On Thursday, October 23, the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Educational Foundation brought the celebratory Balloon Brigade back to D123 to recognize the creativity and dedication of educators across the District.
To celebrate recent mini-grant recipients, members of the Ed Foundation and District administration made surprise visits to classrooms with festive balloons and oversized “big checks.” The Foundation’s mini-grant program supports innovative educator-led projects that enhance student learning and engagement.
At Hometown Elementary School, the Physical Education team received a mini-grant for the installation of a climbing wall in the gymnasium, and the third-grade team achieved grant funding for a flexible seating program and an expanded trade book collection. Additionally, Colleen Fisher, an occupational therapist at D123, received mini-grants for a cooking project designed for PTP students at Kolmar Elementary and a sensory room at OLHMS.
Each year, the Foundation invites teachers to submit grant proposals that promote innovation and enhance student learning. Through community donations and fundraising events like the annual golf outing and Taco & Trivia Night, the Ed Foundation can foster programs like these, helping to inspire meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students across the District.
Learn more about the programs that received the mini-grants…
Cooking Class at Kolmar Builds Important Skills:
Each week, students in the PTP Program at Kolmar Elementary take part in 30-minute cooking activities that blend fun with learning. These hands-on experiences help students strengthen fine motor, communication, social-emotional, and academic skills as they work together to create tasty recipes. Throughout the process, students practice reading directions, sequencing steps, and collaborating with their peers to bring each dish to life.
With the cost of materials continuing to rise, the Ed Foundation’s mini grant will make a meaningful difference in supporting the weekly cooking classes, a highlight that students truly enjoy and look forward to each week. These classes not only teach valuable life skills but also bring joy, creativity, and confidence to students. The mini-grant will help provide the equipment and ingredients needed to keep these special learning experiences going strong.
Sensory Rooms at OLHMS Support Student Needs:
A sensory room in a school setting provides a controlled, calming, and engaging environment designed to support students’ sensory needs. These spaces help students regulate their emotions, improve focus, and manage stress throughout the school day. While all students can benefit from access to a sensory room, they are especially valuable for those with sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, or emotional and behavioral challenges. The Ed Foundation grant will help furnish two sensory rooms at OLHMS, creating inclusive spaces that promote self-regulation, emotional well-being, and academic success.
The sensory rooms at OLHMS will be enhanced with new, state-of-the-art equipment designed to support students in regulating their bodies and maintaining focus. These updates will help create a calming, supportive environment that promotes increased attention and engagement throughout the school day.
“I am honored to have received both of these grants for the students in our PTP and CASE programs. Our students will be able to bring home new recipes to share with their families, fostering meaningful connections beyond the classroom. Additionally, the sensory rooms will help students regulate their bodies, enabling them to engage in their academic and life skills curriculums for longer periods of time—an essential component for optimal learning.” - Colleen Fisher, D123 Occupational Therapist
Trade Books to Expand Student Knowledge:
The third-grade team of teachers, including Elizabeth Cerullo, Jennifer Sieracki, and Brenda Sweetser, received a grant to expand classroom libraries with trade books that align with the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum. CKLA is a content-rich reading program that helps students build knowledge in history, science, literature, and the arts while developing reading comprehension skills. The new trade books will give students more opportunities to explore CKLA topics through engaging fiction and nonfiction texts that connect to their units.
“The trade books give students a chance to see their learning come to life. When we study topics like Ancient Greece or the human body, students can find related books that spark their curiosity. It gives them more choice and helps them make meaningful connections to what we’re learning in class.” - Jennifer Sieracki, 3rd Grade Teacher
Flexible Seating Provides More Engaging Opportunities:
The educational grant awarded to the third-grade team also included funds for flexible seating options, helping to make classrooms even more engaging and student-centered. Wobble stools, floor seat cushions, and S-shaped floor desks allow students to choose a seating style that helps them focus and feel comfortable.
“Flexible seating allows students to take ownership of their learning. They can find the spot that helps them do their best work. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in how confident and independent students feel during lessons.” - Brenda Sweetser, 3rd Grade Teacher
Climbing Wall to Inspire Strength and Confidence:
The PE team at Hometown Elementary, David Dare and Rorie Wilson, hopes the installation of a climbing wall will inspire students to challenge themselves, stay active, and develop strength and confidence in a fun and safe environment.
“The rock wall will add a whole new level of excitement to our PE program. It’s something students of all ages can participate in. Climbing encourages balance, coordination, and problem-solving. Most importantly, it helps students build confidence as they set and reach personal goals.” - David Dare, PE Teacher