As we move further into the semester, we are shifting from welcome-back mode into getting organized and getting back to work. Last week was about reconnecting, grace, and resetting expectations. This week is about tightening routines, building momentum, and doing the daily work that helps students move forward.

📚 Class Meetings & Student Planning
This week, students will participate in grade-level class meetings during the school day to review expectations, opportunities, and next steps.

On Thursday all students in grades 9–11 can complete their School Links Course Planner. Building a four-year plan helps students understand where they are headed, make informed course decisions, and stay on track for graduation. Seniors will use this time to complete School Links "to-dos" or work on scholarships.

🧠 7 Mindsets – Treasure Yourself
This week, students across all grade levels are focusing on the 7 Mindsets lesson “Treasure Yourself.” This lesson helps students recognize their value, build confidence, and make choices that align with their goals.

How you can support at home:
• Ask your student what “Treasure Yourself” means to them
• Talk about their strengths and growth this year
• Connect daily habits like attendance, effort, and behavior to long-term goals
• Reinforce the importance of taking care of themselves academically, socially, and mentally

🎓 Prom & Graduation Season
As excitement builds around Prom (April 25) and Graduation (May 16), we want to remind families that these moments are earned day by day. Attendance, grades, behavior, eligibility, and staying on track all matter. As more details become available, we will continue to share information.

🏫 Student Leadership and Growth Opportunities
Students have several opportunities to get involved and grow this semester, including (Flyers and Links below):
• ACT-SO (NAACP) enrichment opportunities in arts, STEM, business, and humanities
• Peoria Park District Ambassadors, a leadership and community service opportunity
• Bradley University/DAPCEP STEM and ACT/SAT Prep Programs

🏀🔥 Big Weekend for PHS Athletics
The boys basketball team stayed unbeaten in the Big 12 Conference with a 75–43 win, led by a strong sophomore group: Nigel Moore (18 pts), Orlando Edwards (14 pts), Kayden Turner (11 pts), and JJ Duffin (10 pts). The Lions followed that with a 75–55 win over Mount Zion, improving to 11–5 on the season. Edwards led with 18 points, Duffin added 16, and Adrezj Walker chipped in 11. The team returns to action Friday night with a big conference road game at Richwoods.

The girls basketball team picked up their first win of the season, defeating Danville 46–41 in OT, and returns to action Monday at home vs. Midland.

💃🏆 Dance Team Champions
Shoutout to our dance team, who brought home first place on Saturday at Mahomet. Great work representing Peoria High.

📣 Cheerleader Recognition
Senior cheerleaders Lakaysha Page and Gabriella Arrequin-Quintero were recognized by the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association (ICCA). Gabriella was honored for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher for six consecutive semesters, and Lakaysha was selected to the ICCA All-State Cheer Team, placing in the top 18 statewide. Head coach Gina Dailey shared how proud she is of both students for representing PHS with excellence in and out of the classroom. 

🎨✨ Peoria Art Guild Recognition
The Peoria Art Guild Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) is a highly selective, year-long professional mentorship for emerging artists. Selection reflects artistic skill, commitment, and readiness to engage at a professional level. Congratulations to Kimbria Linwood and Amari Williams (Juniors) for being selected for this year’s MAP cohort. This is a significant honor. Well done, Lionesses.

🎥 Can’t Make It to the Game?
If you’re unable to attend athletic events in person, many Peoria High School games are streamed live on our NFHS Network, allowing families to cheer on the PRIDE from anywhere.

👥 PPTO Meeting – Tuesday
Our PPTO (PROUD–Parent–Teacher Organization) will meet on Tuesday evening. Families should enter through the foyer. We appreciate the continued growth and participation of our PPTO and the time families invest in supporting our students and school. All families are welcome, and we encourage anyone interested to attend and be part of the conversation.

1615: Show Up. Own Everything. Hunt Excellence.

Monday
🎤 Pink Elephant: Change the Narrative Presentation – 9:00 am (Complex Gym)
🏀 Soph/Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Midland – 4:30 pm

Tuesday
👥 PPTO Meeting – 6:00 pm (Enter through the foyer)
🏫 Class Meetings (during the school day)
🏀 Fresh Boys Basketball @ Dunlap – 6:00 pm

Wednesday
🏊 Swimming @ Manual (with Macomb) – 4:30 pm
🏀 Fresh Boys Basketball vs. Centennial – 5:00 pm🏀 Fresh Girls Basketball vs. Morton – 5:00 pm
🤼 Wrestling @ Notre Dame (City Duals) – 5:30 pm

Friday
🏀 Varsity Girls & Boys Basketball @ Richwoods – 6:00 pm

Saturday
📣 Cheerleading @ Normal West – 8:00 am
🤼 JV Wrestling Jamboree – 8:00 am
💃 Dance @ Fieldcrest – 9:00 am
🏀 Soph Girls & Boys Basketball @ Richwoods – 10:00 am
🏊 Swimming @ Chatham Glenwood – 2:00 pm

Sunday
🏀 Soph/Varsity Girls Basketball @ ICC vs. Orangeville – 1:00 pm

Monday (MLK Day)
🏀 Varsity Girls Basketball @ Pekin – 1:30 pm
🏀 Varsity Boys Basketball @ Springfield Lanphier Shootout – 5:30 pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School) – January 19th

Panorama Screener Open – January 20th – January 30th

Show up at a game or concert this semester. It means more than you know.

🗓️ Athletic schedules: https://schools.snap.app/peoriahs

🎟️ Grab Your Game Tickets Here
All tickets for Peoria High home athletic events can be purchased through GoFan.
Click the link below for quick, easy, cashless entry:
👉 GoFan Link: https://gofan.co/app/school/IL21469

📺 Can’t Make It to the Game?
If you’re unable to attend a Peoria High School athletic event in person, many of our games are streamed live on the NFHS Network. This allows families and community members to support our students from anywhere.
👉 Peoria High School’s NFHS channel https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/peoria-high-school-peoria-il

✅ Reduce Chronic Absenteeism
Every day matters. We can’t teach students who aren’t here.

✅ Increase Freshman On-Track & Graduation Rate
We’re building stronger foundations and finishing strong.

✅ Increase Student Proficiency on the ACT
We’re sharpening skills and expanding opportunity.

📊 Data Snapshot

• Freshman On Track: 93% (Goal 88%)

• Seniors On Track: 90% (Goal 80%)

• Schoolwide Attendance: 87% (Goal 95%)

• Chronic Absenteeism: 42% (Goal 36% or less)

Attendance is one of the biggest factors in success. Every day matters. Show up, pick up a pencil, and create the best version of you.

• Doors open at 7:00 AM

• Buses will drop off at the foyer doors on North Street.

• Car riders should be dropped off at the back Atrium entrance.

• All students must pass through a security check each morning.

• After 7:30 AM, the Atrium entrance is the only one open for student entry.

All students must now use clear bags on campus.

• Students in extracurriculars can check in their bags each morning with their coach.

• Bags will be secured in the coach’s room or locker room office.

• Non-clear bags must be checked in and picked up after school in the auditorium.

• Clear bags are available for $20 from Ms. Hart in the Main Office.

🔗 Link to Clear Bag Policy

The 2025–26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open, allowing students and parents to apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.

How to Get Started:

Create a StudentAid.gov Account: Both students and parents need individual accounts to sign and submit the FAFSA form.

Gather Required Documents: You'll need your 2023 tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and records of untaxed income.

Complete the FAFSA Form: Visit fafsa.gov to start a new application. Students should initiate the form and invite parents as contributors if necessary.

Submit Before Deadlines: The FAFSA is a graduation requirement in Illinois.

Completing the FAFSA early increases your chances of receiving the maximum financial aid available. For more information and to begin the application, visit fafsa.gov.

Peoria High is a cell phone free school during the day. All students are expected to secure their phones in a Yondr pouch.

• Putting their phone in a Yondr pouch at arrival, or handing it over to be secured for the day.

• If a phone is hidden in their bag or later found at arrival, it will be a parent pick up.

• Any phone seen after arrival will also be a parent pick up.

• Headphones and iPads must stay in bookbags. If they’re seen during the day, they will be collected.

If your student needs a new Yonder Pouch they need to see our Treasurer Ms. GINA.DAILEY@PSD150.ORG to pay $30 for the replacement. Then Ms. AMY.DENSON@PSD150.ORG will then issue them a new pouch.

This is about opportunity. Students have the chance to start the day making the right choice so the focus stays on learning. Every minute in class matters.

🔗Yondr Pouch Info Sheet

Please contact your students counselor:

• Mr. Patrick Klimaszewski → Students with last names A–E

• Miss Tammy Collier → Students with last names F–K

• Miss Paula Webb → Students with last names L–R

• Ms. Casey Stone → Students with last names S–Z

✍🏾ACT PREP OPPORTUNITIES

All our policies—from dress code to behavior expectations—are available in the Student Handbook. Please take time to review it with your student. We will also discuss expectations, eligibility and more at our class meetings.
👉 Student Handbook

✅ Eligibility
All-School Eligibility is determined by the following behavior, attendance, and/or grade criteria (BAG):

• Students with Ds or Fs in 2 or more classes on most recent grade report.

• Students with 2 or more unexcused absences within the last 30 days. 

• No more than 20 tardies to class within the last 30 days

• Students suspended for fighting or reckless conduct are ineligible for the remainder of the semester.

•  

😷 Medical Mask
Students should not be wearing medical masks at school without a note from a parent or doctor. If your student has a note, they should see Nurse Maggie so she can notify all of their teachers.

🚫 Disruptions & Fights
Major disruptions, including fights, will be addressed seriously and can lead to significant consequences. We focus on resolving conflicts through restorative conversations and interventions first, but ongoing or severe issues may result in alternative learning settings. We have over 150 adults in the building ready to help students work through conflicts. If your student is having an issue with someone, they must seek out an adult immediately instead of trying to handle it themselves.

Principal, Mr. Shaun McGinnes

Shaun.McGinnes@psd150.org

9th Grade Principal, Dr. Ilethea Suggs

ILETHEA.SUGGS@PSD150.ORG

10th Grade Principal, Mr. David Walker

DAVID.WALKER@PSD150.ORG

11th Grade Principal, Mr. Trey Laird

TREY.LAIRD@PSD150.ORG

12th + POP Grade Principal, Dr. Nahreisha Tate

NAHREISHA.TATE@PSD150.ORG

Athletic Director(s), Ben Mahan

BEN.MAHAN@PSD150.ORG

If you have any general academic, attendance, athletic, or other student concerns, please contact the school at 309-672-6630 or at peoriahigh@psd150.org. You can also find answers to general questions in our Student Handbook. Parents, please continue check your email, our Peoria High Website and/or our Facebook for important announcements.