Current students, prospective students and community members gathered at the WJHS Cafeteria on Saturday, February 22nd to see what LAB39 students had been doing since December. They were amazed at all they saw! Highcrest Middle School and WJHS 5th-8th grade students excitedly showed off what they'd built, activities they'd done, and lessons they'd learned! Course leaders were also... <more>
There Was Lots To Share And Learn At LAB39 Open House
Trivia Night 2020 Was A Fun Fundraiser For All!
The District 39 community never fails to impress with their clever Trivia Night team themes and costumes as well as their amazing trivia skills! This proved true again at our 8th annual Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, February 1st at St. Joseph School in Wilmette. Congratulations to "And Now For Something Completely Trivial" -- 2020 Trivia... <more>
Hallway Sensory Path Encore Gripp Grant Awarded in November to McKenzie School
Congratulations to Paula Lundell, McKenzie School OT, for the Encore Gripp Grant awarded to her for a hallway sensory path. Encore Grants are awarded for Foundation-funded projects that have previously been successful within D39 schools. In this case, sensory paths were awarded to each D39 elementary school last spring and are being used by students... <more>
“Attire to Inspire” Fashion Show Wowed The Crowd!
Our sixth annual "Attire to Inspire Fashion Show" was standing room only at the Westmoreland Country Club on November 13th. A new venue provided the setting for some fun twists to this event. Featured fashion ran the gamut from casual to high style. Models were District 39 PTO, PTA and D39 Educational Foundation volunteers. Strutting down... <more>
Foundation Contributes $42,000 to District Schools for Innovative Classrooms
The District 39 Educational Foundation Board voted on May 15th to approve a donation towards the Board of Education’s strategic planning initiative to outfit innovative classrooms in all six D39 schools. A total of $42,000 will be donated -- $6,000 earmarked for each elementary school, $9,000 for Highcrest Middle School, and $9,000 for Wilmette Junior... <more>
Two Spring 2019 Gripp Grants Awarded
Cheri Bridge and Jill Forti, Technology Specialists at WJHS, were awarded a grant to purchase 29 MERGE cubes to support the initiation of the D39 Augmented Reality program, which builds upon the existing Virtual Reality program. MERGE cubes allow students to visualize complex systems by turning 3D models into a virtual object that students can... <more>
Foundation’s SAM Arts Fund Sponsored WJHS Art Show for “Empowered to Be Yourself” Creative Self Portraiture Photography Project
On June 4th, WJHS students displayed creative self portrait photographs at a public art show and wowed viewers with their captivating images. They should all be very proud! The D39 Educational Foundation's SAM Arts Fund sponsored the project for WJHS students. The idea behind the photography project was to engage students creatively and thoughtfully. Using photography... <more>
Wilmette Pub Crawl Success Leads to $4,070 Gift to Foundation
The Wilmette Pub Crawl on Thursday, May 16th was a great success with perfect weather this year! It was be a fun night to meet friends and enjoy Wilmette dining and bar establishments. Many thanks to the Wilmette Pub Crawl founders, Ted Zaller and Peter Lipsey, for the $4,070 gift they bestowed upon the D39 Educational Foundation. We... <more>
Dr. Michelle Larson, President & CEO of The Adler Planetarium, Shares Love of Space With WJHS Students At Math In The Real World Presentation
Space is freaking awesome! This year’s Math in the Real World speaker was Dr. Michelle Larson, President and CEO of The Adler Planetarium. While in her 20’s, Dr. Larson didn’t come to the realization that “space is freaking awesome” until she literally looked up and saw the moon through her binoculars. The stunning details visible... <more>
Superintendent Ray Lechner Honored Through New Ray of Light Fund
The D39 Educational Foundation proudly announces the Ray of Light Fund in honor of Superintendent Dr. Ray Lechner at his retirement. The fund celebrates Dr. Lechner's background, support, and advocacy of special education and inclusion programming over his 20-year tenure. Dr. Lechner’s steadfast encouragement of all students to learn and grow together not only strengthened the Wilmette community... <more>