Two of Plainfield's Gems

 
With the opening of school just a little over a week away, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all those new to the Plainfield Public School (PPS) Family. I would also like to introduce you to two of the shining gems in the crown of our Queen City. Whatever your role is in PPS, you will find these two resources invaluable as we work to educate all the children we share, from Pre-K to 12th grade.

A must have on every student’s back to school list is a Plainfield Public Library card. Our award-winning library continually responds to the changing needs of the community. You must stop in and see their latest renovations. Everyone becomes a child again when crossing the bridge to enter the new Children’s Library, designed as a rainforest. 

With a movie screen, puppet theater, "Tween Hut," along with thousands of volumes of books and multimedia materials for student research and reading assignments, the library is the place to visit with your students! When planning a special project for your class, the staff stands ready to help.  

A room with a view……Plainfield Public Library Children’s Library

Plainfield Public Library Children’s Library: 908-757-1111 ext. 129

In addition, the Historical Society of Plainfield operates the Drake House Museum for the City of Plainfield.  Legend has it that George Washington used the home to meet with officers during the Battle of Short Hills. The museum's staff welcomes class trips to see the interpretation of Plainfield and Union County from its slavery beginnings in the colonial era through the late Victorian era--original artifacts are on display! No room in the schedule for a field trip? No worries--the Drake House has a Traveling Trunk Exhibit to bring artifacts to the classroom--the staff is just a phone call away.

Drake House Museum, operated by the Historical Society of Plainfield

The Drake House Museum 908-755-5831

The Drake House is also designated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs as one of Union County's Four Centuries in a Weekend sites.  This year, Four Centuries in a Weekend will take place on October 20 and 21, with a Union County History Activity Kit for use by area teachers.   

Click below for the Four Centuries in a Weekend Lesson Plan, including an Activities, a Lesson Plan Map, and Resource Materials!

Union County's Four Centuries in a Weekend 

Both sites are on the district's list of pre-approved field trips (pages 68-72). Click here  and scroll to page 68 for the complete list of field trips!

Roni

Note: All data and information provided on this site is in the public domain and is for informational purposes only. This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own. --Veronica Taylor