
On Feb 27, Tom Zimmerman and George McKenna attended the Rotary North meeting and accepted a donation on behalf of the Friends of the ROE. The generous $3000 donation will be used to support the Gerald M Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration, Lincoln Award Dinner, and Career Summit.
Thank you Rotary North and the committee for the kind donation!



Calling all Visual Art Teachers and Students!
The calendar is turning to thoughts of the 40th year of the Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration. This year brings so many exciting possibilities because we are moving to the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitor’s Center!
Each weekday, from April 14th, 2025, to May 16, 2025, the talents of students and artists from all over Central Illinois will be featured, showing the Peoria area how the Arts make a community thrive.
We want to focus more on the artistic efforts of our students this year. We plan on utilizing the indoor lobby of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, so no more wind, rain, or flying objects!
Please consider the opportunity to feature Visual Arts from your students for all to experience. Even if your school is not participating through band, orchestra, or performing arts…we want your Visual Art!
Please email Renee Mueller at rmueller@peoriaroe.org to reserve a time and day.


Mark Your Calendars: Whole Health and Wellness Day: Thursday, March 20 from 9:30am-Noon at Mosaic Christian Church with the OSF Care A Van and Peoria Area Food Bank Mobile Pantry!


#SEL use is up in schools! This #SELWeek, let’s make sure the world knows that social and emotional learning prepares our students for healthy and successful futures, so those numbers keep rising! #SELDay #SkillsforSuccess #ReadyfortheFuture


Research shows that students with strong social and emotional skills are better prepared for future careers. This #SELWeek, let’s amplify how social and emotional learning (SEL) is helping students build the critical skills they need to thrive! #SkillsforSuccess


Don't miss out on meeting the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Dr. Rachael Mahmood tomorrow, March 5, while she guides you through an interactive "Cultivating Belonging in Schools," World Cafe session!
Please register TODAY at https://forms.gle/JuJNNZ9MshuSpe3F6


"How has a school social worker made a difference in your life? Share your story in the comments and help us celebrate School Social Work Week!
#SSWMatters #UniteToIgnite2025"


Our final Lincoln Award winner for 2025 is John Morris, President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum!
John received the Jim Cummings Lincoln Leader Award due to his help in transforming the Peoria Riverfront Museum into a vibrant cultural destination. A Peoria Public School alum and Richwoods High School graduate, he is the first native Peorian to lead the museum. Since 2017, he’s boosted fundraising, expanded educational programs like the Evey Student Initiative, which gives Peoria Public Schools students a free museum tour, and brought in major exhibitions that put the museum on the national stage. With a passion for community, John has helped raise over $100 million for local causes and held leadership roles at Eureka College, WTVP, and on the Peoria City Council.


Manual High School chose Amar Thomas as their recipient of the Lincoln Senior Award because of his leadership, integrity, academic excellence and community service! Way to go Amar!


The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has honored more than 500 Illinoisans for their extraordinary contributions to education across the state.
Congratulations to Katie Welch and all other Peoria County awardees!
View the entire list at https://bit.ly/isbetoy


The Lincoln Senior Award selection from Limestone Community High School is Victoria Bartolo who is always doing something to improve herself and the world. Congratulations, Victoria!


Shout out to Seth Green! He was selected as the Lincoln Senior Award from Illinois Valley Central High School for his hard work and achievement particularly in history and government and for hist belief in the values of America!


Elseth Hailu was selected by Peoria Christian High School for the Lincoln Senior Award based on her academic performance and dedication to understanding the world. Thanks for being a great example, Elseth!


Shamrock Shake's are back at McDonald's! For every purchase of the Shamrock Shake or OREO Shamrock McFlurry, $0.25 will be donated to the Peoria Ronald McDonald House! Get a great treat for a great cause today!


Princeville High School chose Jack Lied as their Lincoln Senior Award recipient for this year. He is a determined, hardworking student and works well with others. Congratulations Jack!


Shout out to Will George from Illini Bluffs High School! He was selected as their Lincoln Senior Award recipient for the combination of being self-directed, a solid student, a strong athlete, and an actor.


Join us next week for our interactive "Cultivating Belonging in Schools," World Cafe session with the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Dr. Rachael Mahmood!
Please register today at https://forms.gle/JuJNNZ9MshuSpe3F6


Meaghan Carpenter was chosen as the Lincoln Senior Award winner at Farmington Central High School for her leadership in her American Government class and the National Honors Society! Way to go Meaghan!


Congratulations to Cameron Ahart for being selected as Peoria Heights High School's Lincoln Senior Award winner for 2025! He participates in service organizations while taking honors and AP classes!


This year's Lincoln Senior Award at Elwood High School goes to Valedictorian Kaylin Williams, who is involved in athletics and the fine arts and is a leader in various organizations. Congratulations, Kaylin!
