IMPACT NEWSLETTER
March 2020
President's Message
Happy St. Patrick's Day! The video below was done last week, and we know that things have change within that time. In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, we feel very lucky to be able to support PPS students and families with the work that we do here at the PPS Foundation. We are here to serve.
The PPS Foundation's primary mission is to support the well-being of our students and families. During these unprecedented times, we are asking for your help to do this. An increasingly important food resource for our community will be the Little Free Panties, located at many of our schools. We will keep these stocked each day for the use of our community and students. If you would like to help, you may donate to the Little Free Pantries by clicking on the picture below.
A list of Little Free Pantry locations can be found HERE .

3rd Annual Peoria Schoolhouse Open Update
Another successful year for the Peoria Schoolhouse Open that was held on Saturday, February 15th! Thank you so much to all who attended, volunteered and donated. Both Trewyn and Harrison schools have already received funds to help with their volleyball programs. Couldn't make it to the event, but would still like to contribute? No problem. We are still accepting donations. Click on the button below to donate online today.
Mr. Bob's Book Buddies
A PPS Foundation's Adopt-A-School Partner Program
If you would ask me how to describe Bob Caughey, I would have used words like, gentle, caring, helpful, dedicated, passionate and loving. Anyone who knew Robert Caughey, knew he dedicated decades to the students and staffs in Peoria Public Schools.

What are we going to do without him?

 ​ What are his kids going to do without him?
 
Bob’s Book Bag

Bob was at Lincoln School every
Monday – Thursday, 8:30 - 1:30.

He read with over 150 students
grades 2 – 8! ​

Bob’s church and community friends had an idea… ​

Bob Caughey’s friends from the community and First United Methodist Church have Mr. Bob’s Book Buddies up and running at Lincoln. Eight reading tutors have started, with more starting soon. More Buddies are being recruited.

We all miss Bob so much.

-Sarah Oakford, Adopt-A-School Coordinator
The Randy Simmons Scholarship Fund is held at the PPS Foundation. This Golf Outing is raising money so that this fund can continue to annually award scholarships to a graduating senior from each of the PPS high schools. Please consider participating in this fun event.

Not able to attend? You can still donate to the scholarship fund by CLICKING HERE.
Congrats to Barbara Pierce, a PPS Foundation SHERO!
Our March PPS Foundation "Shero of the Month" award goes to Barbara Pierce, who works in the Communications Department as a Communications Specialist in Peoria Public Schools. Barb is responsible for assisting in communication across the district with over 1000 staff and 1300 students. She is an invaluable part of the communications team and goes above and beyond with all that she does! Congratulations and thank you for all that you do, Barb!

This award will be given once a month to an unsung hero or shero in our schools.
Calendar Update: Classroom Grant Workshop Cancelled
The Classroom Grant Workshop that was scheduled to be held on April 1st is cancelled. Anyone who has already RSVP'd will still receive the 5 extra credit points on their grant applications for next school year. Please look for more information on our grant program to be posted to the Foundation's website during the summer. Thank you for your flexibility!
PPS Foundation's Board of Directors:
Andre Allen, Ruth Bittner, Solivian Dismuke, Maarten de Haas, Scott McCord,
Daniel Musisi, Josh Newell, Cheryl Sanfilip, and Cathy Wiggers

PPS Foundation's Staff:
Cindy Morris (President), Jen Adler (Administrative Director),
Sarah Oakford (Adopt-A-School Coordinator), Trish O'Shaughnessy (Director, Community Engagement & Horizons Program), Anne Kennedy (See it. Be it. Coordinator),
Allison Coulter (Horizons), Ella Dancey (Horizons), and Jen Maushard (Horizons)