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.”
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.
Instead of taking a break on their SIP Day, eighth-graders Halle Kalvig, Reese Sloan, and Peyton Street are at Ira Jones Middle School preparing for a 3v3 basketball tournament benefiting MorningStar Mission.
Tip-off is at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, and the girls are excited to see their hard work come to life.
Last summer, the three friends were shooting hoops in a driveway when an idea hit: why not turn this into a tournament and use it to help others? That idea became “Hoops for Homes.”
From the start, the girls knew they wanted the event to make a difference.
They spent months planning, meeting with administrators, creating flyers, organizing teams, designing shirts, and coordinating concessions.
They chose MorningStar Mission to support people experiencing homelessness which is a cause close to their hearts and different from typical school fundraisers.
The tournament brackets are divided by grade and gender, and each player can bring family to watch.
With tip-off at 3 p.m., their SIP Day will be full of basketball, community, and the reward of seeing their vision come to life proving that a little effort and a big heart can make a real difference.
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.
Round after round, students demonstrated focus, confidence, and impressive vocabulary skills.
The competition intensified during the final three rounds, when a friendly sibling rivalry unfolded between eighth-grader Durrat-us-Sharaf Zaki (right) and her younger sister, sixth-grader Umme-Haani Zaki. The audience watched as the bee stretched to 14 challenging rounds.
Durrat ultimately secured the championship by correctly spelling the final word, “coven.” She will go on to represent Ira Jones Middle School at the Will County Spelling Bee on March 17 at Lincoln-Way West High School.
Tobenna Amadi, sixth grade, and eighth-grader Mason Jakubiak also delivered strong performances, tying for third place.
(Amadi and Jakubiak not pictured).
✨☂ Practically perfect in every way 🎶✨
Ira Jones Middle School is bringing the magic of “Mary Poppins Jr.” to the stage this weekend, featuring talented student performers and crew members in a heartwarming story filled with unforgettable songs, lively choreography, and imagination.
Where: Plainfield North High School
Showtimes:
• Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $8 - available at the door or online at https://irajonesdrama.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events
Photo credit: Jennifer Heim Photography
Sweet Science in Action
Ann Jevitz and Lesley Sareny’s sixth-grade classrooms at Ira Jones Middle School got hands-on with a fun S’more activity to explore chemical changes during their chemistry unit!
A big thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this tasty learning experience.
Happy Veterans Day.
#202proud #VeteransDay
Happy National School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate our 20 incredible District 202 school psychologists who make a difference every day in the lives of our students. 💙
From supporting mental health and emotional well-being to fostering safe, inclusive learning environments, our school psychologists help students grow, learn, and thrive. 🌟
Thank you for your compassion, expertise, and dedication to helping every student reach their full potential!
#202proud
