Updated link for Parent Newsletter for August 17-21, 2026
Please be sure to check out this week's newsletter link to review what your child needs to be medically compliant for school. We need to be sure that every child has updated physical and immunization records on file with our school nurse, Nurse Sam. If you have questions about this, please contact our school office and Nurse Sam will be happy to assist you to ensure that all students are medically compliant.
Shout out to our Jaguars with attendance so far! We are currently at 97.16% attendance rate this school year! We love that our Jaguars are coming to school and our focused on learning. We have had a strong start to our year, and we will be celebrating our students on Monday with a special treat. We want our kids to know that we see them making the right choices, being respectful, and showing up every day. We know it is hard to get back into a routine, but our kids are rocking it, and we are so proud of them!
August 17-21st Parent Newsletter Link:
https://undefined.edurooms.com/newsletters/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/jag-parent-spotlight-newsletter-volume-3-august-17-21-2026
Wow! What an amazing first 3 days of school! We had a great start to the year and are looking forward to continuing to grow each day. Thank you to our parents and families for helping this transition into this school year be one of the best yet! We are excited to see what this year has in store for us, but every day we are striving to be 1% better and continue to make positive impacts.
This week we will be taking the fall NWEA math and ELA benchmark to get a baseline of where our students are academically performing in math and ELA. We will use this data to help drive our instruction so we can ensure that every child is being challenged and working to their potential to meet our standards and high expectations.
Just a reminder that girls' softball tryouts are Monday and Tuesday this week after school until 4:00 PM and boys' baseball tryouts will be this Wednesday and Thursday after school until 4:00 PM. Please be sure you have arranged a ride for your child if they are staying after school for tryouts.
We look forward to seeing every child at school tomorrow. Attendance matters! We need our students at school on time every day to continue to be our best version of ourselves.
Please click on the link for this week's newsletter:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/newsletters/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/jag-parent-spotlight-volume-2-august-10-14-2026
Just a reminder that bus riders enter through the front doors and car riders and walkers will enter the building at the back of the building.
We are so excited to see all our returning Jaguars, and we can't wait to meet our new Jaguars who are coming to us. This is going to be a great year!
Our 2026-2027 journey will officially start Wednesday, August 5th. School will be in session 7:30-2:30. We can't wait to see you all!
Please click on the link to see additional information for August 5-7, 2026:
https://peoriapublicschoolsil.edurooms.com/newsletters/sterling-middle-school/newsletters/jag-parent-spotlight-volume-1-august-3-7-2026
📚 As students set sail on a new school year, our community is answering the call to Stand Up. Show Up. Be There.
Join us in cheering on our scholars and helping them start the school year strong!⚓ #AnchoredInExcellence
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. We encourage our community to take time to learn, reflect, and uplift one another as we honor this important day. ❤️🖤💚
This week has been one for the books with celebrations and moments to be proud of for the 2026 school year. As of Friday, our chronic absenteeism rate is at 20%! We have been striving to get here all year and we finally made it! This past Monday, Sterling was recognized as the Third-Place winner for Most Improved Chronic Absenteeism for April in the district. Tuesday brought a wonderful opportunity for our Varsity Boys’ Basketball team as they were recognized at the City Council meeting at City Hall by Mayor Rita Ali. Thursday, we had some of our band and art students head downtown to participate in Peace Plays in Peoria. We wrapped up Friday celebrating our 8th graders as they completed their last full week as middle schoolers.
Congratulations to all of PPS High School Graduates:
We are so proud of all the graduates this weekend. All 3 high schools held their graduations on Saturday, May 16. We wish them all the best on their next adventure. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
8th Grade Promotional Ceremony:
On Tuesday, May 19, we will be recognizing the Class of 2026 at our Promotional Ceremony. Here is some important information that was shared with our 8th grade students to bring home:
Doors will open at 4:15 p.m. Complex Gym (Richmond St) doors ONLY.
Students will need to arrive by 4:30 p.m.
Everyone must have a ticket to enter.
Clear bags only. Diaper bags are allowed but WILL be searched.
Balloons and posters are NOT allowed to be brought into the building.
Doors will be locked at 5:00 p.m. No one will be allowed to enter.
Please be aware that Richmond Street will be closed for the event. Students WILL NOT be able to be dropped off at the door.
Parking is available at the pool, on the streets, and behind the school.
Out of Uniform Spirit Week: themes brought to you by our Jaguar students:
Monday: 90s Day! Wear your flyest 90s outfit.
Tuesday: Toddler Tuesday! Dress like a baby or toddler.
Wednesday: Student/Teacher swap day
Thursday: Class Colors and Field Day with Kona Ice
5th Grade- Green
6th Grade- Blue
7th Grade- Red
Friday: Fresh Friday! Wear your freshest summer fit.
Please click on the link below for more information and opportunities in this week’s newsletter for additional information for the week May 18-27, 2026:
We will see everyone back tomorrow morning for a busy week ahead.
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!
