September 2026 IMPACT Newsletter

IMPACT Newsletter - September 2026

President's Message

8th Annual PPS Foundation Schoolhouse Open

Check out the following video featuring PPSF Board Chair Beth Crider talking a little about this year's Schoolhouse Open.

There is still time to sign up for the Schoolhouse Open on Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 AM. It will be a day of fun and friendly competition at The Bays and Fairways at the Golf Learning Center. There will be multiple contests available throughout the event, such as the longest drive and a putting challenge. We would love for you to come support Peoria Public Schools students while enjoying these new facilities. Register your group of up to six today by clicking on the button below.

2026 Schoolhouse Open Registration

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

In Person Career Speakers Requested for Horizons Program

First day of Horizons Club at Sterling and Rolling Acres

Our career exploration for PPS middle school students, Horizons Club, has recently started for this school year. As part of this program, speakers often come into the schools and talk to the students about their careers. We invite you to share your career story with the Horizons Club students. Click on the button below to view the available dates and times.

First day of Horizons Club at Trewyn

We are also still looking for career speakers to present virtually to students across the district on Wednesday morning, September 23rd. If you would like be a part of this opportunity, please click on the button below and select from the available times.

Buzz Chats with Dr. Bell & Dr. Andrews

We held our first Buzz Chats of the 2026-27 school year on Thursday, September 10th. In this episode, PPS Foundation President Cindy Morris chatted with PPS Superintendent Dr. Jerry Bell and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Renee Andrews. Dr. Bell and Dr. Andrews discussed their history in education, what they love about Peoria Public Schools, and their hopes for the district's future, among other things.

For this school year, we have switched to an in person format, with each episode now being broadcast live on YouTube. A recording of this episode can be viewed by clicking on the image above. We would like to thank Kelly Nehls and her students at Richwoods for their assistance in producing our Buzz Chats videos. Enjoy some behind the scenes photos below.

Dr. Derrick Booth and Rachael Parker Joins the PPS Foundation Board

We would like to introduce Dr. Derrick Booth and Rachael Parker as new members to the Foundation Board. They officially joined at our first board board meeting last week. Dr. Booth is the Director of Community Services at Trillium Place, and Ms. Parker is the Peoria County Clerk. We are so excited to have these amazing individuals on our board. Welcome to Team PPSF, Derrick and Rachael!

Thank You to All the Classroom Grant Applicants!

The application period for the PPS Foundation and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois classroom grants this year has closed. Grant recipients will be announced by October 2nd. We would like to thank all the PPS faculty and staff who took the time to submit an application. We truly appreciate what you do for your students!

PPS Foundation Hero of the Month: Dr. Ann Bond

Our Hero for September is the amazing Dr. Ann Bond, the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services. Dr. Bond has been such a huge support of the students in PPS and is always a cheerleader for the PPS Foundation. She has been instrumental in helping us incorporating the 7 Mindsets curriculum with the Horizons Club activities. This crosswalk of curriculums has provided a greater depth of learning for the students. She is always advocating for the students and staff, making sure their experience is tops. Thank you, Dr. Bond for all you do. You are a hero, indeed!

Dr. Renee Andrews, PPS Deputy Superintendent

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us Dr. Andrews! For the first question, what is your favorite thing about the Peoria area?

My favorite thing about Peoria is that it doesn't take long to get anywhere in the city! I have been to many larger cities, and the amount of traffic is insane, and it gives me anxiety.

What do you like to do on weekends?

On the weekends, I like to spend time with family and friends and sleep!!!!!

Who is your favorite recording artist or what was your most memorable concert?

My favorite recording artist AND concert is CeCe Wina.

If you could only have three apps on your phone, which ones would you pick?

My three must-have apps are: the Holy Bible, test message app, and Spotify.

And finally, if your could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Michelle Obama - we share the same birthday and for me, she represents class, intelligence, and poise.

Thanks again for talking with us Dr. Andrews. We wish you all the best in your new role as deputy superintendent!

Out & About with Peoria Public Schools Foundation

Hy-Vee (Sheridan Village) Back To School Bash - August 8, 2026

Yoga event for Center for Prevention of Abuse - August 31, 2026

WE TAKE ONLINE DONATIONS!

Click the picture below to donate.

All proceeds from the sign advertisement go directly to help Peoria Public Schools' campaign to improve the stadium property. Please reach out to Jen Adler at jennifer.adler@psd150.org for more information on pricing, artwork, or any other questions!

Thank You to Our Community Partners!

Special recognition to Elger Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Muir Omni Graphics, Prairie Home Alliance and Starbucks for their contributions to the Peoria Public Schools Foundation.