September: Strong Starts Make Strong Years

Can you believe we’re already at the end of 1st quarter? Let’s help our students finish strong by showing up every single day this week. Being here, learning, and keeping grades up—that’s the baseline for success.

Parent–Teacher Conferences
We’d love to see you at conferences!

Tuesday, Sept. 30 • 4:00–7:00 pm
Thursday, Oct. 2 • 4:00–7:00 pm

Wednesday Reminder
Even though Wednesday is a shortened day, it’s still an important one. Students will be exploring college and career readiness with our Passion First mindset—discovering interests, asking questions, and taking a stand to pursue what excites them. These activities also prepare students for their part in conferences. And yes—attendance Wednesday counts toward our 93% goal.

Friday Fun
If we reach our goal, we’ll wrap up the quarter with House celebrations on Friday. Let’s finish strong and celebrate together!

Passion First for Families

We celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2025 through October 15, 2025. This year's theme is Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.

This celebration of Hispanic Heritage started as a week-long observance in 1968 but was later expanded to a full month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The September 15 start date is significant because it commemorates the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The month-long period includes other significant independence days, such as Mexico's on September 16.

This month reminds us to honor the core values in Hispanic culture that include familismo (a deep, collective loyalty to the family), religion, respect for elders, community (strong bonds and support systems), and personal relationships built on respect and harmony (respeto and simpatía).

6th Grade Immunization Deadline - Oct. 15

Let's meet the deadline for our immunization requirements so we can avoid any medical exclusions. Right now, 75% of our 6th graders have met the requirements or have proof of an appointment in order to avoid medical exclusion. Please reach out to Nurse McKenzie at mckenzie.payton@psd150.org or 309-672-6561 for more information.

Free Tutoring is Available. Sign Up Now.

America Reads is a free tutoring program that pairs kids grades K-8 with a Bradley student to help them with reading comprehension, but if needed they can also help with homework. Starting September 22nd, these sessions are 45 minutes at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and kids can attend up to three sessions per week. These sessions take place on Bradley's campus. See the link on the flyer for the application to enroll your child today.

Reminders

We are enforcing no cell phones from 7:30 - 2:30 each day. Students have a Yondr pouch assigned to them. Each morning when students enter the building, they must either power down their phone or put it in airplane mode (to preserve the battery) and lock it in their pouch.

Clear backpacks are also required this year. We have two options for families. First, you can purchase a district clear backpack for $20 from the main office. Second, you can attend a school event to receive a clear Von Steuben backpack.