In The News
August 12, 2024
State of Illinois press release
CHICAGO- Today, Governor Pritzker signed SB3514, designating the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball,” as the official mushroom of the State of Illinois.
Senate Bill 3514 began as an initiative led by elementary school students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, who embarked on a civic journey to see their chosen mushroom recognized as a state symbol.
“Today we celebrate not only a new state symbol, but the hard work and dedication of our state’s young leaders,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The giant puffball will now stand as a testament to the curiosity and determination of the bright students of Illinois, who have shown us that even the youngest among us can make a difference.” Read More here. . .
June 3, 2024
By Maggie Rose Baron
News that a measure in Springfield has drawn the support of both Democrats and Republicans in this highly politicized era should be cause for celebration, but we admit to a bit of initial cynicism over passage of Senate Bill 3514.
After all, an announcement that Illinois was well on its way to having an official state mushroom — one dubbed the “Giant Puffball” no less — isn’t exactly what we have in mind when we talk about the importance of bipartisanship.
And, really, doesn’t the General Assembly have more pressing matters to address?
However, a little digging by reporter Maggie Rose Baron for an article that ran Monday showed us the error of dismissing the puffball as little more than political puffery. Read More here…
May 24, 2024
WJBC news - Lawmakers approve a new state mushroom. WJBC news
May 23, 2024
House of Representatives sponsor, Rep Michelle Mussman and chief co-sponsor Rep Jennifer Sanalitro ushered the students’ bill through the House of Representatives legislative process. The students tuned into the online proceedings as the bill passed through committee hearings and ultimately went up for a vote on the floor. The bill passed the final vote in Congress on May 23, 2024, and is awaiting the governor’s signature. After months of research, hard work, and patience, our student changemakers are excited to be able to call the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the ‘Giant puffball’, the official mushroom and state symbol of Illinois!
April 16, 2024
Step aside Northern Cardinal, white oak, and common blue violet – make room for the ‘Giant puffball’ mushroom.
While School House Rock is one way to learn about legislation, The 3rd - 5th-grade class at Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, IL is taking a different route. These young changemakers are learning about state government by creating legislation that would designate the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the ‘Giant puffball’, as the official mushroom and state symbol for Illinois.
This past fall, after a conversation in class about state symbols, the upper elementary students from Prairie School of DuPage decided to learn about Illinois state government by creating legislation that would designate the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the ‘Giant puffball’, as the official mushroom and state symbol of Illinois.
With field guides in tow, the students began collecting data on mushrooms they observed on the school grounds and in nearby parks. Guided by their teachers, they surveyed over 100 Illinois-based educators, scientists, and specialists. The information gathered from these stakeholders allowed the students to compile a list of the best possible nominees for a state mushroom. They held a class primary election to narrow the choices to two mushrooms. Then they held an all-school general election – campaign posters, stump speeches, and all – for the two mushroom candidates. Students in grades K-8 voted in the general election and the overwhelming winner was the Calvetia gigantea.
There are many reasons why the Giant puffball was a clear winner. It is fairly common and can be found in various habitats throughout the state, allowing all residents of Illinois to have an opportunity to interact with or observe it. It is non-toxic and, in its early stages, even edible. It can grow to about the size of a large beach ball and according to the National Park Service, “Giant puffballs can produce a mind-boggling several trillion spores.”
Amid all the mushroom research and election planning, the Upper Elementary students also researched who their elected state officials were and requested a sponsor for the bill. State Senator Seth Lewis took up their cause and facilitated the official legislative process with the students. The students traveled to Springfield, IL to testify in front of a Senate committee hearing and tuned into the final vote on the Senate floor. As of 4/10/24 the student’s state mushroom bill (SB3514) passed the Senate unanimously. Rep. Mussman will sponsor the bill as it goes into committee in the Illinois State House of Representatives sometime in May.
Read more on the WBBM Newradio channel or visit Illinois State Sentator, Seth Lewis’ website for more details.
April 11, 2024
2:33 pm
November 21, 2023
City Of Wheaton Announces Inaugural Sustainability Award Winners
At the Nov. 20, 2023 Wheaton City Council meeting, Prairie School of DuPage was one of the recipients of Wheaton’s first-ever Sustainability Awards from the City’s Environmental Improvement Commission.