Jerling Takes Top Prize in Community Engagement Challenge

Photo: Jerling Junior High’s marquee at the school featured information about the contest, urging the community to get involved.

—from Jerling Parents for Education

The area’s new community rewards program, InOur.Community of Orland Park made an offer to all 10 of District 135 Parent for Education (PFE) school groups; rally parents to sign up at inour.community/orlandpark and earn two dollars per new member.

The program offers ways for residents to be more engaged in the community, earn points and then redeem them for rewards like gift cards, free passes to local venues as well as programs and experiences.

The school with the most new members signed up not only won the two dollars per new member but an additional $350 for being the highest earning school PFE.

As of the April 15 deadline, Jerling Junior High school in Orland Park reigned supreme with 131 new members signed up, passing up all other schools in the district and earning funds for their PFE that will be used to enhance the educational experience of all Jerling students.

“This was a win-win opportunity for our schools,” said Jerling PFE Treasurer Julie Sullivan. “It was completely free to sign up and people really seem excited about the new program.”

The school attributes their win to their elaborate social media and email campaign and word of mouth. The staff at the school was instrumental as well, signing up em masse for the program and earning money for their school.

“I joined and asked my family, friends and neighbors to join as well,” said Kelly Cantillon, the Jerling PFE Secretary. “I think it was a fun and easy way to help JerlingPFE earn money for the school.”

In total, Jerling Junior High PFE earned $612 to use towards educational enhancements at the school; two dollars for each of the 131 new members who signed up and a bonus $350 for having the most new members. Century Junior High was the runner up with 60 new members, earning them $120 and a $150 bonus for their second place standing.

“I think it is great that the schools came together for this contest,” said John Calzaretta, CEO of BondingPoint, the parent company of InOur.Community. “In the end, that is what InOur.Community is all about, community engagement,” he added and noted that being able to help the local PFE raise funds was something he was happy to do.

After the contest, Calzaretta announced that he will continue to give two dollars per new member to sign up using their school’s specific code throughout the end of the school year.