Pekin Community High School District #303 - The Fire is Within

Playoff Football is here!
Pekin plays Thornton at Pekin on Friday at 7:00 pm!
Gates open at 5:30 pm!

Per IHSA policy, no passes will be accepted.
Tickets are $8 cash or $6 + fee on GoFan.
All entrants (students, seniors, etc.) are required to have a ticket.
We will post the ticketing link, once the IHSA has provided it.

#FireUp

As part of Future Focus Day, our dragons attended a career fair, connected with PCHS staff over building skills and left campus for community service and college visits. Future focus day reflects the opportunities PCHS provides for students to explore their passions, discover new possibilities, and take steps towards the future!

Embrace the season of giving! We will be collecting new toys during our production of It's A Wonderful Life. With the help of our student council, the toys will be given to local families in our community.

Today, Student Council leaders attended the Fall Mid-Illini Student Council Meeting today and honed their leadership skills in Judge Kate Gorman's courtroom!

Great stories begin at PCHS—and continue long after students leave our halls.

As we celebrate our 2026 Distinguished Alumni, we invite you to help us find the next honorees. Think of a former classmate, family member, or community leader whose accomplishments deserve recognition.

📅 Submit nominations by January 8.
📝 https://aptg.co/VQ2zvy

Tickets are now on sale for the Fall Play!
https://gofan.co/app/school/IL21468

If approved, by law, County Schools Facility Sales Tax revenue can be used for:
•School Safety and Security: Fire prevention, life safety, School Resource Officers, and Mental Health Providers.
•Facility Improvements: Roof repairs, energy efficiency, additions, renovations, durable equipment, new facilities, and more.
Each school district maintains local control over funds and decides how to use them to address the unique needs of its school community.
Learn more about how this request could impact students, staff, and our school community by visiting tazewellfonecent.info, or contacting us directly!

🎄 Christmas ornament orders are open! Support PCHS Life Skills students and staff with a $7 holiday ornament. Email 303workshop@gmail.com to order by December 9. Limit 6 per order.

While learning about life in the Spanish speaking country of the Domincan Republic, Intro to Spanish students practiced playing VItilla or Dominican street baseball with just a thin stick and bottle cap.

Winter Sports are almost here! Be sure to REGISTER and turn in an UPDATED PHYSICAL! Tryout/practice start dates will be posted soon! All athletes must be registered on SNAP and have an updated/current physical on file with the athletic office prior to day one of practice/tryouts. Don't wait until its too late, get your physical and register today. No exceptions! Make sure you upload ALL pages of your physical on SNAP. Link to register: https://manage.snap.app/register/pekinhs/dashboard/home Practice start information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xKGupJt-W4Fueu8cRTFfFhwSmpS2wTW2iDLmcgXiBM0/edit?usp=drivesdk

The Dragon Cafe is open on Tuesday this week! On the menu: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Soft Pretzel, Autumn Pear Salad and Decorated Cupcake!
Open from 12:15 - 1, carryout available!

Important information for students in AP classes! Exam registration closes in ONE WEEK. Reach out to your AP teacher and/or the Counseling office ASAP if you have questions!

The deadline to order your playoff gear is tomorrow!
Buy your playoff gear here: https://phsplayoffs2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Order pick-up will be at the Pillar Entrance on Thursday, October 29th from 3-5 pm.
Those who order may also choose to pick-up at the physical store listed on the website on Thursday, October 29

So much gratitude for the staff, sports teams, and clubs who helped make our Track or Treat an amazing experience for over 600 kids! 🧛‍♀️ Shout out to the Social Studies Department, Mark Lock, Brenda Strickler, Fellowship for Christian Youth, Girls Tennis, FFA, Educators Rising, and FACS Club!! 👻 Thanks as well to the NHS volunteer and Key Club volunteer!

So much gratitude for the staff, sports teams, and clubs who helped make our Track or Treat an amazing experience for over 600 kids! 🧛‍♀️ Shout out to the Social Studies Department, Mark Lock, Brenda Strickler, Fellowship for Christian Youth, Girls Tennis, FFA, Educators Rising, and FACS Club!! 👻 Thanks as well to the NHS volunteer and Key Club volunteer!

Thank you to our community sponsors who helped make the annual Track or Treat event a success! 🎃 Thank you to North Pekin Amvets, Mayor Mary Burress, Miss Marigold, Bridgeway Community Church, SnoBros, and Aerial Athletics! We appreciate you! 🍬

Congratulations to all of the cross country runners who qualified for the Sectional meet! The teams raced the Regional meet this morning at Maxwell Park in Normal. The girls' team placed 4th overall, so they will advance as a team. Thomas Simonsen advanced from the boys' race as an individual qualifier. All athletes will race at The Oaks at Mokena next Saturday. Go Dragons!

Hey Seniors! It's time to start thinking about scholarships! Check out the latest scholarship newsletter!

Behind every school day is a team of people who teach, encourage, support, and keep PCHS running. Here's to the 26-27 PCHS staff and the care they bring to our students and school community every day! #DragonPride

Order your yearbook today!