Congratulations to Carethia Hamner, our PPS Foundation Hero of the Month! Ms. Hamner truly stands out in her vital role as a school crossing guard. Each day, rain or shine, she goes above and beyond to ensure our students arrive and leave school safely.
Ms. Hamner's dedication and commitment to the safety of our children is truly appreciated. We extend our sincere gratitude to her and all of our incredible crossing guards who work diligently to keep our students safe on their journeys to and from school. Thank you so much for your work!
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Grant Opportunities for PPS staff are Now Available! |
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The PPS Foundation, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, has grant funding available for PPS staff to help enhance the classroom experience. Applications must be submitted by October 1st. Click on the picture below for more information on this program and the links to apply online today! |
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The Classroom is Calling for Career Speakers! |
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Our Horizons Club middle school career program is about to kick off for this school year, and WE NEED YOU!
This program has about 800 students from across the district that meet each week during their lunch hour to explore possible careers, learn goal setting strategies, and discover more about themselves. Starting in October, we're looking for volunteers to come in and share their career story with our students. All types of careers are welcome! Click the button below to sign up to speak today.
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Exciting News!
We are thrilled to introduce Trish O'Shaughnessy, the PPS Foundation's Director of Programs, as the new coordinator for our Adopt-A-School program! Trish has been with the PPS Foundation for over 10 years and currently oversees our Horizons Clubs and career mentoring programs. Her dedication and passion for community engagement make her a perfect fit for this position. With her wealth of experience and enthusiasm for Peoria Public Schools, we're confident that she will continue to promote the positive impact the Adopt-A-School program has had on our school district.
Opportunities to Help!
As we settle into the new school year, we have identified several key areas where both new and current Adopt-A-School partners can make a difference.
- Volunteering at our schools as a tutor or mentor
- Assisting with students' basic needs by donating new school supplies, sporting equipment, or food for our Little Free Pantries and Snack Packs
- Supporting our school staff by providing lunch or other items for Staff Appreciation days
If you're interested in contributing to any of the key areas mentioned above or have any questions, please feel free to connect with Trish at patricia.oshaughnessy@psd150.org.
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We recently talked with our very own, Trish O'Shaughnessy. Trish is the PPS Foundation's Director of Programs and recently took on our Adopt-A-School Coordinator role. She also directs our career exploration programs (Horizons and See it Be it) along with numerous other responsibilities. Trish is an amazing asset to the PPS Foundation and our community.
Hi Trish, thank you so much for chatting today! Let's just jump right into some questions. What's your favorite thing about the Peoria area?
I love the size of this city. It is large enough to offer so many fun opportunities but has a small-town feel. You can really become connected and make an impact in the community.
For sure! Do you have a favorite thing to do on weekends?
On the weekends my husband and I like to catch up on our shows, go to the Riverfront Farmers Market, and spend time with friends on the front porches of our historic neighborhood.
How about if you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which ones would you pick?
Spotify, Instagram, and the Apple Books app. Sometimes I have all open at once.
Yes, those are good apps to have! If you could snap your fingers and immediately learn to do anything, what would it be?
I'd love to be able to play the piano or learn how to sew.
And lastly, what's something you saw recently that made you smile?
My dog, always.
Thank you again, Trish, for chatting. We truly appreciate all you do for our community and the PPS Foundation!
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Join us for a new episode of Buzz Chats |
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We are so excited for our new season of Buzz Chats for this school year! Each monthly episode will feature a chat with a PPS alum and Cindy (a 1985 Woodruff grad herself!) and can be viewed live on our Facebook page at 5 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Join us for our first episode on Thursday, September 14th as we kick off this new season! Cindy will be chatting with Dr. Annette Coleman, a 1987 graduate of Peoria High School, about her new role as Director, Social-Emotional Learning & Community Partnerships for Peoria Public Schools.
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WE TAKE ONLINE DONATIONS!
Click the picture below to donate.
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PPS Foundation 2023-2024 Important Dates |
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Tuesday, August 1 — PPS Foundation & CFCI Classroom Grant Applications Available
Tuesday, September 19 — Principal Experience
Sunday, October 1 — PPS Foundation & CFCI Classroom Grant Applications Due
Wednesday, November 1 — PPS Foundation Scholarship Applications Available
Monday, November 13 — Classroom Grant Reception at BOE Meeting at 5:30 PM
Thursday, January 11 — 9th Annual PPS Foundation 365 Breakfast
Saturday, February 3 — 6th Annual Peoria Schoolhouse Open
Friday, March 1 — PPS Foundation Scholarship Applications Due
Wednesday, April 17 — Deirdre Purcell Collins Math Reception at 6:30 PM at TBD
Tuesday, May 7 — Principal Experience
Monday, June 24— 27th Annual Golf Outing at the Country Club of Peoria
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PPS Foundation's Board of Directors:
Dan Adler, Andre Allen, Beth Crider, Solivian Dismuke, Maarten de Haas, Alex Elger, Kim McGhee, Cheryl Sanfilip, and Doug Shaw
Ex Officio Board Members:
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat (PPS Superintendent) and Mike Murphy (PPS Board of Education)
PPS Foundation's Staff:
Cindy Morris - President
Trish O'Shaughnessy - Director of Programs
Jen Adler - Administrative Director
Matt Violet - Data and Programming Logistics Coordinator
Annalee Anderson - Career Tech Advocate
Olivia Smith - Career Tech Advocate
Tessa Little - Career Tech Advocate
Isabella Turner - Career Tech Advocate
Cassie Robbins - Career Tech Advocate
Allison Coulter - Volunteer Career Tech Advocate
Ailani Lee - PPSF Student Intern
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