On May 4, the District 45 Foundation for Excellence in Education took its “Big Check Express” on the road, making surprise visits to schools to present Educational Grant awards for the 2026-27 school year. Foundation board members Peg Egan, Linda Nystrom and Ken Hildreth, along with Superintendent Brian Graber, personally delivered oversized checks to grant recipients.
In all, the Foundation awarded 10 Educational Grants totaling $8,382.32 to support innovative staff projects not funded through the district’s regular budget. Earlier in the 2025-26 school year, the Foundation awarded three mini-grants of up to $1,000 each.
One of this year’s recipients, Westmore Elementary School teacher Kara Nikischer, received $1,177 for her grant proposal, “Weaving Personal Stories on Wooden Looms.” Nikischer said the project provides fifth-grade students with individual wooden looms and a variety of fiber materials to explore weaving as a form of personal storytelling, inspired by artists Bisa Butler and Denise Treizman.
Through the grant, students will learn foundational weaving techniques while designing pieces that reflect their identity through intentional choices in color, pattern and materials.
“The unit will culminate in a school-wide display of student work, transforming the space into a gallery of woven stories,” stated Nikischer in her grant proposal. “Each student will display their piece alongside a written artist statement explaining the significance of their materials and design choices.”
The 2026-27 Educational Grant recipients are:
- Full STEAM Ahead
Kristi Isaacson, Ardmore Elementary — $420.00 - Core Communication Board
Ashley Kawarski, Marlena Smosna, D45 Early Childhood Center — $166.00 - 88 Keys to Excellence
Jennifer Gafron, Jackson Middle School — $1,000.00 - Culinary Creators Club
Anthony Manata, Jackson Middle School — $850.00 - Heritage Spanish-language Class Library
Meghan Crocello, Jefferson Middle School — $515.00 - Engineering Club
Alyssa Winiecki, North Elementary — $822.70 - Building Biliteracy Through Authentic Spanish Literature in K-3
Esthela Arenas, Josie Lopez, Schafer Elementary — $800.00 - Building Engineers through STEM Bins
Kathy Huynh, Stevenson Elementary — $1,000.00 - Growing Together: Sustainable Seating for Our Student Garden
Christina Rees, Tracy Shockey, Stevenson Elementary — $1,631.42 - Weaving Personal Stories on Wooden Looms
Kara Nikischer, Westmore Elementary — $1,177.20
The District 45 Foundation for Excellence in Education raises funds for Educational Grants throughout the year. Donations to the Foundation can be made online or by mail at any time.
