District 65 Grant

Makerbot 3D printer

The affordable 3D Replicator features the ease of one-touch printing and has all the same technology as full-size MakerBot printers.  Creating 3D models has never been easier with the MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer. It has all the same technology as the full-size, fifth-generation MakerBot printers and features one-touch printing—just send your file to print and press a button. It’s that simple. The Replicator Mini has a build volume of 4 x 4 x 5 inches (L x W x H), making it perfect for creating  household items, replacement parts, and unique gifts.

Odyssey of the Mind

Odyssey of the Mind

The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking “outside of the box.” While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.  Learn more.

Community Wellness Task Force

Accomplishments of the Community Wellness Task Force include: establishing Dr. Mark Reinecke of Northwestern University as a consultant to the task force, creating a Crisis Communications Hub for local police departments, mobilizing area pediatricians to include risk assessments as part of yearly physicals for all adolescents, training high school health teachers by Dr. Karen Swartz in the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program, training high school faculty on the signs and symptoms of depression, reinstating the Peer Training Program at CROYA, adding a Panic Link on LEAD’s website, hosting a middle school summit sponsored by LEAD and NWLFH, reviewing and revising health curriculum at area public schools, and assembling a group of local mental health providers to review mental health assessments and treatments.

Technology Infusion for Enrichment Teams

All of the departments benefit from access to technology.  Wellness classes record mechanics, fine arts groups analyze performance and science classes use on-board apps for measurement.  Hands on learning in front of and behind the technology empowers our students and prepares them for success.  This grant helped supply updated technology to the teachers.

Digital Still Cameras (6)
Camera Memory Cards (6)
Apple TV’s (3)
iPad Application Vouchers (2)
iPad Covers (2)


As part of the School-wide Enrichment Model, the K-8 Enrichment Team ensures that student learning is supported with learning tools consistent with the 21st century skills of collaboration, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and creativity.

Renzulli Online Learning

The Alliance funded initial teacher training and student subscriptions to the Renzulli online learning system.  The Renzulli system allows teachers to quickly prepare student self-directed educational experiences which will provide pre-screened, educationally sound, age appropriate, engaging and ready to go content from original sources on the Internet.

Jennifer Harris Enrichment Fund

The Jennifer Harris Enrichment Fund, within the Alliance For Excellence, was established in memory of Jennifer Harris, the beloved daughter of Mrs. Cynthia Harris, a long-time teacher at East School in Lake Bluff. Donations to this fund are designated for use at both Lake Bluff Elementary School and Lake Bluff Middle School, and will be used to support programs and materials that meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Enhance literacy through presentations and workshops with visiting authors, illustrators, or other literary professionals.
2. Engage students in reading and writing activities that fuel a life-long love of literature and reading.
3. Enrich existing reading and writing elements across all curriculum.