The 2013 Distinguished Citizen Award

will be presented to Dr. Robert Higgins, M.D., M.S.H.A
on Thursday April 25. Please join us at Michigan Shores Club for a cocktail reception and presentation.

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Accept the Challenge

We’re counting on your support so that we can help District 39 provide and deliver a comprehensive, 21st century science curriculum for our children.

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Inspiring Scientists Fund



 

Foundation News

 

Spring 2013 Gripp Grant announced!

Central School classrooms will be receiving Tanzanian artifact boxes to compliment their Sister School Program thanks to a Gripp Grant from the D39 Educational Foundation. These boxes will include hand-crafted artifacts, maps, flags, games and many other items that will enable Central students to make personal connections with the students in their sister school located in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. This program has expanded students' perspective of our cultural similarities and differences and the foundation is pleased to be able to broaden students' awareness of different cultures with these hands-on materials.

 

Fall 2012 Gripp Grants announced!

The Foundation will be funding three new initiatives in D39 schools this fall.

Say Yes to Improv! will bring 8th grade drama students at WJHS an in-depth study of the art of improvisation.  Two guest artists from the Actors Training Center in Wilmette will join drama teacher Dinah Barthelmess in the classroom twice a week for four weeks culminating in a performance given for students and parents.  The drama students will learn the art of on-the-spot storytelling and will rely on teamwork and collaboration as they create their "sure-to-be-entertaining" informal Improv performance!


At Romona, a Gripp Grant will help support and enrich the school's Garden Habitats. Funds will be used to improve the bird, butterfly, native bee, worm and "rolly polly" habitats at the school.  These improvements will provide a richer experience when classroom teachers use the gardens with their students. Students will also create nature-focused art to be showcased in the Spring Open House.

A third grant will bring a Chinese New Year celebraton to HMS. Students will explore Chinese culture as they perform a lion dance parade through the school, write spring couplets with calligraphy pens and do paper cuttings. These hands-on experiences help students gain cultural perspective and understanding.

 

Gripp Grants The Foundation in Action

Our grants focus on new ideas for learning in District 39 schools, as well as broader education initiatives throughout the District 39 community. Click on the photos below to see our grants in action, or read more >

 

Please scroll through our photos to see the Foundation at work

Honor CertificateLooking to honor a special teacher, student, friend, or neighbor in District 39 this year? Let us create and deliver a beautiful, personalized Certificate of Appreciation ─ Just click here!