Want to Help Teachers Fund School Projects?

Did you know that you can help local teachers fund materials for their classrooms? 

Teachers from all over the country are using the Donors Choose online charity to collect money for special projects. While there are no projects to fund here in Libertyville, there are plenty of other local projects to consider.

Two teachers at Frederick School in Grayslake, for example, are seeking to fund reading- and health-related projects.

"We decided to go this route because money is limited for special projects and we want to offer our students enrichment opportunities that align with our curriculum," said Cherie Jacobs. "We feel very passionate about providing students special opportunities that they might not encounter otherwise."

Jacobs hopes to purchase nutrition books, journals to record exercise and eating habits, and display boards for presentations for her "Love Your Heart!" project. The supplies will cost $829, and as of Aug. 12, she had $553 left to collect, thanks to eight donors. 

The project, Jacobs said, "gets students actively involved in the learning process.

"They love hands-on activities, projects, cooperative learning and speakers. And, like any middle school student, they love when the projects are centered around their own lives," Jacobs said. "As a bonus, we want to encourage healthy lifestyles for these pre-teens."

Jill Batson's "Read! Read! Read!" project's goal is to purchase two sets of Rebecca Caudill award books, along with the teacher resources. The total cost is $491, and as of Aug. 12, Batson had just $66 left to collect, thanks to five donors.

"We know students love to read new books and the Rebecca Caudill nominees each year," said Jacobs. "Our school library runs an incentive program for students who read a specified number of the Caudill nominees. Also, as a team, we will be using these books, and others, to teach Common Core-related reading skills."

To donate money for these projects, visit the "Love Your Heart!"or "Read! Read! Read!" pages on Donors Choose.

Locally, there are also projects in Mundelein District 75, Woodland District 50 and Waukegan District 60 to donate to. You can search for local projects by entering Libertyville's zip code into the search bar on the Donors Choose website.