IMPACT Newsletter - October 2026

President's Message

Save The Date - PPS Foundation 365 Breakfast

This is the 12th year of hosting the Annual PPS Foundation 365 Breakfast! It will be held on Thursday, January 7th at 7:30 AM at the Peoria Stadium Dome. More information about the event will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Gretchen Petrakis

Blood Drive - Monday, October 26th, 2026

Support Peoria Public Schools by participating in a blood drive on Monday, October 26th. It will be held in the PPS Administration Building from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. You can schedule an appointment to donate blood by clicking on the button below. You will then need to click on the “See Times” button to reserve a time slot. You can also call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule the appointment. By donating blood on the 26th, you will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card and earn 200 bonus points towards exclusive Donor Rewards.

In Person Career Speakers Needed for Horizons Club

Horizons Club at Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center

We are continuing to seek passionate individuals to speak to our Horizons Club students. Horizons Club is our career exploration program for PPS middle schoolers. We invite you to come to our our middle schools and share your career story with the students. Click on the button below to see the available dates and times.

PPSF Student Scholarships Available on November 1st

Do you happen to know of a PPS high school senior who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership or community involvement? The PPS Foundation has over 20 scholarships available for such students. The application period for our scholarships will open on Saturday, November 1st. Links to each application will be available on our website www.ppsfoundation.org. If you have any questions about the student scholarships, please contact Jen Adler at (309) 696-8681 or jennifer.adler@psd150.org.

Congratulations to the 2026-27 PPSF and CFCI Classroom Grant Recipients!

This year we were able to provide $32,435 to fund 33 projects between our Classroom, Field Experience, and STEM grant awards. All the grant project applications were high quality, making it tough for the classroom grant review committee to select the recipients. We want to thank everyone who took the time to pitch their wonderful projects to us. The grant application period for next year will open on July 1st, 2027 and close on September 1st, 2027.

Schoolhouse Open 2026

We hope everyone enjoyed themselves at the Schoolhouse Open on September 26th. The event raised $10,000, which will help support basic needs assistance, student scholarships, career exploration programs and so much more.

We greatly appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, in kind donors, and participants. We cannot thank you enough! Check out some pictures from the event below.

Principal Experience - September 28th, 2026

On the morning of September 28th, Andy Diaz and Sarah Howard, the two new members of the PPS Board of Education, had a unique opportunity to spend a few hours shadowing a Peoria Public School principal to see their day-to-day school operations. This PPS Foundation organized experience allowed them to build relationships with principals and other administrators in our schools and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a PPS school principal. Mr. Diaz shadowed Lincoln K-8 School Principal Crystal Monast, while Ms. Howard was at Franklin Primary School to shadow Principal Amanda Brown.

Thank you very much to these community leaders who took time out of their busy schedules to spend the morning in our schools.

Dr. Derrick Booth, PPS Foundation Board Member

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, Dr. Booth! Before we get to the questions, could you tell everyone a little about yourself?

I graduated from Manual High School in 1991. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. I then earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Development and School Counseling and a Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration, from Bradley University.

I began my career as a Professional School Counselor and Head Basketball Coach at Manual High School. In 2016, I became the first Director of Social and Emotional Learning for Peoria Public Schools. As the Director of Social and Emotional Learning, I made sure students, staff and families were provided with the support, services, and resources they needed to be successful. I developed and opened the doors of the Wraparound Center in 2018.

In January 2023, I transitioned to Trillium Place, an affiliate of Carle Health. Trillium Place is the region’s largest provider of mental health and addiction recovery services for children, teens, and adults.

For the first question, what do you love most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. It is important to me that my work aligns with my purpose: helping others, especially those who are underprivileged or underestimated.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Alexanders Steakhouse is a household favorite to celebrate special occasions. They have a nice iced tea as well. :)

Do you have a favorite movie or TV show that you can watch over and over again without getting bored?

There have been a few shows that I have enjoyed the past couple of years: POWER and several of the POWER spinoffs. Also, the show Snowfall is a great series that I enjoy. 

If you could snap your fingers and immediately learn to do anything, what would it be?

If I could instantly learn any skills, I’d choose electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry. I’m not very handy, so mastering those trades would be especially useful.

And lastly, what was something you saw recently that made you smile?

My children’s accomplishments have made me smile recently. Jianna has been active in cheer, speech, and other activities, while Chancellor was recently promoted to Sergeant in the United States Air Force.

Thank you again, Dr. Booth, for chatting with us. We are so excited to have you on the PPS Foundation Board!

Out & About with the PPS Foundation

Peoria Friendship House 75th Anniversary Celebration - September 12, 2026

Pathways to Success Conference - September 18, 2026

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.

PPS Foundation's Board of Directors:

Derrick Booth, Briggett Carter-Meachem, Beth Crider, Alex Elger, Alyce Jackson, Kim McGhee, Rachael Parker, Frankie Polnitz, and James Robertson

Ex Officio Board Members:

Dr. Jerry Bell (PPS Superintendent)

PPS Board of Education Liasion:

Sarah Howard

PPS Foundation's Staff:

Cindy Morris - President

Trish O'Shaughnessy - Vice President

Jen Adler - Director of Administration & Finance

Matt Violet - Missions & Operations Manager

Allison Coulter - PPS Foundation Ambassador

Katie Eckert - Career Program Coordinator

Kami Galindo - Social Media Coordinator

Kelly Koeppel - Career Tech Advocate

Amy Murphy - Career Tech Advocate

Jasmine Reyes - Career Tech Advocate

Isabella Turner - Career Tech Advocate

Cathy Wiggers - Career Tech Advocate