District 205 Foundation invests in Elmhurst students
All 13 Elmhurst public schools and their students are beginning the year with more than $72,500 of additional resources provided through funding by the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation.
The nonprofit, volunteer foundation raises and distributes money to supplement school budgets and enhance educational experiences for students across all grade levels.
A total of 25 Thiems Educational Grants worth $53,827 were awarded last spring for implementation this academic year. The grant program is named after former Elmhurst Unit District 205 Superintendent Russell Thiems, who was instrumental in the formation of the Foundation for Educational Excellence, which has awarded more than $1.9 million dollars in educational programs and enhancements since 1989.
"The foundation recently funded $23,000 in literacy resources," said Brian Bresnahan, foundation chairman, "and a large amount of the newest grant dollars support science and technology that helps teachers deliver STEM-related curriculum."
One example is the multiple grants awarded to help create makerspaces at every elementary school library and two areas, the library and Lincoln Lab, at York High School.
A makerspace is a collaborative workspace for making, learning, exploring and sharing. Such spaces support future-ready learning and allow teachers and students to embed creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration in learning experiences.
A complete list of grants can be found on the foundation website at www.elmhurst205.org/foundation.
Foundation funds also are being used to purchase Wi-Fi hot spot devices to provide high-speed internet access outside of school for identified students who do not have it.
The Title I funding that provided the devices in the past has been significantly reduced, and the foundation is picking up the cost to ensure students have the opportunity to fully engage in their education with this important resource.
Additionally, this year the foundation again is providing funding that allows schools to conduct programs outside of the school day that help provide students with academic assistance, as well as organizational and study skills.
"One of the goals of our organization is to help provide an equitable education for the success of all students," said Lisa Fanelli, foundation executive director. "The public school progression culminates at York High School for all students, and it benefits our community to help them be as prepared as possible to succeed in that environment."
The first foundation fundraiser of the year is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at York High School. The Harlem Wizards are returning to Elmhurst for an action-packed evening of exhibition basketball.
Teachers and administrators from across the district will join together as the D205 All Stars and challenge the Wizards to an exciting and entertaining game. Please visit www.elmhurst205.org/wizards for information and tickets.