Plainfield High Schools To Add 8th Period In 2025-26 School Year

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 is adding an eighth period to its high school schedules starting in the 2025-26 school year, officials announced.

The school day will continue to begin at 7:05 a.m. and end at 2:10 p.m.

"This change, designed with the input and support of our dedicated teachers and engaged community, will enhance learning opportunities and better meet the needs of our students," Director of Community Relations Linda Taylor wrote in a news release.

Taylor said the move reflects the goals outlined in the district's strategic plan, prioritizes academic achievement and students' well-being, and increases student opportunities.

With an additional period, students will have increased access to elective courses in art, language and technology as well as more time to explore internships, career-technical education and certification programs.

"With the recent development of 24 additional elective courses at the high school level, this change reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and our desire to provide increased opportunities that benefit all students across all of our high schools," Board of Education President Rod Westfall said in a statement.

The change was driven by feedback from the community gathered through surveys, strategic planning meetings and input from various groups.

"District administrators added that these groups wanted a schedule that provides more equity in offerings across the four high schools while also providing students with increased opportunities to prepare for college and careers," Taylor wrote in the release.

The Association of Plainfield Teachers played a large role in planning the new schedule.

"Our teachers are dedicated to the success of each student, and this new schedule allows us to expand opportunities to support their growth towards college and career readiness," Steven Jepsen, president of the Association of Plainfield Teachers Union, said in a statement. "This is a great step forward for the district, and along with our community, we’re thrilled to see it come to life."