From finger painting to creating her own American flag, 4-year-old Isabella Lovin of East Peoria took her turn at each of the art stations set up throughout the gymnasium.

“She wants to go around again,” said her mom, Tyrena Lovin. “She really likes painting. There are a lot of different arts and crafts here for her.”

Changes to East Peoria Community High School’s drug intervention policy were among topics discussed at the Monday District 309 school board meeting.

The board passed a contract in November that allows first-time drug or alcohol offenders to avoid expulsion if they signed a contract and agreed to conditions, such as passing at least five of their courses.

These days, East Peoria Community High School is pitch perfect.

In January, two of its students were selected to play in the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band and Chorus. The honor went to Patrick McGehee and Kyle Deets.

To help ease the anxiety of incoming students, East Peoria Community High School is transforming its freshmen orientation process this year.

Instead of the usual night of students and parents sitting and listening to faculty speak, the school is setting up a “booth-style” night Feb. 25 in the commons area.

Walking through the soon-to-be cafeteria of East Peoria Community High School, superintendent Cliff Cobert could not help but comment on the progress made each day.

“It’s amazing how much changes from day to day,” Cobert said. “We’re probably getting close to 90 percent complete.”

On Thursday, despite the frigid temperature, Glendale School students were flushed and sweaty.

The third through fifth graders participated for the third year in a row in Jump Rope 4 Heart, an American Heart Association program.

Those who think the English language is in decline due to technologically-advanced ways of communicating, such as text messaging and instant messaging, can relax.

According to Dr. Seth Katz, assistant professor of English at Bradley University, people have complained about the decline of language since the Renaissance.

Although a few do not meet the age requirements of a blood donor, members of the East Peoria High School Student Leadership Team took it upon themselves to sponsor one hour during the upcoming 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive.

East Peoria Community High School students will now be offered a second chance if caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Starting in January, all students at East Peoria Community High School will be reclassified.
The EPCHS District 309 school board voted Monday to approve a new grade-level classification system for students, making it totally dependent on academic standing.

The East Peoria Community High School homecoming court was photographed at the homecoming football game Oct. 3 at EastSide Centre. The Raiders lost to the Dunlap Eagles by 1 point, 13-12.

East Peoria Community High School District 309 Superintendent Cliff Cobert, principal Paul Whittington and curriculum coordinator Jennifer Hamm conducted a community forum meeting Wednesday night to discuss the new grade level classification proposal.

The administrative council of East Peoria Community High School’s Alumni Fund is trying something new this year to cover administrative costs, and possibly add to the principle scholarship fund.

Just because a student completes driver’s education does not mean lessons in safe driving should end.

Students learned that Saturday afternoon at the Driving Skills for Life program at EastSide Centre.

Tazewell County voters may once again be asked to support another sales tax referendum for the school districts when they head to the polls in February.