Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High

Today we celebrated our Reading Challenge participants by hosting a Readers Breakfast in the PBL Junior High School library. Students enjoyed Casey's breakfast pizza and donuts from the bakery at Kirby Foods. We had 55 students participate this month in reading the nonfiction genre, which is our largest number of participants this year. Well done, Panthers! Thank you to the PBL Education Foundation for supporting our students and this program!

On Wednesday, our Panther Pals at PBL Junior High gathered for a celebratory lunch. The group enjoyed a meal from Jimmy John’s and had a fantastic time together. The Panther Pals would like to thank the Paxton Masonic Lodge #416 for sponsoring the event and partnering with our junior high to support our students.

The 8th Grade Orientation/Parent meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, March 4th at 5:30 p.m. in the PBL commons area. All current eighth grade students and their parents or guardians are invited to attend. Students and parents will receive information about courses offered at PBL, graduation requirements, extra-curricular activities and general policies. Also, there will be an open house taking place at the high school as departments and extra-curricular groups will be accessible for questions. Tours of the building will also be available. Please call the high school guidance office at 217-379-4331 ext. 2 with any questions.

Our 8th-grade students recently visited the high school for an immersive look at our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. During their tour, they explored diverse pathways including Business & Technology, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Sciences. It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning, topped off with some delicious cookies!

On Wednesday, January 28th, at 6:00pm, we will hold a meeting in the PBL JH Library to discuss plans for this year's 8th Grade Dance. All 8th grade parents interested in assisting with planning and organizing the dance are encouraged to attend. In previous years, 8th grade parents have organized this dance with the school's help. All money and proceeds will go to the Class of 2030 to support their fundraising efforts for high school events such as prom and more. If you are interested in assisting, please plan on joining us at 6:00pm on Wednesday, January 28th, in the PBL JH Library.

Good afternoon, PBL families, students and staff. We will be eLearning tomorrow, Friday, January 23rd. We have dangerously low temperatures forecasted Friday with snow to follow especially on Sunday. Here is a summary for this weekend:

FRI: eLearning, no student activities, practices or games

SAT: proceed with scheduled activities as planned until 7pm. Dance postponed.

SUN: no facility use with anticipated heavy snowfall. Wishing you a safe Friday and weekend!

Jon Kilgore Interim Superintendent

Knight of Columbus - Free Throw Contest: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual Free Throw Contest on Sunday, February 1st at PBL High School in the Gymnasium. The doors open at 12:00 p.m. for registration and warm ups, with the competition beginning at 12:30 p.m. Registration forms are posted in the boys and girls locker rooms. We have also posted the Context Flyer and Entry Form on the daily announcements.

Entry Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ewNKbszv7mLN5BEVkQQHGSlHWI9YzBAS/view

🏀Congratulations to our 7th grade boys basketball team for winning and advancing to the IESA Regional championship game. The championship will be on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:00pm vs. Bismarck-Henning Junior High at Hoopeston Area Middle School. Good luck, boys!

This March, we will host a free dental clinic on campus for junior high and high school students, which is especially convenient for parents of students entering 6th and 9th grade who are required to submit proof of a dental examination by May 15, 2026. Because these examinations remain valid for 18 months, eligible children can meet their school requirements through this partnership between Orland Park Dental Services and the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Licensed dentists, hygienists, and assistants will bring portable equipment to the school to provide comprehensive services, which may include exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, and the application of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to stop the progression of tooth decay. To participate, parents can complete the registration form via computer or smartphone at the Dental Clinic Registration link, though physical paper copies are also available for pickup in the main office.

Registration Link: http://bit.ly/4pS9SuP

Congratulations to the PBL Junior High School Students of the Week for January 12th - January 16th. Great job, Panthers!

Today we kicked off our High School Connections program with our 8th graders and the high school! Today's focus allowed for high school administration and the guidance office staff to introduce themselves and their roles at the high school. We will continue high school connections over the next two months to prepare our students to be successful at the high school.

Congratulations to the PBL Junior High School Students of the Week for January 6th - January 9th. Great job, Panthers!

Dear Panther Families,

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has recently approved several by-law changes that will impact seasons, schedules, and summer plans. Please see the link below or the attached image for what the changes entail.

https://aptg.co/kLf4BF

Congratulations to our 2nd quarter PBL Junior High School straight A honor roll and honor roll recipients. Great job, Panthers!

🌟 Scholastic Bowl season is upon us at PBL JH! Tryout times have been set. If more information is needed please reach out to Coach Sawyer ~ hsawyer@pblpanthers.org

Congratulations to the PBL Junior High School Students of the Week for December 15th – December 19th. Great job, Panthers!

Congratulations to our PBL Junior High School students that completed the December Reading Challenge. Each student independently read atleast one novel in verse. Thank you to the PBL Education Foundation for sponsoring our reading challenge! The students enjoyed a pizza party on the last day of school before break! Great job everyone!

Congratulations to the PBL Junior High School Students of the Week for December 8th – December 12th. Great job, Panthers!