Plainfield High School

Dear PHS Students and Families,

The start of a new school year is just around the corner—and I couldn’t be more excited to officially begin my first year as principal of Plainfield High School. While I’ve already had the pleasure of connecting with many of you, I want to take a moment to say how honored I am to serve our school and this incredible community.

Each new year brings a fresh start—and with it, the opportunity to grow, to lead, to learn, and to shape what comes next. Whether you’re walking into PHS for the first time or stepping into your final year, know that we believe in you, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

Let’s make 2025–2026 a year filled with connection, purpose, and pride in who we are. Red Pride runs deep—and I can’t wait to see what this year holds.

Now, please take a few moments to read through the important information below to help your family prepare for the start of school.

Go Quakers!
Mr. Brent Schwanekamp
Principal, Plainfield High School

Plainfield 2.0 Renovation Update

Construction continues to move steadily with the Plainfield 2.0: The Innovation Renovation project.  Over the next few weeks, we will begin getting access to the remaining spaces that are finishing up. The hope is that the bulk of construction will be completed before school resumes.  We plan to have an open house for the community later this fall.

Welcome Week 2025 for Freshmen and Students New to PHS

On Monday, July 21st, we will start Welcome Week by sharing informative videos about PHS: our people, our programs, and our practices to help acclimate you to your school. These videos will be shared with all families through Parent Square.

Orientation for Freshmen and New Students to PHS

We will also have an in-person orientation for our freshmen and other new students on Thursday, July 24th.  This will allow these students to be inside the building and learn the ropes before our first day of school on Wednesday, July 30th.  Orientation is for students only.

• Students with Last Name Beginning with A-L will have a program from 9:00 am - 11:00 am.  Parents are welcome to walk the building with their students from 11:00 - 12:00 pm if they would like.

• Students with Last Name Beginning with M-Z will have a program from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  Parents are welcome to walk the building with their students from 3:00 - 4:00 pm if they would like.

• If a student cannot attend during their designated time, please have the student email Mr. Menser (mmenser@plainfield.k12.in.us).

All students (9-12) and their parents can also walk the building with their schedules (located in PowerSchool) on July 24th from 5:00-7:00 pm or on July 25th from 8:00 - 11:00 am. 

Chromebook Distribution

• Students will have several opportunities to pick up their devices before the start of school.

  • July 15th: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • July 16th: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • July 17th: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • July 23rd: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• If a student is unable to come in during one of those times, then they will receive their device on the first day of school.

• Students who used a PCSC computer for summer school should return that device and the charger when they pick up their device.

Class Schedules

Students can see their class schedules for the 2025-2026 school year through PowerSchool. Please remember that your guidance counselor has been working to clean up and finalize schedules throughout the summer. We will work on fixing these conflicts up until students return to school on Wednesday, July 30th. If you see an error such as a missing class, complete this form. Counselors spent a lot of time in the last few weeks of May reaching out to students who had significant conflicts in their schedule to fix them before summer vacation.  They will continue to make these adjustments over the next three weeks.  

As a reminder, desired schedule changes were to be requested by May 1st. Please refer to the PHS Pathfinder to see what changes can still be made by students.

If you believe there is an error in your schedule or want to request a change that is allowed per school policy, please submit your request here:   Schedule Change Request Form (submit only once).

If you plan to be a Teacher Assistant during your current study hall and have approval from a staff member, submit that request here:   Teacher Assistant Request Form

PowerSchool will also contain information regarding student lockers and lunch assignments.  These will be updated by Monday, July 28th.

Safety Meeting

Plainfield High School will host its annual School Safety Meeting on Monday, August 4th, at 6:00 pm in the Cafeteria.  Parents, please plan to join us to learn more about safety protocols at Plainfield High School.  Please enter Door 1.

First Day of School

Our first day of school for students will be on Wednesday, July 30th.  School begins at 8:05 am with students reporting to their first-period class.  Students should bring their charged Chromebooks for the first day.  

School supplies for high school are communicated by the individual teachers through their syllabi.

Attendance

Attendance matters. At Plainfield High School, we believe that being present each day is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. The state sets a goal of 95% attendance—meaning students should miss no more than eight days across the school year. When students are in class consistently, they build stronger relationships, stay engaged in learning, and are better prepared for future opportunities. We will be celebrating great attendance throughout the year and encouraging all students to show up, work hard, and make every day count.

Transportation

If you have changed your plans for bus transportation since registration, please notify Dean Shepard or Jenni Clark at 317-838-3632 or send an email: dshepard@plainfield.k12.in.us or jclark@plainfield.k12.in.us

Please enjoy the last few weeks of summer break.  We are excited to see the amazing things that our students and staff are going to learn and do this school year.  We will see everyone on Wednesday, July 30th.

Go Quakers!