Foundation grants fill special needs
The D300 Foundation for Educational Excellence has approved a number of large grants to provide specialized equipment for students in schools across Community Unit District 300.
For the 2011-2012 school year, the nonprofit group, which aims to enhance and extend learning opportunities for District 300 students, will award more than $26,600 in three Large Project Grants.
The first grant of $8,139 was approved for the Healthy Living and Learning Camp. The funds will pay for materials used at a summer camp benefiting at-risk elementary students. Secondary students from all three district high schools will provide instruction for the service learning project. Emphasis will be placed on math and reading skills with physical fitness also playing a part.
Another grant in the amount of $10,218 will purchase specialized scientific measuring equipment from LabQuest Hardware Technology for Science benefiting all high school science students. This is the second year such equipment not normally budgeted for will be purchased.
The final grant of $6,279 was approved to purchase iPads and specialized software to support speech therapy at all district middle and high schools.
The Large Grants Program supports cutting-edge, creative projects that enhance instruction but are not normally funded within school district budgets.
The foundation was started in 2002 and since that time has awarded nearly $500,000 to locals students. The grants are all made possible by private donations and special fundraisers.
Electronics recycling: The McHenry County Department of Health is partnering with the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College and Sims Recycling Solutions to provide a free electronic waste collection day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at MCC, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.County residents can drop off televisions, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, VCRs, digital cameras, mobile phones and fax machines during the event. There is a limit of 10 electronic items per resident. Christmas lights will not be accepted. For a complete list of acceptable items, go to mcdh.info or call Kristy Hecke at (815) 334-4585.