September Principal Update 

In this update, you'll learn more about the upcoming events and how you can be involved. 

Teachers Institute Day - Friday, September 29

No school on this day.  Enjoy your 3-day weekend.

Indigenous People Day - October 9

On Monday, October 09, Unit 5 will observe Indigenous People Day.  Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. There is no school on this day. 

Early Release Lunch Order for October 18, 2023

Our next Early Release day is Wednesday, October 18, 2023.  On this day elementary students will be dismissed at 10:45.  Transportation will run per usual. 

Each student will be provided the opportunity to have a grab-and-go lunch sent home with them. For planning purposes, if you would like your student(s) to be sent home with lunch on Tuesday, September 12, use this link to request a lunch. Please complete the survey by the end of the day on Tuesday, October 17.

If needed, here is a link to all the Early Release days for the 23/24 school year. 

 23/24 Unit 5 School Year Master Calendar

 Link to next year's school calendar can be found here. 

Picture Retakes

Just a friendly reminder picture retakes are Tuesday, October 25th.  

1. If you want retakes or were not here for picture day on September 21; please let the school office know so we can make sure that a retake picture is taken on Tuesday, October 24th. School office - (309) 557-4423

2. If your student had their picture taken on the original picture day (Sept. 21), and you ordered, and received your picture order but want a retake, you will need to have your student bring in the order/pics on retake day and give them to the photographer. HR Imaging will process another order with the new image and send to your home via US mail.

3. If this is your student's first picture, since they missed the original date, you have two ways to order pictures. 

   1. You can send in an order form, which is attached to this email, if you would prefer to pay with cash/check, and give it to the photographer on retake day.

   2. Or you can order online at HR Imaging website  hrimaging.com, 

4. HR Imaging does not send out a hard copy proofs. If you would like to view your student's pictures before you order; here is what you need to do.  NOTE:  It takes 10-15 business days for images to be uploaded to HR Imaging website.

   1. Go to  HR Imaging.  

   2. Type in Pepper Ridge, Normal IL

   3. Select Order Pictures (You will need to create an account.)

   4. Type in your child's student ID number. 

      1. Here is how to locate the student ID.   Directions

5. If you have any issues ordering online, please contact HR Imaging Customer Service at 815-433-1766 (M-Th 8am-4pm, F 8am-1pm)

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office if you have any questions.

State Farm Grant Program 

Do you work for State Farm and volunteer 40 or more hours in a calendar year at Pepper Ridge Elementary?  Or would a team of State Farm employees be willing to work together and volunteer for 40 hours at Pepper Ridge Elementary to earn money for our school?
 
Through the Good Neighbor Grant Program, the State Farm Companies Foundation awards a $500 grant on behalf of each eligible State Farm® associate (active employee, agent, or retiree) who volunteered a minimum of 40 hours per calendar year to an eligible school or nonprofit organization. For more program information including eligibility requirements and the link to the application, visit their info page. Good Neighbor Grants are a great way to support your child’s teacher and school!