Winnetka Public Schools Foundation

Units of study will be created using the 5 genres of 2nd grade literature: biography, fairytale, folktale, mystery and nonfiction/informational as well as 3 levels: low, medium and high. A series of comprehension questions will be written pertaining to each trade book. Discussion questions will be written to improve student’s literal and inferential comprehension as well as their vocabulary. All materials will be shared across the district at the 2nd grade level.

iPads will be purchased to support students with special needs for optimal learning experiences. The iPad is a multi-sensory learning tool and will be used to augment the learning process and address the complex needs of individual students requiring expanded teaching support.

A first grade teacher will create and compile components for each first grade Project Read lesson as outlined in the district Phonics and Word Study Scope and Sequence. Finished units will be shared across the district.

This is funded for a second and final year for students to continue to apply math skills that were learned in the classroom to games they can play from home.

Building on the Froebel Gifts, students discover that the geometric form of the cube is more intricately divided than they previously learned. The divisions reflect the complex mathematical and scientific framework embedded in the Gift. A conceptual framework of thinking emerges out of this Gift play and the children begin to make correlations not only in nature, but also in society. Funds will be used to purchase microscopes that will allow exploration to evolve in nature off of the basis of their questions.

Funding will be used to create a lunchtime program that would provide an assortment of activities for children to choose from during the winter months when the number of students staying for lunch increases and the colder weather keeps more children indoors. The types of activities, or clubs, would include various levels of book clubs, a board games club, a Lego club, a mystery club, and a craft club.

A user-friendly RtI binder will be created to serve as an organizational tool as well as a reference guide for implementing and recording tiered interventions. Binders already in use at Greeley and Crow Island will be used as a guideline to come up with a uniform resource for all buildings.

Wind energy has been integrated into the 3rd grade science curriculum with engineering activities that complement other science design challenges. Kid Wind is an energy kit that explores the use of wind as a power source. Funds will be used to purchase additional materials including more powerful fans.

This weekly lunchtime activity-based program is led by a steering committee of students, which plans, develops and evaluates the activities and events offered. Usually the activities are small service projects, special holiday themed activities, and construction of science projects related to the 5th or 6th grade curriculum. Students develop friendship as well as collaborative and leadership skills. Funds will be used to purchase materials for the activities.

Funds will be used to purchase video cameras, still cameras, green screens and current software to provide Skokie students the opportunity to be technology producers rather than technology consumers. Many students are ready to move beyond iMovie and utilize more advanced software to create polished products for sharing with an audience.

A grant was awarded to fund improved lighting effects for the Little Theatre that will enhance student experiences as well as provide improved lighting for all community events.