Thanks to these National Honor Society students from Plainfield High School-Central Campus who came to the Board of Education meetings this month. #202proud
This week, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Week — and in District 202, we have so much to celebrate.
Our administrative professionals are the backbone of this district. They are the first voices families hear when they call, the steady hands that keep our schools running, and the quiet problem-solvers who make everything work behind the scenes. Their dedication, professionalism, and care for our students and staff do not go unnoticed. You are valued, you are appreciated, and this community is better because of you. Thank you for everything you do — every single day.
Our administrative professionals are the backbone of this district. They are the first voices families hear when they call, the steady hands that keep our schools running, and the quiet problem-solvers who make everything work behind the scenes. Their dedication, professionalism, and care for our students and staff do not go unnoticed. You are valued, you are appreciated, and this community is better because of you. Thank you for everything you do — every single day.
This week, we celebrate school libraries during National Library Week. Our media centers are staffed with Media Center Specialists and clerks who not only work with books but also help students in many different ways. These centers are beacons of technology that allow students to explore ways to learn beyond the pages of books. And thanks to our library staff members, whom we celebrated on April 21, National Library Workers Day. We appreciate all you do.
District 202, in partnership with its Bilingual Parents Advisory Committee, hosted its inaugural Celebration of Cultures on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Plainfield High School–Central Campus.
The free event featured nearly 50 booths led by parents and staff celebrating cultures from around the world through food, art, music, clothing, performances, and interactive displays.
Students were at the center of the celebration, taking the stage to proudly share their cultural identities.
From drumming to traditional Ukrainian dance, each performance highlighted the diverse perspectives and talents that enrich District 202 schools every day.
The event brought together students, families, and staff in a shared celebration of community and connection.
“At the end of the day, our students are the heart of our district,” said Cindy Castanon, Director of Multilingual Education at District 202.
“Seeing them share their cultures and traditions so authentically reminds us why we do this work. They are the heartbeat of everything we strive to achieve in District 202.”
The free event featured nearly 50 booths led by parents and staff celebrating cultures from around the world through food, art, music, clothing, performances, and interactive displays.
Students were at the center of the celebration, taking the stage to proudly share their cultural identities.
From drumming to traditional Ukrainian dance, each performance highlighted the diverse perspectives and talents that enrich District 202 schools every day.
The event brought together students, families, and staff in a shared celebration of community and connection.
“At the end of the day, our students are the heart of our district,” said Cindy Castanon, Director of Multilingual Education at District 202.
“Seeing them share their cultures and traditions so authentically reminds us why we do this work. They are the heartbeat of everything we strive to achieve in District 202.”
Mooch, the facility dog at Plainfield High School-Central Campus, loves her bird babies! This is the second year the Reaching Individual Strengths and Expectations (RISE) science classes have hatched chicks. Teacher Ann Tumpane bought and incubated the eggs in her classroom, and five eggs hatched over the weekend. Mooch spends a lot of time with Tumpane in her RISE classes and relishes her role as momma!
Nine Grand Prairie Elementary School students in first through fifth grades showcased their science projects for their peers and guests on March 20.
The students created the projects for the Green House Schools Science Fair earlier in March, which was canceled.
Fifth-grade teacher Melissa Cosenza hosted the school's mini-science fair so the students could explain their projects to an audience.
Fifth-graders Vinny Cosenza and Natalia Hurtado won first place for their History of Animatronics exhibit, fifth-grader Skylar Sontag won second place for her Animal Skeletal Systems exhibit, and second-grader Quinn Daniel won third place for her Static Electricity exhibit
The students created the projects for the Green House Schools Science Fair earlier in March, which was canceled.
Fifth-grade teacher Melissa Cosenza hosted the school's mini-science fair so the students could explain their projects to an audience.
Fifth-graders Vinny Cosenza and Natalia Hurtado won first place for their History of Animatronics exhibit, fifth-grader Skylar Sontag won second place for her Animal Skeletal Systems exhibit, and second-grader Quinn Daniel won third place for her Static Electricity exhibit
Ridge Elementary School students in the BASES program helped bag food for the Bags of Hope backpack food program earlier this month. The BASES students partnered with older students in the P-STEP program at Plainfield Academy to complete 50 bags of food for District 202 families. The work was one of the BASES program's quarterly community service projects.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the Board of Education honored Andrea Paplaski-Grygiel, a physical education teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School, for being named the 2026 Will County Educator of Excellence by the Will County Regional Office of Education 56. The board also recognized Central Elementary School and its staff for earning the designation of Model Learning Professional at Work. They also welcomed members of the National Honor Society from Plainfield High School-Central Campus. #202proud
Plainfield School District 202 recently welcomed State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel to see the district’s food service program in action. During the visit, she toured the Plainfield East High School cafeteria, met with staff and students, and learned more about how the district provides nutritious meals to students each day.
District 202 has 23 schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch to help ensure access to healthy meals in a welcoming environment.
District 202 has 23 schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch to help ensure access to healthy meals in a welcoming environment.
Congratulations to our 25, 30 year, and retirees! We are #202proud of our employees.
What do you do when life gives you lemons? If you are a Meadow View Elementary School third grader, you write a persuasive essay to explain why YOUR lemonade stand is the best! Parents, friends, and school staff visited four classrooms to hear the students' essays, see their stands, and enjoy lemonade and fun activities to get ready for spring. #202proud
We are #202proud of the Charles Reed Elementary School fifth-grade Leadership Team for organizing a month-long food drive. Students counted and boxed donated food each week for Bags of Hope. More than 1,500 items were donated at the drive's end! Way to go, Cougars!
Nineteen students from all four District 202 high schools traveled to Springfield on March 13 to participate in the Illinois Student Leadership Summit, hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
They joined peers from across the state to discuss topics such as AI in education, student engagement, and classroom rigor.
Students had the opportunity to collaborate, share their voices, and take part in meaningful conversations that are helping shape the future of education.
Pictured here with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, the day was both inspiring and empowering for all involved.
They joined peers from across the state to discuss topics such as AI in education, student engagement, and classroom rigor.
Students had the opportunity to collaborate, share their voices, and take part in meaningful conversations that are helping shape the future of education.
Pictured here with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, the day was both inspiring and empowering for all involved.
Students are off today but our staff is in class at our District Institute at Plainfield East High School.
No student attendance tomorrow. District 202 has a District Institute Day, and it is primary election day.
Charles Reed Elementary School students recently learned more about the Lunar New Year in the Media Center. Each grade level heard a different story about the Lunar New Year celebrations and the myth of The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac. Students were then challenged to pick one of the 12 (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep/Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) Chinese zodiac animals and make it out of Legos. 2026 is the year of the Horse.
All district and individual school afterschool activities, including the YMCA afterschool program, are CANCELED today due to predicted severe weather later today.
Our Job Fair scheduled for March 19 has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
We are #202proud to recognize and thank our 93 social workers for the incredible support they provide to our school community. As National School Social Work Week closes, we appreciate the vital role they play in our schools with our students, parents, and staff.
Mural near main gymnasium celebrates years of sports at Plainfield High School-Central Campus. #202proud
