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Plainfield Academy outlines therapeutic programs, community partnerships and 'You Matter' campaign
Summary
School leaders and staff described Plainfield Academy's alternative-education programs — including the Therapeutic Academic Program, Turnabout, P-STEP and return of Project SEARCH — community job sites, a facility dog named Nova, and recent outreach initiatives such as You Matter Day.
Karen Halstead, principal of Plainfield Academy, and school staff presented an overview of the academy's programs, partnerships and student supports at the Plainfield SD 202 Board of Education meeting.
Halstead said Plainfield Academy serves middle and high school students placed by the board or by an advance letter, and that the building hosts multiple specialized programs including an alternative-school program, the Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP), the Turnabout in‑school expulsion program, P‑STEP and transition programming. Staff described Project SEARCH returning last year in partnership with Bolingbrook Hospital and community agencies to provide job-placement training.
Cassie Palino, clinical director of the TAP program, Tammy Ruff (a teacher) and assistant principal Tracy Bonaventi described daily programming focused on repetitive practice of social, communication and organizational skills. Presenters said the school works with more than 11 community job sites, and named partners including Ace Hardware, Aramark (district food services), Business Knowledge Systems and Bonnie Macbeth Learning Center. Staff also noted partnerships with Trinity Services and workforce programs through Joliet Junior College (JJC).
School staff introduced Nova, a facility/service dog trained through ICAN, and described Nova's role supporting students with transitions and emotional regulation. "You Matter," a schoolwide event organized with community sponsors, was highlighted by teacher Tammy Ruff as a signature activity that raised community awareness and resources; staff said sponsors included local businesses and a donated meal service from Chick-fil-A.
Presenters outlined student incentives, academic-recovery time and a crisis-intervention team made up of social workers and administrators. They described outreach programs such as Adopt-A-Street, Bags of Hope, a Giving Tree, a Caring Closet for clothing distribution and a Kindness Rocks Garden. Staff said participation in school sportsmanship programs (kickball, coed activities) is contingent on weekly eligibility checks and academic recovery options are available for students who fall behind.
Board members praised the academy's growth and partnerships and asked for continued sharing of success stories; staff encouraged board members to visit the site and attend events. The presentation recorded no formal action items; it was provided as information to the board.
