Enjoy your holiday! See you Tuesday!
IndianTrail Middle School is celebrating Black History Month in February with a book display in the media center. Along with the books are some facts about famous and maybe unknown historical African American figures. #202proud #BlackHistoryMonth
District 202 employee and illustrator Nader Batayeh created a poster to celebrate Black History Month in February.
Batayeh is a permanent building substitute at Freedom Elementary School. He was asked by staff there to create a poster for Black History Month.
“I decided on a design, but instead of just coloring it in, I decided it can be a learning tool,” Batayeh said.
Batayeh began researching the names of African American leaders in different fields. He added those names and the roles they played in making America a better place, he said.
“I began adding names but realized I didn’t know many besides the ones taught in elementary school, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks,” Batayeh said.
We are #202proud of Nader Batayeh for sharing his artwork with District 202.
Preschool registration is opening
District 202 families can register for Bonnie McBeth Learning Center preschool for the 2026–2027 school year with a new in-person only, open registration process.
The open registration timeline is as follows:
• January 27: Registration opens for returning students and siblings
• February 13: Deadline for returning and sibling registration
• February 26: Open Registration Day 1, 3:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Bonnie McBeth Learning Center, 15730 Howard Street
• February 27: Open Registration Day 2, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Bonnie McBeth Learning Center, 15730 Howard Street
• Beginning March 2: Registration continues 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday-Friday, until programs are full.
For registration requirements and additional details, please visit https://www.psd202.org/article/2660110. #202proud
Due to predicted frigid temperatures tomorrow, we will have an E-Learning day, Monday, January 26, 2026. Students should NOT report to school.
We will have an E-Learning Day tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026, due to predicted frigid temperatures, particularly during school arrival times. Students will need their laptops to log into Google Classroom from home tomorrow. All other activities at our schools on Friday are also canceled.
We are proud of our students for their hard work and preparation, and wish them the very best as they showcase all that they know and can do.
Congrats!
Eighth-grader Yousuf Awan (right) claimed first place at John F. Kennedy Middle School’s spelling bee held on January 21, 2026, after correctly spelling the winning word, fiberglass.
Awan’s performance capped off an engaging and competitive event that showcased strong vocabulary and focus from all participants.
Seventh-grader Sashwat Marti (left) earned second place followed by David Moraru, also a seventh grader, who placed third.
Congratulations to all students who participated.
Round after round, students demonstrated focus, confidence, and impressive vocabulary skills.
The competition intensified during the final three rounds, when a friendly sibling rivalry unfolded between eighth-grader Durrat-us-Sharaf Zaki (right) and her younger sister, sixth-grader Umme-Haani Zaki. The audience watched as the bee stretched to 14 challenging rounds.
Durrat ultimately secured the championship by correctly spelling the final word, “coven.” She will go on to represent Ira Jones Middle School at the Will County Spelling Bee on March 17 at Lincoln-Way West High School.
Tobenna Amadi, sixth grade, and eighth-grader Mason Jakubiak also delivered strong performances, tying for third place.
(Amadi and Jakubiak not pictured).
Congratulations to seventh-grader Aisha Chavda (holding trophy) on winning the Timber Ridge Middle School Spelling Bee on Janaury 13. Jayden Archuleta, seventh grade, (left) won second place and eighth-grader Dreux Willams won third place.
District 202 HBCU Event at Plainfield North High School – Feb. 24
Plainfield North High School will host its annual District 202 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Event on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. in the Plainfield North High School Cafeteria.
This marks the eighth year of the District’s HBCU event and is open to all District 202 high school students interested in learning more about HBCUs, with programming geared toward students in grades 9–11.
The event will feature representatives from multiple colleges, along with community and social organizations dedicated to supporting students and families.
Please review the attached flyer for additional event details and registration information.
For questions, contact Elaina Kalantzis, College and Career Counselor at Plainfield North High School, at (815) 609-8506 ext. 7264 or ekalantz@psd202.org.
🗞Check it out! 🗞
District 202 was highlighted in the January Illinois State Board of Education ConneCTEd newsletter for our partnership with the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration gives District 202 students real-world learning experiences and career connections through the INCubator program preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
✨Want to know more about the INCubator program?✨
Visit, https://sites.google.com/psd202.org/incubator202/home
#202proud INCubatoredu by Uncharted Learning, NFP
