Over Thanksgiving break, 68 Plainfield East High School students took their music on the road straight to Walt Disney World.
The band wowed crowds in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle during the Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade of Bands, performing Disney favorites like “Mickey Mouse March” and a “Disney Celebration” medley. Meanwhile, the choir added their voices to the first Candlelight Processional of the season at EPCOT, joining a full orchestra and mass choir in a stunning holiday tradition.
Between performances, students explored all four Disney parks, made unforgettable memories, and shared their PEHS school spirit every step of the way.
The band wowed crowds in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle during the Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade of Bands, performing Disney favorites like “Mickey Mouse March” and a “Disney Celebration” medley. Meanwhile, the choir added their voices to the first Candlelight Processional of the season at EPCOT, joining a full orchestra and mass choir in a stunning holiday tradition.
Between performances, students explored all four Disney parks, made unforgettable memories, and shared their PEHS school spirit every step of the way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center preschoolers at Ridge Elementary School had their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 20 and 21.
Young marchers, big smiles, and plenty of cheer, our little stars marched their hearts out around the school, spreading holiday joy to everyone along the route.
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center preschoolers at Ridge Elementary School had their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 20 and 21.
Young marchers, big smiles, and plenty of cheer, our little stars marched their hearts out around the school, spreading holiday joy to everyone along the route.
Today we recognize all our educational support staff on Educational Support Staff Recognition Day! We appreciate our staff including paraprofessionals, nurses, secretaries, lunch supervisors, and custodians. We appreciate the dedication you bring to your job daily and the positive impact you have on students and staff. #202proud
🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS ON THE AIR! 🏆
If you missed the Plainfield North High School boys cross country state champions on WJOL this morning, you can still catch the full interview. Great job!
Replay available here: https://post.futurimedia.com/wjolam/playlist/listen-5018.html
If you missed the Plainfield North High School boys cross country state champions on WJOL this morning, you can still catch the full interview. Great job!
Replay available here: https://post.futurimedia.com/wjolam/playlist/listen-5018.html
Happy Veterans Day.
#202proud #VeteransDay
Happy National School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate our 20 incredible District 202 school psychologists who make a difference every day in the lives of our students. 💙
From supporting mental health and emotional well-being to fostering safe, inclusive learning environments, our school psychologists help students grow, learn, and thrive. 🌟
Thank you for your compassion, expertise, and dedication to helping every student reach their full potential!
#202proud
Plainfield East High School students took steps to support mental health awareness on Friday, October 3, during all PE classes.
Members of the Bengal Athletic Leadership Council (BALC) led the walk, playing upbeat music, handing out green ribbons, the international symbol of mental health awareness, and sharing key facts about mental health.
Among the student leaders was PEHS senior Annabelle Batinick, a member of BALC. “The mental health walk is important to me because it raises awareness about mental health issues and shows support for people who are struggling,” Batinick said. “It also fosters a sense of community and encourages open conversations about mental health.”
Students rounded out the event by writing uplifting messages and sharing resources to spread positivity and support.
Members of the Bengal Athletic Leadership Council (BALC) led the walk, playing upbeat music, handing out green ribbons, the international symbol of mental health awareness, and sharing key facts about mental health.
Among the student leaders was PEHS senior Annabelle Batinick, a member of BALC. “The mental health walk is important to me because it raises awareness about mental health issues and shows support for people who are struggling,” Batinick said. “It also fosters a sense of community and encourages open conversations about mental health.”
Students rounded out the event by writing uplifting messages and sharing resources to spread positivity and support.
🎉🐺 District 202 Night with the Chicago Wolves! 🐺🎉
Join us on Friday, November 8 for a fun night of hockey & the opportunity to support District 202 students and teachers!
✔️ A portion of ticket sales goes to the Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence, which funds scholarships, teacher grants, and special programs.
✔️ Every ticket purchased through this offer includes a FREE Chicago Wolves hat!
✔️ Special game-night fun: AEW Night, Adopt-A-Dog Night, and post-game skate on the ice!
🎟️ Order tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/district202familynight
⏰ Deadline: Friday, November 7 at Noon
Don’t miss this exciting night of community, hockey, and giving back!
Join us on Friday, November 8 for a fun night of hockey & the opportunity to support District 202 students and teachers!
✔️ A portion of ticket sales goes to the Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence, which funds scholarships, teacher grants, and special programs.
✔️ Every ticket purchased through this offer includes a FREE Chicago Wolves hat!
✔️ Special game-night fun: AEW Night, Adopt-A-Dog Night, and post-game skate on the ice!
🎟️ Order tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/district202familynight
⏰ Deadline: Friday, November 7 at Noon
Don’t miss this exciting night of community, hockey, and giving back!
District 202 Care Closet hosting donation drive October 1
The District 202 Care Closet is collecting clothing donations from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on October 1, 2025, at three schools.
The Care Closet offers clothing and other essential items to district families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Plainfield Academy, Door C, 23930 W. Lockport St.
Plainfield East High School, main door, 12001 Naperville Road
Plainfield South High School, main door, 7800 Caton Farm Road
Needed items, youth to adult sizes:
-Snow pants
-Gym shoes
-Winter boots (all sizes)
-New undergarments
-Winter coats
Donations are also accepted at any time on the Plainfield Care Closet Amazon Wish List.
Please visit: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzJTilGhg/MM9kwDERvVY3PI-WyE0IEA/view?utm_content=DAGzJTilGhg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8dbb84b653
What a day! The 73rd Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade filled downtown with music, school spirit, and community pride this past weekend!
This year’s theme, “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years,” honored the Plainfield Area Public Library’s centennial. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Mindy Jackson, the library’s School Services Librarian, who has spent decades inspiring a love of reading in District 202 students. 📚✨
A wonderful tradition for decades, the parade once again showcased the energy, talent, and pride of our schools and community.
This year’s theme, “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years,” honored the Plainfield Area Public Library’s centennial. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Mindy Jackson, the library’s School Services Librarian, who has spent decades inspiring a love of reading in District 202 students. 📚✨
A wonderful tradition for decades, the parade once again showcased the energy, talent, and pride of our schools and community.
Flags at all district buildings will fly at half-staff today in honor of Patriot Day. #202proud
For Plainfield East High School art teacher Lizzy Pankau, summer wasn’t about slowing down, it was about creating, exploring, and learning.
Pankau was one of 22 District 202 educators awarded a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
Pankau used her grant to attend the Art Educators Forum at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. While there, she participated in hands-on workshops led by SCAD professors, explored the historic downtown and campus museum, and even stayed in the dorms.
“It was such a great experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and refreshed my perspective as an art educator,” Pankau said. “I was able to connect and collaborate with peers from across the country and around the world, including Jamaica, China, and England.”
Pankau said she is grateful for the opportunity and excited to bring new ideas back to her classroom.
Pankau was one of 22 District 202 educators awarded a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
Pankau used her grant to attend the Art Educators Forum at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. While there, she participated in hands-on workshops led by SCAD professors, explored the historic downtown and campus museum, and even stayed in the dorms.
“It was such a great experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and refreshed my perspective as an art educator,” Pankau said. “I was able to connect and collaborate with peers from across the country and around the world, including Jamaica, China, and England.”
Pankau said she is grateful for the opportunity and excited to bring new ideas back to her classroom.
Enjoy your holiday! District offices and schools are closed today. #202proud
Check out this week's Education Partners newsletter: https://psd202.edurooms.com/engage/education-partners/newsletters/education-partners-for-08-29-2025
Welcome Back, District 202!
The hallways are buzzing, the classrooms are ready, and a brand-new chapter begins today.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, and endless possibilities!
The hallways are buzzing, the classrooms are ready, and a brand-new chapter begins today.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, and endless possibilities!
Save the Date:
The 73rd Annual Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade will step off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with the theme “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years” in honor of the Plainfield Public Library’s centennial year.
For more information, visit https://www.psd202.org/page/homecoming.
The 73rd Annual Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade will step off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with the theme “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years” in honor of the Plainfield Public Library’s centennial year.
For more information, visit https://www.psd202.org/page/homecoming.
Thank you to our community partner TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical for helping District 202 students start the school year strong! 🍎
For every HVAC system they install this August, TR Miller is donating a backpack filled with supplies and essentials to a student in need.
We’re grateful for their support!
For every HVAC system they install this August, TR Miller is donating a backpack filled with supplies and essentials to a student in need.
We’re grateful for their support!
🚒🔥 Second and third graders in Abigail Wakeley’s Extended School Year class got a hands-on lesson in fire safety last week with a special visit from the Joliet Fire Department. Thanks to our local heroes for helping our students stay safe and prepared. #202proud #communitypartners #firesafety
When it comes to summer learning, Lee Parrott didn’t press pause, he hit play.
The Wallin Oaks Elementary School reading specialist was one of 22 District 202 educators to receive a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the Foundation for the Professional Development Award I received this spring,” Parrott said.
He used the grant to attend the Science of Reading Mini Conference in Racine, Wisconsin this summer.
“It was truly an amazing experience,” he said. “The presenters were so motivating, knowledgeable, and inspiring. The topics including the Fundamentals of the Science of Reading, Small Group Instruction, Morphology, Oral Language and Comprehension, and Literacy Sound Walls were incredibly insightful.”
Parrott is excited to bring fresh ideas and strategies back to his team at Wallin Oaks ES.
The Wallin Oaks Elementary School reading specialist was one of 22 District 202 educators to receive a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the Foundation for the Professional Development Award I received this spring,” Parrott said.
He used the grant to attend the Science of Reading Mini Conference in Racine, Wisconsin this summer.
“It was truly an amazing experience,” he said. “The presenters were so motivating, knowledgeable, and inspiring. The topics including the Fundamentals of the Science of Reading, Small Group Instruction, Morphology, Oral Language and Comprehension, and Literacy Sound Walls were incredibly insightful.”
Parrott is excited to bring fresh ideas and strategies back to his team at Wallin Oaks ES.
🚒🔥 Incoming second and third graders from Liberty Elementary School in Abigail Wakeley’s class got a hands-on lesson in fire safety last week with a special visit from the Joliet Fire Department. Thanks to our local heroes for helping our students stay safe and prepared. #202proud #communitypartners #firesafety
