Railyard Fitness System
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.
Innovative Learning through Apple Pencils
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. (more…)
Romona Mud Cafe
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. (more…)
Shoebox Tasks
Students at D39 elementary schools can now be creative and independent while working on our “Shoebox Tasks.” (more…)
Sensory Paths
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. (more…)
Zone Watches for Highcrest
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. (more…)
Qballs and JBL Flip portable speakers
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. (more…)
Sphero BOLT Robots
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. (more…)
One Book, One District
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.
Highcrest Middle School Broadcast Live!
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. (more…)
WJHS Science Moticams
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. (more…)
Harper “Only You” River Rocks Path
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.
Romona Outdoor Learning Gazebo
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!
Breakout EDU Boxes
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.