September 2024 Recipients
Social Emotional Learning Through Team Building
Andrew Bax - Naperville North High School
This grant funds an outdoor education experience for students in the SUCCESS program at Naperville North. Students will be empowered to overcome challenges, build confidence and undergo social-emotional growth in an immersive, hands-on environment.
20 students impacted
Books That Talk!
Jean Abbott - Steeple Run Elementary School
This grant funds the purchase of Vox talking books to make the curriculum more accessible to EL students.
These books will allow students to develop listening comprehension skills that will bolster their reading comprehension. These books expose students to new vocabulary without increasing screen time.
100 students impacted
Legos for the art room
Kyle Wood - Highlands Elementary School
This grant funds the bulk purchase of Lego bricks and baseplates for students to use in art class. Students will primarily use Legos to create mosaic designs.
This experience will allow students to work on fine motor development while also practicing patience. Connecting learning activities with students’ outside interests will make students more engaged and inspire them to experiment with these materials outside of school.
512 students impacted
Off the Cuff Vocal Jazz - Sound Equipment
Lauren Berryhill - Naperville Central High School
This grant funds a digital mixer for vocal jazz instruction at Naperville Central. The equipment will provide the vocal jazz ensemble Off the Cuff with an authentic vocal jazz performance experience on microphones.
Additionally, the digital mixer will allow students to gain industry-standard experience with sound equipment and prepare them for future music production experiences. The overall experience will elevate singers’ musicianship and confidence.
48 students impacted
Ukuleles for General Music Class
Crystal Hall - Kingsley Elementary School
This grant funds the purchase of a class set of ukuleles for fourth and fifth graders at Kingsley. The introduction of ukuleles in the classroom will enhance students’ experience learning chords and will allow students who may not have the time or resources to pursue other instruments experience playing an instrument as part of an ensemble.
136 students impacted
Learning to Read Through PLAY
Andrew McCree - Meadow Glens Elementary School
This grant funds the purchase of materials to support playful learning. Materials will cover the alphabet, phonics and vocabulary for kindergarteners. These play-based materials will be integrated into the curriculum, offering more creative learning opportunities for students.
50 students impacted
The Maker's Hive: Graphic and Digital Design Club
Jamie Pignatelli - Elsworth Elementary School
This grant funds the purchase of a Glowforge Aura craft laser to kickstart the creation of a graphic and digital design club held during lunch hours at Ellsworth Elementary.
The club will provide students with hands-on, technology-driven experiences for future educational and career paths through creative and innovative problem-solving. The club will provide students with an avenue for non-traditional learning during recess time.
77 students impacted
