The West Northfield School District 31 Education Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization established for the purpose of accepting contributions, gifts, and bequests to enhance the educational environment of School District 31, which includes Winkelman Elementary School and Field Middle School. Questions about the Foundation should be directed to Margaret Grouzard, Foundation Board Chairman, at the address and phone number listed above.

The 2009-2010 Foundation Board

The District 31 Education Foundation Board includes: (seated left to right) Debbie Silver; Bonnie Schoenberg; Margaret Grouzard, Chairperson; Lisa Oblonsky, Vice Chairperson; Blair Klein; (standing left to right) Donna Simone; Lisa Klapper; Erin Murphy, Field Principal; Dr. Alexandra Nicholson, Superintendent; Chris Martin; Maria Kalant, Winkelman Principal; Nancy Kim, Field Teacher Representative; Jeff Noe; and Trina Lauter, Winkelman Teacher Representative (not pictured).

Foundation Grants - 2009-2010 School Year

National Science Teachers' Conference - October 2009
A $1,000 grant was awarded to Winkelman science teacher Jeanne Brunner to attend the National Science Teachers' Conference in Minneapolis from October 28 - 31. She attended workshops and presentations that included topics such as integrating math and science, incorporating nonfiction reading into the science curriculum, using science journals, "teaching green" concepts, and functional assessments.

(Photo left to right) Maria Kalant, Winkelman Principal; Jeanne Brunner, Winkelman science teacher; Debbie Silver, Foundation Board Member; and Margaret Grouzard, Foundation President.

National Middle School Conference - November 2009

A $4,000 grant was awarded to Field Principal Erin Murphy and teachers Tina Bishop, Andrew Fenton, Kim Kiraly and Julie O'Connor to attend the the National Middle School Conference in Indiana in November. This annual conference brings middle level educators together to share and present current research and best practices in the field. 

(Photo left to right) Field staff members Andrew Fenton, Julie O'Connor, Erin Murphy, Tina Bishop, Kim Kiraly and Foundation President Margaret Grouzard.

Winkelman Literacy Night -
February 2010

A $700 grant was awarded for the Winkelman Literacy Night program to be held on Wednesday, February 17, for Winkelman students and their families. The grant covers raffles, refreshments, supplies and a thank you breakfast for teachers who are volunteering to lead various literacy sessions during this evening program. The emphasis of the grant is for literacy instructional innovation.

School Psychologist Convention - March 2010
Nicole Brisson, the District's School Psychologist, received an $800 grant to attend the National Association of School Psychologists Convention in Chicago from March 2-6. Participation in the convention will support her critical role in the implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) within the District. The convention provides extensive training in the implementation of RtI and related issues such as effective coaching, English Language Learners (ELL), and special education eligibility.

International Reading Conference in Chicago - April 2010

A $3,380 grant was awarded to literacy teachers at Winkelman and Field Schools to attend the International Reading Association's Annual Convention in Chicago from April 25-28. This professional development opportunity will involve the District's four reading specialists, as well as language arts grade level representatives and a support service representative. Each staff representative will attend one day of the three day conference. Their attendance supports the literacy focus in the schools. The emphasis of this grant is for instructional innovation. Following the meeting, each participant will share information at a half-day institute day.

The District 31 Education Foundation raised over $7,000 in its first 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, October 4, at Techny Prairie Park and Field in Northbrook. Approximately 250 runners of all ages participated in the 5K and 1 Mile events. Proceeds earned from the fundraiser will benefit students in District 31 by providing teacher grants for special programs.

For more information, results and photo galleries, click here.

Foundation Benefit - February 6, 2010

Education Foundation Benefit To Be Held February 6, 2010

The District 31 Education Foundation’s annual Winter Benefit and Auction will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, at Fields Infiniti, located at 2100 Frontage Road in Glencoe. Advance tickets can be reserved for $45 per person through the District 31 Administrative Office at 3131 Techny Road, Northbook.  Admission at the door on the night of the event will be $50 per person. At the benefit, participants can enjoy wine tasting, appetizers and desserts, as well as live music and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from this event will help fund upgraded technology and teacher grants for both Winkelman and Field Schools.

Foundation Ad Book Deadline Extended to January 29
The District 31 Education Foundation is preparing a Program Book for its upcoming  Winter Benefit and Auction on February 6 featuring advertisements from supporters. The ad deadline is Friday, January 29.  The Program Book will be presented to guests at the event, and to friends and supporters in the community. Complete details are available on the forms listed below or call 847-272-6880, ext. 4415.

Program Book Ad Form (pdf) Click here...

Benefit Donation and Ticket Request Form (pdf) Click here...

The Giving Tree

Donors can support the activities of the foundation by purchasing an engraved leaf or stone that becomes a permanent fixture on the wall in Field School. It is also a wonderful way to honor a graduate, a favorite teacher or a loved one.

• Large stone: $300 per stone

• Medium stone: $200 per stone

• Leaf/Leaves: $125 per leaf

• Engraved letters: 29 cents per letter

For more information contact:
District 31 Education Foundation
3131 Techny Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
or call 847-272-6880