ISAT Reading results show that D62 fifth and eighth grade student performance mirrored State results. Learn more...
On June 1, 2009, the Plainfield third graders went to visit the University of Illinois at Chicago as part of our No Excuses University campaign. With the help of the Northern Illinois Energy Project which awarded us a PEAK grant, the students had the real life exposure of a university. Once on campus, the students were able to visit many engineering labs. They visited a mechanical lab, an electrical engineering lab, a car lab, and a bone lab. The students were able to see how everything that was done in these labs and with the exposure that they were given, they were able to apply it to real life situations. With the help of Mr. Rodriquez, the social worker, the whole group visited the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) department. LARES helps students who are attending UIC to make the most of everything the University has to offer.
Students Speak
Yvonne Morrison, retired Plainfield teacher, and Plainfield Principal, Rene Carranza, introduced Optimist Oratorical Contest winners Miguel Hernandez, Algonquin Middle School; Kyle Sturgeon and Paulina Gudel, Plainfield Elementary School during the June 15 Board of Education. After presenting their award-winning speeches, students received Certificates of Recognition from Brenda Murphy, President. Don Moran, an Optimist representative, was also recognized for sponsoring this event.
Our visit with Patricia Polacco
On Tuesday, May 12, Plainfield third, fourth, and fifth graders were fortunate to be able to go to the Des Plaines Public Library to hear from the famous author, Patricia Polacco. Having already read many of her wonderful books, the kids were eager to hear about her writing and illustrating. What they could not have known would be the amazing personal saga she was able to share with us. We learned how much of her writing is a personal account of her life, and the values that she models are from her personal journey. She brought with her a chunk of a meteor that had fallen in her grandparents front yard, and she explained that a meteorite is considered to have almost magical qualities. In fact, some people believe that wishes will come true in the presence of this out-of-the-world piece of rock. She then led the children through the process of making a wish and then reflecting on the wisdom of their selection. She guided us through making wishes that would harm no one and would be selfless in nature. The children came back to school with those limitations firmly in place.
She also shared her own limitations. She shared how dyslexia had made it almost impossible for her to learn to read and write. At a time in history when these disabilities were not recognized and understood, she suffered from the bullying and teasing of children as well as her teachers. She presented this lesson in such a remarkable way that the children sat spellbound as she helped them to understand how deeply hurts can affect one’s life. Children left that experience kinder and more reflective.
It was an exciting afternoon enjoyed by all that had this wonderful experience. We appreciated the author and her story, and we learned the beauty of reading.
Writer’s Workshop - Helping our young students with the confidence and stamina to be life-long writers.
RSVPs have been returned, food waiting to be devoured and little minds just anxiously ready to explode. It is Friday morning just minutes before our first Author’s Workshop. Family members begin piling into the tiny 25 x 25 classroom, yet little eyes are lighting up one by one as they see familiar faces enter the doors. We wait a few minutes to begin, as we wait for each child complete their retell of their journey through the writing process. “I realized that I needed to revise when the part about the dog didn’t make sense.” “I couldn’t wait to publish this story.” “I had trouble planning this story, but once I drew a picture my ideas began pouring out of my brain.” “This is a bold beginning, because it’s not boring.” “This is an excellent ending because it leaves the reader wanting more.” As you perused through the room, these exact words were heard from little six and seven year olds conversing with adults. At 11:30, a small bell rang, and each child had their turn to sit in the author’s chair and have their moment of glory; the reading of their masterpiece. Some held their books up over their faces, so they didn’t have to see crowd, some read with intonation and prosody, and some decided that adding hand motions would add some spice to their great work. Applause was given after each story, and students returned to their seats one by one, with smiles that were trying to be hidden. As these first graders were dismissed to lunch, a voice in the back of the line is heard, “This was the best day ever.”
Plainfield Tree Dedication
On Wednesday, May 6th, Plainfield staff, students and parents dedicated a red maple in memory of Mrs. Kathy Hanrahan who served at Plainfield since 1988. Mrs. Hanrahan's family attended the ceremony.
Gung hay fat choy! Have a prosperous and good year! Plainfield’s Fifth graders created a Chinese New Year celebration for the primary students to enjoy. All students had jobs: Ensembles of recorders, drums, cymbals, wood blocks and gongs performed authentic Shi Wu (Lion Dance) music; lion heads, created in class were worn by the Lion Dancers; lanterns and scrolls were carried, and good luck was spread throughout the school.
Plainfield Elementary School Listed to 2008 Illinois Honor Roll
As students and teachers prepare to take the 2009 Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT), two District 62 schools received news from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Northern Illinois University (NIU) that they made the Illinois Honor Roll for continued academic progress.
“We are very proud of the students and staff of our 2008 Illinois Honor Roll schools,” announced Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Superintendent of Schools. “We celebrate their success and share this accomplishment with our students, parents and community partners.”
Plainfield Elementary School received a Spotlight Schools Award. Spotlight Schools Award winners are high poverty schools where high academic performance is closing the "achievement gap." Located throughout the state in urban, suburban, and rural locations, 499 Spotlight Schools earned honors in this year. They exhibit achievements that are contrary to the conventional wisdom that test scores will reflect demographics despite local efforts.
At least 50% of students in the schools are reported as being from low income families in 2008.
At least 60% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in 2008.
At least 50% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in two previous years (2007 and 2006).
Made Adequate Yearly Progress in the two previous years as required by No Child Left Behind, which in 2008, meant the following:
At least 62.5% meeting and exceeding standards in both reading and mathematics
95% participation rate in state assessments for all students and each subgroup
Attendance rate of at least 90% for elementary and middle schools and graduation rate of at least 75% for high schools
Taking the Show on the Road
Stephanie Wubbena, General Music Teacher and Band Director, showcased the talents of some of her students at a recent Des Plaines Lions Club meeting. Singles, duos, and trios performed excerpts from the various styles of music that they are working on in class. Forest, Plainfield, and Orchard Place Schools were represented. Carol Shepardson, Plainfield Vision Teacher, hosted the group.
On December 12, 2008, friends and family of Miss Sanghrajka came to speak to the 3rd graders at Plainfield School. The purpose of their visit was to promote higher education among the students. Some of the schools that the speakers discussed were University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Loyola University, Depaul University, University of Oxford, University of Indiana, University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Michigan. They mentioned how important it is to pursue higher education and to always reach for the stars.
The speakers also talked about their profession. They discussed the different fields that are out there for students. Some of these professions included a writer, a scientist, accountants, teachers, a social worker, a school psychologist, a lawyer, and a nurse.
Lastly, Mr. R. Craig Sautter, a professor from DePaul University, talked about the importance of speaking more than one language. This was very important for students to hear. It also gave them pride to know that they spoke more than one language.
On Saturday December 13th the Plainfield Storm Troopers, the 2008-09 Robotics Team, under the direction of Mr. Carlos Rojas, Mrs. Yvonne Morrison and Ms. Nicole Griffin competed in the First Lego League Tournament held at Lincoln Middle School in Mt. Prospect. The theme this year was climate and its effects. The team prepared diligently, including a visit to Mayor Arredia of Des Plaines to discuss the city's projects in reference to flood control. The team was supported by many parents.
Plainfield Robotics Club
The Plainfield Robotics team is once again preparing for the yearly First Lego League competition. The theme this year centers around the weather and climate of our city and a problem that might occur because of where we live. We have chosen to discuss the flooding that occurs along the banks of the Des Plaines River and the recently completed Levee 50 Flood Control Project which was designed to help alleviate the problem.
Our project has three components: (1) an intense study of weather and climate, especially as it affects our community, (2) a five-minute presentation in which we describe our community, some of its early history of flooding , the Levee 50 project, and proposed suggestions from our robotics club, and finally (3) building, programming, and effectively putting our robots through some of the 18 climate related missions that our team members must accomplish together.
One highlight of our robotics adventures was our Friday, Nov. 21 visit to the mayor’s office. Here we were met by Mayor Arredia who brought us into the city council chambers and explained in detail the nature of the flooding problem and how the Levee 50 Flood Control Project was designed and put in place. Using an easel filled with drawing paper, Mayor Arredia was able to explain what we had tried so hard to understand. A surprise visit from Alderman Martin Moylan added to our excitement.
Since our five-minute presentation will be a simulation of a Des Plaines City Council informational meeting about the flooding and the project, Mayor Arredia invited the team to fill the seats of the mayor, aldermen, engineers, and the townspeople who were seeking information. He surprised us with a visit to the 911 Emergency Call Center. We left city hall knowing that we had just experienced an unforgettable moment that we will always cherish.
Veteran's Day at Plainfield
Plainfield students warmly welcomed veterans to a flag folding ceremony Monday, November 10th, in the afternoon. As the military songs of each branch of service were sung, veterans stood and saluted the large flag that decorated the stage. Mr. Rodriguez, Plainfield Social Worker and a veteran, and Mrs. Morrison, 4th Grade teacher, spoke words that both honored and reflected the sentiments of the students as we remembered the sacrifice these men and women gave to help guarantee our continued safety and liberty. Following the assembly, fourth and fifth grade students were invited to stay with the veterans to ask questions that only they could answer. We felt very fortunate to have experiences what we called a time of living history.
Plainfield welcomes the school year 2008-2009 with new staff members
Pictured: Mr. Carranza, Principal; Ms. Nicole Griffin, LMC Director; Mr. Matthew Malone, Physical Education; Mrs. Deanne Riportella, 3rd Grade; Ms. Erika Sigüenza, Kindergarten; and Mr. Tlaloc Rodriguez, Social Worker.
Not pictured: Ms. Jennifer Suarez, Psychologist; Mrs. Eneida Franceschi, Secretary; Ms. Mary Wuestenfeld, Music; Ms. Beatriz Avalos, ELL Tutor; Mr. David Liano, Physical Education; Ms. Emily Alessandri, Specch and Language; and Ms. Abiagail Zeller, Vocabulary.
We look forward to an exciting and successful school year!
