28 Apr D51 Foundation announces 3rd Round of Student and Staff Wellness Grants
The District 51 Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its Student and Staff Wellness Grant Awards. A total of over $10,500 in grants will be awarded from the D51 Foundation to 13 District 51 staff members.
According to Robyn Carmine, D51 Foundation grant recipient and 2nd Grade Teacher at Chatfield Elementary School, “Thank you so much for awarding me the Student and Staff Wellness grant. The items for my calming corner will provide my students with a quiet, supportive space to regulate their emotions and calm their bodies. I truly appreciate your support in helping create a more positive and peaceful learning environment.” Ms. Carmine received grant funding to help provide a Regulation Station in her classroom. Some of the items purchased include flexible seating, sensory tools including fidgets, weighted lap pads, a sensory activity board, and many other items to create a calming area.
Each year, the D51 Foundation uses proceeds from its White Iced Celebration and other fundraising efforts to fund specific needs in School District 51. This year, fundraising dollars will be used to purchase technology and innovation products for students, to support professional learning for D51 staff, and to provide resources for student and staff wellness.
Orchard Avenue Elementary Assistant Principal and grant recipient Tanya Nees added, “We are excited to expand our school garden through the generous support of the D51 Foundation. Installing raised beds will give our students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with their food and the natural world. We are deeply grateful to the D51 Foundation for investing in experiences that enrich both education and student well-being.” Through Nees’ request, Orchard Avenue will receive funds to install raised beds in their garden that will increase their overall growing capacity.
“We’re proud to support student and staff wellness through these grants, recognizing the vital role well-being plays in the academic growth and success of our D51 students. This work is made possible by the generosity of our donors and community supporters. While requests exceed our current funding capacity, we’re thankful for the opportunity to invest in these impactful and deserving initiatives,” said Andreya Krieves, D51 Foundation Assistant Executive Director.