Sycamore Education Foundation Grants over $12,700 to Sycamore CUSD 427

Sycamore Community School District 427 is excited to announce it has received over $12,700 in Fall Grants from the Sycamore Education Foundation (SEF) to Sycamore Schools. SEF supports the District through its mission “to enhance and enrich educational opportunities by engaging the energy and resources of the community” through private gifts from individuals and businesses. This support allows for expanded opportunities for the district’s students that may not otherwise be available through regular funding. The following projects were announced by SEF as recipients of this year’s fall grants.

Video Production Studio - Sycamore Middle School

The Sycamore Middle School Video Production studio was awarded $4,208.43 to purchase a new switcher and control panel for the students to use during 7th and 8th grade video production classes. This new equipment better aligns with what is being used in the next level classes at Sycamore High School and will enhance the capabilities middle school students have for video editing and recording.

This grant was made possible by the generosity of SEF donors and partners as well as the Beulah and Roberta Hackett fund for Sycamore schools. Pictured here from left to right are 8th grade Video Production students, Michelle Ibarra, Past SEF Chair, Rachel Sauber, SEF Executive Director, Jill Anderson, video production teacher, and Todd Madden, SEF Board Chair.

World Language Program - Sycamore High School

The World Language program at Sycamore High School was awarded $2,120.00 to purchase novels in the target language which increases knowledge of vocabulary, increases context clues, and exposes students to other cultures.

Newberry Medal Books - South Prairie Elementary

The third and fourth grade classrooms at South Prairie Elementary School were awarded $1,56.10 to purchase a collection of books that are John Newbery Medal hopefuls. Students will be able to check out books and hold a mock election for the Newbery Medal. Books will then be added to classroom libraries and will be available to students for the remainder of the school year.

Courtyard Reading Garden

South Prairie Elementary School was awarded $1,497.69 to turn a previously unused courtyard into a reading garden complete with hammocks and specialized seating.

Softball Batting Cages - Sycamore High School

The Softball program was awarded $3,594 to replace the batting cages at their current field located at Sycamore High School. When previous plans for a new diamond were put on a permanent hold, the current field was upgraded and conditions have been much improved. Thanks to the Bernice Kendall Fund for Women’s Athletics, SEF is proud to provide funds to continue to add to that improvement with the new cages.

The Sycamore Community School District 427 would like to thank all SEF donors and SEF members for these generous grants and looks forward to seeing the opportunities these grants enable for its students.