Deerfield Education Foundation Awards Three Grants

DEERFIELD, Illinois – The Deerfield Education Foundation (www.DeerfieldEducationFoundation.org) is pleased to announce that it has approved three new grants totaling $13,500 to enrich learning opportunities within District 109.

At its recent board meeting, the Foundation approved a $5,000 grant to Wilmot Elementary School for "Project Books" – the addition of a variety of classroom books to support reading and writing development, enhance rich discussion and foster critical thinking. Wilmot is currently piloting the "Reading and Writing Units of Study" program published by Teachers College Reading and Writing Project out of Columbia University and implementing the workshop model as a framework for reading and writing instruction. The pilot program could become a teaching model across the entire district.

The DEF agreed to fund a $3,500 "Innovation Grant" for Walden Elementary School to acquire new materials to broaden the school Library Media Center technology resources and help establish a new student makerspace – allowing STEM and maker materials to be borrowed from the LMC and utilized in the classrooms. When not being used in a classroom setting, the materials will be available through the library makerspace.

The DEF also approved a request from Caruso Middle School (up to $5,000 over three years) to help initiate the newly renamed District 109 Science Club – comprised of students from both Caruso and Shepard Middle School. Funding will cover the purchase of "Materials World Modules" from Northwestern University – which promote awareness of the roles science and technology play in society and guide students to take increased control of their work.

“The Deerfield Education Foundation is thrilled to honor these types of grant requests that positively impact the students of District 109,” said Brian Gawin, President of the Deerfield Education Foundation. “We will continue to work closely with District administrators and educators to support future grant requests.

“As we continue to look for ways to fund more exciting and innovative projects, we do need help. The Foundation's financial resources come solely from tax deductible donations, from parents, teachers, staff, community members and local businesses – and we need additional charitable support to continue to provide these grants.”

Over the past few years, the Deerfield Education Foundation has focused on contributing to the critical areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) – and has approved nearly $120,000 in funding across all six District 109 schools, from kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Deerfield Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization made up of community members and educators working together to raise money for the benefit of students in Deerfield Public School District 109. Our mission is to meaningfully enhance the educational environment of District 109 by supporting inspiring programs and projects in partnership with our community. We strive to fund innovative programs, enhance facilities, and support activities that create important educational opportunities above and beyond those funded by the District. To learn more, please visit www.DeerfieldEducationFoundation.org.