On Thursday, June 10, 2010, PHS senior Sheyla Ojeda received a $40,000 Scholarship from Ronald McDonalds House Charities (RMHV) of the New York Tri-State Area.  Board President Lisa Logan-Leach and Board Member Wilma Campbell were on hand and provided encouraging remarks to Sheyla.  Representatives from the Ronald McDonalds House Charities were on hand to present the award, and the Class of 2010 gave Sheyla a standing ovation.

On Friday, June 11, 2010, the Brothers of the Stone Square Lodge #38 culminated a year of mentoring activities by taking eight Hubbard School students to the Plainfield Fire House.  This trip served as a reward for the monthly meetings held with these select students.  Special thanks to Communications Technician Cory Van Putten for serving as a mentor and organizing this event.

Consistent with our efforts reflected in Goal 4, Safe Learning Environment, the Plainfield Public Schools, in collaboration with the City of Plainfield, sponsored the Gang and Violence Prevention Assembly on Thursday, June 10, 2010. This program shared statistics highlighting the impact of gang and community violence.  WBLS Motivational Speaker Dr. Bob Lee and Author J.M. Benjamin served as guest speakers and offered expertise to aide students in violence and gang prevention.  In addition, attendees were provided an opportunity to address the panel.  I would like to commend the Office of Administrative Services for this effort.

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, the Plainfield Public Schools will hold the 2010 Commencement Ceremony at Hubstein Field (weather permitting).  All Members of the Plainfield Board of Education are encouraged to attend and support the Class of 2010.  The ceremony is expected to begin at 6:00 p.m..

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, the Plainfield Association of School Administrators held the 2010 Senior Scholarship Luncheon.  This annual event highlights the accomplishments of Plainfield’s finest and awards a select group of students with $1,000 scholarships.  PHS Seniors Cindelle Harris, Maurice Chambers, and Kianja Jackson were this year’s receiptants.  Special thanks to the members of PASA for this recognition and generous donation to our students.

News Reporters Mark Spivey and Jeremy Walsh from the Courier News and Star Ledger respectively were on hand to cover the PHS Senior Scholarship Recognition on Thursday, June 10, 2010. 

News Reporters Mark Spivey from the Courier News interviewed four district retirees on Monday, June 7, 2010.  These individuals have spent more than fourty years serving the students and parents of this community.  A feature article is expected to appear in this weekend’s Courier News.

On Thursday, June 10, 2010, the Plainfield Public Schools launched a Food Service Survey for all stakeholders to complete.  This electronic survey is designed to attain input regarding the quality of food service provided to students and staff within the district.  Data attained during the process will be compiled and submitted to the Board of Education.  The survey will run through Wednesday, June 16, 2010.

The Plainfield Public Schools has received a corporate discount from BJ’s to offer its employees.  Information regarding this opportunity was forwarded to district administrators on Tuesday, June 8, 2010.  The deadline for completed applications is Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

Consistent with Goal 5: Community and Family Engagement of the 2008-2012 District Strategic Plan, The Guidance Department at Cedarbrook (K-8) Center sponsored their annual Career Day Event on Thursday, June 10, 2010. This event was designed to provide an opportunity for local community leaders, businesses, parents, relatives, friends, and college students the opportunity to acquaint and enlighten students about the many career paths that are available to them.  I would like to commend the learning community of Cedarbrook K-8 Center, under the direction of Principal Frank Asante, for this effort.

On Friday, June 11, 2010, Mr. Early Clark, professional basketball player with the Phoenix Suns, dedicated a new basketball court to Evergreen School.  Mr. Clark is a former student at Evergreen who attended in the early 1990’s.  He was a student during the tenure of Principal Gloria Williams.  Students, staff, and community members were on hand for this memorable event.    

On Monday, June 7, 2010, the Educational Services department hosted the 2010 District Science Fair Community Night. The event was held at the Board of Education Office in the auditorium. The event was coordinated by Science Resource Teacher Thelma Matthews with support of the Lead Science Teachers from each school. The talents of our students were explicitly displayed during this year’s Science Fair.  There were approximately sixty five First Place /Exemplar Projects that were judged on this night.  Student work was displayed throughout the event and the students were required to share their predictions, project overview, and conclusions with the judges.  Our guest judges were retired educators Mr. and Mrs. Ruffin, residents of Plainfield; District Resource Teachers Kimberley Morris and Thelma Matthews. Congratulations to the District Winners in the categories of: Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. The following list includes the list of all winners and the two students who were identified at the conclusion of the event as “Judges Choice Honorable Mention”.