Funded Programs for 2009-10
At the start of the 2009 school year, the foundation launched Fund-A-Need, a wonderful way to support the students of District 129. Donors can choose from list of pre-approved projects here on the A+ Foundation forWest Aurora Schools’ website.
In its first year, Fund-A-Need donors gave more than $15,000 to the projects of their choice. A list of the funded projects for the 2009-10 school and their generous sponsors follow. Thank you to everyone who made this a rousing success!
To see proposals that are still seeking funding, please visit our Fund-A-Need section.
Books for After School - Freeman Elementary School
Several teachers volunteered their time for this program, which provided after-school tutoring for approximately 60 at-risk children. The majority of the funding went to books for the program as well as art and photography supplies.
Funded through the generous support of Frank and Char Voris, Scott and Michelle Voris and the Read With Me Foundation.
Drama Club - Goodwin Elementary School
This year, Goodwin started a brand new Drama Club for third to fifth graders and performed “Willy Wonka Kids.” The grant covered the cost of the scenery and costumes for the performance.
Funded through the generous support of Frank and Char Voris and Gary and Mary Jewel.
S.S. Friendship - Goodwin Elementary School
S.S. Friendship is an after-school program for at-risk first graders that focuses on reading and math achievement. The project continues to pair students with a senior citizen mentor who meet regularly in the library.
Funded through the generous support of the Wadsworth Family Foundation.
Author Visit: Mark Crilley – Herget Middle School
Mark Crilley, an author of traditional fiction as well as graphic novels, gave three presentations at Herget about how to brainstorm for story ideas, how to give characters voices, how to add conflict to a story, and the importance of revisions. His presentations are built around getting kids excited about writing and giving students the tools they need to make their stories better.
Funded through the generous support of Nancy Hopp and the Read With Me Foundation.
Picturing a Student Newsletter – Hill Elementary School
Fourth- and fifth-grade students created their own quarterly student newsletter. The grant funded the purchase of four digital cameras.
Funded through the generous support of Frank and Char Voris.
Buck-A-Book – Hill Elementary School
The Buck-A-Book program allowed students to buy a new quality book (in English or Spanish) for a dollar several times a year. The program began years ago because many children do not have books in their home, and the hope is to cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
Funded through the generous support of Jane Pauley and the Read With Me Foundation.
World War II History Alive – Jewel Middle School
Since 2009, the eight graders at Jewel Middle School have participated in an interdisciplinary unit that covered events surrounding and including World War II. The coursework includes a field trip to Cantigny, a simulated boot camp and a USO show with student performers and the West High Jazz Band.
Funded through the generous support of the Wadsworth Family Foundation.
Brain Food Reading Club – McCleery Elementary School
At-risk second graders are invited to get extra help from teacher Kay Volkert at recess three times a week. The students read and take a computer-based Accelerated Reader test – at first with assistance - until they can complete and pass it on their own.
Funded through the generous support of Angie Smith and Debbie Nardone.
Reading Tutor Scholarship - Schneider Elementary School
This Schneider Elementary School program involved after-school tutoring in reading for at-risk second grade students. The program took place for one hour for 40 weeks.
Funded through the generous support of the Read With Me Foundation.
Broadcast Club Resources – West Aurora High School
The Broadcast Club films school sponsored events including sports, plays and other performances. This grant was used to buy digital video mini cassettes, which will improve the quality of their films. Previously, the club had to constantly re-use six tapes which deteriorate in quality over time and with heavy use. The club also purchased movie editing software with the grant.
Funded through the generous support of Neal and Mary Clark Ormond.
Portable LCD Projector – West Aurora High School
The grant was used to purchase of an LCD projector for use in plays and presentations in the West High auditorium. The new projector is bright enough to be used on a larger screen than in the past and can also be used for open houses and other meetings in the cafeteria and auditorium.
Funded through the generous support of the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools.
Project Excellence – West Aurora High School
Project Excellence offers peer-based tutoring in all subjects at West Aurora High School. The grant was used to purchase calculators, workbooks, cameras and other school supplies such as graph paper, protractors and compasses.
Funded through the generous support of Emerson Charitable Trust.
Science Opportunities for All – West Aurora High School
This grant was used to support the activities of the STEMming Club, which helps students to explore careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics. The club works hard to recruit women and minorities, who are underrepresented in these fields. Grant funds were used to buy equipment for semiconductor research, support field trips to Northern Illinois University and to sponsor workshops and guest speakers.
Funded through the generous support of the Wadsworth Family Foundation.
Senior Band Concert/Breakfast - Jefferson Middle School
In what has become a tradition at Jefferson, sixth grade band students serve as greeters and hosts/hostesses and 7th and 8th grade band students perform special musical selections for more than 250 senior citizens. After the concert, students and seniors have breakfast together.
Funded through the generous support of Jane Davis Gapinski, Judy Davis and the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools.
Social Studies Live Theatre - Herget Middle School
Sixth grade students experienced a live “Medieval Knights” performance while studying about the European Middle Ages in Social Studies. Selected students had the opportunity to serve as squires during the live performances.
Funded through the generous support of the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen – Schneider School
This grant supported a series of six workshops for parents who want to improve their communication with children. Child care was provided and taught lessons that support the topic that the parents are covering that week. This popular program has been used by more than 150,000 organizations nationwide.
Funded through the generous support of the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools. |
