We’re heading into December with a strong focus on what matters most that BAG! (Behavior, Attendance and Grades) With winter break and finals coming fast, these next two weeks will set the tone for how our students finish the semester.
🔥❄️ Heat Up the Holidays Attendance Challenge
Students who have Perfect Attendance from December 1–12 will receive a Christmas Grab Bag at lunch on Wednesday, December 17th.
But more importantly, here’s why attendance matters SO much right now:
These are the most important instructional days of the semester.
Students who miss class now have a much harder time getting ready for finals.
Coming to school daily helps rebuild routine after Thanksgiving Break.
Showing up gives students the chance to turn in missing work and raise grades before it’s too late.
Thank you for helping your student show up every day. Consistency = success at school.
🚌 Bus Quest App
For families who rely on busing, the Bus Quest App gives real-time bus tracking, stop reminders, and 24/7 access to route information. You can find more details on the Peoria Public Schools Bus Links page.
📚 Finals Coming Soon
We want every student ready and confident heading into finals. Please check Skyward this week and make sure your student does not have any Fs in Quarter 2. These last two weeks are the time to:
Turn in missing assignments
Ask teachers for help
Review class materials daily
Show up and stay engaged
We want students walking into finals knowing they did everything they could to end strong.
🎯 ACT — Looking Ahead to April 22
We’re also keeping our focus on the ACT for all freshman, sophomore and juniors on April 22nd. Strong daily attendance now builds the routine and academic stamina students need for the test. Families can help by encouraging simple habits like reading at home, reviewing notes, and asking questions in class. Every day of effort adds up.
🎓 Senior Updates
The Senior Trip deposit is due Friday, December 5th.
Seniors can check Microsoft Teams for the latest scholarship information.
Those participating in the fundraiser may pick up their candy once payment is submitted.
Questions? Contact Dr. Tate.
💬 How Parents Can Support “Overcoming Limiting Beliefs” at Home
This week in 7 Mindsets, our students are learning about Overcoming Limiting Beliefs, the negative thoughts that hold them back from doing their best. Here are a few ways families can reinforce this at home:
Talk about strengths. Ask your student what they feel confident in and what they have improved in this semester. Naming strengths helps build momentum.
Reframe the “I can’t.” When your student says “I can’t,” help them add one word: “yet.”
I can’t pass math yet.
I can’t stay caught up yet.
Set one small goal each week. Something simple like turning in missing work, studying for 20 minutes, or asking one question in class. Small wins build confidence.
Share your own examples. When kids hear how adults push through challenges, it makes the struggle normal and helps them see what is possible.
Celebrate effort, not perfection. Finals are coming. Progress and consistency matter more than perfection right now.
The goal is to help students believe in what they are capable of as we move into these important last instructional days.
🎄 Christmas Countdown Spirit Days (Dec 1–5)
🧦 Monday, December 1
Festive Fuzzy Socks
🎄 Tuesday, December 2
Christmas Headwear
❄️ Wednesday, December 3
Winter White
❤️💚 Thursday, December 4
Wear Red or Green
⛷️ Friday, December 5
Winter Sports Day
1615: Show Up. Own Everything. Hunt Excellence.
