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IMPACT NEWSLETTER

February 2022

President's Message

This month we'd like to recognize the awesome board of directors that we have here at the Peoria Public Schools Foundation. They are such an important part of our organization! Their time, treasure and talents have helped us grow immensely over these last few years. Check out Cindy's video message below to hear more about our PPS Foundation Board of Directors.

Below are our AMAZING Board Members

We appreciate them so much!

See it Be it Program

If they can See It, they can Be It! That is the starting point for the primary level See It Be It career exploration program.

The See It Be It primary school career exploration program is looking for speakers in the following industries to share their work with our primary school students. All presentations will be via MS Teams and last about 15 minutes. Please find available dates/times at the following links:

Engineering Careers - 5th Grade

Healthcare Careers - 5th Grade

Manufacturing Careers - 4th Grade

Communication Careers - 4th Grade

Government - 3rd Grade

Environmental - 3rd Grade

Health Careers - 2nd Grade

Fitness Careers - 2nd Grade

Don’t See your career listed? We want you, too! Become a part of our Middle School Horizons Career Speaker Program. This opportunity can be in-person or virtual via MS Teams. Check out the days, times and schools available by clicking on the link below:

Horizons Speaker Sign Up

For more information or any questions about the See it Be it or Horizons program, contact Trish O’Shaughnessy at (309) 696-3406 or e-mail [email protected]

Scholarships Now Available for PPS Seniors!

The PPS Foundation has 22 different scholarships available for Peoria Public Schools seniors this year. Check out the links below for opportunities for each PPS high school. All applications need to be submitted online by March 1st.

Information for Manual High School Seniors

Information for Peoria High School Seniors

Information for Richwoods High School Seniors

PPS Foundation Scholarship Descriptions

Congratulations to our PPS Foundation HERO of the month - Michael Brix! Mr. Brix is an instructor at Woodruff Career & Technical Center (WCTC) where he teaches Work-Based Learning of the Construction Industry and about renewable energy. He's also a representative for the Peoria Federation of Teachers.

Mr. Brix has been so supportive of the PPS Foundation for the last several years. He regularly volunteers and attends our fundraising events and was extremely helpful in building and maintaining the mini golf holes for the Peoria School House Open - an event that raises funds for PPS Middle School Athletics.

When we contacted WCTC principal, Arnie Spiker, to let him know about Michael's award, he immediately said, "he is so deserving!" and we definitely agree. Congrats, Mr. Brix and thank you for all you do for Peoria Public Schools!

This month we caught up with Josh Collins, who is Director of Transportation and Fleet Services for Peoria Public Schools. We're excited to share his answers below so you can get to know him better.

Josh, how long have you been at your current job and what is your favorite part of your work day?

I have been the Director of Transportation for the past 8 years. I love the early mornings. Seeing the sunrise. I also love the comradery with my staff and others throughout the district.

What do you like to do for fun in the winter?

I love to do projects around the house. Especially anything dealing with smart home accessories.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Peoria?

Weavers on Radnor Road.

What was the last movie/TV show you watched and loved?

I’m not much of a movie or TV person. I prefer music. But the last movie I watched and loved was Avengers: End Game.

What advice would you give your high school self?

Stop trying to take the easy way out. There is so much pleasure in seeing a tough job to the finish.

Check Out our Latest Buzz Chat Video!

This past Thursday, Cindy Morris, chatted with former PPS Board of Education student member, Manual graduate and current representive for the southern district on the Peoria Park District Board of Trustees, Alex Sierra. We love all the great work Alex is doing in the Peoria community and can't wait to see what the future holds for him. Be sure to check out the video below!

Each month we connect with different members of our community to talk about our public schools and how they interact with current events in Peoria. All chats can be viewed live on our Facebook page on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. Not able to catch it live? No problem, the videos will stay posted on our page so scroll through to watch any you missed.

WE TAKE ONLINE DONATIONS!

Click the picture below to donate.

Ad spots are available on the new electronic sign located on the PPS Stadium property. The sign has great visibility for both eastbound and westbound traffic on War Memorial Drive. $300 per week or $1,000 per month spots are available. Artwork must be in a 2100 x 900 jpg file. The sign is 14 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

All proceeds for sign advertisement go directly to help Peoria Public School's campaign to improve the stadium property. For more information, contact [email protected].