This week is a reminder of what it means to say “I Am Peoria.” It is more than words reserved just for a football team; it is about pride, resilience, and showing up for one another every day in our city. Our students continue to live that out in the classroom, on the field, and in how they represent our school across the community.

As we move through the middle of the quarter, it is time to refocus on grades, attendance, and finishing strong. Grading Period 2 ends in two weeks, so now is the time for students to check in with teachers, turn in missing work, and close any gaps.

🏈 Playoffs Week 2 Spirit Week
We are moving on to Round 2 of the IHSA State Playoffs this Saturday at 7 pm v. Morton High School. At Peoria High "WE ARE" bringing the energy and swag all week long! Let’s flood the halls with spirit and show everyone what it means to be thee PRIDE of the CITY.

Here’s what’s happening each day:
Monday, Nov. 3: Sports Jersey Day – Rep your favorite team!
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Neon Day – Dress like Coach Asa (bright and bold)!
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Coaches, Cheer & Player Swap Day – Have fun with it!
Thursday, Nov. 6: Game Day Fit – Outfit on point. Walk into the playoffs confidence!
Friday, Nov. 7: Montgomery Day – Bald caps + Peoria High spirit wear to honor one of the best!

🎓 Academics & Student Success
We are down to the final two weeks of Grading Period 2, and this is the time for students to lock in. Here’s what every student can do right now:
Check your grades on Skyward or Teams to see where you stand.
Turn in missing assignments and talk to teachers about make-up work.
Ask for help early if something does not make sense.
Show up every day and stay engaged from bell to bell.
Finishing strong is not about perfection. It is about ownership, effort, and growth. Every small step counts toward a strong finish for Quarter 2.
A reminder for all students: All-School Eligibility is based on Quarter 2 grades. The work put in now determines what opportunities students will have later in the year, so let’s finish this quarter strong.

🎓 Jostens Senior Meeting
Seniors will meet with Jostens this Thursday, November 6 at 7:45 AM in the Auditorium to go over cap and gown information and graduation orders. This is an important step for every senior planning to walk at graduation. Families can also review and order online if needed.

📱 Cell Phones & Yondr Pouches
Phones should be out of sight during class to keep students focused on learning.
Students have the opportunity to place their phone in their Yondr pouch each morning or turn it in at the start of the day to avoid distractions and prevent parent pickups due to phone issues. 

1615: Show Up. Own Everything. Hunt Excellence.

PPD Explorer Program @ Lunches – Monday
GYT Day in Gym Classes & Marines @ Lunches – Tuesday
Pizza with Principals – Tuesday (TBA)
Jostens Senior Meeting – Thursday at 7:45 AM (Auditorium)
Staff & Student of the Month Breakfast – Friday at 7:45 AM
Cross Country IHSA State Championship – Saturday at 7:00 AM
Football Playoffs Round 2 vs. Morton – Saturday at 7:00 PM

Nov. 10: Sophomore Trip to Woodruff
Nov. 11: PPTO 6 pm
Nov. 12: Senior FAFSA Workshop
Nov. 12: PPTO Night @ Rumburgers 
Nov. 14: College Colors Day & National Superintendent Day
Nov. 14: Grading Period 2 Ends

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

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

✅ 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: 88% (Goal 88%)

• Seniors On Track: 84% (Goal 80%)

• Schoolwide Attendance: 89% (Goal 95%)

• Chronic Absenteeism: 38% (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. 
  ⭐NEW THIS YEAR!!! 

• Students with 2 or more unexcused absences 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

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.