Peoria County

Regional Office of Education #48

January 2025

We are now in our new home in the Health and Human Services Building at 2116 N Sheridan Road, Suite A! Office hours are now 8am-4:30pm. We look forward to serving students, educators, and the community from this new location!

Below are images from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held Tuesday, January 21, 2025:

Attendance Success Story: Carter's Journey to the Classroom

Donuts with Grown-Ups: Supporting Kindergarten Attendance

The event featured donuts, beverages, and an opportunity for parents to complete a survey pinpointing the reasons behind their child’s absences. We were honored to welcome our guest speaker, Kristie Hubbard, who facilitated meaningful discussions with parents and teachers about the importance of regular attendance. Her presentation emphasized the critical role of parental involvement and how building relationships with school staff can foster better attendance outcomes.

Building Connections and Problem-Solving

During the discussions, parents had the opportunity to share their challenges, brainstorm solutions, and learn about the long-term benefits of consistent attendance. Topics ranged from child development and parenting strategies to setting long-term goals for student success. By creating a sense of community, this event helped strengthen the bond between families and school staff, encouraging collaboration to tackle attendance challenges.

Addressing Barriers to Attendance

The surveys provided valuable insights into the obstacles some families face, such as:

• Lack of clean uniforms or clothing
• Transportation issues
• Food insecurity

Recognizing that these barriers often affect multiple students, not just individuals, our staff will use the survey data to identify the most common challenges and provide targeted support. By addressing these needs, we aim to create a school environment where every student can attend regularly and thrive.

Why Attendance Matters

Attending school regularly helps children feel connected and builds a positive foundation for learning. Developing good attendance habits early sets the stage for success in high school, college, and beyond. Students with consistent attendance tend to earn better grades and feel more confident in their abilities.

As student support specialists, we care deeply about our students’ success. We are committed to working alongside families to overcome barriers and help children achieve their full potential. Every day counts, and together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who participated in “Donuts with Grown-Ups.” Their involvement makes a difference, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to support our students. Let’s make every day count!

PRLC Received 2024-2025 PNC First Grant

Peoria Regional Learning Center’s Green Horizons Community Garden submitted by Leslie Ptak was awarded $950; The goal of a school-created community vegetable garden is to provide a multifaceted educational experience that integrates hands-on learning with practical applications in health, environmental stewardship, and community building. By fostering collaboration, promoting healthy eating, and implementing sustainable practices, the garden serves as a dynamic tool for personal growth, community engagement, and environmental awareness.

Through involving students in the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of vegetables, the garden transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Because students are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they can see the real-world applications of their learning, the garden’s interactive nature supports deeper involvement and enthusiasm in both academic and extracurricular activities. In addition, gardening promotes social emotional learning, promotes career readiness, and provides meaningful learning experiences which encourage community student engagement and service. By integrating these elements, the garden creates a comprehensive educational environment that meets the grant’s objectives and fosters holistic student development.

Canva and AI in the Classroom FREE Zoom Sessions

There are more offerings available! Those shared here are just the highlights. Please go to our online Catalog to see all the professional learning opportunities, including online and face-to-face!