Dear 8th Grade Parents & Families:
We are excited to announce our 8th Grade Recognition event on Thursday, May 21st, at 9:00am, in the PBL Junior High School Gymnasium. All parents and families are welcome to attend. The north doors by the gym will open at 8:15am for guest seating.
During the event, all 8th grade students will be recognized and presented with a certificate. Although it is not a graduation ceremony, we do take the time to recognize each and every 8th grade student.
We kindly ask students to dress in nice attire, encouraging them to look their best for the recognition event.
Important Information and Reminders:
Practice for the Recognition Ceremony: To ensure a smooth and memorable event, we will be conducting a practice for the 8th Grade Recognition with all 8th grade students and staff on Wednesday, May 20th, during the afternoon. This practice will take place during 8th and 9th periods. This time allows us to walk through all parts of the student recognition so students and staff know what to expect and where to be. We will also complete many of our large group pictures during this practice to avoid doing so on the day of the event.
Post-Event Reception: After the 8th Grade Recognition event on Thursday, May 21st, we will host a small reception with cupcakes and water at 10:00am for 8th grade students, parents/families, and staff in the Commons Area. This will provide time for pictures and goodbyes.
Student Dismissal Options: Once the 8th Grade Recognition event and/or reception is complete, parents may take their child home for the day if they wish. Students can also choose to stay for the remainder of the day to play games and activities with their classmates and teachers. Hudz Family Fun Zone will also be open in downtown Paxton, IL from 10:30am-3:00pm for free admission to any and all PBL JH 8th grade students.
Dilly Bars and Attire Change: If 8th grade students would like to bring a change of clothes for after the 8th Grade Recognition event, they are welcome to do so. As a final treat to end the year, our Student Council has purchased Dilly Bars for all 8th grade students and staff, which we will hand out and enjoy together before dismissal and the start of their well-deserved summer break.
Friday, May 22nd: Please note that Friday, May 22nd, is not a required school day for 8th grade students. However, if students need to complete outstanding assignments to improve their grades, they are encouraged to come in and work one-on-one with their teachers. We also have an early dismissal on Friday at 1:47pm.
It is hard to believe that this school year is almost over, and that in a few short months, these 8th graders will be 9th graders at PBL High School. The 8th grade staff and I are excited to honor this 8th grade class. We have high expectations for this group of young men and women as they enter high school. It has been a true honor to be their principal for the last three years.
If you have any questions, please call the school office at 217-379-9202.
Yours in Education,
Joshua M. Didier, Principal
PBL Junior High School
217-379-9202