Though the work of public education is never officially “done,” the 2011-12 school year is now complete. So this is a good time to both look backward to what was, and forward to what might be.  District 202 students and staff once again achieved excellence in many ways this year, both in the classroom and out. There are too many to mention, but here are a few of our numerous accomplishments:  Our standardized test scores remained high overall, even as the state and national government move to change the learning standards and assessments. About 82 percent of all students met or exceeded state…

Now is the time when most of us start to think of the upcoming holiday season, and give thanks for the many good things in our lives. Our students continue to do well in and out of the classroom. Our teachers work hard every day to provide the best possible educational experience for all of our students. Our staff and board of education sacrifice daily to save taxpayers’ money and struggle to use our limited resources cost effectively and efficiently on behalf of our students. Our families support all of this work to the best of their abilities. Yes, Plainfield School District 202 has much to…

“The future” arrives on our doorsteps every morning, dressed as 29,000 young people. As with all school districts, Plainfield School District 202 teaches its students about the past – through history, social studies, etc. However, we have spent a significant amount of time in recent months looking to the future. Last May we convened a group of about 300 parents, staff, community members, business leaders and students to help shape our new strategic plan, which will guide our work from 2011-16. District administrators fine-tuned the proposed 2011-16 strategic plan over the summer and early …

The board of education in February acted on Plainfield School District 202’s projected operating fund deficit. Now, it is time to talk less about the deficit – not because the problem will go away. Sadly, that is not the case. Our financial picture is as fuzzy and challenging as ever, as we, and most school districts continue to wait for better financial and economic news. Rather, it is time to talk about something more positive and, even, more important: The work that continues to happen every single day in all 30 of our schools to improve learning and teaching for our students. District 202…

In 1971, the film Summer of '42 was a huge hit. The coming-of-age tale told the story of a 15-year-old boy who has his first sexual experience with a much older woman. In 2001, it was made into a Broadway show and the book rights purchased by Barnes & Noble. Fast forward to 2011, when a 27-year-old Plainfield North High School teacher was allegedly involved in a similar situation with a 16-year-old boy. No romantic music here. Just a quick trip to jail and a charge of aggravated criminal sexual assault. This kind of arrest always elicits sniggering comments, mostly from men, who say they …

By Dr. John Harper This time of year, lots of people look for the "perfect gift." Among many considerations – Is it the right color or size? Does it have these features or those gadgets? – the perfect gift should have lasting value. It should be enjoyed and used for many years to come. Plainfield School District 202 offers such a gift, every day in each of our classrooms and schools: a great education for every child who enters our doors. A great education always "fits." Its many "features" help to foster, challenge and maintain a student's creativity. It equips students with every tool …

By Dr. John Harper In District 202 we talk a lot about the value of working together. We use words like "partnership" and "collaboration" and "community" so much that some people might think we're being insincere, or "political" in the worst sense of the word. Nothing could be further from the truth. When an institutional system is as big as we are, it only makes sense to forge relationships that might – and often do – help us to operate more effectively and efficiently. I mention this to thank the hundreds of people who have "partnered" with us over the last several weeks by sharing their …