This week, the PBL Junior High Student Council is proudly celebrating Red Ribbon Week!
Today’s spirit theme was Multiples Day, where students teamed up in pairs and groups to match outfits under the motto: "Matched by Choice, United in Purpose: Together We Stay Drug-Free." From twin outfits to full matching squads, our hallways were buzzing with school spirit, creativity, and unity. It was an incredible day highlighting the power of standing together for a positive cause.
Check out all the fun highlights and creative group looks in our Multiples Day Photo Album!
Good Luck to 8th Grade Girls Basketball in the TCC 3rd Place Game!
Join us in cheering on our 8th grade girls basketball team tonight as they compete for 3rd place in the Twin County Conference Tournament!
Matchup: vs. Cissna Park Junior High
Date & Time: Tonight at 6:45 PM (bus departs at 5:30pm)
Location: GCMS Middle School
Come out, pack the stands, and show your support. Good luck, girls!
Reminder - Orland Park Dental Services will be at the Junior High and High School this Friday! 🦷 There is still time to sign up for a no-cost dental exam and cleaning. This fulfills the mandatory 6th and 9th grade ISBE school dental requirement—no missed work, no driving, and no missed school. Complete your registration online via the link or have your student return the paper form sent home.
Our Student Council Red Ribbon Week is underway at PBL Junior High, and Student Council wants to remind everyone about our remaining spirit days and our annual poster contest!
Remaining Dress-Up Days:
Wednesday, Oct 28 – Multiples Day: Grab a friend or group and dress alike!
"Matched by Choice, United in Purpose: Together We Stay Drug-Free."
Thursday, Oct 29 – Sports Team Day: Wear your favorite jersey, shirt, or hat.
“Play the Game, Guard Your Future—Stay Drug-Free for the Win!”
Friday, Oct 30 – PBL Spirit Day: Show your Panther pride in Blue & Gold!
“Our School Chooses to Be Drug-Free.”
Advisory Poster Contest:
Theme: “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free.” (Must be written on the poster)
Paper: Pick up official poster paper in the JH office.
Deadline: Due to Mrs. Reber by the end of advisory on Friday, November 6th.
Prizes: One advisory winner per grade level, plus an overall school winner who earns a pizza party!
You can review our kickoff slides anytime via the Student Council Red Ribbon Week Presentation.
– PBL Junior High Student Council
Keeping Our Students Safe Online - Digital Safety Presentations at PBL Junior High
Today, our 6th grade social studies classes welcomed School Resource Officer Ryan and Officer Colon from the Paxton Police Department for an important presentation on Digital Safety.
With cell phones, apps, and social media platforms playing such a massive role in our students' daily lives, understanding how to navigate the digital world safely has never been more critical. Officers Ryan and Colon had candid, age-appropriate discussions with students about the real-world dangers of the internet—from location sharing and predatory behavior to viral challenges and online scams—emphasizing four core safety practices:
Think Before You Post: Understanding that comments, photos, and videos never truly disappear once shared on social media or group chats, creating a permanent digital footprint that can impact friendships, high school opportunities, and future careers.
Keep Passwords Private: Protecting personal identity and online accounts by keeping passwords confidential—even from close friends—to prevent unauthorized access, identity theft, and hacked accounts.
Report Cyberbullying: Looking out for peers by refusing to participate in mean group chats, negative comment sections, or targeted harassment, and speaking up immediately to a trusted adult or officer when harmful behavior occurs online.
Verify Your Sources: Staying alert to the dangers of communicating with strangers across social apps, recognizing deceptive profiles, phishing scams, and suspicious links, and ensuring that information shared on phones and the internet is trustworthy and safe.
This important safety series will continue across our other grade levels during their social studies classes:
8th Grade Classes: Tuesday, November 3rd
7th Grade Classes: Tuesday, November 10th
A big thank you to Officer Ryan, Officer Colon, and the Paxton Police Department for partnering with PBL Junior High to help our students make smart choices and stay protected online!
PBL Junior High School is proud to announce that all students passed all 1st quarter courses—marking zero failing grades across the entire school!
To honor this outstanding effort, we will host Sundae Monday on Monday, October 26th, in the Commons during grade level lunches for students.
Students: Vanilla, chocolate, cookies & cream, and allergy-friendly (dairy-free/gluten-free) options will be served when tables are called.
Staff: All faculty and staff are welcome to join and enjoy a treat during lunch periods.
Congratulations to our students on an exceptional start to the academic year!
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.
