District 99 Education Foundation awards $9,500 in recent grants, highlights ROCKS and iPad projects

The District 99 Education Foundation presented recent grant awards to the board and described how foundation donations support classroom innovation and student programs.

Julia Beckman, president of the foundation, said the organization is "very happy to be here to celebrate some of the grants that we have given in the past few months," and invited community support, noting that "90% of the money we collect goes to students, teachers, and families." Donna Dawson, grants chair, said the foundation awarded about $9,500 last spring across six grants.

Two projects were highlighted. At North, the ROCKS curriculum — a 20‑week, evidence‑based leadership program for young women — received a $1,600 grant; presenters said the program addresses social media, body image and leadership and includes a parent component. Donna Dawson told the board they received 23 referrals for the program this year and expect about 12 participants to commit.

At Downers Grove South, world language teachers explained a $2,000 grant to buy four Apple iPads, styluses and protective cases to use the Notability app for handwritten feedback and to project annotated student work. A presenter described how immediate, hand‑written feedback preserved a copy for students and made it easier for parents to view classroom work during conferences.

The foundation took a photo for the check presentation and said it will continue soliciting donations through an annual appeal. Board members thanked the foundation for its support and for funding projects intended to boost student engagement and teacher practice.