Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD 10

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.

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!

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!

Yesterday was the Illini Prairie Conference annual art show. We want to take a moment to recognize three of our seniors that were in attendance. All of which placed in selected categories:

Lauren Krumwiede- 1st place Sculpture
Curtis Ostendorf- 2nd place Scratchboard
Nicole York- 3rd place Sculpture

We are so proud of their hard work and are grateful for our outstanding art teachers--Mr. Fairchild and Mrs. Wood--for their investment in these students over the years.

On Friday, April 17th, the PBL High School and Junior High School jazz bands showcased their talents at the 57th Annual Central Jazz Festival held at Central High School in Champaign, IL. This premier showcase successfully transformed the venue into a vibrant, family-friendly jazz club, featuring an impressive evening of both big band and combo music performances.

The Illinois Army National Guard Community Relations Event is happening today, Friday, April 17th, offering students a unique, firsthand opportunity to interact with military personnel and explore a variety of vehicles. Organized in collaboration with First Lieutenant Mr. Michael Callahan, an 8th grade social studies teacher, junior high track coach, and proud member of Bravo Company, 634th BSB.  The day kicks off at Clara Peterson Elementary School at 9:00am before moving to PBL High School and Junior High at 1:00pm. We are excited to facilitate this hands-on learning experience and look forward to a great day.

This week, April 6–10, we celebrate National Assistant Principals Week to recognize the incredible leaders who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our schools thrive. These dedicated professionals play a vital role in our district’s success by supporting students, empowering teachers, and managing daily operations with both precision and heart. Whether they are fostering a safe learning environment or collaborating with staff to improve student outcomes, our APs lead with unwavering commitment to the families they serve. We invite the entire Paxton-Buckley-Loda community to take a moment this week to thank these essential leaders for everything they do.

Come join us April 10-12 for our Into The Woods Musical. This will be hosted in the PBL High School Gymnasium. Tickets are $8 for Adults and $5 for students. Cash only. We are excited to share the hard work of our theater students with you! As you plan your family’s visit, we want to provide a quick content "heads-up." While Act 1 is a whimsical journey through classic fairy tales, Act 2 explores more mature themes, including grief and the loss of major characters. Because of these heavier elements, parents may find the second half of the show less suitable for very young children. We encourage you to use your discretion to ensure the best experience for your family.

On May 1st, PBL High School will celebrate “Declaration Day,” where seniors are invited to wear their chosen college, career, workforce, or military apparel to showcase their next steps after high school. See the attached flier for more information. We are excited to see and support everyone’s next steps as they approach graduation and finalize postsecondary plans!

We are thrilled to share that our Junior High and High School chorus and musical students recently enjoyed a fantastic trip to see the Broadway touring production of The Music Man at the State Farm Center in Champaign, IL on Monday, March 30th. This wonderful experience was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Choral Boosters, along with the incredible generosity of the PBL Education Foundation and Hudson’s Drug Store. Thanks to their support and a local grant, students were able to attend this professional performance for just $10, with the Booster Club covering the remaining ticket costs. It was a memorable evening of high-quality theater, and we are so grateful to our community partners for helping our students witness the magic of Broadway right here in Central Illinois!

On Saturday, April 4th, we celebrate National School Librarian Day by honoring the wonderful people who make our libraries the heart of the schools. Our librarians do so much more than just check out books; they are the friendly faces who turn story time into an adventure and help students find exactly what they need for their big projects. They create a warm, welcoming space where every student feels inspired to explore, learn, and grow. We are so lucky to have them in our schools—thank you for being such a kind and helpful part of our students' lives every single day.

Kindergarten screening is coming up! Please contact the Clara Peterson office for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Today we celebrated Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. We recognize our paraprofessional educators—also known as teacher assistants or "para-pros"—for their unwavering dedication to our students and staff. Whether they are assisting in classrooms, supporting enrichment activities, helping with assignments, or working with students who have special education needs, their role is essential to student success. Thank you for everything you do!

Judge Fitton recently visited Clara Peterson Elementary, where he read to all Second Grade and Kindergarten students. He shared the story Abe Lincoln’s Hat, engaging students with this fun and educational book about one of America’s most famous presidents. After the book, students had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Judge Fitton, making the experience even more meaningful. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone involved, and we truly appreciate Judge Fitton taking the time to visit and inspire our students!