Pepper Elementary - About Us

Our inquiry-based learning model provides students with an active approach to learning, while being exposed to a rigorous curriculum. To complement high quality instruction, our learning environments include resources consistent with best practice, such as a comprehensive English and Language Arts resource, called Journeys and a mathematics resource that builds a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts called, Math Expressions. Our high quality instruction is supported by co-curricular programming that includes, foreign language immersion, physical education, music and art classes. Classrooms are equipped with leveled libraries, updated technology that consists of interactive boards and 1:1 laptops.

Our enrichment opportunities provide students with many opportunities to explore a variety of interests, further develop and hone their leadership skills. We offer a variety of after school clubs, such as mentoring, chess, photography, fashion design and karate. Athletic options are available for students interested in dance, cheer and basketball. For the music enthusiasts, Pepper Elementary offers marching band and choir. The National Elementary Honor Society and Student Leadership Team honor student voice, cultivates a civic responsibility, emphasizes the value of making a difference and empowers students to impact the lives of others.

For students in need of academic or social-emotional support, we have a full time Title I teacher, Reading Specialist and Specialized Services teacher on staff. We also have a full time School Psychologist and Social Worker. In addition, academic tutors, academic and behavior interventionist ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students. We utilize a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) model and our approach to discipline is deeply rooted in a restorative ethos to repair harm and restore relationships to make certain all students feel a sense of belonging in our school community.

Pepper Elementary School boasts a highly engaged parent community, which provides additional opportunities for all students to feel connected to our school community. In addition to hosting Curriculum Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences, we offer a Family Resource Center for family support, Parent Workshops, partnerships with Oak Park Youth Assistance and Tri-Community Coalition and welcome parents with an open door policy.

Health, Wellness & Safety

• Comprehensive student assemblies, including on topics of character, kindness, and social skills
• Before & after school Latchkey
• Free breakfast and lunch for all students
• Dental cleaning services for all students, twice a year
• Vision and hearing screenings each year
• Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) program with weekly and monthly rewards

Student Participation

• Black History Month celebration
• Student assemblies throughout the school year
• March is Reading Month activities
• Honor Roll Recognition assemblies
• Book Fairs three times a year
• School Concerts throughout the school year

Academics

• Student of the Month Recognition
• Technology integrated into daily instruction 
• Access to multiple educational websites at school and home
• After school tutorial support
• Full day Kindergarten
• Full day Pre-school, including Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program GSRP  (Monday through Thursday)
• Over 75,000 books in our media centers
• Leveled libraries in every classroom
• Laptop carts in every classroom
• Restorative Practices used in classrooms, K-5

Family Involvement

• Monthly PTSA/Title 1 Parent Workshops
• Monthly Title 1 informational newsletters
• Volunteer Grandparent Program
• PreK & Kindergarten Round Up