2014 Grants
ADMINISTRATION
Chromebooks for 1:1 Computing Initiative A total of 75 Google Chromebooks act as a “lending library,” in support of the school’s 1:1 computing initiative. This pool ensures freshman have uninterrupted access to the seamless connectivity of a Chromebook. Other students also can check out a Chromebook to collaborate with others and share their work wirelessly via Chromecast. APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
Robotics Robotic kits, laptops, and registration fees support three teams in the newly formed Robotics Club at LFHS. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming robots based on engineering principles and strategy. Teams have the opportunity to compete in an alliance format against other high school teams. Vertical Panel UpCut SawsThis new machinery will provide a safer and more efficient working environment in the woodshop. The new vertical saw also can accommodate large sheets of plywood used in table projects. ART
iMac Computers Three iMac computers have been added to Art Department classrooms. Digital photography and graphic design students can use the iMacs to create portfolios and edit work without having to leave the classroom. Digital Cameras Four additional high-quality 35mm SLR digital cameras were awarded for photography classes. These cameras give students unmatched exposure to advanced photographic principals and techniques, strengthening the curriculum. The cameras are available for student use both inside and outside the classroom, making photography classes accessible to more students. Students and teachers in other art classes also will benefit from the equipment’s extremely high-resolution images, which are essential to creating and displaying artwork. ART/SCIENCE
Prairie MuralThis grant benefits both Advanced Photography students and Environmental Science/Biology students. Advanced Photography students capture seasonal prairie plants, insects, and animals at Elawa Farms, using both panoramic and close-up shots. The high-quality images are then used by science students as important visual aids when studying relevant units. The photographs are mounted and displayed in a beautiful mural in the science hallway to be enjoyed by all. This phase will focus on the summer prairie, complementing last year’s spring installation. |
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Business Incubator Start-Up Course The business incubator start-up course is a new curriculum designed to expose students to all aspects of entrepreneurship and enterprise. Through community collaboration, students are mentored by real entrepreneurs and business experts. Teams are guided through the Lean start-up process of ideation, market research, and business model development. The incubator model includes 172 lessons plans that can be personalized by the coaches/mentors. The physical classroom setting is designed to ignite brainstorming and encourage creativity in developing products and services for the real world. The course will culminate in a Shark Tank-style presentation to gain funding to take the business to market. This grant was funded in collaboration with LFHS Administration. ENGLISH
Digital Cameras Two Panasonic Lumix Digital DMC-G6 cameras, cases, and tripods support photo/video journalism. Students use these technically advanced cameras to create authentic multimedia publications that incorporate state-of-the-art photographs and video images necessary for effective digital storytelling in an online world. SOCIAL STUDIES
Scholar Software Licenses Scholar software licenses were purchased for 710 social studies students. Scholar is a cloud-based platform for cutting-edge “social knowledge” — sort of an academic twist on the social networking sites that students are so familiar with. Accessible from the school or home, Scholar transforms a class into a peer-to-peer learning environment that encourages participation from all students. This platform also can be used to link interdisciplinary projects, e.g., a paper for English and social studies. SPECIAL EDUCATION
TEACCH® Tasks KITS TEACCH — Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children — is a model for providing special education services for students with autism and intellectual disabilities. The TEACCH tasks kit helps teachers assess and build students’ emerging skills on 370 specific tasks. The program also includes materials to practice and master skills in each identified area. This grant was co-funded with the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Learning Disabilities Association. STUDENT SERVICES/WELLNESS
Self-Defense Program Self-defense is a new component in all freshmen Wellness for Life classes. Students get a demonstration of techniques and hands-on self-defense instruction by The Brave Way, LLC, which is a proven self-defense system based on instinctive principles that are easy to learn and effective regardless of size, strength, speed, experience, or physical ability. |