Programs & Initiatives
Thiems Grants
Named in memory of Dr. Russell Thiems, Superintendent of District 205 from 1983 to 1992. Dr. Thiems recognized the need to provide opportunities for students beyond what was possible through tax revenues. He then recruited community members to serve on the Board of Directors, and together they established the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation.
Thiems Grant Information
2018 Thiems Grants
Thiems Grant Funding
$98,559
Awarded to 68 principals and teachers
8 grants impact students across multiple buildings
$17,000 awarded to staff from 5 buildings to research and pilot innovative instruction using virtual reality
$16,918 funded for model classroom enhancements in elementary and middle school
5 grant applications generated ideas or programs that will be funded by district budget in the amount of $25,456
click here for list of all 2018 grants |
2019 Grant Application Info
2019 THIEMS GRANT APPLICATION
The deadline for 2019 grant applications was February 11.
Grants will be awarded in the Spring.
Click here for Application Guidelines to plan for future submissions.
2015-2017 Thiems Grant Lists
Funding Amounts by Year
Study Skills Academy
Study Skills Academy
The additional assistance that students receive through the Study Skills Academies makes a difference and can be transformative.
Parents and teachers report increased homework completion, improved grades, better organization, increased confidence and ease with communication from students.
MAP data indicate that participants in the program have better than average academic growth compared to their peers.
The District 205 Foundation's Study Skills Academy signature project began in the 2007-2008 academic school year with the goal of improving academic achievement by providing a structured environment outside of the classroom for students to get additional help.
Every K-8 school is provided with funding and guidelines, but may structure the academy to best address the academic needs of their student populations. Students are given instruction in specific curricular areas, assistance with homework completion and recovery, as well as help in developing effective time management, organizational and test-taking skills.
Students are recommended for participation by staff, and attendance is governed by the individual schools' requirements. The program is coordinated by one or more school certified teacher, and often utilizes volunteers from additional staff, the community or high school students from programs such as Invite to Teach or National Honor Society.
This year will mark the eigth year of the Study Skills Academy project, and we are receiving much positive feedback from teachers, principals, students and parents alike.
Schools are asked to provide data utilizing various assessment tools (ie.MAP scores) to measure the progress of students in this program. We are pleased to have data that reflects additional growth in participating students beyond the national average as well as the average of their peers in D205. We are also thrilled to witness less tangible achievements that are more difficult to capture on paper, such as an increase in student confidence, motivation and pride.
If you are interested in making a donation for or sponsoring this program call 630-617-2328 for more information.
Support from 100+ Women Who Care
100+ Women Who Care Select Study Skills Academy for Donation
A Major Thank You to the Elmhurst Chapter of the 100+ Women Who Care. Your $15,000 donation helped to fund over half the 2015-2016 programs.
Because you care hundreds of District 205 students will realize a lifelong benefit from skills they gain through the Study Skills Academy.
Bryan School Study Skill Coordinators and Students Math Academy 9/2014
Press Release
Quotes from Parents 7 Staff
"...I really need to tell you what a FANTASTIC-God-Send-Wonderful program that was for my son. It made all the difference for him and he loved going to it. I think the one-on-one attention was great for him...It even built up his confidence. I am extremely grateful to whomever is responsible for the program and want to say thanks!"
Edison Elementary School Parent
"The program provides a place for students who wanted to do well in school but were missing some of the tools to be successful"
Sandburg Middle School Program Coordinator
"Prior to ISAT testing,4th and 5th graders went through extended response instruction and expository writing instruction. Afterwards, Wendi (co-coordinator)and I received two teddy bears in a basket from one student. She stated that her writing had improved and she had done really well on the ISAT test as a result of the program."
Field Elementary Program Coordinator
"The growth and response from some students was amazing!"
Churchville Teacher
"This program benefits the school community as a whole because those students that might need an additional boost are getting it through the academy."
Hawthorne Elementary School Prinipal
Donate Today!
Direct your donation to a specific community partnership using the "additional information" or "comments" field in PayPal.
.