Homecoming Update in Hedrick for September 16th:
Girls Powderpuff Football has been postponed for tonight. A makeup date for Powderpuff will occur next week in the evening (date to be announced). Tonight's parade, coronation, and fireworks are on as scheduled in Hedrick. We will now be introducing fall sports teams outside after coronation before the fireworks (weather pending). One food truck and one coffee truck will still be available. A rain date for fireworks is scheduled for Friday night after the football game.
Pekin Community School District Community Meeting
September 21 • 6:00 PM
Elementary Lunchroom
Pekin will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the upcoming Bond and provide information about district facility needs. The evening will include:
An informational session to answer community questions
Guided tours of the building to highlight current conditions and planned improvements
If you are unable to attend but would still like to learn more, please contact:
District Office: 319‑695‑3707
Superintendent: 641‑919‑2202
An administrator will be happy to speak with you and provide additional information.
September 21 • 6:00 PM
Elementary Lunchroom
Pekin will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the upcoming Bond and provide information about district facility needs. The evening will include:
An informational session to answer community questions
Guided tours of the building to highlight current conditions and planned improvements
If you are unable to attend but would still like to learn more, please contact:
District Office: 319‑695‑3707
Superintendent: 641‑919‑2202
An administrator will be happy to speak with you and provide additional information.
Next Week is Homecoming! Please see the secondary dress up days! Reminder that school picture day is Wednesday!
We are excited to present to you your 2026 Pekin Homecoming Court!
King Candidates (Left to Right) Gatlin Farrier, Aiden Porter, Alijah Brock, Mason Dahlstrom, Henry Adam, Zandrik Allison
Queen Candidates (Left to Right) Emerson Porter, Emma Bayliss, Callie Deutschle, Cambree Earnest, Maddy Petrehn, Carley Clarahan
King Candidates (Left to Right) Gatlin Farrier, Aiden Porter, Alijah Brock, Mason Dahlstrom, Henry Adam, Zandrik Allison
Queen Candidates (Left to Right) Emerson Porter, Emma Bayliss, Callie Deutschle, Cambree Earnest, Maddy Petrehn, Carley Clarahan
Families - I have included the link for my weekly update to staff here at Pekin for your reference. Please let me know if you have any questions. We are trying something new to keep our staff and community members updated on what is happening at the school.
Enjoy your long weekend.
Dave
https://app.smore.com/n/8w649p
Enjoy your long weekend.
Dave
https://app.smore.com/n/8w649p
Tomorrow's September 3rd Cross Country meet at Wildwood Park in Ottumwa has been cancelled.
The Pekin Childcare Center is looking for warm-hearted community members to serve as Volunteer Grandparents. Your presence makes a world of difference in the lives of our children. If you are interested or know someone that would be interested, please see the details on the flyer.
7th - 11th Grade will be MAP testing next Tuesday - Thursday September 1st - 3rd. MAP testing is an important test to show where students are missing essential skills. All students 7 -11th grade will take the tests. The testing schedule will be as follows: Tuesday Reading, Wednesday Math, and Thursday Science. Students will test from 8:10 - 10:10 followed by their regular classes. Seniors are REQUIRED to attend from 8:15 - 10:15 on Thursday Sept. 3rd. Christy and Vicky have important graduation and senior information along with other graduation requirements that will be covered. Seniors will report to the HS Commons. Additional information about MAP testing is shared in the attached image.
Secondary lunch went great today.
Pekin Homecoming 2026 shirts are on sale through this Thursday (August 27th) at midnight! Click this link - https://stores.teamelitesports.com/pekin_hoco/shop/home - to view the store and get your Homecoming shirts ordered. No orders will be accepted after the webstore closes. If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. Hoffmann at matt.hoffmann@pekincsd.org.
Back‑to‑School Update for Pekin Families
Pekin will host Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30–7:00 PM. Teachers will be in their classrooms to welcome students and families.
The first two days of school, August 27th and 28th, will be early dismissals at 1:15 PM.
As a reminder, every Friday throughout the school year will also be a 1:15 PM early dismissal for teacher professional development.
Pekin will host Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30–7:00 PM. Teachers will be in their classrooms to welcome students and families.
The first two days of school, August 27th and 28th, will be early dismissals at 1:15 PM.
As a reminder, every Friday throughout the school year will also be a 1:15 PM early dismissal for teacher professional development.
To kick off our school year with Opaa! Food Service, all Pekin students will be able to enjoy free breakfast and lunch on August 27–28.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and let students sample the breakfast and lunch options that will be offered throughout the year.
A second‑chance breakfast will also be available for students at the secondary who arrive late or need a little extra fuel to start their day.
High School Long Term Substitute - Culinary
The Pekin Community School District is looking for a Long Term High School Culinary Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year for our district education program to start August 2026. This position will provide engaging, hands-on instruction for our culinary arts classes.
The Pekin Community School District is looking for a Long Term High School Culinary Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year for our district education program to start August 2026. This position will provide engaging, hands-on instruction for our culinary arts classes.
Reminder to our community - We will be holding an Open House on Monday, August 17th at 6 PM in the elementary lunchroom. This is open to the public to tour our buildings and to ask questions regarding our remodeling projects. If there are questions, please call Dave Harper at 641-919-2202.
Pekin CSD is pleased to welcome Ashlee Miller as our new Food Service Director through Opaa! Food Management. Ashlee will serve as Pekin’s Nutrition Director, bringing strong experience and a deep commitment to student wellness.
Ashlee has worked with Opaa! Food Management for the past three years and is a proud graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Dietetics. She is passionate about providing nutritious, appealing meals to students and supporting healthy habits across the district.
Ashlee shared that she is excited for the upcoming school year and grateful to become part of the Pekin community. We look forward to the expertise, energy, and care she will bring to our schools.
Please join us in welcoming Ashlee to Pekin!
Ashlee has worked with Opaa! Food Management for the past three years and is a proud graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Dietetics. She is passionate about providing nutritious, appealing meals to students and supporting healthy habits across the district.
Ashlee shared that she is excited for the upcoming school year and grateful to become part of the Pekin community. We look forward to the expertise, energy, and care she will bring to our schools.
Please join us in welcoming Ashlee to Pekin!
We can say the gym is 100% ready for the school year. Fresh paint on the walls. We are ready to roll.
The Lady Panthers are breaking in the new floor
You're Invited to a Community Open House at Pekin Community School District.
When: Monday August 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 Pm
Where: Pekin Elementary Cafeteria
What to Expect: Building Walk-Throughs and Community Questions and Answers
We Want to Hear FROM YOU!
This is your opportunity as a community member to learning about the exciting improvements planned for Pekin Schools. All community members are welcome. No RSVP is required.
Pekin CSD - Investing in Our Students. Investing in Our Future.
When: Monday August 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 Pm
Where: Pekin Elementary Cafeteria
What to Expect: Building Walk-Throughs and Community Questions and Answers
We Want to Hear FROM YOU!
This is your opportunity as a community member to learning about the exciting improvements planned for Pekin Schools. All community members are welcome. No RSVP is required.
Pekin CSD - Investing in Our Students. Investing in Our Future.
IMPORTANT - Student Activity Registration Message
Monday August 10th is the first official High School Fall sports practice date. Prior to August 10th, High School students must complete the four following documents to be eligible for practice:
-Newly updated insurance document on Bound
-Agreement confirmation for School Good Conduct Policy
-Agreement confirmation for the Heads Up Concussion Form
-Newly updated physical examination
*If your physical is still valid and you are waiting for your appointment date (all students have 30 days from the past physical examination expiration) you may skip this part by reloading the screenshot of past one or skipping the step until you have an updated one. Please do not delete old documents (such as a currently valid physical) if you are waiting to get your updated physical completed.
Click the link below and click the registration button to complete
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/pekin?fbclid=IwY2xjawThi89wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXQzMEVWbEVicVZIdWh1S3VzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezjj_jGpxA4B36gblO_gg8UndwROjVAKxjIgBVBWB79m3cymPefRONk11HKM_aem_SPeVXyVcpbuHN-A8XIjqhw
Monday August 10th is the first official High School Fall sports practice date. Prior to August 10th, High School students must complete the four following documents to be eligible for practice:
-Newly updated insurance document on Bound
-Agreement confirmation for School Good Conduct Policy
-Agreement confirmation for the Heads Up Concussion Form
-Newly updated physical examination
*If your physical is still valid and you are waiting for your appointment date (all students have 30 days from the past physical examination expiration) you may skip this part by reloading the screenshot of past one or skipping the step until you have an updated one. Please do not delete old documents (such as a currently valid physical) if you are waiting to get your updated physical completed.
Click the link below and click the registration button to complete
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/pekin?fbclid=IwY2xjawThi89wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXQzMEVWbEVicVZIdWh1S3VzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezjj_jGpxA4B36gblO_gg8UndwROjVAKxjIgBVBWB79m3cymPefRONk11HKM_aem_SPeVXyVcpbuHN-A8XIjqhw
Reminder JH Volleyball players and parents:
Our first information meeting and short practice will be Tuesday, August 25th at 7pm to 8pm in the elementary gym for the athletes wanting to play this upcoming season.
Practice will be begin Thursday, August 27th right after school in the elementary gym from 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm. Late buses will be available.
Our first information meeting and short practice will be Tuesday, August 25th at 7pm to 8pm in the elementary gym for the athletes wanting to play this upcoming season.
Practice will be begin Thursday, August 27th right after school in the elementary gym from 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm. Late buses will be available.