Peoria Traditional School

We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!

PTS Spirit Wear is Here!

Spirit Wear orders are open until August 14th.
After that, we cannot accept late order, so get yours now!

https://pts-spirit-wear.square.site/

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Sinex to PTS!

We are excited to have Mrs. Sinex join our campus as our Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Specialist. Her dedication to supporting students and helping each child reach their full potential will be a wonderful addition to our school community.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and success with Mrs. Sinex on our team. Welcome to PTS, Mrs. Sinex! We're so glad you're here!

My name is Heidi Sinex, and I’m excited to support the Peoria Traditional School community as an Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Specialist. I have been in education since 2005 and taught in both general and special education classrooms from 2007–2025. I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, from Northern Arizona University. Now in my second year of district leadership, I partner with school teams to strengthen instructional practices, support high-quality special education services, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. I am honored to support Desert Harbor, Coyote Hills, and Peoria Traditional this school year. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of three amazing kids who enjoys traveling with my family, making memories together, and spending time with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mango. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year and getting to know the incredible staff, students, and families at Peoria Traditional School!

🎻 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Vail, our new Strings Teacher to PTS! 🎻

We are excited to have him join our PTS family and share his passion for music with our students. We look forward to an amazing year of learning, creativity, and beautiful music together.

My name is Chris Vail and I am excited to be teaching strings at Peoria Traditional School. I am starting my 26th year in education. This year I will be teaching strings at Apache, Frontier, Oasis, and Peoria Traditional School. I am looking forward to working with strings students and helping them develop into the wonderful musicians they can be.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife and son. He will be a freshman at Sunrise Mountain High School.

Tomorrow, July 31, Peoria Unified will be closed as all staff are on a furlough day. During a furlough day, all district schools and worksites are closed to the public, employees do not work and are not paid.

Last November, the community did not approve the override funding for our schools, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million from this year's operating budget, or our maintenance and operations fund. This, coupled with declining enrollment has caused the district to cut a total of $21 million from our current budget. One way the budget shortfall will be addressed is with three furlough days this school year: July 31, February 12 and May 12. These furlough days will result in an average pay decrease of 1.5 to 1.7% for all staff members.

All school and district offices will reopen for normal hours on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, for the first day of school.

Learn more about Peoria Unified's fiscal reality at peoriaunified.org/fiscalrealities.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Simpson to the Peoria Traditional School family!

Mrs. Simpson is joining our team as one of our new 3rd grade teachers, and we are excited to have her as part of our PTS community.

Welcome to PTS, Mrs. Simpson! We can't wait to see the positive impact you'll make in our classrooms. Here's to an amazing school year ahead! ❤️🤍💙

Dear Peoria Traditional Community,

My name is Julia Simpson, and I am excited to join the Peoria Traditional family as a new teacher. This will be my 14th year teaching in the Peoria Unified School District. I am passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. I look forward to getting to know my students, collaborating with families and colleagues, and making this school year a fun and meaningful learning experience. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors with my family. I am so excited to become a part of this wonderful school community.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Hutchison to the Peoria Traditional School family!

Mrs. Hutchison is joining our team as one of our new 3rd grade teachers, and we are thrilled to have her on board.

Welcome to PTS, Mrs. Hutchison! We are excited for an amazing school year ahead! ❤️🤍💙

Dear Peoria Traditional School Community,

It is an absolute honor to introduce myself as a member of your school family. This year I celebrate my 25th year in education. I have spent my entire career right here in our wonderful district, dedicating the last two and a half decades to supporting the growth, learning, and success of our students.

I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the third-grade team this year. Making this transition even more special is the opportunity to teach alongside one of my dearest friends. We cannot wait to collaborate, create a joyful learning environment, and help our third graders thrive.

On a personal note, my family is fully immersed in our local community. I have four children who keep life busy and exciting; two are currently navigating their college years, and two are attending Liberty High School.

I am incredibly excited to bring my experience, passion, and deep roots in our district to Peoria Traditional School. I look forward to partnering with all of the wonderful families, supporting our students, and making this an unforgettable school year.

Jenai Hutchison

We are excited to welcome our Peoria Traditional families back to campus!

Join us for Meet the Teacher Night on July 30th from 4:00–5:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room. Come say hello, meet your teacher, and get ready for a wonderful year ahead. We can't wait to see you!

Happy birthday to America! 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence forming the United States of America. From learning about the three branches of government to understanding the importance of voting, Peoria Unified is committed to educating our students to be civic-minded, responsible citizens.

Be sure to register, verify and update your voter registration status by visiting peoriaunified.org/vote.

Elections might not be as exciting as a grand opening, but they do serve as an important opportunity for you to make your voice heard on local, state and federal ballot initiatives. Register to vote today at peoriaunified.org/vote.