District 202 Education Partners, hello...
" 'Twas the week before holiday break, and all through the Houses, students were hoping for snow, so they could stay home like mouses... "
Well, it's the best I could do on short notice...much better, though, is this week's selection of news, information and photos below. First, a few important notes:
- The Board of Education will meet in regular session Monday, December 14, 2009 at the district administrative center, 15732 Howard Street, Plainfield. The public part of the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. The full agenda will be posted later today on the district web site under "Board Docs."
- Kudos, and best wishes for NO SNOW next week as the Plainfield High School-Central Campus band has once again been invited to serve as a rehearsal lab band for a prestigious music event. Last year, they were snowed out of a similar opportunity. Click here for more: http://news.psd202.org/news/display.php?newsitem=1392
- We've posted new information about the 3rd Free H1N1 Vaccine Clinic Slated for Dec. 17 at Plainfield High School-Central Campus , scheduled from 6-10 p.m. ***VERY IMPORTANT: Now, anyone over 6 months old can get the vaccine, AND the state plans to begin releasing it to retail pharmacies no later than December 21. Click here for more information: http://www.psd202.org/Dist202/h1n1_clinic.htm
- The Jon Balke Student Art Gallery is proud to feature works from Eagle Pointe, Freedom and River View elementary schools, and Drauden Point Middle School in December. As always, our students' talent is amazing. Feel free to stop by the district administrative center during business hours to check out their great work.
- Dr. Harper appeared this week on WJOL (1340 AM) with morning host Scott Slocum, to discuss various district issues. Click here to listen in: http://www.psd202.org/Admin/harper_radio.htm, and listen to Dr. Harper chat with afternoon host Isaac Sanken at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
- Kudos to the two Plainfield North High School music students who will represent District 202 at the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) all-state festival. Click here for more: http://news.psd202.org/news/display.php?newsitem=1397
- District 202 will help financially needy students pay for a course to prepare to take the ACT college entrance exam. This is a significant decision for many reasons, not the least of which is it will help ensure that our students have the best possible opportunity for success on what is one of the most important tests of their young lives. Click here for more: http://news.psd202.org/news/display.php?newsitem=1396
- Along the same lines, District 202 will use federal Title 1 funds to create and pay for an elementary and middle school extended day program to help low-income students meet state learning standards. Another important decision for our students and district: http://news.psd202.org/news/display.php?newsitem=1395
- Congratulations to Ridge Elementary School kindergarten and Reading Recovery teacher Ann Smelser who has received a professional development scholarship worth up to $1,000: http://news.psd202.org/news/display.php?newsitem=1394
New Photos This Week
Please click on the "District 202 Photos" link below to see these photos of our students and staff in action:
Community:
- Community - Gifted/Honors Parent Advisory Council
- Eichelberger Elementary School - Holiday Library Read
- Meadow View Elementary School - Gingerbread Houses
- Charles Reed Elementary School - Monarch Book Share
- River View Elementary School - Magic Pumpkin
Virtual Backpack
We've posted
two new fliers this week on the
District 202 "Virtual Backpack." Check out the Virtual Backpack section of this newsletter to review and download this week's materials, and please spread the word with family and friends about this great new "green" tool. Click here for more information about the Virtual Backpack:
http://www.psd202.org/vbackpack.htm
Budget Deficit Elimination Strategy
Thanks to everyone who has already shared ideas for ways to reduce the district's projected $16 million operating budget deficit. Every single suggestion is being shared with the superintendent and Board of Education.
Submit your ideas/suggestions for reducing costs through this special page:
District Deficit Elimination Strategy
Finally...
We were very lucky this week that the first major winter storm only clipped us. But the bad weather season is definitely here, so please remember to:
2. dress children appropriately to be outdoors if they ride the bus - busses are affected by traffic and road conditions too, so they sometimes run late.
3. listen to local and Chicago-regional media, and check the district web site (
www.psd202.org) for updated school closing information. Remember, Connect-ED is a very powerful tool, but it is not our only tool.
Information about School Closings is posted on the front page of the district web site and will remain there through the winter season.
Have a great weekend.
Tom Hernandez
Director of Community Relations
Plainfield CCSD 202
(815) 577-4008 (office)
"We Prepare Learners for the Future"
