2011 Grants

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
CNC Router and Laser Engraver The addition of a Computer Numeric Control Router and Laser Engraver to the Applied Technology Department enables students to master 21st century skills in woodcraft and manufacturing. In addition, this technology allows other departments to work collaboratively with Applied Technology to broaden the scope of their curricula. Math, CAD, Business, and Art classes can all make use of this computer-integrated technology to enhance the complexity and effectiveness of design and entrepreneurial projects. The CNC Router and Laser Engraver also support the expansion of the Toys for Tots campaign, a signature LFHS community service initiative.

ART
​Digital Camera Website projects, creation of design images, and artist portfolio management are just a few of the ways the new Digital Camera enhances student learning in Drawing, Graphic Design, Ceramics, and Crafts. High-quality image capture is critical to the creation and display of artwork, and this advanced camera ensures that student work is documented as realistically as possible. 
iMac Computers (Phase III) Three Macintosh computers were granted to the Art Department for the Studio classrooms, completely outfitting all department studios and labs with industry-standard technology. All Art students will now benefit from having the same technology that artists in the creative industry use on a daily basis for use in research and project design. 
​Photography Printer The Art Department was awarded a printer for use in all Photography classes. Visual clarity is critical for displaying and archiving photographic images. This equipment enables students to produce high-quality projects.

ENGLISH
English Curriculum Review ​The English Department conducted a review and redesign of key elements of curriculum, including the Freshman Foundation Unit, Skills Level 9-12, and the Departmental Common Assessment. This series of workshops ensures that the English curriculum supports new District goals and provides students with a challenging and effective program.

LIBRARY
SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems (Phase II) ​One additional SMART Board™ system was awarded to the Library, ensuring that every Library classroom is equipped with the technology necessary for students and teachers to work collaboratively in a research setting.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Advanced Placement Institute LFHS teachers participated in in-depth Advance Placement workshops, designed to broaden course subject knowledge and offer new instructional strategies. While students in AP classes directly benefit, students in all levels of curriculum benefit from teachers who are continuously seeking to improve their effectiveness in content delivery and assessment. 
Newberry Consortium Offered annually by the Newberry Library in Chicago, The Consortium offers teachers a series of intellectually stimulating and content-based seminars led by scholars from area universities and colleges. The goal is to inspire and educate, as well as give teachers the opportunity to collaboration with peers from other districts in the Chicago area. LFHS students in English, Social Studies, Science, and World Language classes benefit from teachers who have a deeper knowledge of their curricular area. 
​Polzin Teaching Assessment and Mentoring Program The Polzin Teaching Assessment and Mentoring Program is an integral component of the professional learning community at LFHS. Teachers continually monitor, evaluate, and revise instructional practices through personal reflection and assessment, as well as through peer collaboration and communication. Workshops held throughout the year focus on specific, strategic instructional techniques and enable new and veteran teachers to learn alongside one another in a supportive environment.

SCIENCE
Contrast Digital Microscope with Slides ​The Science Department was awarded a phase contrast digital microscope with camera, as well as several sets of prepared specimen slides, for use by all Biology students. This advanced biotechnology allows classes to capture and manipulate images with much greater precision, enabling greater depth of learning. When used in conjunction with existing SMART Board technology, the microscope promotes interactive data sharing and research capabilities.

SOCIAL STUDIES
MacBook Laptop Lab Based on the success of the 2009-2010 MacBook Mini-Lab Pilot, Social Studies was awarded sixteen additional laptops, bringing the total number of laptops to 24. This full classroom set will enable every student in a class to work independently on developing intuitive and creative projects, using interactive technology. By taking a more active role in learning, students enhance their understanding of facts and concepts. 
SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems (Phase II) Three additional SMART Board™ systems were awarded to the Social Studies department. This grant allows full use of interactive technology throughout the Department, bringing dynamic learning opportunities to all students

STUDENT SERVICES
Career Scope Career Scope is an innovative web-based career assessment resource that provides an individualized profile to each student, based upon a combination of interests and aptitudes. Students receive an assessment report immediately upon completion of the questionnaire, which can be used as a starting point in the search for careers or college majors.

TECHNOLOGY
Large-Format Screen and Projector for the Raymond Moore Auditorium A Large-Format Screen and Projector was installed in the Raymond Moore Auditorium, supplementing existing projection equipment. This new technology accommodates more school and community multimedia events and improves the quality of all presentations. This grant was co-funded with the LFHS APT Board.

TELECOM (NEW MEDIA)
Studio Lighting System A permanently installed LCD Studio Lighting System elevates the quality of production in the Telecom studios, improves safety for production teams, and allows increased utilization of studio space. In addition to Telecom coursework, the newly outfitted studios are used by the English, Social Studies, and Science departments, as an increasing number of LFHS students are using visual technologies for term papers and other research projects.

WELLNESS
Assisted Pull Up and Dip Circuit Training Machine ​This addition to the Wellness Department’s Circuit Training rotation enables students to increase strength necessary for success in Fitness Testing and many Wellness Department classes.

WORLD LANGUAGE
SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems (Pilot and Phase I) ​SMART Board™ technology was awarded to the World Language department. Two systems were awarded as part of a Fall 2010 pilot and, based on a successful implementation, six additional systems were awarded for a department total of eight systems. Students and teachers will now be able to use SMART Board™ technology to learn language and explore culture in dynamic and innovative ways.