Hillcrest first graders get field trips delivered

A rise in foreclosures and a lag in state aid payments have forced Elgin Area School District U-46 officials to institute a number of cost-saving measures this year.

Along with lowering building temperatures and restricting night and weekend use of facilities, field trips have been cut in the effort to save several million dollars.

But for one lucky class at Hillcrest Elementary in Elgin, field trips are coming to them.

This spring, the Elgin Area Leadership Academy has brought several visitors into teacher Jerilyn Hofmann's 22-student first-grade classroom as part of a service project. Among them were Roselle's police chief, Judson University basketball players, area tradesmen and leadership academy members themselves.

"The students are so excited," Hofmann said. "It's really opening their eyes up to what they can do with their futures."

The academy, sponsored by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, aims to give individuals professional networking opportunities and help them become contributors to their communities. Hillcrest Principal Duane Meighan is a member.

Hillcrest, according to district data, is 70 percent low-income. About 75 percent of students are minorities.

"The aim is to supply the students with experiences they may never get otherwise," Meighan said.

Visitors, Meighan said, have brought board games, multicultural food and come to simply read aloud to the students.

He said the academy hopes to continue and expand the program in the years to come.