Harper: Thankful for District 202's 'Spirit of Giving'

This time of year, most people feel compelled to give thanks for the good in our lives.

I am no different.

As I look ahead to my own retirement next summer, I also look back and know that we have so much to be grateful for in District 202. The list starts, most especially with our students, staff and families, who have made this school district a model for any system struggling with the challenges of growth, financial uncertainty and systemic change.

To borrow a popular phrase, we have “been there, done that” and we have survived – leaner, certainly, but also stronger. That survival came through our community’s sacrifice and commitment to its students, and I for one could not be more grateful.

One of the things I have always been and continue to be most proud of, is our district’s “spirit of giving.”

All communities always know some measure of heartache and sadness no matter how “good” things may seem. District 202 is no different. Students come to school hungry, without proper supplies to learn, lacking weather-appropriate clothing, or having suffered some difficulty at home.

Our community has always been willing to step up and help – whether those who need the help live here or elsewhere.

On Sunday, November 17, 2013, we witnessed a challenge that, thankfully, few ever have to confront – but which Plainfield knew only too well – when tornadoes caused severe damage to several Illinois towns.

Just as our community has done so many times for our own students, staff and families, many of us stepped up to help those families in Washington, Coal City, Diamond and elsewhere that found their entire lives turned upside down.

Many of our schools held quick food and supply drives or donated materials to area relief agencies. Staff members individually sought donations to help with relief efforts.  And some even donated their own time to help with those communities clean up after the storms.

As I said, District 202 has much happening in our classrooms, administrative offices and at the Board of Education table. Yet, what matters just as much as any of our academic, systemic or fiscal successes is this district’s dedication to building and maintaining its sense of community.

We know that District 202 will never be “small” again, but we can always be “smaller” by committing ourselves to creating, celebrating and honoring the relationships between ourselves, and with those around us.

In this crucial way that doesn’t often get as much attention as our test scores and tax bills, we will continue to prepare learners for the future.

I wish everyone a happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Dr. John Harper

Superintendent of Schools

Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202