District 39 Educational Foundation
Inspiring Minds
In June 2012 the D39 Educational Foundation approved an innovative public/private partnership to dedicate fundraising efforts in support of new Wilmette Junior High Science Labs. The Foundation set a goal of raising $110,000 over the next two years to be used for these high priority enhancements and was proud to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new science labs at WJHS in the fall of 2013.
[Read more…] about Jr. High Science FacilitySay Yes to Improv! brought 8th grade drama students at WJHS an in-depth study of the art of improvisation. Two guest artists from the Actors Training Center in Wilmette joined drama teacher Dinah Barthelmess in the classroom two times a week for four weeks culminating in a performance given for students and parents. The drama students learned the art of on-the-spot storytelling and relied on teamwork and collaboration to create their informal Improv performances.
At Romona, a Gripp Grant helped support and enrich the school’s Garden Habitats. Funds were used to improve the bird, butterfly, native bee, worm and “rolly polly” habitats at the school. These improvements will provide a richer experience when classroom teachers use the gardens with their students. Students will also create nature-focused art to be showcased in the Spring Open House.
A third grant brought a Chinese New Year celebration to HMS. Students explored Chinese culture as they performed a lion dance parade through the school, wrote spring couplets with calligraphy pens and did paper cuttings. These hands-on experiences helped students gain cultural perspective and understanding.
The Foundation will be funding three new initiatives in D39 schools this fall. “Say Yes to Improv!” will bring 8th grade drama students at WJHS an in-depth study of the art of improvisation.
Joanna Flintz and Amanda Utynek, 6th grade math teachers at Highcrest, have been awarded a grant to fund a Mission to Mars program at Highcrest Middle School. This project will complement the math curriculum, requiring data collection and graphing, and will incorporate 21st century skills such as design technology and computer programming, as students design and operate their own Rovers. Students will work collaboratively and draw on problem solving skills as they simulate what NASA does with the real Mars Rovers.
Band and orchestra teachers Michael Holden, Ann Dufek and Laura Guili have been awarded a grant to incorporate SmartMusic software into the current band and orchestra program at Highcrest Middle School. This software aids in instruction differentiation and at‐home practice as students submit practice submissions online for teacher comments, guidance and grades. Teachers can customize lessons and students can customize how they practice and explore music.
The D39 Educational Foundation has long supported innovative technology initiatives and this fall will fund a pilot grant to Central School principal, Melanie Horowitz, and District Technology Director, Adam Denenberg, to enable special education students to access the curriculum through interactive tools. The iPad offers a single vehicle for a broad range of assistive technologies to boost writing, reading, math, science, and social studies skills as well as overall communication and organizational skills.
As part of the Educational Foundation’s ongoing support of the District’s garden‐enabled curriculum, a grant has been awarded to Romona art teacher, Katelynn McAllister, to create a mixed media mural depicting a prairie eco‐system. This mural crosses several disciplines including Art, Science, Social Studies and Library Media Center Studies. All of Romona’s 3rd grade students will collaboratively develop this mural, in support of the fall focus on the prairie eco‐system and will also reinforce the many art techniques and skills students have learned.
To support students throughout the district with developmental disabilities, the Educational Foundation has awarded a grant to social worker Alene Frost to fund the purchase of a set of anatomically correct dolls, which will be used as part of an adapted curriculum in many areas of health education. These dolls will enable developmentally disabled D39 students to achieve more independence in personal hygiene while enabling deeper comprehension of puberty and associated bodily changes. Importantly, students will develop an increased awareness of, and learn strategies to protect, their privacy and their body.
Sixth grade teachers Brenda Raccuglia and Penny Straub have been awarded a grant for a shed and equipment for the new mini‐farm located in a previously unused courtyard by the school’s cafeteria. The mini‐farm has been instrumental in providing students with the seed‐to‐table experience of an edible garden.
In an on‐going commitment to D39 teachers’ professionaldevelopment, the Educational Foundation will provide funds to enable McKenzie teachers Jane Dolkart and Jennifer Weil to attend Columbia University’s Reading/Writing workshops. This nationally recognized educational gathering will feature cutting‐edge reading and writing approaches. These teachers are leaders in the District’s Academy 39, so they will be able to share their learnings with their colleagues.
Two veteran, and highly acclaimed, McKenzie teachers (Jane Dolkart and Jennifer Weill) received a Foundation grant to attend a prestigious professional development program at the Center for Teaching & Learning, a demonstration site and lab school, where the faculty helps other teachers understand what is possible for their classrooms and schools. The program has a special focus on literacy across the curriculum. Our District teachers will bring back what they have learned from the internship, and mentor other teachers and graduate students.
The Foundation will pilot 1st grade teacher Lori Hirsch’s “move your body and your brain initiative” by funding WittFitt balls for her class. The inflatable ball chairs will help to create an active instructional environment in the classroom. The reported benefits of ball chairs include improved posture and balance, enhanced concentration and attention, stronger core (postural) and back muscles, and enhanced learning through movement.
To further support our students’ physical, mental, social and emotional growth, a grant has been awarded to Romona PE teacher Bill Schaaf for a Traverse Climbing Wall. This horizontal wall lets young students climb side-to-side at a safe height of only 2.5’ off the ground, providing both physical and mental challenges while giving a positive alternative to a sedentary lifestyle.
The Foundation has long supported math initiatives within the District, and is continuing that support through a grant to Andrea Kowalchik to pilot an Airliner Wireless Slate. This technology allows teachers to connect to the SmartBoard wirelessly, so they can move about the classroom and continue the lesson on the SmartBoard, while checking on student work and comprehension; students can also work on the board from their desks.
A Gripp Grant funding copies of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” for every classroom, and 5 copies of the DVD will help students throughout Central School integrate “green” initiatives into their annual “Read Across America” celebration. Students will make plans for a “green” activity, then write about these ideas and share them with the Lorax itself.
The entire middle school will be involved in designing and creating a set of mosaic murals for the school cafeteria, using ancient mosaic techniques and modern glass tiles. Students will be replicating famous works of art, while studying about the artists and artwork. This grant is made possible through the Lydia Martin Memorial Fund, honoring a McKenzie student who loved art.
Recognizing the social and emotional stresses adolescents face as they transition to high school, the Foundation is helping support expansion of the Warming House’s programs to include 8th graders. The Warming House provides mentorship, builds self-esteem, develops identity and character, and emphasizes social responsibility for the community’s vulnerable teens. The Foundation grant will be used for guest speakers to address self-esteem, bullying, and other teen issues.
In supporting the District’s effort to teach across various learning styles, this technology pilot at WJHS will provide 15 electronic dictionaries to enable vocabulary improvement. “Hand-held dictionaries kept at one’s desk will go a long way to increasing the likelihood that students look up words they do not know and will actively increase their vocabulary and improve their spelling skills,” notes 8th grade reading teacher Kelsey Leonard.
In an effort to put the community’s students on a path towards healthy living, with a focus on fitness habits that will extend into adult life, the Foundation is awarding WJHS PE teacher Lynn Bocinsky a Gripp Grant for four workout bikes. Fitness involves the performance of the heart, lungs, and muscles of the body and also affects our minds, which has been a focus of brain research. “Our goal is to get students hooked on fitness,” commented Bocinsky.
The Foundation is pleased to support efforts at WJHS to keep the photography darkrooms operating at optimal levels. All of the District’s 7th graders are exposed to photography as part of the 7th grade curriculum. This course is the most popular elective chosen by 8th graders. Additionally, the PTO-sponsored Photo Club uses the darkroom. “With this exciting update to our photography equipment our students are able to experience science and art coming together in a way that is engaging and memorable for them,” commented Monica Polley, grant applicant and WJHS teacher.
The Wilmette Historical Society is home to the signed and dated 14’ long oil painting, created in 1909 by Wilmette artist Mattie Akeley. “This mural has become a key element in school and scout programs. Its evocative nature and presence provides the opportunity to talk with students about Native American ways of life before the advent of European settlers and about how artists depict those ways of life,” said Kathy Hussey-Arntson, director. “Restoration of this painting will ensure that students and all community members will be able to enjoy this painting for the next 100 years.”
The Foundation is pleased to support TAFY’s efforts in disseminating the findings of a community-wide youth and family needs assessment, to engage key stakeholders in discussing the emotional and mental health of 6th-8th graders in the township, and to stimulate identification of school-based opportunities for action. “This study will complement all the great efforts already underway in D39 supporting students’ emotional health and will work to address a key plank in the District’s long range plan,” said Superintendent Ray Lechner.