GET READY, PBL JUNIOR HIGH!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we have an exciting week lined up to promote respect, inclusion, and positive choices across our school.
To kick things off, students will spend time during Advisory on Monday, October 19th discussing our upcoming assembly as well as other events throughout October that support National Bullying Prevention Month. Then, on Tuesday, October 20th at 10:15am, the Junior High Gym will host the Go Big BMX Air Show!
During this event, pro athletes will perform high-flying BMX stunts while sharing inspiring messages focused on anti-bullying, respecting others, living your dreams, and staying motivated.
We extend a huge thank you to the PBL Education Foundation for sponsoring and funding this incredible experience for our students!
PBL JH Fall Band & Chorus Concert: On Tuesday, October 20th we will host our Fall Band & Chorus Concert in the PBL JH Gym at 7:00pm. Mrs. Breen and Mrs. Howard look forward to showcasing their students’ talents and all their hard work. Students should arrive at the band and chorus rooms no later than 6:15pm on Tuesday, October 20th to prepare for the concert. Doors will open at 6:00pm for seating in the gym.
Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys interested in playing basketball this season!
Sign-Up Sheet: If you plan on trying out, please make sure your name is on the sign-up sheet. The sheet is located outside the Junior High Gym by the trophy case attached to the wall. Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student interested in trying out can sign up there!
Final Open Gym: Get in some extra court time before tryouts!
Date: Thursday, October 15th
Time: 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: PBL JH Gym
Tryout Schedule: All tryouts will take place in the PBL JH Gym for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders:
Monday, October 19: 6:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Tuesday, October 20: 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, October 21: 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Students trying out need to be at all three tryouts
Important Requirement: All players must have a current physical and an insurance waiver on file to participate in open gym and tryouts.
If parents have any questions, please contact Lindsey Mutchmore (6-12 Athletic Director) at lmutchmore@pblpanthers.org.
PBL Junior High Presents Finding Nemo Jr.!
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! The cast and crew at Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High are taking the stage with Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., bringing all your favorite ocean characters and songs to life in a high-energy, fun-filled production.
Pick a showtime, gather your family and friends, and come enjoy an incredible weekend of theater!
Location: PBL High School Gymnasium
Showtimes:
Friday, November 6th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 7th at 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 8th at 2:00 PM
Admission: $5 per person and admission is purchased at the door
Doors: Open 30 minutes before showtime
Concessions: Delicious snacks and drinks will be available for purchase!
🌟 PBL Junior High Staff Spotlight 🌟
Help us celebrate another fantastic group of PBL Junior High team members!
Day in and day out, our staff goes above and beyond to spark enthusiasm for learning and build strong relationships with our students. We’re proud to recognize the dedication, talent, and care they bring to our halls every day!
We would like to congratulate the PBL Junior High School Cross Country Team on a great season. The team held its final cross-country meet of the year at home on Tuesday, October 6th, where we also celebrated 8th Grade Night to wrap up the regular season.
Up Next:
The IESA 3A Sectional will take place on Saturday, October 10th, at the Christian County Fairgrounds (1716 W. Spresser St., Taylorville, IL) starting at 9:30am.
Coach Reber and Coach Manley would like to give a big thank-you to all of our cross-country athletes for their hard work and a season filled with great memories.
A huge thank you to all of our incredible PBL JH families for your generosity! Thanks to your donations, the PBL Jr. High Staff Lounge is fully stocked with snacks and drinks. Your support means so much and shows our staff just how much they are appreciated.
Help Us with Our Next Event: PBL JH Staff Appreciation Cookout!
We are gearing up to treat our amazing Jr. High staff to lunch, and we need your help to make it a success!
Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
We are looking for donations to help host this event. Every contribution—big or small—helps us show our gratitude for everything our teachers and staff do for our students every day.
Please consider signing up to contribute using the link below:
👉 Sign Up to Contribute Here
PBL Junior High Band Joins the High School Band Tonight!
Tonight is a big night for our 7th and 8th grade band students as they take the field and stands alongside the High School Marching Band for tonight’s home football game!
Our junior high musicians have been hard at work mastering the school fight song, and tonight they get to experience the energy and tradition of game day firsthand. This annual collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for our younger musicians to step into the shoes of a high school performer, build mentorship with older students, and catch a exciting glimpse of their future in the PBL Marching Band program.
Student Details & Drop-off Information:
Report Time: 6:15 PM
Location: Junior High Band Room
Drop-off: Please drop students off at the back junior high band door, accessible via the playground blacktop area.
Come out, support our teams, and listen closely—our combined bands are ready to bring the school spirit tonight! Go Panthers!
🍎 Fall fun meets hands-on learning! Last week, Mrs. Reber brought her apple-pressing machine to school, giving our students a sweet opportunity to engage with a classic fall tradition while learning.
Check out all the photos from apple-pressing here: Apple Pressing 2026
🌟 PBL Junior High Staff Spotlight 🌟
This week, we’re celebrating more members of our teaching team at PBL Junior High!
Every day, our staff brings dedication, creative ideas, and genuine care to their classrooms. They support and guide our students both academically and personally, making a difference in our school every day.
Thank you to Ms. Manley for building a lesson that lets students learn by doing. Project Lead The Way gives our students a real taste of careers in medicine and science.
Thank you to PBL Education Foundation for funding our PLTW classes!
Great work, Panthers!
