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.
The District was in the midst of implementing an entirely new K-8 Science Curriculum, based on a vision of our students as “citizen scientists,” who experience and create science while they learn basic scientific principles and methods. As plans emerged for a new science curriculum, the Foundation carefully considered how they could expand on the basic resources budgeted for the new labs. They worked closely with District leadership and faculty to identify additional laboratory equipment that both met the mission of the Foundation and complemented the new curriculum.
The Foundation set a goal of raising $110,000 over the next two years to be used for these high priority enhancements. This fundraising campaign was called the Inspiring Scientists Fund. The Foundation has met 100% of its goal as a result of the past two Annual Appeals and Trivia Night proceeds 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.
Members of the Foundation presented the second $55,000 check to the Board of Education on February 25, 2014.
Inspiring Scientists Fund
The Foundation partnered with the District towards the goal of bringing science to life! The following are the items the Foundation raised money to support:
Technology | ||
| 3 Laptop Carts with 15 MacBooks/cart |
$55,000 |
Completed! |
Enrichment Materials | ||
7th Grade Priorities | ||
| 9 Pitsco Earthquake Towers |
$14,400 | Completed! |
| 60 LED Microscopes |
$13,100 | Completed! |
| 3 LED Dual Head Microscopes |
$900 | Completed! |
8th Grade Priorities | ||
| 105 Pitsco Power Alternative Energy House |
$17,800 | Completed! |
| 3 Backpack Labs Water Testing Kit |
$1,000 | Completed! |
| 12 Forensic Detective Labs & Refill Units |
$6,900 | Completed! |
| 15 Strawberry DNA Extraction Kits |
$900 | Completed! |
Total Commitment |
$110,000 | COMPLETED! |