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.
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.”
District 202 has 23 schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch to help ensure access to healthy meals in a welcoming environment.
They joined peers from across the state to discuss topics such as AI in education, student engagement, and classroom rigor.
Students had the opportunity to collaborate, share their voices, and take part in meaningful conversations that are helping shape the future of education.
Pictured here with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, the day was both inspiring and empowering for all involved.
The luck of the Irish and hard work sends Plainfield East HS junior to Ireland
Madelyn Punda, a junior at Plainfield East High School and WILCO student, will travel to Ireland this summer as part of the Irish Life Experience.
A proud 50 percent Irish student, Punda applied for the scholarship through the Irish American Society of County Will after learning about the opportunity from her WILCO lieutenant.
She was selected through a competitive process that included a personal essay, letters of recommendation and an interview with the Will County Treasurer’s Office.
During the three-and-a-half-week trip, Punda will study Irish language, history, dance and drama while traveling throughout Ireland.
She also hopes to visit County Mayo, where her family is from, and may have the chance to meet relatives who plan to travel there while she is visiting.
Punda said she is most excited to immerse herself in Irish culture and heritage while experiencing the country’s natural beauty and historic sites through excursions and tours.
The student-organized event featured about 60 tables representing heritages from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and regions of West and East Africa, along with special displays including an Art Around the World table and a global books center.
Students visited the fair throughout the day during band, choir, study hall, and gym periods.
PEHS senior Tamar Akoto, who helped organize the event with fellow students, said the experience has become more meaningful each year.
“During my years at PEHS, I have taken on great responsibility in organizing the Multicultural Fair with the help of my friends, and each year, I find myself more immersed in the diverse cultures represented here,” Akoto said.
Planning for the fair began months in advance and included performances, booth displays, and cultural club meetings.
“I think it is important for students to experience an event like the Multicultural Fair to educate themselves and inform others on how the celebration of all heritages simultaneously is possible,” Akoto said. “The Multicultural Fair serves as a reminder of what makes our country unique: our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation.”
We are #202proud to recognize and thank our 93 social workers for the incredible support they provide to our school community. As National School Social Work Week closes, we appreciate the vital role they play in our schools with our students, parents, and staff.
Enjoy your holiday! See you Tuesday!
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.
The Future Educators Club at Plainfield East High School is hosting an elementary camp on Presidents’ Day (February 16) and invites students in grades K–5 to participate.
The camp offers a day of engaging activities, and proceeds will support scholarships for students pursuing a career in education.
Please refer to the flyer for registration details and more information.
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
✨New paid internship opportunities now available✨
For the first time, District 202 has partnered with the Will County Center for Economic Development to offer paid, hands-on summer internships for high school students.
This opportunity allows students to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and build skills for the future in Will County.
✅Applications are now open, with a deadline of February 20, 2026.
💻Learn more and apply: https://willcountyced.com/will-county-summer-internship-program/
