Our amazing art teacher Ms. Molitor—who is also a beekeeper—buzzed into the library to teach our first graders all about honeybees! Students got a close-up look at beekeeping tools, learned about the important role bees play in our world, and even got to see real honeycomb!
A huge THANK YOU to Ms. Molitor for sharing this bee-autiful lesson!
Yesterday 6th grade students from Aux Sable came to TJ to share their amazing science projects with our 5th grade students! We learned so much from these young scientists!
Congrats TJ CAPE Winners! District 202 CAPE organization recognizes outstanding parents, community members, teachers, & staff members for their dedication to students, schools & the community. Teacher-Jess Wons, Support Staff - Nurse Dawn Zabelka, & Volunteer- Erica Spreitzer
Congratulations to Mrs. Brophy and Mrs. Faragoi, who are being celebrated and recognized for 25 years of service in the Plainfield School District. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to our district and TJ!
Fifth-grade students in Mrs. Smith’s, Mrs. Cruitt’s, and Mrs. Derbys’ classes participated in a STEM design challenge. They were tasked with constructing the tallest tower possible using only 100 jelly beans and 100 toothpicks. Check out their outstanding engineering!
Kiko is getting his wheels! Staff and students of the Orthotics & Prosthetics department at Joliet Junior College are making him a custom-fit wheelchair. Kiko weighs 2.7 lbs and has recently been fitted for a body harness.
📢 Get Ready for Disability Awareness Week! 💙♿
Next week, we’re celebrating Disability Awareness Week with a fun lineup of dress-up days to show our support for inclusion and acceptance! Check out the poster for each day’s theme and join in the fun.
Let's come together to celebrate differences, promote kindness, and learn more about the amazing contributions of individuals with disabilities. 💡💪
🍀 Leprechaun Traps in the Making! 🌈✨
After reading “The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose in School”, 2nd grade students put their engineering skills to the test! 🍀 Using creativity, teamwork, and a little bit of luck, they designed traps to catch that sneaky leprechaun! Will he escape… or will we finally catch him this year? 🤔💚
These superstar students logged the most reading time on our Beanstack app and earned some awesome posters as a reward! 🏅📖Way to go, readers—your dedication is inspiring! Who’s ready to take on the next reading challenge? Be on the lookout for Spring Into Reading beginning 3/24!
🧦 Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! 💙💛
On World Down Syndrome Day, at TJ we’re rocking mismatched socks to celebrate differences and promote inclusion! 🧦✨
Wearing mismatched socks is a fun and meaningful way to show that our differences make the world a more colorful and beautiful place. 🌎💛💙
🌈👷♂️ Future engineers at work! 🚀
Who needs luck when you have science? 🍀💡 3rd grade students built and tested rainbow bridges in this fun St. Patrick’s Day STEM challenge! Some were sturdy, some were wobbly, but all were creative! 🤩 #STEMChallenge #LibraryLearning
Bravo to our 2nd and 3rd graders for their outstanding musical performances tonight!
Students checked their Leprechaun traps today and completed other learning activities.
Kindergarten students went on a Leprechaun shape hunt today!
This week, our 4th and 5th graders joined a live book talk and writing experience with two beloved #1 New York Times best-selling authors, Kwame Alexander and Mo Willems.
🌙✨ Last week, 2nd grade students explored the moon phases and Ramadan through beautiful picture books! With the help of our amazing 5th-grade students, they created hands-on moon phase models to see how the lunar cycle connects to the start of Ramadan. 🌑🌓🌕 A big shoutout to our 5th graders for sharing their knowledge and creativity! 💡💙
Seven District 202 Instructional Technology Coaches presented at the IDEAcon 2025 in February.
IDEAcon, hosted by the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA), is a renowned conference that brings together educators, administrators, and technology specialists to explore the latest advancements in instructional technology.
Presenters included:
• Christie Milen
• Kris Bruno
• Becky Young
• Kimmy Schuelke
• Judy Meier
• Steve Eighner
• Lisa Packley
Henry Moline, an Aux Sable Middle School seventh grader, also presented to give a student perspective to educators across the Midwest.
The Plainfield SD 202 ITC team shared strategies, tools, and real-world applications that empower teachers to create engaging and inclusive digital learning environments. Their sessions highlighted how technology can support SEL by fostering student engagement, collaboration, and emotional well-being through intentional instructional design.
“Technology is more than just a tool—it’s a bridge to deeper learning and meaningful connections,” said Laura Shervino, district Director of Digital Learning and Innovation.
“We were excited to showcase how digital learning strategies can enhance academic and emotional growth, ensuring that staff and students feel supported, heard, and prepared for the future. Additionally, this is an opportunity to showcase the dedication, passion, and hard work that our ITCs contribute to our staff, school, and community."
In total, 22 Instructional Technology Coaches attended the three-day event in Schaumburg.
Munching’ at lunchin’.
Get cozy and read tomorrow for Read Across America Week! Wear your jammies and get ready to drop everything and read. You can listen as a family to Monday's book, The Day the Crayons Quit, by visiting this page. https://padlet.com/plainfieldschool1/read-across-america-week-kc9yu97antb1zbvy
📚💙 A huge THANK YOU to all the families who joined us for Snuggle Up and Read this morning! Seeing parents and children cozy up with books before school started was truly heartwarming. Your love for reading and time spent together makes our school community so special. Keep snuggling up and sharing stories! 📖✨ #SnuggleUpAndRead #FamilyReadingTime #LoveForBooks
