[gva_block_heading title=”2021-2022 Annual Report”]This year The Foundation continued its commitment of  partnering with D101 to provide educational excellence to our students.  The WSFEE Board approved six grants totaling over $30,000 during the 2021-22 school year.  Two of these six grants were chosen from WSFEE’s first ever Big Idea Contest, where students were given the opportunity to submit their own ideas on how to make their school a better place.  Approval was also given for several large ticket renovation plans that will be implemented during the 2022-2023 school year and included in next year’s financial information.  These grants all positively impact D101’s more than 1,400 students.

Grant Highlights:

Kindness Buddy Benches

As one of two winners chosen from WSFEE’s Big Idea Contest, buddy benches will be placed at the three elementary schools on each playground.  These benches are a place where kids can go when they feel lonely or need a friend.  WSFEE is excited to help support D101’s focus on Social and Emotional Learning and development.

8th grade Washington DC Scholarship Fund

The  8th grade Washington DC trip is a coveted trip that all students at McClure look forward to.  Chosen as the 2nd winner of the Big Idea Contest, WSFEE is thrilled to provide scholarship funds for five students to have the opportunity to join their peers for this valuable experience.

Biofeedback

We are also excited to approve the SEL District Coach’s grant to provide biofeedback hardware and software to be used at each of our four schools. These systems will be a beneficial tool in supporting our D101 students with proactive SEL strategies and awareness.

Third Grade Scholastic Short Reads for Guided Reading

The funding of these nonfiction and fiction Short Reads, submitted by D101’s Instructional Coach, will be a valuable resource to enhance the teaching of reading in 3rd grade across the district.  Each 3rd grade classroom in the district will implement these into their guided reading/small group instruction.

STEM Lab Supplies

WSFEE was happy to approve this grant submitted by teachers at each of the three elementary schools, to restock all the STEM Labs with supplies and new activities.  Having creative materials available will allow hands-on projects which enhance learning and student excitement.

D101 Teacher Appreciation Gift

We partnered with the district to provide every teacher and staff member with a token of appreciation that they much deserve after an extremely challenging couple years.  All staff received a zipper front hooded sweatshirt with the D101 emblem including the district mission to “Engage. Inspire. Empower.” We hope this made all our wonderful teachers feel as special as they are to each D101 student and parent.

Spring Fundraiser

We were happy to conclude the year with our biannual Spring Soiree and Auction at the Drake Hotel in Oakbrook.  The night, which was themed “A Night in Havana” was an amazing success.  It was incredible to see our D101 community back together again celebrating a successful school year.  Thanks to our generous sponsors and participants, the event raised over $185,000.

The much appreciated financial support from our Western Springs community is instrumental in helping us achieve our mission to raise funds for educational programs and activities that extend and enhance the quality of education, and provide students in D101 with expanded learning opportunities.

Thank you once again to our administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students for making the 2021-2022 school year possible and such a success.

Jen Soncini on behalf of 2021-2022 WSFEE Board

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