Nominate the Best Plainfield Teachers and Staff

The following are two press releases from District 202:

"The District 202 Board of Education is seeking nominees for its 25th Annual Awards of Excellence.

The award honors teachers and non-administrative staff whose work on behalf of students, and support of District 202 has been exceptional in some way.

Students, staff, parents and community members are welcome and encouraged to submit their nominations.

Nominations can be made online in both English and Spanish. The “2017 Award of Excellence Nomination Form” is posted under “Announcements” on the front page of the District 202 web site (www.psd202.org) and all school web sites.

Past nominees and recipients can be nominated again. A list of past recipients is posted on the Nomination page online.

All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2017.

The Awards for Excellence ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017 in the auditorium at Plainfield South High School, 7800 W. Caton Farm Road, Plainfield.

A Board of Education committee will review all nominations and select this year’s recipients. The Board of Education has honored 370 teachers and staff with Awards of Excellence since the award’s inception."

"District 202 is seeking nominations for the second annual Cheryl Ricciardi Exceptional Student Service Award to honor a school-level student service worker who exhibits extraordinary dedication to students.

Parents, community members, students and district staff may nominate any certified Student Services employee from any District 202 school for the award.

An online nomination form is posted on the front page of the District 202 web site (www.psd202.org) and all district school web sites.

Nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2017. The award will be presented as part of the District 202 Board of Education’s Awards of Excellence at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Plainfield South High School.

Ricciardi started working in District 202 in 1996 as a social worker. She lost a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer in 2012.

She worked at all school levels, but her passion was working with high school students, said Crystal Lawns Elementary School Social Worker Cindy Cook, who helped to organize the award.

During her District 202 career, Ricciardi also initiated several unique programs including an after school breakdance group for at risk teens; the Catalyst Program to all District 202’s high schools; and the annual yellow ribbon run to raise money for Suicide Awareness.

Ricciardi also presented at professional workshops and continued to work after getting ill with “dignity, grace, courage and tremendous strength,” Cook said.

“This award is meant to recognize those that hold the belief that each and every one of our students are extraordinary,” Cook said. “Cheryl embraced that philosophy everyday she worked with her students.”

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