To inspire classroom ingenuity, the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 annually awards grants to teachers who have a good idea with a solid plan, but lack the funding. This year, the Foundation will award $27,898 to 16 teachers and groups of teachers. 

"The Education Foundation's grant program provides teachers an excellent opportunity to brainstorm creative and innovative ideas to enhance their students' education and gives them the tools needed to make their ideas a reality," said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli. "On behalf of all teachers and students who benefit from this grant program, I thank the Education Foundation for their continued generosity and support."

 This year, projects range from dynamic classroom libraries to tools that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.

 "We were very impressed with the thought and time every teacher put into their grant application," said Downers Grove Commissioner David Olsen, who also chairs the Foundation's grants committee. "We are proud to support the selected grant recipients, and we look forward to seeing the end results."

Read a summary of all 16 projects here. Throughout the school year, Communicate 58 will occasionally feature an Education Foundation grant project's progress. 

Thank you, Education Foundation, for your continued generosity!

Belle Aire third graders show off the wristlet flash drives they received while at the Apple Store field trip Oct. 8.

Tara Fulton's third grade class returned from their field trip last week bursting with joy.

"This was the best field trip ever! Apple's the best!" several of the Belle Aire students exclaimed to Principal Brent Borchelt as they walked through the school's doors.

But the kids weren't talking about apple picking. Or apple orchards. Or any traditional apple fall field trip. No, this was instead an Apple field trip.

Fulton said the idea for an Apple Store field trip came to her a year ago.

"I was brainstorming innovative field trip ideas for the kids," she said. "I wanted something that would connect technology back to the classroom and to home."

Since she was piloting 1:1 at the time, a field trip to Apple made sense. She gave the Apple Store a call, and they told her they host school workshops, but were booked until fall 2014. She scheduled the next three available workshops for Belle Aire's third and fourth graders.

Prior to the field trip, Apple worked with Fulton to tailor a lesson plan for her kids.

"I wanted something creative, so we decided to teach the kids how to make an iMovie," Fulton said. "Ahead of time, I told the kids to take video of their weekend to use at the workshop."

When Fulton's third graders arrived at the Apple Store, staff gave them a T-shirt and wristlet flash drive. Since many of them already knew video basics, Apple staff taught the kids how to incorporate sounds, transitions and other video editing tools to enhance their movies. The kids then used those new skills to make a movie depicting their weekend.

"It was nice that the kids could take home more than a memory, but new skills and their movie creation as well," Fulton said.

Fulton recalled how one student finished his iMovie early.

"I told him to create an on-the-spot movie highlighting the field trip," Fulton said. "And he did! It was great to see our kids demonstrate what they learned on the field trip so quickly."

After the trip ended, Apple asked Fulton for ideas to make it better for the future.

"The field trip was a unique opportunity and a cool way for Apple to work with our kids," Principal Borchelt said.

"I'd recommend this field trip to any class," Fulton added. "It was a motivating experience for the kids. They had a sense of pride; it wasn't just a visit, but a sense of completion. They had a chance to share their learning with an audience."

View more photos from the Apple field trip!

A couple Lester Leopards recognize a familiar face while running.

While thousands of runners converged in Chicago for the marathon Oct. 12, the Lester community broke a record while hosting their own race, the fifth annual Running of the Leopards 5K Fun Run and Walk. 

 This year, the Running of the Leopards raised a record-breaking $13,000! This funding will directly benefit Lester School through PTA programs, such as field trips, gym equipment, books and more.

 Among the 366 race participants included Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully and Rep. Ron Sandack. The race began with a 1-mile kids run around the neighborhood, followed by a 5K family run/walk. For the first time, the races used chip-timed bibs.

 The weather also helped make the event a success.

 "Mother Nature was on our side; the crisp fall weather and colors lent to a beautiful backdrop for a morning run!" said Kristin Novak, the PTA co-chair for the race.
 

Lester boys show off their trophies.

 After the race, an award ceremony with refreshments and door prize giveaways took place.

 "Lester Fun Run is one of our favorite Lester community events," Novak said. "The children look forward to running, awards, dancing and fun! Our families enjoy the opportunity to gather in support of our incredible school, students and community. All the while promoting a healthy lifestyle!"

 Check out photos from the event here!