❄️ Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season! ❄️ 

Step inside Manual High School and meet the principal, Dr. Hawks. She's breaking barriers, rewriting expectations, and transforming what students believe is possible.

A decade out of high school, the class of 2015 are living proof that ambition, flexibility, and support from teachers and peers can take you further than you ever imagined. We caught up with six grads—each following a unique path—to see where their journeys have led, what inspired them, and what advice they have for today’s students.

A 6th-grade teacher at Harold B. Dawson Middle School, he lives by the 3 P’s: purpose, passion, and perseverance. Coming from a family of educators and a Richwoods graduate, he believes that adversity is just part of the journey.

This season, your generosity can make a real difference. Please consider donating to the Hand Up Food Pantry at the Wraparound Center. PPS students and families are putting the 7 Mindsets into action, especially 100% Accountable, by stepping up to support our local food pantries. When we take responsibility for our community, everyone thrives. Together, we can make sure every family feels supported.

If you haven't heard, PPS is thrilled to launch our very first Amazing Shake competition where students showcase their confidence, professionalism, and life skills through fast-paced, real-world challenges.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped up to be event judges and have helped our students shine in the school competitions! We couldn't do this without your help and look forward to seeing you on December 9, 10, and 11!

Building Peoria's Future, One Box (and Bold Graduate) at a Time

If you think the only “dirty jobs” in Peoria are on TV, think again—there’s real grit and glory happening right here, thanks to the Next Level Career Pathways at Peoria Public Schools. Just ask Tiannah Taylor, a 2024 Richwoods High School grad who swapped fancy nails and long eyelashes during the work week for steel-toed boots, and now she’s helping build the city’s future literally.

Northmoor Primary students more than doubled their goal, creating 2,123 “Cards of Hope” for local organizations—and marked the achievement with a laughter-filled pie-in-the-face assembly! Discover how this beloved tradition is making a real difference for students, families, and the entire Peoria community.

As parents and caregivers, we all want to see our children grow into confident, responsible, and independent people. Helping kids learn these important skills starts early and can be fun for the whole family! No matter if your child is in kindergarten or middle school, there are simple things you can do at home to help them build independence and responsibility.

Enjoy the sounds of the season this month all across the district!

Dec. 2 - Liberty Winter Concert Band and Orchestra

 • 5th and 6th grade at 5:00pm

• 7th & 8th grade at 6:15pm

Dec. 2 - Richwoods Choir Concert - 6:30pm

Dec. 4 - Hines Winter Concert at Richwoods at 6:00pm

Dec. 6 - Maude Sanders Winter Music Program and PTO “Sip n’ Shop” 9:00am - 1:00pm

Dec. 10 - Northmoor K-2 Winter Concert at 6:00pm

Dec. 10 - Whittier Winter Concert at 5:00pm

Dec. 10 - C.T. Vivian 5:30pm

Dec. 11 - Northmoor 3-4 Winter Concert at 6:00pm

Dec. 11 - Richwoods Holiday Orchestra Winter Concert at 7:30pm

Dec. 11 - Elise Ford Allen Winter Concert at 6:00pm

Dec. 11 - Mark Bills Winter Concert at  6:00pm

Dec. 13 - Richwoods Madrigals Concert (please contact the school to confirm time)

Dec. 15 - Reservoir Gifted Winter Band Concert - 6:00pm

Dec. 16 - Richwoods Christmas Holiday Showcase and Spaghetti Dinner $10/meal Doors open at 5:45pm

Dec. 16 - Franklin K-2nd grade Winter Concert 5:00pm

Dec. 17 - Lincoln K-8 Winter Concert 1:00 - 2:00pm

Dec. 17 - Trewyn Primary Winter Concert 1:30pm

Dec. 18 - Harold B. Dawson Winter Band Concert at 1:15pm

Dec. 19 - Charter Oak Holiday Singalong at 2:00 - 3:00pm

Dec. 19 - Sterling Winter Concert during school hours

Looking for another peaceful escape this holiday season?
Experience the magic of the Luthy Lights display at 2520 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria—an event that’s free and open to all ages. Stroll through beautifully illuminated, themed light displays, enjoy live holiday music, and marvel at the Conservatory’s dazzling poinsettia showcase.

Event Dates:

December 5–6

December 11–13

December 18–23

Time:
5:00–8:00 pm

Click HERE to sign up

for menu announcements

and cafe email reminders! 

warriorwaycafe@psd150.org 

Drop your answer to our DECEMBER trivia question for a chance to take one home!

Which Peoria Public School is known for its historic clock tower?

The winner will be contacted by phone on Friday 12/5/25.

NOVEMBER TRIVIA: What was the name of the very first school in Peoria?

ANSWER: The very first school in Peoria was located in a log cabin built in 1840 and named Hines Primary School. In 1855, FIFTEEN years later, legislation to establish publicly supported schools was passed.

For those who thought it was Peoria High - you were very close! 

👉🏼 Click here to learn more about Hines Primary School. 

Did you know that 25 of our Peoria Public School students are spending one Saturday each month diving into the fascinating world of medicine? These dedicated 5th and 6th graders are part of the Mini-Medical School, a hands-on program hosted by the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. It’s not about recruiting future doctors—it's about opening doors, sparking curiosity, and showing our students the many possibilities within healthcare.

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