Dist. 62 Foundation raises $17,000 to help schools

What creative classroom activities can $17,000 fund?

Des Plaines Elementary District 62 teachers have until Aug. 30 to answer that question and obtain mini-grants from the District 62 Foundation.

The foundation raised about $17,000 during its annual dinner and fundraiser Feb. 22 at Café la Cave in Des Plaines. Proceeds from silent auctions and raffles at the event will provide grants to teachers during the 2013-2014 school year.

This year, the foundation awarded 28 grants worth about $21,000 to support classroom initiatives, and provided 13 scholarships for middle school students to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program.

Among the projects funded this year were an outdoor education program, a tour to study architecture and skyscrapers in Chicago’s downtown, a field trip to a college band festival, and the purchase of ukuleles to support a 5-week introductory unit for fifth graders, said Susie Adams, co-chair for Reach to Teach.

“We partner with teachers to improve the quality of each student’s education through unique and interesting projects,” she said. “This ensures that we continue the district’s tradition of sustained student growth.”