Katie Woodman (trustee), Dr. Sue Kick (Harper principal), Sue Flachsbart (teacher), Margie Karabas and (foundation chair).
WILMETTE – The District 39 Educational Foundation is thrilled to announce its Fall 2016 Gripp Grants, totally nearly $13,000, which will be supporting two unique initiatives within the elementary school environment.
Breakout EDU Boxes – The differentiation specialists, (DST’s) from all four elementary schools (Lauren Siegel, Bonny Skutch, Beverly Taylor, and Sue Flachsbart) partnered to bring Breakout EDU boxes to the district. Breakout EDU Boxes are an immersive learning game platform that teach critical thinking, teamwork, complex problem solving, and can be used in all content areas. The Gripp Grant will allow for each elementary school to purchase eight boxes.
Chrome Book Pilot – The technology leader at Central School, Lauren Wysocke, was granted funds to evaluate the integration of Chrome Books into our 1:1 technology program at the elementary schools. The Grant will purchase 24 chrome books and a charging cart to be used by third graders at Central School. In a side-by-side test, the hope is that the Chrome Books will prove to be a functional alternative to the current Apple laptops in use within the District 39 schools. The Chrome Books are more cost effective than their Apple counterparts, providing a 3:1 savings for the district.
“The Foundation’s Gripp Grant committee is excited to evaluate two innovative and curriculum enhancing initiatives for our children. The Foundation is appreciative for our community’s ongoing support through the donations that make this funding possible,” commented Tracy Peacock, District 39 Education Foundation chair.
Dr. Ray Lechner, District 39 Superintendent, comments on the Chrome Book pilot: “I am so grateful that the Foundation continues to inspire innovation…. GRIPP Grants seed projects that might lead to new directions in D39. While Chrome Books aren’t new to the world of education, they are innovation to D39. It’s exciting tho ave a teacher-inspired project that will investigate change at the classroom level.”
The deadline for Spring 2017 Gripp Grant applications is March 3rd, 2017. Application forms and information are available at www.d39foundation.org.
Beverly Taylor (Central teacher)
Bonny Skutch (Central teacher)
Submitted by the District 39 Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to investing in our children’s future. Since 1993, the Foundation has provided over $1 million in funds for educational programs, experiences, and technologies that expand, enrich, and complement the schools’ curricula. For more information on the District 39 Educational Foundation or the Gripp Grant program, contact 847-853-3939, email info@d39foundation.org or visit www.d39foundation.org.