Thirty-three District 58 Educators Receive Grants from Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club

  • Posted January 6, 2026
DGJWC Teacher Grant award 2025-26

Thirty-three District 58 educators were recently recognized with grant awards from the Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club (DGJWC). Members of the club surprised grant recipients with their awards at their schools, celebrating innovative ideas that support student learning. View photo gallery of some of the surprise award visits.

District 58 is grateful for its strong partnership with the DGJWC and thanks the organization for its continued generosity and commitment to supporting our staff and students.

Grant Award Recipients:

  • Ally Armato-Garcia, Grove Children’s Preschool – RISE Program: SEL items
  • Nicole Baca, O’Neill: Translating earbuds
  • Jacqueline Bernard, Hillcrest: Story Champs AAC Expansion Pack
  • Keri Bernhard, O’Neill: Flexible seating
  • Chelsea Borchers, Indian Trail: Thermal binding machine
  • Catherine Boyce, Pierce Downer: Expand decodable book library
  • Kendall Buege, Grove Children’s Preschool @ Henry Puffer: High-interest toys and new materials
  • Caitlin Choinski, Highland & Whittier: Calming boxes
  • Sandy Cristobal, District 58 Curriculum Coordinator: Family engagement bags
  • Monica Eilers, Pierce Downer: Generation Genius subscription
  • Amy Flannery, Hillcrest: Headphones and storage
  • Christina Forzley, Lester: Multilingual books
  • Katie Gorvett, O’Neill: Digital art
  • Emma Grisamore, Pierce Downer: Floor desks
  • Stacie Hamilton, Indian Trail: Sensory swing attachments
  • Ashley Honn, Grove Children’s Preschool: Preschool books
  • Christine Kaminski, O’Neill, El Sierra, Fairmount, Hillcrest, Indian Trail, Kingsley: School percussion equipment
  • Mary Loversky, El Sierra: Graphic novels
  • Bob Luciano, Hillcrest: 3D printer, training, and supplies
  • Julia MacKerell, Grove Children’s Preschool @ Henry Puffer: Community block and transportation playset
  • Alexandra Micek, Indian Trail & O’Neill: Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) certification
  • Nina Miller, Grove Children’s Preschool @ Indian Trail: Alternative seating
  • Lily Ortega, Indian Trail: Multilingual books and educational games
  • Katie Porter, Whittier: Calming corner furniture
  • Stephanie Potter, O’Neill: Stage lighting fixture
  • Grace Reynoso, Indian Trail: Get Ready. Do Done. curriculum
  • Danielle Saenz, O’Neill: Classroom library books
  • Jamie Schiefelbein, O’Neill: New pots and pans for dramatic play kitchens
  • Amber Schweigert, Belle Aire School: Graphic novels
  • Lauren Snyder, Lester: Novel study books
  • Tasha Squires, O’Neill: World Languages library enhancement
  • Laura Velinske, Hillcrest: Kitchen supplies
  • Amanda Zimolzak, El Sierra: Add Vantage Math Recovery (AVMR) membership