D70 Foundation For Excellence

Nov. 7, 2024

D70 Families - Welcome to the latest edition of the D70 Foundation for Excellence newsletter! As we continue our mission to support and enhance the educational experience for students and educators within District 70, we are excited to share the impact your contributions have made, upcoming initiatives, and the many ways we’re working together to foster excellence in education. Your ongoing support empowers us to provide innovative resources, scholarships, and grants that enrich our community’s learning environment. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all who walk through the doors of District 70 schools.

All the best,

Allegra Heinz
President
D70 Foundation for Excellence

Holland Burton

Executive Director
D70 Foundation for Excellence

We are thrilled to announce the D70 Foundation for Excellence's very first large-scale fundraising event—Casino Night! Join us for an evening of exciting casino games, great company, and fantastic prizes, all in support of enhancing educational opportunities for students in District 70. This fun and engaging event promises to be a night to remember, with proceeds going directly toward funding grants, scholarships, and innovative programs that make a lasting impact on our schools. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate our community’s commitment to excellence in education!

The D70 Foundation for Excellence is proud to support our educators and students through the Foundation Mini Grant Program, which is designed to provide teachers and staff with the resources they need to bring innovative ideas to life in the classroom. These grants allow educators to fund creative projects, enhance curriculum, and implement new strategies that enrich the learning experience for students across District 70. Whether it’s introducing hands-on learning tools, organizing field trips, or developing unique classroom initiatives, the Mini Grant Program helps make these educational dreams a reality.

This year, the leadership team for the Mini Grant Program is led by Elizabeth McGhee, Director of Foundation Mini Grants, and Katie Deans, Deputy Director. Together, they play pivotal roles in overseeing the program and ensuring that funds are strategically allocated to projects that will have the greatest impact. The team is further strengthened by the contributions of Amanda Freude, Stephanie Martin, and Kristin Murnik, who, along with the Foundation Board, carefully review grant applications and collaborate with educators to ensure each initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster excellence in education. Their collective expertise and dedication are instrumental in bringing innovative ideas to life and supporting the growth of District 70’s students and teachers.

Applications for the Foundation Mini Grant Program will be due by January 10, 2025, and awards will be announced on March 13, 2025. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, the Foundation Mini Grant Program continues to provide valuable opportunities for teachers to enhance their classrooms, allowing them to push the boundaries of traditional education and inspire the next generation of learners. We look forward to seeing even more creative and impactful projects in the future!

The D70 Foundation for Excellence is excited to support the upcoming trip for fourth-grade students to Medieval Times on Thursday, Dec. 12th. Thanks in part to the Foundation’s funding, this immersive field trip will bring the Empires in the Middle Ages unit to life, helping students deepen their understanding of historical topics like castles, knights, lords and serfs, and life in medieval towns—all while practicing key ELA skills.

During the 90-minute interactive show, students will experience a jousting tournament and enjoy a traditional medieval feast, connecting classroom lessons with real-world experiences. The Foundation is proud to help make these educational moments possible.

To continue offering transformative educational experiences like this, we need your support. Donations to the D70 Foundation for Excellence make it possible to fund these enriching opportunities that go beyond the classroom and truly inspire our students. Whether it's through field trips, classroom grants, or special programs, your contribution helps provide the resources teachers need to create memorable, hands-on learning experiences. Every gift—large or small—directly impacts our students, ensuring they have access to innovative opportunities that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning.

We invite you to join us in making a difference by supporting the Foundation’s efforts to enhance education in District 70. With your help, we can continue to expand our programs and reach more students, creating lasting memories and helping them grow both academically and personally. Together, we can ensure that every student has the chance to explore, learn, and thrive.

Donate Today via the QR code or this link: https://d70foundation.wufoo.com/forms/z1rqd2o0001t2oe/!

We are happy to announce the newest addition to the D70 Foundation Board. Pam Quevedo, former CPA, has joined the Foundation as the Treasurer. Pam's full time job is as an HR Director focusing on Employee Relations & Employment Law. "I am committed to the D70 Foundation's mission and to partnering with Holland & Allegra. I truly believe in the power of educated women who are also super moms! I can't wait to get started."

Pam is a devoted mom to a first grader at Copeland, a self proclaimed fitness fanatic and coffee connoisseur. We are so excited to have her join the Board!