Plainfield North Named a 2016 Illinois Democracy School

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition has named Plainfield North High School a 2016 Illinois Democracy School.

Schools are recognized for giving students authentic experiences in the rights, responsibilities and tensions inherent in living in a constitutional democracy.

PNHS is one of 54 Illinois high schools that completed the school-wide civic assessment required to be named a Democracy School.

The assessment measures how often current events are discussed, how much civic-related concepts are taught in classes and how often simulations of democratic processes are conducted.

The Democracy School designation creates opportunities for different departments to work together to teach civics, said Principal Ross Draper.

“Being a Democracy School also provides the students with opportunities, both in and out of the classrooms, to put what is learned into action,” Draper said.

PNHS will get a stipend of up to $3,000 from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation which convenes the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition.

The stipend will be used to sponsor student activities and clubs related to civics, educating teachers on how to use civic education in their classrooms and develop civic learning resources across the curriculum.

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation’s mission is fostering communities of educated, informed, and engaged citizens.

The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition is a broad non-partisan consortium which includes educators, administrators, students, universities, funders, elected officials, policymakers and representatives from the private and non-profit sectors.

photo courtesy of Plainfield School District 202

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202