🍎 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week at PBL!
Our teachers are the heart of PBL School District. From sparking "lightbulb moments" in the classroom to being mentors, cheerleaders, and innovators, they go above and beyond every single day to support our students.
Now, it’s your turn to share gratitude and thanks for our teachers!
We’ve set up a Teacher Shoutout Form where you can leave a note of gratitude for a teacher who has made a difference in your child's life or our community. We will be sharing these messages with our staff throughout the week to show them just how much they mean to us.
📝 How to Participate:
Click the link below to access our Google Form.
Write a quick note highlighting a teacher’s hard work, a kind gesture, or a great classroom memory.
Hit submit and help us make their week unforgettable!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7ojjKpocywXQLoJrEl8zETneLVQKNi95JOb33EeHQTtDLxg/viewform?usp=header
Why we appreciate our PBL Teachers:
They Inspire: Turning everyday lessons into lifelong passions.
They Care: Building a safe, supportive environment for every student.
They Lead: Dedicating countless hours to extracurriculars, coaching, and growth.
Our hearts are full! As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to give a massive shout-out to the incredible community partners who stepped up to make our educators feel like the superstars they are. 🌟
From providing delicious meals and treats to donating raffle prizes and classroom supplies, your generosity reminded our staff that they have an entire village behind them. Because of you, our teachers felt seen, fueled, and deeply valued.
From providing delicious meals and treats to donating raffle prizes and classroom supplies, your generosity reminded our staff that they have an entire village behind them. Because of you, our teachers felt seen, fueled, and deeply valued.
Our second graders had a "moo-velous" time last week exploring Fair Oaks Farms! This interactive field trip brought science to life as students stepped onto a working dairy farm to see the milking parlor in action and discover exactly how milk travels from the cow to the carton. Through hands-on exhibits and a guided tour, our young learners gained a whole new appreciation for cow health, nutrition, and the hard work that goes into modern farming. It was a fantastic day of discovery and a wonderful way to learn outside the classroom!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we want to take a moment to celebrate our PBL High School Staff!
From the classrooms to the hallways, these dedicated professionals go above and beyond every single day. They aren't just educators; they are mentors, cheerleaders, and innovators who show up with passion and heart to help every student succeed. These staff members support our students by attending games, concerts, and every milestone in between. Thank you for all you do for our students and their futures!
From the classrooms to the hallways, these dedicated professionals go above and beyond every single day. They aren't just educators; they are mentors, cheerleaders, and innovators who show up with passion and heart to help every student succeed. These staff members support our students by attending games, concerts, and every milestone in between. Thank you for all you do for our students and their futures!
Don’t miss the PBL Fine Arts Festival!
Thank you School Nurses!
Breaking news from yesterday's Illini Prairie Conference Track Meet!
Hallee Johnson broke the 300m Hurdle school record with a time of 46.82. She held the previous record at 48.24!
Hallee Johnson and Olivia Rehg both broke the school record in the 100m Hurdles. Hallee ran 16.18 and Olivia ran 16.47. The school record was previously held by Katelyn Crabb with a time of 16.57.
The combined effort of Audrey McCoy, Logan Loschen, Olivia Rehg and Hallee Johnson broke the 4x4 school record running 4:14.60. The previous school record was set in 1999 with a time of 4:14.94!
We are so proud of you all! It's another great day to be a Panther!
Hallee Johnson broke the 300m Hurdle school record with a time of 46.82. She held the previous record at 48.24!
Hallee Johnson and Olivia Rehg both broke the school record in the 100m Hurdles. Hallee ran 16.18 and Olivia ran 16.47. The school record was previously held by Katelyn Crabb with a time of 16.57.
The combined effort of Audrey McCoy, Logan Loschen, Olivia Rehg and Hallee Johnson broke the 4x4 school record running 4:14.60. The previous school record was set in 1999 with a time of 4:14.94!
We are so proud of you all! It's another great day to be a Panther!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week at Clara Petersen Elementary, and our hearts are full! This week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible educators who make our school a place of wonder, growth, and community.
From the first bell to the final bus, our teachers pour their energy, creativity, and love into every lesson. Whether they’re sparking a passion for reading, solving tough math problems, or offering a high-five when it's needed most, they are shaping the future—one student at a time.
It's time to give a big Teacher Appreciation shoutout to our Junior High School staff! 🍎
Let’s hear it for the incredible educators at PBL Junior High School! 📣
Being a junior high teacher takes a special kind of heart, a lot of patience, and a great sense of humor. Our team doesn't just teach—they advocate. Every single day, these educators show up to stand in the corner of every student, ensuring they have the support they need to crush their goals.
We are so proud of the energy and passion this group brings to our halls. Thank you for making PBL JH such an amazing place to learn and grow!
Today, Friday, May 1st, we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, an annual observance dedicated to honoring the professionals who provide essential meals to students across the country. We want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible kitchen staff at Clara Peterson Elementary, PBL Junior High School, and PBL High School for their tireless hard work and dedication. These heroes do more than just cook; they provide the nutritious breakfasts and lunches that serve as the vital fuel our students need to perform at their absolute best. We are so grateful for the care and effort they pour into our schools every single day!
Thank You, Mr. Wright, Mr. Didier & Mrs. Eshleman!
Yesterday, we celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day at PBL! 🚌🍩
Our bus garage crew truly does it all—from daily morning and afternoon routes to ensuring our students get to after-school sports and clubs safely. As a small token of our gratitude, the administration team dropped off fresh donuts yesterday morning to thank them for their dedication and service to our families.
To all of our drivers: Thank you for navigating our Panthers through every mile. Your hard work behind the wheel does not go unnoticed!
Our bus garage crew truly does it all—from daily morning and afternoon routes to ensuring our students get to after-school sports and clubs safely. As a small token of our gratitude, the administration team dropped off fresh donuts yesterday morning to thank them for their dedication and service to our families.
To all of our drivers: Thank you for navigating our Panthers through every mile. Your hard work behind the wheel does not go unnoticed!
Join us for the End of the Year Choir Performance next week, Tuesday, May 5th at 7:00pm in the High School Gymnasium. Both Jr High and High School Choirs will perform and awards will be presented. Bring your cameras as we celebrate the wonderful work students have accomplished this year!
Yesterday at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 26th, the community gathered at the Cadillac for a fantastic "Jazz at the Cadillac" showcase, marking an exciting move to this professional venue from its previous home at Pells Park. We had a wonderful turnout, and the PBL High School and Junior High Jazz Bands wish to thank the Cadillac in Paxton, Illinois, for hosting our performers on such a premier stage. Mr. and Mrs. Breen shared their immense pride in the High School and Junior High Gold and Blue bands, noting that these polished performances are only possible through the students' dedication to early morning and late-night practices. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the parents for their vital support and encouragement at home. With an energetic guest appearance by the Resurrection Brass Band (Alumni), it was a memorable afternoon that truly celebrated the hard work and talent of our entire music program.: Be sure to check out the following link for pictures from the event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/oVxfFJCJVTNen9fd9
We are so proud of our Math Team, who competed at the state competition last weekend. The team placed 6th overall!
Team results were as follows:
Orals team - 1st place State Champions: Johnny Rodeen and Kayden Vance!
Pre-Calc. Team - 3rd place, with Dylan Otto placing 5th individually
Junior/Senior 8-Person Team - 4th place.
Geometry Team - 5th place
Algebra 1 Team - 6th place
Algebra 2 Team - 6th place, with Ava Reinhart placing 6th individually
Junior/Senior 2-Person Team - 6th place
Freshman/Sophomore 2-Person Team - 7th place
It's a GREAT day to be a Panther! Special thanks to our coaches, Mrs. Pickens and Mrs. Duley, for their investment into this program and these students. We are so thankful for both of you!
While FCCLA members Danny Boston, Caleb White, and Corbin White toured the ISU campus today, they stopped for a photo with Reggie Redbird! On their tour, they were able to walk through the Family and Consumer Science classrooms with ISU ambassadors.
Mrs. Eshleman and Mr. Wachowski were thrilled to honor two outstanding seniors, Mason Vaughan and Olivia Rehg, at yesterday's Illini Prairie Conference Luncheon. These students were selected based on their athletic accomplishments, academic achievements, and overall positive contribution to our school community.
Mason Vaughan has been involved in football, basketball, track, NHS, FFA, and FBLA over the course of his high school career. He earned the Norm Henderson Award in football and was 2nd team all-conference running back in 2025. In track, he is also a three-time all-conference hurdler. Additionally, he is a 5-time all-state hurdler and 3-time all area honorable mention recipient.
Around school, Mason is an excellent student. He is kind, compassionate, and truly makes our entire school a better place.
When asked who has inspired his success, he said his coach, Tyler Rubarts. He has always been a trusted adult. Mr. Rubarts was a teacher to him, but also so much more. He is a great person and he is so thankful for his mentorship and leadership.
We wish Mason the best of luck as he pursues a degree in Sports Management and Recreation from ISU.
Olivia Rehg participated in basketball, volleyball, track, NHS, and FFA over the course of her high school career. She qualified for state four times in hurdles. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is an Illinois State Scholar.
In our school, Olivia is a highly respected student by her teachers and peers. She is an excellent teammate, always encouraging others and maintaining a positive attitude.
When asked who inspires her, she said Coach Porter. She has helped her improve her self-confidence and showed her how to shift her into a growth mindset.
Olivia will be greatly missed as she pursues a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy from ISU.
Mason Vaughan has been involved in football, basketball, track, NHS, FFA, and FBLA over the course of his high school career. He earned the Norm Henderson Award in football and was 2nd team all-conference running back in 2025. In track, he is also a three-time all-conference hurdler. Additionally, he is a 5-time all-state hurdler and 3-time all area honorable mention recipient.
Around school, Mason is an excellent student. He is kind, compassionate, and truly makes our entire school a better place.
When asked who has inspired his success, he said his coach, Tyler Rubarts. He has always been a trusted adult. Mr. Rubarts was a teacher to him, but also so much more. He is a great person and he is so thankful for his mentorship and leadership.
We wish Mason the best of luck as he pursues a degree in Sports Management and Recreation from ISU.
Olivia Rehg participated in basketball, volleyball, track, NHS, and FFA over the course of her high school career. She qualified for state four times in hurdles. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is an Illinois State Scholar.
In our school, Olivia is a highly respected student by her teachers and peers. She is an excellent teammate, always encouraging others and maintaining a positive attitude.
When asked who inspires her, she said Coach Porter. She has helped her improve her self-confidence and showed her how to shift her into a growth mindset.
Olivia will be greatly missed as she pursues a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy from ISU.
The PBL Junior High School Scholastic Bowl Team reached a triumphant milestone yesterday, April 22nd, by capturing the Twin County Conference Tournament title held at Prairie Central Junior High School. This impressive victory serves as a testament to the students' sharp intellect and quick thinking under pressure, showcasing the program's high level of academic excellence. Coach Sawyer expressed immense pride in the team, emphasizing that this championship is the direct result of the players' unwavering effort and tireless dedication throughout the season. Their collective hard work has truly paid off, marking a memorable high point for the Panthers' season. They now look forward to competing in the IESA Regional, which our junior high will host on Wednesday, April 29th starting at 4:00pm.
Behind every successful student, organized classroom, and smooth-running school day at PBL School District, is an incredible Administrative Professional making it all happen.
Today, we are taking a moment to recognize the secretaries who keep our district moving forward. They are the first friendly faces you see in the morning, the calm voices on the phone, and the logistical masters who handle everything from enrollment to "where did I leave my lunch?" Thank you for all you do!
Today, we are taking a moment to recognize the secretaries who keep our district moving forward. They are the first friendly faces you see in the morning, the calm voices on the phone, and the logistical masters who handle everything from enrollment to "where did I leave my lunch?" Thank you for all you do!
The PBL Jazz Bands are proud to present Jazz at the Cadillac on Sunday, April 26th, at 2:00pm for an afternoon of live music and community spirit. This special performance features the High School Jazz Band alongside the Junior High Gold and Blue Jazz Bands, showcasing the incredible hard work and talent of our student musicians across all levels. We are also thrilled to announce a special guest performance by the Resurrection Brass Band (Alumni), bringing a unique energy to this year's lineup. Admission to the concert is completely free, making it a perfect opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy a local cultural event in Paxton. Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon, so come out and support our musicians for this true highlight of the jazz season!
