We are thrilled to announce this year’s Annual Grants winners! Seven innovative and creative awards representing nearly $25,000 will positively impact the education of over 3,000 students across District 203 during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Since its founding in 1992, the Naperville Education Foundation has awarded over 1,000 grants that stimulate student engagement and learning experiences. Thanks to your support, Annual Grants fund projects for the following school year, and are awarded in four categories.
Congratulations to the following 2022 Annual Grant recipients:
Diversity and Inclusion
Build an Inclusive Community Through Art
Christine Halblander, Kerry Winborne, Vanessa Daker, Raf Kuklinski, Kara Rancilio, Mary Bratland, and Erin Rains - Jefferson Junior High School
Funds will be used for a year-long project of creating a mural with a local artist that will represent and support Jefferson Junior High’s unique community. Jefferson’s population has more than 47 languages represented, as it houses the District 203 Junior High Dual Language and English Learning (EL) programs. The mural will "...strengthen school culture by building a safe and accepting environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued."
Welcome, Readers!
Ann Stec - Scott Elementary School
Grant funds will be used to purchase books in the native languages of students welcomed from other countries. As a way to say-- "Welcome! We see you and are glad you are part of our community,” teachers can check out the books to send home with new students on their first day to take home and read with their families. This will be the beginning of building a Language Diversity section in Scott Elementary School's Learning Commons.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Instructional Videos - Animations
Linda Bennett and Megan Hopkins - Naperville Central High School
This grant will fund the creation of illustrated, short STEM videos that address differentiated instruction, equity, and additional support for struggling learners. These videos will benefit students by allowing them to work at their own pace, re-watch videos to review material, and give access to classroom materials during absences.
LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and BricQ Motion Prime
Vickie Donnelly & Amanda Mennella - Lincoln Junior High School
This grant will purchase 5 additional SPIKE Prime kits and 2 class sets (24 kits total) of the LEGO BricQ Motion Prime sets. These will be used each quarter in Project Lead the Way, provider of innovative STEM education curricular middle and high school programs, as well as in science classes and the SciTech Club. These tools will allow for the exploration of physics in smaller groups, offering more hands-on learning time.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social & Emotional Learning in Action
Tiauna King - Elmwood Elementary
This grant will be used to purchase Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) books for a Learning Behavior Specialist book club. At this book club, staff will enhance their knowledge and skills on how to use sensory tools to support their students. This will help staff further assist students who are struggling with managing and communicating their emotional needs.
