Peoria Public Schools kicked off the new school year with a series of announcements during a recent meeting, highlighting upcoming events and important reminders for students and parents alike.

Friday night lights will commence this week, with local high school football games scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Peoria Lions will face Centennial High School at Peoria Stadium, while the Richwoods Knights will host Normal Community. The Manual Rams will be away against U High Normal.

In sports, the Reservoir Gifted Academy is sending six students to the IESA Golf Sectionals on September 4, with hopes of qualifying a team for the state competition on September 13.

The meeting also addressed key dates for the school year, including the first School Improvement Day on August 28, which will feature early dismissals at 11:30 a.m. for all schools. Parents are reminded that immunizations and physicals for pre-K, kindergarten, 6th, 9th, and 12th graders are due by October 15, 2024.

The first Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Council meeting is set for August 27, providing a platform for collaboration among school PTAs. Additionally, a Parent University event will take place on September 12, aimed at welcoming families back to school with informative sessions.

Attendance was emphasized as a critical factor for student success, with statistics highlighting the risks associated with chronic absenteeism. The meeting also provided a follow-up on a recent bus accident, noting the community's support and the positive impact of therapy visits for affected students.

Looking ahead, Peoria Public Schools will host a fall intersession from October 7 to 18, seeking local organizations to provide engaging activities for students during the break. Superintendent Dr. Kurrat will lead a roundtable discussion on August 28, focusing on career insights and life skills for students.

As the school year progresses, parents are encouraged to monitor their children's progress reports, which will be distributed on September 4, following the end of the first grading period on August 30. Schools will be closed on Labor Day, September 2, resuming classes on September 3.