PIC Parent Update

Dear PIC Parents/Guardians,

If you are not already aware, an important update was sent home about PIC. On Monday, the school board voted to close PIC at the conclusion of this school year. As a parent, I understand this may raise questions about the future. The district is currently finalizing transition plans and logistics for the 2026-2027 school year, which will be shared in the coming weeks. Below, I have included a message from Superintendent Owens.

Despite this news, we have much of the school year remaining and many exciting activities planned. Last week, we enjoyed a fantastic performance of Matilda Jr. Our PIC performers truly excelled, and the entire cast and crew did an outstanding job.

Next week, our fifth graders will take the Illinois Science Assessment. Teachers have been diligently preparing students for the ISA and the upcoming IAR. Fifth grade will take the assessment on Monday and Tuesday next week during their Science class. We kindly ask that fifth-grade students arrive well-rested and ready for their ISA test next week.

Additionally, we are still accepting parent surveys for the Illinois 5 Essentials Survey. You can click here to access the survey.

Thank you for your continued support.

Principal Jen Tekiela

Message Sent By Superintendent Owens, March 3, 2026

Good Afternoon,

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, after much deliberation and careful consideration of the district’s goals, the Board made the decision to close Peotone Intermediate Center effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

We understand that this news brings a mix of emotions and questions. Our primary focus right now is ensuring that our students, staff, and families are supported throughout this transition.

The district is finalizing transition plans and logistics for the 2026-2027 school year, which will be presented in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your patience and your continued partnership as we work to ensure a smooth transition for every student and staff member.

Sincerely,

Brandon Owens

Superintendent

Peotone CUSD 207U

PIC Families,

We are excited to welcome Richard Wistocki, nationally recognized Internet Safety and Cybercrime Prevention Detective, to our district for a series of student presentations on March 13th.

Detective Wistocki works with schools across the country to educate students about responsible technology use, online safety, cyberbullying prevention, digital footprints, social media awareness, gaming safety, and the legal implications of online behavior. His presentations are age-appropriate, engaging, and designed to empower students to make safe and informed decisions in today’s digital world. He also provides practical strategies students can use immediately to protect themselves online.

If you do not want your child to attend the presentation, please contact the main office no later than Monday, March 9 so that we can make alternative arrangements.

Last year, Detective Wistocki presented during our parent engagement series. We encourage you to take some time to watch the presentation and for strategies to help keep your children safe online.

Here is the recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/znwPMrUw78A?si=GBtTyK-5n5vP_9iv

We look forward to providing this important learning opportunity for our students.

With Miles of Smiles coming up in March (03/04-PES/CSC & 03/18 PIC/PJHS/PHS), can we have one more push for the Smiles of Miles program? We will be sending out permission slips to the students who will need transportation to the buildings that the program will be at.

If you are not directly certified and believe you would qualify for free/reduced lunch and fee waivers, please fill out both applications below for full benefits by the end of the first quarter.

Household & Income Application (Fee Waiver) - 2025-20226

Household & Income Application (Fee Waiver) Spanish - 2025-2026
National School Lunch Program Waiver Application (Free/Reduced) - 2025-2026

National School Lunch Program Waiver Application (Free/Reduced) Spanish - 2025-2026

With the increase in students on bus routes this year, we are no longer able to allow extra passengers to ride home with other students. Families will need to make alternate arrangements for these situations.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support.

We encourage families to ensure that their students arrive at school on time every day. We recognize that there are valid reasons for students to miss school occasionally. To help keep everyone informed, we send attendance reminder letters at 7, 10, and 14 absences. Additionally, we collaborate with Will County Truancy Officers to provide extra support services for families in need. The attendance team at PIC is dedicated to partnering with families for their success. Please feel free to reach out to our office or Principal Tekiela with any questions or concerns.

1. New Spirit Wear is Live

We've got new designs and lots of new types of items - crossbody bags, totes, hats and jackets. The store is open now until March 15th with delivery to the schools on April 2nd.

https://peotoneptospring2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

2. Car Wash Vouchers Are Here!
The online car wash store is open! Vouchers are $10 each and cover a Graph-X4 wash (which is a $30 value) at Tidal Wave Auto Spa in Bourbonnais. You can pay online or drop off cash/check at school after ordering via the store. Vouchers will be sent home with your student and are valid until November 2026—perfect for birthdays, gifts, or just to keep your car sparkling clean!

https://peotonepto-carwash.cheddarup.com

3. Help Make It Happen

Join us for our next PTO meeting in-person on Monday, March 9th at PES at 6pm (there will be a virtual link too). Kids are always welcome! For March, we'll be making lucky charm bracelets and talking about our great year-end fundraisers and events like the Spring Flower Sale, Teacher Appreciation Week and Family Fun Night!

4. Stay Connected with Us

Stay connected to us to keep up-to-date on our upcoming fundraisers and other event details! https://linktr.ee/peotonepto and be sure to follow us on social media! For every 50 new followers on facebook or instagram we will be raffling off a spiritwear item!

1. Help Make It Happen

Your ideas, participation, and planning make school events run smoother and more fun for everyone. Join the PTO at our next meeting on March 9th @ 6pm at PES - we would love to see more teachers and staff there!

2. Teacher Special Requests

Let us know if you have any special requests - our next vote will follow the March 9th PTO meeting. Remember you can submit for your annual $75 stipend at any time by completing the 2025-2026 Teacher Reimbursement & Special Request Form - there are detailed instructions on the form but you can always email peotonepto@gmail.com with any specific questions or concerns.

Please remember to contact the PIC office if your student is going to be absent or late. If your child is changing their route home, please call the office no later than 1:00 pm.

March 6 - SIP Day 11:00 Dismissal

March 9 - PTO Meeting at PES @ 6:00 pm

March 10 - Choir Concert @ PHS 7:00 pm

March 11- Grade 4 Ag Expo Field Trip

March 12 - Band Concert PHS/ Choir Club After School

March 13 - Common Plan Early Dismissal 12:45 PM/Third Quarter Ends/Go Big Blue Day Wear Blue

March 16 - School Board Meeting @ PHS 6:00 PM

March 17th - ❌Yearbook Club After School - Cancelled

March 19 - WCDOT Public Information Meeting held at PIC 4:00 - 7:00

March 20 - Report Card Day 3rd Quarter/Rok Star Day/World Down Syndrome Day/ Popcorn Day

March 23 - 27 Spring Break

Peotone Intermediate Center

Principal: Jennifer Tekiela (jtekiela@peotoneschools.org)

School Secretary: Miss Trish Brott (pbrott@peotoneschools.org)

Main Office: 815-469-5744

Email: jtekiela@peotoneschools.org
Website: https://www.peotoneschools.org/
Location: 9526 W Monee Manhattan Rd

Frankfort, IL 60423

Office Phone Number 815-469-5744