grade parents…. Log onto School Links and approve your child’s course planner for high school:
We still need quite a few of our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and approve your 8th graders course plan for high school. Please make sure you click on the newsletter link and follow the directions for School Links listed in the newsletter. We need our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and look at the course planner and approve your child’s high school schedule. If you have questions, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Ahmad at casey.ahmad@psd150.org.
Future Teacher Club Meeting:
On Thursday, our Future Teacher Club will be meeting with Ms. Mullen after school from 2:30-4:00. Students that participate in this club will need to make sure they have transportation arranged to be picked up at 4:00.
Please click on the link below for this upcoming week’s newsletter for additional information for the week April 13-17, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-news-volume-30-april-13-17-2026
Enjoy your break and be safe. Hopefully we will see sunshine and warmer temperatures so we can enjoy being outside over break. We will see everyone back on Monday, April 13th at 7:30 to be our best and finish the year strong.
Come out and have some fun..... You are invited to the Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd.
7 Mindsets Out of Uniform Days:
Monday- Attitude of Gratitude- Crazy Socks - Time to be silly with your crazy socks!
Tuesday- Everything is Possible- Dress as your Future Self - Show us what you want to be in the future!
Wednesday- We are Connected- Wear your house colors! - Show up in house colors to celebrate your house family!
Thursday- 100% Accountable- Mismatch Day - Embrace your unique self!
Friday- The Time is Now- Pajama Day - Enjoy a day being thankful for rest!
Track Tryouts for Boys and Girls:
This week we will be holding track tryouts for boys on Tuesday March 24 from 2:45-4:30. Girls’ track tryouts will be Thursday, March 26th from 2:45-4:30.
Soccer Tryouts for Girls and Boys:
This week we will be holding soccer tryouts. Girls’ soccer tryouts will be on Tuesday March 24 and Wednesday, March 25th from 2:45-4:00. Boys’ soccer tryouts will be Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25th from 4:00-5:15.
Congratulations to Ms. Matos:
Ms. Matos is a 5th grade ELA teacher at Sterling. This is her 5th year at Sterling. Ms. Matos has been recognized by ISBE for the Those Who Excel Award Teacher of the Year Special Recognition. Congratulations! We are so proud of her for this achievement. Ms. Matos goes above and beyond for her students every day to provide her students with a collaborative and fun way to bring learning to life in her classroom instruction.
Attention all 8th grade parents…. Log onto School Links and approve your child’s course planner for high school:
We still need quite a few of our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and approve your 8th graders course plan for high school. Please make sure you click on the newsletter link and follow the directions for School Links listed in the newsletter. We need our 8th grade parents to log into School Links and look at the course planner and approve your child’s high school schedule. If you have questions, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Ahmad at casey.ahmad@psd150.org.
Future Teacher Club Meeting:
On Thursday, our Future Teacher Club will be meeting with Ms. Mullen after school from 2:30-4:00. Students that participate in this club will need to make sure they have transportation arranged to be picked up at 4:00.
Spring Break:
Just a reminder there will be no school March 30-April 10 due to Spring Break. We encourage all our students to participate in our Spring Challenge and complete 6 items off the Choice Board. Students will bring a hard copy of the choice board home on Monday so they can start planning what activities they want to complete over break.
Please click on the link below for this upcoming week’s newsletter for additional information for the week March 23-27, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/engage/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/parent-spotlight-news-volume-29-march-23-27-2026
