
Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Christopher McBride!
Christopher, an 8th grader, was nominated by Ms. Tatro, who wrote, "Chris is such a talented and dedicated artist! He comes to class excited to learn and help his peers in honing their skills. He models techniques for others, actively participates in whole class discussion, and puts his best foot forward in all of his classwork. As a peer, Chris knows no stranger and often makes a point to be a friendly face to all of his classmates. His positivity and work ethic are so impressive. Chris shows such passion and interest in all creative endeavors and his hard work truly pays off!" Chris is also involved in basketball and fashion club.


Thank you to the Upper Elementary staff, cast and volunteers responsible for another wonderful performance of this year's musical, "Finding Nemo". We had a packed house for our one-night-only show! Bravo!









Congratulations to PCHS Athletes of the Month Jayla Hammond and Simon Zimmerman!
#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk


Mrs. Bedekers Honors English class had their annual Miss Havishmam’s cake decorating contest after reading Great Expectations.
#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk





Please see the attached flyer if interested in 5th/6th grade volleyball.


Congratulations to Easton Friedman on being named to the News-Gazette All-Area 1st Team for golf!
#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk


PCJH is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. All donations are used to help provide Christmas for local families. Donations can be dropped off at the school office until December 17th.


The PCHS freshmen boys basketball game scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 at Peoria Christian has been canceled due to Peoria Christian not having enough players.

The Upper Elementary staff and students celebrated their Exemplary Designation with a carnival this afternoon. We are so proud of our staff and students for performing in the top ten percent of all schools in the state of Illinois for the 2023-24 school year. Way to go!











UE students listened to a presentation offered by Ameren Illinois and Nicor Gas. Students learned about energy and different ways to conserve both it and water in their homes. Each student brought home an Energy Education Kit . Some of these awesome items include: An advanced power strip, Showerhead, Shower timer, 4 LED lightbulbs, Water heater pipe insulation, Weatherstripping, Door sweep, Bathroom and kitchen aerators, Outlet gaskets.





Over the past 2 weeks, students in Ms. McArdle’s 8th grade science classes have been learning about acids and bases and neutralization reactions. Using different types of indicators helped students identify pH levels in a colorful way!






Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Kole Steidinger!
Kole, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach Johnson, who wrote, "This year Kole has taken on a leadership role right from the first day of tryouts and has continued to be a great team leader for us through the year. His leadership with his teammates has helped us start out the year with a 6-2 record and lead us to a county tournament championship. Kole is one of the hardest workers on the team which also sets the standard for everyone else to follow. Kole has worked hard at getting better with his point guard responsibilities and it has made a big difference in our team's success. I look forward to watching Kole continue to develop as a point guard and grow as a leader and basketball player." Kole is also involved in football and FFA.


Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Aaralyn Bogucki!
Aaralyn, an 8th grader, was nominated by Ms. Eshleman, who wrote, "Aaralyn is such a focused, hardworking student. She always makes sure her work is complete and if she happens to be absent she dutifully retrieves her missing work and completes it immediately. Beyond academics, I have personally witnessed her kind heart as well! She cares about the feelings of her teachers and her classmates, but more importantly, she's not afraid to express that kindness directly to the recipient. A friend came to her one day to show her that she got a "good news note" and Aaralyn told her she was so proud of her. I watched that student light up with pride after she said that, which made me SO PROUD of Aaralyn! :)" Aaralyn is also involved in yearbook, library aide, softball, and volleyball.


PCE had a successful Thanksgiving lunch today! The cafe staff prepared food for over 700 people and we had over 800 people visit throughout the day, including volunteers, Training Tomorrow's Teachers Today students from the high school, lunch visitors, students, and staff. Thank you to everyone who helps makes this day a success!




Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Treyton Zimmerman!
Treyton, an 8th grader, was nominated by Mrs. Kratochvil, who wrote, "Treyton is a model student in social studies! He leads by example, coming to class prepared and ready to work. He is attentive to any lesson or activity we are doing each day, and he participates during class discussions. He is supportive of his peers and always respectful to everyone in the room. It's my pleasure to choose Treyton for Student of the Week, and I have no doubt that his future is very bright!" Treyton is also involved in baseball and FFA.


Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Hawken Kurtenbach!
Hawken, a 7th grader, was nominated by Coach Cheek, who wrote, "Hawken shows great leadership on the 7th grade basketball team, and he is always giving his all in practice and games trying to make himself and his teammates better." Hawken is also involved in FFA.


PCJH students are halfway through their 2nd grading period. Formal progress reports are not sent home. However, we strongly encourage you to check your child's grades. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to individual teachers or the school office staff.


The Girls Basketball Bank of Pontiac Turkey Tip-Off is almost here! The tournament will take place Nov. 18, 19, 21, and 23! Admission for the tournament will be $5-Adults, $3-Students/Senior Citizens, NO PASSES ALLOWED, students and staff will have to pay admission for the tournament games. Good luck Hawks!

Star lab was a special guest at the Upper Elementary today! We are thankful for the U of I extension office and 4H for giving us this awesome experience. Star Lab is a portable planetarium allowing students to view outer space phenomena from the comfort of our school! 6th grade students have been learning about moon phases and solar/lunar eclipses in science class. Students loved seeing the features of the moon up close and also spotting the umbra/penumbra from eclipses.











Support PCJH with Box Tops! See below for details.
