Cotton Boll Elementary School

Did you know? Pumpkins are considered a fruit! They grow from flowers, and their seeds are edible. Happy Fall Break!

Happy Thanksgiving Peoria Unified! We are so grateful for our school communities who constantly come together to show their care for our students and staff, as well as one another. Take care and have a wonderful holiday!

Did you know? People who live near the equator don’t experience fall. The temperature stays consistent the whole year! Happy Fall Break!

Did you know? Fall leaves change color due to the decreasing amount of chlorophyll as the sun weakens and the days get shorter. Happy Fall Break!

Did you know? Fall used to be referred to as “harvest” due to the “harvest” (full moon) that occurs during the autumn equinox. Before man-made lighting, this strong source of moonlight was necessary for a prosperous harvest. Happy Fall Break!

Dr. Lemster is great example of lifelong learning. Recently, she presented at the NSTA conference in New Orleans. She shared the factors that relate to female student’s academic self-efficacy in STEM and suggestions for helping girls build their self-efficacy in STEM courses with the goal of helping them persist on their STEM pathway.
We are proud of her passion and dedication to students!

Happy National Parent Involvement Day! In Peoria Unified, we are so grateful for the collaboration that takes place between our schools and families. Thank you, parents and guardians for your participation and involvement in your child’s education! Together, we can achieve our district’s vision of “Every Student, Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow.”

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day 2024 💜
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a BIG thank you to Ms. Ayers and Ms. Rimbey for organizing this event!

November is National Native American Heritage Month! This month, we remember the contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives to honor their unique heritage.

We look forward to seeing staff, students, and parents tomorrow morning!

As there was no school today in observation of Veterans Day, Cotton Boll hosted an early Veterans Day event to honor all active duty and retired military personnel. Thank you to all our students, staff, and community who came together to honor these heroes. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Happy Veterans Day! We are so grateful for all those who have served in the military to protect our freedoms. Thank you, veterans, for your service. Remember, all schools and office sites are closed today in honor of Veterans Day. Have a great day!

Today is Election Day! Voting is an effective way to be a responsible citizen and make a direct impact in your community. Be sure to cast your vote today!

Peoria Unified’s 2024 bond initiative aims to finance priority safety and security updates, priority school repairs and upgrades, new elementary school construction, district facility safety enhancements, and improvements in technology and transportation. See how your bond dollars will be put into action at www.peoriaunified.org/bond.

Strong schools build strong communities, and we know the strength of our Peoria Unified community. In Peoria schools we strive for excellence every day, whether it be in our science labs, English classrooms, on the field, or with our families. At the heart of everything we do, we serve to build and strengthen this community by preparing today’s learners to be tomorrow’s leaders. This is how we stay true to our vision of Every Student, Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow.

Superintendent Dr.Somers, Governing Board members David Sandoval and Melissa Ewing were led on a tour of our classrooms Friday, by our STUCO and CBJHS presidents.

❓ Did you know? The last voter-approved bond in Peoria Unified was in 2012. The district has since utilized all bond funds for projects across our district. You can visit https://www.peoriaunified.org/Page/2203. There, you may view all completed bond projects per school site to see how your bond dollars were put to work in your neighborhood school!

Did you know? Peoria Unified’s 2024 Bond initiative is not expected to be a property tax rate increase to district residents from the current year! How is this possible? The FY 2025 tax rate related to current outstanding bond sales from past bond programs, will be $.58 per $100 of Limited Assessed Value, which continues the current year over year property tax rate decline for the district due to outstanding bonds sales continuing to be paid off and the assessed value of property in the district continuing to increase.

If the new bond program is approved by the voters, the projected average additional property tax rate per $100 of limited assessed valuation is $.27. If the new bond program is approved, the combined FY 2026 property tax rate will be $.57 per $100 of Limited Assessed Value, based on current and projected property values, and the district’s current plans for the issuance of new bonds. For more Peoria Unified 2024 Bond facts, visit www.peoriaunified.org/bond.