This is the What We Do Page. Items to Include
Financial Programs (Reaching New Heights and Grants)
Enhancement Programs (New Staff Luncheon and Sneak Preview)
Award Programs (Select 58 and DSA)
Additional Initiatives (mention some here and solicit ideas)
Grants
The Foundation has awarded mini and maxi grants since 2003, proudly providing the opportunity for teachers and other community members to institute innovative programs and curriculum enhancements. The Foundation is committed to funding educational projects and initiatives that would not otherwise be funded by the District due to limited financial resources. The Foundation’s mission is to provide additional resources to enrich District 58 educational opportunities.
Our mission is achieved by directing support toward the following goals:
1) to enhance student academic and skill development;
2) to encourage educational innovation and creativity including staff development and curriculum enrichment; and
3) to encourage school/community partnerships.
Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to commit $25,000 toward this effort.
An application with guidelines can be found below. You may use this form for either mini (under $500) or a maxi (over $500) grants.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Jennifer Waldorf (630) 719-5805 or Laura Crawford (630) 968-4050 X 14 if you have any questions.
Go to the Application page to download the forms or Click HERE
Select 58
Select 58 is a program designed to recognize 58 eighth-grade students who have shown themselves to be good citizens and positive role models. Twenty nine students are selected from both Herrick and O’Neill Middle schools. These students are invited, along with their families, to a banquet hosted in their honor.
Sneak Preview
The Sneak Preview program is an annual event designed to help orientate incoming seventh-grade students to the middle school environment. In 2007, The Education Foundation has joined with our Middle Schools, as a team member, to sponsor transportation and attendance to all students wishing to participate. Students have an opportunity to interact with middle school staff, make new friends, play games, practice opening lockers, navigate their way through the hallways, use the student planner, and learn how to get organized for middle school.
New Staff Luncheon
A new initiative in 2007, The Education Foundation sponsors a luncheon for all new staff members as part of their orientation to the district and their assigned school/classroom. We welcome these most valuable assets to the success of our children and provide a venue for interaction, introduction to The Foundation, as well as other important community resources such as Police and Fire Departments.
Reaching New Heights Gift
Originally introduced in 2002 as “Trustee Awards”, The Reaching New Heights Gift is a financial donation of $500 given annually to each of the District 58 schools and may be used in any way deemed appropriate by the principal. Initiated in 2002, these gifts have been used to enhance technology, add to library collections, purchase equipment and dozens of other worthy projects. We look forward each year to the reports of the difference this gift has made in each of our thirteen schools.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an employee in District 58 who has provided distinguished service and exemplifies excellence in their job. This award was introduced in 2003. Employees are nominated by other employees, students, parents or other members of our community. Nomination forms and application details are found in the “APPLICATIONS” section of this site.