Space is freaking awesome! This year’s Math in the Real World speaker was Dr. Michelle Larson, President and CEO of The Adler Planetarium. While in her 20’s, Dr. Larson didn’t come to the realization that “space is freaking awesome” until she literally looked up and saw the moon through her binoculars. The stunning details visible... <more>
For the 7th year of Trivia Night, we changed up a lot, but made sure the fun was amped up as well! A new location at St. Joseph School created a different atmosphere. Sporcle Trivia Master and Jeopardy Champion Seth Wilson led the 19 teams through new types of trivia rounds requiring point wagering and strategy.... <more>
The D39 Educational Foundation and District 39 partnered to host visiting Swiss Artist Verena Brassel May 16 - May 25 at WJHS. This initiative provided students with an opportunity to make connections across curriculum and explore different world views. The program was financed by the Foundation through the Lydia Martin Memorial Fund. The European artist conducted a workshop... <more>
Our 10 Every Day Heroes Award event was a night to remember. It was an amazing opportunity to celebrate some special members of the District 39 community. These staff members were recognized for touching the lives of many and having a lasting impact on our school community. They are crossing guards, custodians, front desk staff, cooks,... <more>
The Foundation approved three Gripp Grants for the Spring 2017 grant cycle. Highcrest teacher Meghan Espinoza was awarded a Gripp Grant for a pedal desk test in her classroom. Pedal desks are a combination of an exercise bike with a desk. These desks have been shown to increase concentration and productivity for students with sensory... <more>
Science Olympiad Open House Wows! Over 50 families joined Science Olympiad students and teachers at the program Open House on Saturday, February 25th. All of the courses from Food Science to Crime Busters to Bottle Rockets to Hovercraft and more were represented. Students proudly displayed the work they completed during the courses. Current HMS and WJHS students... <more>
The Foundation approved two Gripp Grants for the Fall 2016 grant cycle. Breakout EDU boxes (All four elementary schools): This grant will provide Breakout EDU boxes which are designed to teach critical thinking, teamwork, and complex problem solving. Similar to the popular live-experience Escape Rooms that are popping up all over the country, students will... <more>
Foundation trustee Katie Woodman and chair Margie Karabas present a Fall 2016 Gripp Grant to Harper principal Sue Kick and DST Sue Flachsbart. <more>
What a fun night of BINGO! Thank you to all of the families that attended this fall fundraiser. The kids had a ball, lots of prizes were won and lots of candy was eaten! Money raised will go to funding Gripp Grants. <more>
Teaching Mathematics for a Growth Mindset The Educational Foundation and Wilmette Public Schools District 39 hosted a special Parent Night on Thursday, September 29, at WJHS. Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education & Co-Founder of YouCubed at Stanford University and Cathy Williams, Co-Founder & Executive Director of YouCubed at Stanford University discussed what it means to teach... <more>