Pekin CSD - Packwood, Iowa

Dear Pekin Community, It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the death of Ava Ford, a valued member of our senior class. Ava died early this morning in a car accident. We know this news will be deeply upsetting, and we want to assure you that our thoughts and condolences are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Ava was a passionate, kind and thoughtful student who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our school counselor will be available in the high school office throughout the rest of the week and next, ready to provide support to any student or community member who may need to talk. We have a grief crisis team available through the AEA that are on standby if needed. We encourage you to urge your child to reach out if they need help. Arrangements are pending at this time per the family.

We have some exciting (and possibly wet) activities coming up—FCCLA games with high school students tomorrow and an all-day field day on Wednesday! Please send a separate set of dry clothes with your child over the next two days, just in case. Thanks so much!

Elementary Track Meet Update: We’re planning to begin our track events with 3rd and 4th grade students at 10:30 AM, followed by 5th and 6th grade around 11:30 AM, and then Kindergarten through 2nd grade will head outside around 12:30 PM to run. We’re starting with 3rd and 4th grade first since their events run into the K-2 lunchtime. We’re hopeful the rain will clear up by 10:30 so we can begin. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we adjust around the weather!

Good morning, families! We want to let you know that we are doing our best to hold Elementary Track Day today. It’s a very busy week with many activities planned, and unfortunately, the weather isn’t cooperating with our outdoor events. Our current plan is to begin with grades K-2 as soon as the rain lightens or stops. From there, we’ll work through the grades as quickly as we can. We understand that many of you have taken the day off to attend, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and patience as we navigate this unpredictable weather. An announcement will be made as soon as we are ready to start with K-2. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Our Pekin elementary track meet is still on for tomorrow! Please dress your child in layers, as the weather is expected to be cooler and windy. You can find the event schedule in the attachment. We’re looking forward to a fun and memorable morning for our students. If you're able, we’d love for you to join us and cheer your child on!

Dear Elementary Families, We’re excited to announce that the Elementary Track Meet will take place on Monday, May 19th, 2025 at the Pekin track. Event Schedule: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM 3rd – 6th Grade: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM Please join us to cheer on your child and celebrate their hard work and participation! We look forward to seeing you there and making it a memorable event for all students.

Pekin Elementary is excited to have some fun dress-up days next week in celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!

Here is an update from Pekin Elementary for the month of May! May Smore: https://secure.smore.com/n/4mkep

Elementary yearbooks are now available! If you would like to purchase one, please send $25.00 with your child.

Please join us for the 5th and 6th Grade Music and Band Concert on Thursday, May 1st, at 6:00 PM in the high school gym at Pekin Community Schools. We are excited to showcase our students' amazing musical talents!

Monday night 4/28/25 special board meeting agenda, can be found here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1THdSu0CAHCioRm29-2pBPZnlHNa7M9HgR3VSv8z3MuI/edit?usp=sharing

The 2025 Pekin Panthers Softball team webstore is now open! To order go to: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/pekin_softball/shop/home

Happy administrative professional day to our wonderful staff here at Pekin!

Pekin Student Council will be hosting our spring blood drive on Wednesday, April 30th, from 10:30 AM - 1:15 PM in the high school gym. If you would like to donate, please use the following sign-up link - https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/133248 - or send an email to Mr. Hoffmann at matt.hoffmann@pekincsd.org. Walk-ins are also welcome! If you are only 16 and would like to donate, please pick up a parent consent form in the HS office or in Mr. Hoffmann's classroom.

Reminder of ISASP Testing for all 7th-11th grade students next week! Testing will take place on Tuesday April 8th - Friday April 11th! Please ensure students are well rested and ready for a great week of testing!

Prom Guests The Juniors and Seniors would like to invite you to join them on Saturday, April 5th at 6pm for their prom grand march. Students will enter through the main south doors of the High School. We ask that guests line both sides of the sideway in the grass and stay off the parking lot. Bleachers will also be provided for guests. We are asking that guests enter through the driveway by the daycare (known as the exit driveway) as students will be entering through the main driveway of the parking lot. If you could please park down past the weight room by the entry into the track/football field so that our student’s cars may be parked close to the building. The gym will be open to view the decorations on Saturday, April 5th from 5:45-7:20pm. Thank you!

Tomorrow will be the makeup day for our 9-12 spring community service day. Students were reminded yesterday but if they are not in attendance tomorrow they are not eligible to attend prom. If your child will be absent due to illness please make sure to submit a doctors note to Christy in the office. Thank you for your support in our community service day!

This is a reminder that a free dental program is available for 2nd and 3rd grade students at Pekin Elementary. Please review the letter and return the consent form by April 22nd if you would like your child to participate. Dental Sealant Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BW7Y0b9MdrSGGIXCmThScDs2yW5I0YcJ/view?usp=sharing Consent Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BW7Y0b9MdrSGGIXCmThScDs2yW5I0YcJ/view?usp=sharing

Pekin Elementary is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional to join our team! If you're interested, please apply!

Dear Pekin Elementary Families, Here is the April Smore for Pekin Elementary! Stay updated on important events, news, and reminders for the month. https://secure.smore.com/n/7sbf8 Thank you for your continued support!