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Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
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Plainfield Public Schools Leaders Attend ALL IN for Inclusive Education Winter Conference
PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 13, 2025 – Plainfield Public Schools, alongside 15 district administrators participated at the ALL IN for Inclusive Education (formerly NJCIE) Winter Inclusion Conference held on January 10, 2025. This pivotal event brought together a diverse group of educators dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that empower all students. The team was comprised of ten principals, five district-level administrators, and parent representatives from SEPAG, the Special Education Parent Advisory Group, Johanna Alzate and Marise Angibeau-Gray.
Attendance at the conference was completely optional, highlighting the unwavering commitment of Plainfield’s community to advancing equity and inclusion in education. Participants engaged in a variety of professional development sessions aimed at equipping them with strategies to build inclusive learning spaces that celebrate diversity and ensure equitable opportunities for every student.
The initiative to integrate ALL IN’s expertise into the district’s practices was championed by Marcos Bayas, Supervisor of Special Education. Bayas has worked alongside Juanpablo Jimenez, Principal of Charles and Ana Booker Elementary School, and the school’s dedicated staff as part of NJCIE’s three-year Systemic Change Project which focuses on school-based inclusive practices as a model for district-wide transformation.
The collaboration that led to Plainfield’s strong presence at the conference was part of a district-wide inclusion initiative led by Elizabeth Filippatos, Ed. D., Chief of Student Services, and Danielle Mastrogiovanni, Ed. D., Chief of Equity & School Improvement. Together, they ensured that building leaders from all school levels, as well as key district-level administrators and parent representatives could participate, further underscoring the district’s commitment to a community-centered approach to inclusion.
“The focus of this year’s NJCIE conference was Belonging. The presenters challenged participants to start from an assumption that all students belong and to provide services that will support effective achievement. Plainfield Public Schools has the same focus, and we all felt empowered by experiencing the sessions together,” said Elizabeth Filippatos, Ed. D.
“Having representation at all levels present at the Inclusion Conference demonstrates that only through collective effort and collaboration can we achieve impactful and lasting systemic change — the kind of change that ensures every student in Plainfield Public Schools has what they need to succeed academically while also feeling seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging,” stated Danielle Mastrogiovanni, Ed. D.
“The Inclusion conference was such an enlightening event where so many wonderful people shared strategies and resources to help all learners thrive in society,” said Marcos Bayas. “A big takeaway was that inclusive practices benefit any type of learner in gaining access to the support they need on an individual basis whether it be behavioral support, academic resources, and even AI tools without the need to separate them from their peers and their community.”
Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., echoed the significance of the event, stating, “Plainfield Public Schools has always been committed to the belief that every student deserves an education that meets their unique needs. This conference not only gave us valuable insights but reinforced that inclusion benefits everyone, and we will continue to make this a central focus as we work toward providing equitable learning experiences for all of our students.”
The Winter Inclusion Conference served as an inspiring and informative milestone for Plainfield Public Schools, reaffirming the district’s commitment to Moving Plainfield Public Schools Forward by creating equitable, inclusive learning environments for all students. The district looks to further its collaboration with ALL IN for Inclusive Education, building on the foundation laid at this event.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.