In July 2002, 18 members of the Downers Grove community were brought together to form the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. Ten years and more than $500,000 later, the Foundation has proven that it plans to be a long-time source of support for the district.
The Foundation’s success can be attributed to its many donors, supporters and its Board of Directors. The board was designed to represent the various areas of the community including local business, village, community members, District 58 Parent-Teacher Associations, parents, administration, Board of Education, teachers and retired employees. These dedicated individuals meet monthly to plan fundraisers and the many other activities of the Foundation in support of District 58.
Currently, those programs include:
Select 58
Select 58 is a program designed to recognize 58 eighth-grade students who have shown themselves to be good citizens and positive role models. Students are selected from both Herrick and O'Neill Middle schools, 29 from each. Students complete applications in which they describe their co-curricular and service involvement in their schools and in the community. The Select 58 Committee reviews the applications and selects the 58 students to be recognized. The selected students and their parents are invited to a recognition dinner, organized by the Select 58 Committee, in the spring.
This year's Select 58 applications are now available on the Herrick and O'Neill websites, and are due Thursday, March 1.
Sneak Preview
In order to orient incoming seventh-grade students to the middle school environment, the Foundation sponsors the annual Sneak Preview program at both District 58 middle schools. The Foundation's sponsorship allows all incoming middle school students the opportunity to participate in the three-day program, as well as providing transportation to and from the program.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award annually recognizes two employees in District 58 -- one classroom teacher and one staff member working in any capacity other than classroom teacher -- who have provided distinguished service and exemplify excellence in their jobs.
Staff members can be nominated for this award by a colleague, administrator, student and/or parent. All nominees are recognized, and the winners announced, during a special reception in April. This year's reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, April 5, location TBA.
Nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Service Awards are due by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, to District 58 Communications Coordinator Jennie Waldorf, jwaldorf@dg58.org or c/o District 58 Administrative Service Center, 1860 63rd St., Downers Grove, 60516.
Click here to view or download the DSA information.
Click here to view or download the 2012 nomination form.
Reaching New Heights Gift
The Reaching New Heights Gift is a financial donation of $500 given annually to District 58 schools to be used in any way deemed appropriate by the principal.
Welcome Luncheon
The Foundation hosts a Welcome Luncheon in August of each year for all new fulltime employees entering District 58. Representatives of other community organizations are invited as well to orient new employees to local services and service personnel.
Grants for Curriculum, Technology Innovation and Staff Development
The Education Foundation's grant program provides funds for initiatives in the areas of curriculum, technology and staff development to further enhance instruction. The Foundation's mission is to provide additional resources to enrich District 58 educational opportunities.
Click here for information on the grants awarded for 2011-12, totaling $40,000!
Funding for District 58 Education Foundation programs is derived from a number of sources including parent contributions, staff contributions, partnerships with community organizations and corporations, grants and endowments, individual contributions and two annual fundraisers.
Check back soon for information on the 2012 spring Entertainment for Education spring fundraiser!
For further information on the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 or any of its programs, please contact:
Jennifer Waldorf
District 58 Communications Coordinator/Foundation liaison
(630) 719-5805
jwaldorf@dg58.org
You can also visit www.dg58ef.com, or mail to:
Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58
2001 Butterfield Road, Suite 105
Downers Grove, IL
60515
