WSFEE funds high-impact, education-enhancing programs driven by parents, teachers and students that engage and inspire District 101 students.
Below is a list of every grant issued during the 2024-2025 school year.
McClure Fitness Room: $33,700
As an extension of the Renovations for Innovation Grant in 2018, WSFEE was proud to sponsor an refresh to the fitness room space entirely in order to provide students with more advanced weight training skills, connection to real life applications (i.e. connecting to and building on their experiences with local gyms), and preparedness & confidence for lifelong learning/application of health & wellness. The refresh included: replacement of existing single joint strength training machines with multi-joint rack packages (including barbells, weight plates, medicine balls, plyo box, weight storage, collars, and weight bench) and TRX suspension trainers, flooring, paint, safety camera systems, etc. This grant benefits the 500+ students at McClure Junior High, as well as faculty, staff, and administration.
McClure Basket for Bulldogs: $13,750
WSFEE had partnered with D101 and D101 families to support the upgrade of McClure’s basketball hoops to an automated system. The McClure gym serves as a space for athletics, theater, educational fairs, concerts, and other events for D101 schools. The upgrade of the system allows for ease of use and smooth transition between activities. WSFEE held a “Buckets for Bulldogs” fundraiser and raised $8,000, and split the remaining costs with D101, or $13,750 to cover the upgrade.
Field Park Teacher’s Lounge: $10,000
WSFEE supported, in conjunction with the District and the Field Park PTO, a renovation to the outdated teacher’s lounge at Field Park Elementary School into a modern, functional, and welcoming space where our educators can recharge, collaborate, and build community. Built in 1953, the lounge did not reflect the value we place on D101 teachers or the vital role they play in shaping our children’s futures. By giving this space a much-needed facelift, we supported teacher retention, enhanced teacher performance, and fostered a stronger sense of community within Field Park school.
GlowForge Printer: $9,200
In response to the purchase of the first GlowForge Printer for McClure Junior High in 2023, WSFEE was proud to support the purchase of an additional printer to be shared among the three elementary schools in the STEM Labs and integrated in classroom activities. GlowForge is a powerful desktop laser printer that cuts, engraves, & scores hundreds of materials. GlowForge’s state-of-the-art technology encourages students to hone their digital skills and knowledge to prepare them for their future careers.
STEAM Night: $8,700
In response to the overwhelming success of the past STEAM Nights, WSFEE sponsored D101’s 6th Annual D101 STEAM Night in February 2025. STEAM Night welcomes and captivates all students and parent students with hands-on activities fostering enthusiasm for the interlocked disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Participants had the opportunity to see and experience connections between all STEAM disciplines in a structured and practical setting, with an emphasis on learning in a hands-on, fun, and creative way. STEAM Night was open to anyone in the district and held at McClure Junior High School utilizing the entire space of the school for hands-on STEAM activities in a station rotation format. Some highlights included: Star Tech Star Lab & Wind Tunnel, Hand-On Make n’ Take Projects, Paper Rockets, Mobile Escape Rooms, & Robots.
Laidlaw Learning Lab Refresh: $8,130
Laidlaw, like all our elementary schools, is committed to providing our students with a dynamic education that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The current STEM room needed an update to make it a more functional and organized space that supports hands-on learning and efficient storage of materials. This grant funded the carpet and shelving used in the renovation of the STEM classroom.
Special Olympics Pilot: $8,000
WSFEE is the proud sponsor of the D101 Special Olympics Pilot Program in 2024-2025. Previously funded in D107, Pleasantdale, the program provides sports training and competitions for children with intellectual disabilities, enhancing their social interaction, physical fitness, courage, and overall well-being. The grant covered the costs for the Program Director, as well as the activity Coaches. The Special Olympics program within D101 provided a new connection to the school community in a way that may not otherwise be possible for certain students and families. The program directly benefited students from District 101 and was celebrated by spectating students and families fostering joy and positivity throughout the school community. The success of the program led to the adoption of Special Olympics into the 2025-2026 D101 programing.
LTHS Scholarships (Service and Leadership): $5,000
Two $2,500 Scholarships were awarded to Lyons Township High School Seniors who were former D101 students. The first, D101 Western Springs Foundation for Educational Excellence Service Scholarship provides a $2,500 to a student for post High School use for demonstrating active community outreach/service to encourage them to continue to grow and give back to their community. The second, Dr. Brian Barnhart D101 Western Springs Foundation for Educational Excellence Leadership Scholarship provides $2,500 to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and academic excellence. These two scholarships will be an annual contribution awarded by WSFEE.
All Abilities Fair: $5,000
For a third year in a row, WSFEE is proud to sponsor the All-Abilities Fair. Like prior years, each elementary school ran their own fair in February where students in grades 1st-5th were able to participate in experiential stations introducing them to and deepening their understanding of a
variety of disabilities. In addition, our 6th grade students had programming with SEASPAR on Abilities Awareness Day in April. This year’s grant was used to procure speakers to kick off the three elementary schools’ events and purchase “Choose to Include” sensory bracelets for all participants.
McClure Laminator: $2,000
WSFEE sponsored the purchase of a new laminator for McClure Junior High School. Laminating materials allow for hands-on learning in the classroom using materials that feel fresh throughout the lesson, class periods, and years. Additionally, by laminating materials for classroom walls, teachers can prominently and more permanently display learning objectives, expectations, concepts, and ideas that will withstand fading, thus adding to their longevity.
Story Jumper Books: $1,900
Brought to us by a group of 4th Graders from Laidlaw Elementary – Story Jumper allows for students to create, publish and print their very own story books. This grant provided the 4th Grade classes at Laidlaw with the opportunity to create their very own hardcover books.