Creativity fuels growth. This year we have been talking about showing up, taking responsibility, and chasing after excellence. Creativity ties right into that. When our kids show up ready to think differently, they give themselves a chance to grow. When they own their ideas, even the ones that flop, they’re learning that mistakes are part of the process. And when they push themselves to find new solutions, they’re on the hunt for excellence. This week we’re asking students to lean into creativity in class, in sports, and even at home. I challenge you this week to ask your student, “What’s one creative idea you tried this week?” You might be surprised at what they come up with.
✍️ SAT Sign-Ups
The PSAT/NMSQT will be given on October 22nd here at Peoria High. Sophomores and Juniors should sign up with their counselors as soon as possible to secure their spot. The SAT is a key step in preparing for college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities. Please make sure your student stops by the counseling office this week to get registered.
📓 End of Progress Report 1
Progress Report 1 closes on Friday, August 29. This is the first big checkpoint for grades and on-track status. Now is the time to check Skyward, have conversations at home about missing work, and encourage your student to finish strong. Building momentum now makes the rest of the semester smoother.
📸 Picture Retake Day
Picture Retake Day is Tuesday, August 19 during English classes in the Auditorium. If your student missed the first picture day or would like a retake, make sure they are ready Tuesday morning. These pictures are used for IDs and the yearbook.
🏀 Sports Media Day
Also on Tuesday, August 19 at 2:45 pm in the Complex Gym, we’ll host Sports Media Day. This is an opportunity for athletes to represent their teams and get their picture taken.
🎓 Senior Spotlight
Senior Sunrise: Seniors are invited to kick off their final year together with Senior Sunrise on Friday, August 22 at 5:50 am on the new track. This tradition is a chance to gather as a class and celebrate the start of senior year.
Senior Fundraiser: Beginning Monday, August 25, seniors will launch their Krispy Kreme Digital Dozen Fundraiser. Families and friends can support the Class of 2026 by purchasing digital dozens online.
🏈 Meet the Lions Scrimmage
This Friday, August 22, is our Meet the Lions Scrimmage at Peoria Stadium starting at 4:00 pm. Come out and support our Girls Flag Football team along with our Freshman, Sophomore, and Varsity Football teams as they showcase their hard work and dedication.
We want our students in the stands living out the same expectations we set in school—show up on time, own their behavior, and hunt excellence by supporting their classmates the right way. That means cheering for our teams, staying positive, and showing respect. Poor behavior, fighting, or disrespect will not be tolerated. The stadium should be a place where families, alumni, and the community feel proud of how our students carry themselves. Parents, please help us reinforce this message at home so our students know exactly how to represent Peoria High on and off the field.
💡 7 Mindsets: Embracing Creativity at Peoria High
As part of the 7 Mindsets, this week we are focusing on Embrace Creativity. This mindset teaches students that new ideas and innovation come when we give ourselves permission to think differently.
Here are three takeaways we are emphasizing with students:
Be open to new ideas. Creativity starts with curiosity. We want students asking questions, trying new approaches, and seeing challenges as opportunities.
Learn from mistakes. Every attempt, whether it succeeds or fails, is part of the creative process. Growth comes when students see mistakes as stepping stones instead of roadblocks.
Think beyond limits. Creativity isn’t just for art projects. It’s problem solving in math, critical thinking in science, teamwork on the court or field, and even finding new ways to handle challenges at home.
🩺 Freshman Physicals & Senior Immunizations
A quick reminder from Nurse Baker:
Freshmen must turn in a current physical.
Seniors must turn in updated immunization records.
These are due by October 15th. You can drop them off at school or email them to:
📧 MARGARET.BAKER@PSD150.ORG
📞 ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Our current school-wide attendance is 87.1%, and we want that number climbing. 95% Attendance means your student is college and career ready. Students can’t learn, grow, or stay on track if they’re not in class. Here’s how to handle absences if they are necessary:
Absent? Call us at 309-672-6630 extension: 40096 or Email: ANGELA.SIERRA@PSD150.ORG
2+ absences? Our staff and support staff will reach out to make a plan.
We’re here to help students stay on track—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.
🏆 Excellence in Action
Students in AP classes are expected to take the AP Exams in the spring. This sets the tone for high achievement and prepares our students for college-level success. AP teachers are signing students up for exams in their AP classrooms, so every student is registered and ready to go. Families can support by encouraging consistent use of AP Classroom resources and celebrating progress along the way.
Thank you for backing our students as they show up each day, take responsibility for their learning, and chase after excellence in everything they do. This week, let’s lean into creativity. It’s how we grow, how we solve problems, and how we shine.
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