Thomas Jefferson Elementary School -

Good morning patriots! It’s Humphrey pajama and stuffy day! Thank you to all the families that are participating in our Humphrey school wide reading event! Don’t forget we have our final celebration on Tuesday, May 12 from 5 to 630, along with our underwater glow show and fifth grade Keystone. We can’t wait to see you there!

Our first-grade students did a fantastic job showcasing their hard work and talent at the musical concert. We are incredibly proud of their performance and all their hard work. A special thank you to our wonderful music teacher, Mr. Schwerdle, for making this experience so enjoyable for our students and families.

While our Patriots are cozy at home reading Mysteries According to Humphrey this weekend, Humphrey's been busy exploring and checking out some of his favorite books, doing some STEM activities, and visiting Walter the fish.
We can’t wait to celebrate together at our big Family Night on May 12, where we will celebrate finishing our One School, One Book, have our amazing Underwater Glow Show, and have our 5th grade Keystone presentation.

We will have a T-shirt making station available, and now is the time to place your order! You bring your own shirt the evening of May 12, and your preordered decals (just $5 each) will be ready!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vvClXQt2q1zl8i22Fwm6_gbZLgHKQHYSEJFbTHkUYRI/edit?pli=1

Keep reading, and we’ll see you soon for the big finale!

Our second grade classes participated in several environmental lessons this year and earned an Earth Day flag for our school. We are so proud of our students for their commitment to caring for our planet!

Thank you to our amazing school lunch team for all you do for our students, staff, and school community. We appreciate your hard work, kindness, and commitment.
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #SchoolNutrition #ThankYou #SchoolLunchHeroes

TruGreen will be spraying for weeds and fertilizing around the district this weekend, May 2 and 3. Rain dates are May 8 and 9.

We are excited to invite you to Family Night Under the Lights on May 12! This is one special evening featuring three exciting events for the whole family!

One Night, 3 Special Events!
*Celebrate the conclusion of Mysteries According to Humphrey during our One School, One Book culminating event.
*Explore our Glow in the Dark Art Show showcasing student artwork.
*Visit the 5th Grade Keystone Showcase and see our fifth graders share their learning.

Bonus Family Fun: T-Shirt Making Station
We’ll also have a t-shirt making station at the event! Bring your own shirt or sweatshirt and add a decal of your choice for $5 each.

Please use the attached Google Form to order decals by Wednesday, May 6.

Pay ahead with Zelle: TJ202PTO@gmail.com
(Include student name, teacher, and decal choice in the Zelle notes.)

Or pay cash the night of the event.

If you can’t attend but would still like a decal, your child may bring a shirt to school, just complete the form and write “send home with student” in the comments.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezaOjI7db9U-5qZtoBiPI5gMlf9W0M0zTGavtn8uXNAwXC_g/viewform?usp=header

All last week students were given clues for Thomas Jefferson‘s inaugural one school, one book program! It was so fun hearing all the problem-solving and guesses! The big reveal was this morning - Mysteries According to Humphrey! Each family will get a copy of the book sent home today along with a reading schedule and link to our website.

It was so amazing to see all of our families at Multicultural Night, and our fourth-grade students did a great job with their musical performance. Celebrating our differences helps strengthen our school and brings us closer together.

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.

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.”

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Math Bowl! We are so proud of all of you!

Thank you to all of our families who completed the 5Essentials Survey! We appreciate and value your feedback. Congratulations to our 5Essential Ticket Winners!

Disability awareness days start tomorrow!

No student attendance tomorrow. District 202 has a District Institute Day, and it is primary election day.

Congratulations to our CAPE winners! Sarah Webber, Tina Tupper, and Natalie Parkhurst! We appreciate all you do for our learning community!