District 205 Foundation Awards $54,990 in Thiems Educational Grants

Submitted by Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.

Elmhurst, IL - May 6 began as usual for students and staff of Elmhurst District 205 schools, until District 205 Foundation Board members began paying surprise visits to extraordinary teachers who were awarded the Thiems Educational Grants they had applied for last semester.

The grant program is named after former District 205 Superintendent Dr. Russell Thiems, who was instrumental in in the formation of the Foundation for Educational Excellence, which has provided over $1.4 million dollars in grants to District 205 since 1989.

Throughout the day, several teams of Foundation Directors visited York Community High School, as well as every elementary and middle school, with bells and balloons awarding grants to happy teachers and excited students. A total of 29 grants worth $54,990 were awarded this year for implementation next academic year.

“This was a great year for grants, and we love it when every K-12 school benefits,” said Brian Bresnahan, Foundation Chair. “We had a lot to work with due to the success of the last couple of fundraising years combined with the robust participation from teachers and community members who submitted applications. We only wish that we had the resources to fund all of the great programs and projects that are presented to us.”

York High School will benefit from over $15,000 in funding which will provide new books for their library, support Science Olympiad, rowing machines for the Fitness Center, an orchestral musical workshop, and multiple media and technology hardware that students need in order to work effectively within the current educational environment.

“The Foundation is extremely fortunate to have received a very generous designated gift for York intended to support future ready classrooms,” said Executive Director Lisa Fanelli. “This enabled some exciting additions to the Lincoln Lab and the Computer Science Program.”

Other grant highlights include Ozobot kits for Bryan, Churchville and Sandburg Middle Schools to encourage exploration of STEM education; standing desks and alternate seating options; supplemental math materials to assist young learners; and carts of ukuleles that will be used at all the elementary schools to introduce this instrument into the music curriculum.

“There is a direct connection between the community support we receive and the quantity and variety of enhancements that are then provided to students and staff,” commented Martin Franchi, Foundation Treasurer. “We rely on the generosity of our donors and appreciate every penny.”

To make a donation, and for a complete list of grants, including photographs of the award day, visit elmhurst205.org/foundation.