Naperville Education Foundation grants fund projects in schools
Proceeds from Yuks for Youth benefit the Naperville Education Foundation, which includes its annual, competitive grant awards program. Grants are awarded to teachers, students and parents who develop innovative projects that stimulate students' engagement and learning experience. Here are examples of previous winning proposals:
Family Literacy Nights: The Chronicles of Narnia
Winners: Chris Lockhart, Michelle Vrlenich
Maplebrook Elementary School
Incorporating a total family experience to foster an excitement for reading. Families will read a book together, watch the corresponding movie, then discuss the comparison during a trivia night.
Pro-STEM = Pro-BOT
Winners: Jamie Ferro, Jerry Jay, Georgie Lukas
Ranch View Elementary School
Providing an enriched learning environment in science inquiry through the use of floor robots, technological programming and design, engineering applications and geometric mathematical concepts.
Ocean in the Classroom
Winner: Margaret Pellegrini
Naperville North High School
Bringing a marine ecosystem, with a variety of exotic life, as a live tool and model into the classroom. Engaging, interactive and hands-on approach to learning an array of concepts in the science classroom and beyond through the study of a complex and dynamic reef aquarium. Available for viewing and as a learning tool to all schools in the district.
Breakfast with Books
Winner: Jennifer Hodonicky
Ellsworth Elementary School
Opportunities for struggling readers to eliminate summer reading loss. Consisting of three components: access to books normally available only during the school year, self-directed free books, and breakfast. Staff will read to students, listen to students read, assist in choosing appropriate text and facilitate book discussions.
Edible Garden
Winners: Lucy Nobrega, Jennifer Podkasik
Beebe Elementary School
Expanding the school garden and adding raised beds will provide enriched learning opportunities for additional students on the topics of nutrition and agriculture as well as a better appreciation for our community. All grade levels will have the opportunity to grow food for the classroom and to donate to those in need in our community.