On May 23, the PPS board approved the purchase of chemistry curriculum learning materials for high school students to support the district's science curriculum revision plan, Spanish guided reading resources to help students improve English language proficiency and reading skills for Glen Oak and Harrison schools, and a supplemental Black History social studies curriculum for grades 5-8.
 
The board also heard the annual update from Quest Academy, which currently has 221 middle school students and 241 high school students with 57 seniors graduating on June 2 in Quest's seventh graduating class. All seniors are on track to graduate and advance to post-secondary education with 27 students attending two-year colleges and 34 being accepted into four-year institutions. 
 Becky Doubleday, Observer

​Peoria Public Schools
  On May 9, the PPS board approved a new K-4 math curriculum for the district at a cost of $897,706. Piloted this school year, the new curriculum is expected to better prepare younger students for Algebra 1 readiness, introducing grade-appropriate concepts earlier.
 
The board was also presented details of an amended 2021-22 district budget. A public hearing of the amended budget is scheduled for Monday, June 13 at the regularly scheduled PPS board meeting. Details of the amended budget are posted on the district's website at https://peoriapublicschools.org. 
Becky Doubleday, Observer

The Peoria Public Schools Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 25, 2022  with all seven board members present.
 
PPS Announcements (Upcoming Events)

• PPS is held the Annual Kindergarten Roundup at the Peoria Zoo on Saturday, April 30.
• Planning is underway for 2022 Summer School programming, scheduled for grades K-8 from June 13 through July 1 and for high school students June 6 to June 24. Students will attend the school they normally attend during the school year. Registration is open at www.peoriapublicschools.org/summerschool2022
• The Mayor’s Youth Program in conjunction with the City of Peoria Public Works Department will give students work experience during the summer. The application deadline is Monday, May 9.

 
PPS Awards and Recognitions
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat congratulated four PPS teachers – Emily Dawson, Shannon Sailer, Michelle Salazar and Lauren Wulf for earning advanced teaching credentials by achieving National Board Certification. The rigorous program, which is paid for by the state for eligible teachers, takes educators approximately two years to complete.
 
Student Showcase: Middle School Speech Team
Six PPS middle schools implemented a new speech and debate program targeted at fourth graders to improve their oral communication, vocabulary, analytical writing and public speaking skills. The schools – Glen Oak, Harrison, Lincoln, Trewyn, Roosevelt and Sterling – are using a program developed by Bradley alumni Salvatore Trajino of Advantage Communications. The hope is that next year up to 350 students will participate. The PPS District Championship is Saturday, May 14 at Manual High School.
 
District Presentation: Woodruff Career & Technical Center Solar Panel Installation
Installation of 545 solar panels at Woodruff Career & Technical Center should generate more than 318,000kWhs and offset 226 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The construction process including roof updates began in 2019 and was funded by a $1.6 million award from the Edwards Power Plant. Contractor Ruyle estimates school district saving about $16,000 annually. Students in Woodruff’s Renewable Energy Program have been able to observe throughout the construction process, which has produced approximately 1,400 union job hours. Next semester students will monitor the solar panels, studying the energy production onsite.
 
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda, which can be found at https://peoriapublicschools.org/domain/57, was approved unanimously.
 
To see the meeting, go to the Peoria Public Schools YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNu3PTGzEyjDH6qV7FKSnA.
 
Becky Doubleday, Observer

All Board members were present. Announcements included: upcoming SAT’s and PSAT’s and Summer School signups.
Student Showcase:
  Young Authors Competition Winners K-8 entries are shared through Peoria Public Schools social media channels.
  Middle School Boys Basketball City Champions AJ Guyton presented the Championship team Roosevelt Rough Riders recognized for winning city middle school championship.
“We try to get these boys into a state of mind outside what they see on the streets” and work to get them prepared for college.
Presentations by audience seven people spoke. Among topics: free Little League, support for schools promoting democracy, upset with mask mandates (2), upset with school name changes, support for Accelerated Reader program which has been discontinued and using Covid money on truancy solutions.
Superintendent Dr. Kherat’s update:

• Summer school for Grades K-8 June 13 - July 1. High school summer school June 6 to June 24.
• State of our Schools: May 4 at 7:30. Sheridan 4 Points
• 8 weeks left to go in school.
• Will follow up on Accelerated Reader program. Dr. Kherat is a supporter.
• June and July grades 5-12 will be receiving new desks and new chairs. Some are 50-60 years old.
• Big focus on flexible seating at the primary level, which is coming in the fall.

Consent Agenda
1.Donations to Peoria Schools to date
2.Payment of bills
3.Payment for travel
4.HR report
5.License agreement with Jolt Foundation
6.Field trip approval Harrison
7.Field trip approval Washington
8.Extend the fuel purchase with Hoerr Petroleum
9.Purchase of five used buses
10.Peoria High varsity cheerleaders overnight trip
11.National model UN Club conference
Consent agenda items 5 and 9 pulled:
  5. License agreement with Jolt Foundation for Harm Reduction with questions and details regarding: security for bringing the pilot to schools; professional medical office including Hep C finger stick, HIV swabbing, Narcan and Neloxone available. Will the school on-site program be open to anyone? Concerns about children being safe on site (clients must buzz in), loitering (hasn’t been an issue to date.) Hours will be 8-4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Located across the street from the Health Department. Passed unanimously.
  9. Purchase of five used buses- paying a little less than half for the buses with reimbursements and they are gently used. Passed unanimously. They may have wi-fi.
Deliberation Agenda Expulsion agenda approved unanimously.
Board notes

• April is national autism awareness month and child abuse prevention month.
• May is mental health awareness month
• Middle school speech tournament at Glen Oak. Inspiring tournament.
• Committee meeting schedules announced.

To see the meeting, you can go to the Peoria Public Schools YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNu3PTGzEyjDH6qV7FKSnA
Becky Doubleday, Observer