Gripp Grants in Action

The D39 Educational Foundation also awarded $24,808 to all 4 elementary schools. Technology has revolutionized the way students learn and teachers instruct. There has also been emerging research on the benefits of handwriting versus typing and the positive effects it has on learning. Logitech Crayons will help integrate the benefits of handwriting with our current learning environment on I-Pads.

The Logitech Crayon will provide opportunities for enhanced interactivity and engagement for students, foster creativity and critical thinking, collaboration, and promote accessibility and inclusivity for all students. Students will be able to actively participate in lessons using the Logitech Crayon to annotate, draw, and interact with digital content, becoming contributors to their own learning process. They can explore their talents through sketchnoting, digital art and design, as well as use the Logitech Crayon for brainstorming and mind mapping activities. Students will be able to think critically and express their ideas in innovative ways, working together on projects by annotating and editing digital documents, providing real time feedback.

Congratulations to Lauren Wysocke, Christina Rosario, Beth Cummo, and Julie Garry, technology teachers for all 4 elementary schools!

The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $19,517 to Highcrest Middle School for the purchase of a class VR. There are many benefits to adding ClassVR to our classrooms. ClassVR is an immersive virtual reality platform that allows students to experience a wide range of educational content in a way that is engaging and interactive. With ClassVR, students are able to explore historical sites, scientific concepts, and cultural landmarks from all around the world in a safe and controlled environment.

In addition to curricular connections, another benefit of Class VR is its ability to
support social and emotional development among students. Research has shown that virtual reality experiences can help students develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and empathy for others. They will build relationships and social skills by participating in shared VR experiences. Congratulations to Maayan Sloan, HMS Technology Specialist for 5th Grade and Samantha Smith Technology Specialist for 6th Grade!

Students in all four D39 elementary schools now have access to a Railyard Fitness System which can be used in a multitude of configurations that support the District’s elementary curriculum and philosophy, which states “movement and activity are essential components of total body wellness and academic achievement.” Because the system is made up of many components, it can be easily dismantled and transported so the two systems will be shared among the four elementary schools. The obstacle courses will develop students’ upper body, lower body and core strength, as well as flexibility and cardio fitness.

After piloting Innovative Learning through Apple Pencils  in the WJHS Math Department this fall, the team felt every classroom could be improved through the use of the smart tool which connects at home learners with in person learners seamlessly and effectively.  

[Read more…] about Innovative Learning through Apple Pencils

Students at Romona Elementary School and the D39 Early Childhood program now have an all-season outdoor classroom where they can let their imaginations run free. The wooden structure includes a ‘mud kitchen’, ‘dining area’, and ‘work table’ and is called the Romona Mud Cafe.

[Read more…] about Romona Mud Cafe

Students at D39 elementary schools can now be creative and independent while working on our “Shoebox Tasks.”

[Read more…] about Shoebox Tasks

All four D39 elementary schools installed Sensory Paths over summer 2019.  A Sensory Path is an organized course typically placed in a school hallway that encourages a routine, predictable motor break and provides students with an additional place to take ‘brain breaks’ during the school day. Students are thrilled with the fun physical challenges that relieve brain fatigue.

[Read more…] about Sensory Paths

During the Fall 2018 Gripp Grant award cycle, Jeneane Pence, Highcrest PE teacher, was awarded a grant for 30 Zone watches to assist students with heart rate monitoring during PE activities.

[Read more…] about Zone Watches for Highcrest

In November 2018, Student Services Coordinator, Taylor Harvey and Romona/Harper Assistant Principal, Elena Ryan were awarded a grant to purchase 20 Qballs and JBL Flip portable speakers for use in all D39 elementary schools.

[Read more…] about Qballs and JBL Flip portable speakers

In Fall 2018, the four D39 elementary school technology teachers Julie Garry, Lauren Wysocke, Beth Cummo and Christina Rosario were awarded funds for 32 Sphero BOLT robots. Each school was granted 8 robots to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to expand their coding skills.

[Read more…] about Sphero BOLT Robots

The district schools received a grant to fund One Book, One District, which was co-funded by each of the district school’s PTAs and PTOs.  The program connected all schools and students in District 39 through one common book.  

In November 2017, Mayaan Sloane and Samantha Sutton, Highcrest Technology Innovation Specialists, were granted the purchase of video and recording equipment to transition the weekly WHMS News into a live student written, directed and executed broadcast. The broadcast is aired every Monday morning to Highcrest and the Wilmette community. 

[Read more…] about Highcrest Middle School Broadcast Live!

Dr. Peter Ower, WJHS 7th grade science teacher was granted funding for 24 Moticams, which are special cameras that mount on the lab microscopes already in use at WJHS.

[Read more…] about WJHS Science Moticams

Harper art teacher, Kathleen Robinson, was awarded a grant to create a school-wide art installation that fostered conversations about individuality and making the world a better place for all.

Students and teachers are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to learn in their new outdoor classroom. From preschool reading time to elementary science exploration the gazebo provides the school community with a unique extension of the main school building. It’s almost like a one room school house from years gone by!

Teachers and students at all elementary schools and WJHS have been wildly enthusiastic about these boxes and their potential uses.  They have been used at every grade level in multiple classes from science to music to social studies. A Harper School social worker and an LBS ran a Breakout focused on the skills they are teaching to students in their social skills group.  “This box helps target SO many skills – and works with ANY curriculum,” said Harper DST Sue Flachsbart.