Diversity & 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." Students and staff will be involved in the creative process and observe the art being created, making memories that will last a lifetime.
801 students impacted
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. These books will also be available to check out for students who have proficient reading abilities in their native language. This will be the beginning of building a Language Diversity section in Scott Elementary School's Learning Commons.
30 students impacted
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. Once a starter supply of videos is established, students will be encouraged to create their own short videos, building a library of vetted student-made videos.
300 students impacted
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. Students will strengthen oral communication skills in a collaborative setting by designing, developing, and optimizing solutions with the kits.
800 students impacted
Fine Arts & Physical Education
BRAINball, Cross Curricular Purposeful Play!
Kimberly Blitek, Kathy Schoengrund, and Heather Bezanis - Kingsley Elementary School
Purchasing a BRAINBALL Physical Education Cross Curricular System, this grant will allow students to practice basic academic skills such while engaging in active games. This will re-engage students post e-learning, provide lessons to address learning gaps, and reduce stress through movement. In addition to BRAINball being used in the PE and Jump Start, all staff members will have the ability to check-out the BRAINball equipment anytime throughout the year to use for small group and class-wide instruction and activity.
442 students impacted
Equitable Access for Success in Photography
Amy Murphy - Naperville Central High School
In order to make the popular NCHS Photography Program more equitable and accessible to all students, this grant will purchase a class set of 35mm SLR cameras from a variety of independent vendors. Providing cameras to students who may not have access to a camera on their own ensures that all students have the option to take Photography classes at NCHS. With a class set of 35mm film SLR cameras, students will be provided an equitable foundation for success in photography, have a hands-on learning experience about the foundations of photography, and create an unforgettable and unique traditional fine arts experience.
150 students impacted
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.
660 students impacted
