GEF funds cutting-edge technologies for District 35 students. By organizing events like the popular Glencoe Grand Prix, the GEF raises funds to bridge the gap between the district's budget and what our children need to enrich the classroom experience.

2017 Glencoe Grand Prix

Hard to believe we've been doing this for eleven years! This year's date is Saturday June 3rd, 2017. Get ready for another year of race action and the North Shore's best block party! For updates to our 2017 event please visit the GGP website.

About IBJI

At IBJI, we treat orthopedic conditions from rheumatoid arthritis to ankle sprains. We repair muscle tears and bone breaks so you can compete again. We replace worn out knees and hips so you can live an active life again. We get you moving again, so you can return to the activities and life you love.

Funding Update

The GEF partners with schools outside District 35 to teach the values of giving back. More than $60,000 has been donated since the inception of this initiative in 2012. Current partner schools include Johnson College Prep, serving the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago and the Ronald D O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, IL.

Mission Statement

The Glencoe Educational Foundation (GEF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 by parents seeking to enhance the rich tradition of educational excellence in Glencoe School District 35. The GEF sponsors projects that sharpen the classroom experience and funds these projects through a variety of programs and events (such as the Glencoe Grand Prix) that benefit all of Glencoe. The GEF also works with school district officials to teach students the value of giving back not only to their community, but also to those outside of Glencoe that need assistance.

District 35

Glencoe School District 35 is housed in three age-centered facilities: South School, grades K-2, with approximately 450 students; West School, grades 3 and 4, with approximately 300 students; and Central School, grades 5-8, housing approximately 650 students. Glencoe School District’s underlying goal is to prepare students for the next step in their academic lives at New Trier Township High School

For more information, please visit their website.

South School

Grades K-2, with approximately 450 students

West School

Grades 3 and 4, with approximately 300 students

Central School

Grades 5-8, housing approximately 650 students

All images copyright 2014, Rachelle Anne Photography

GEF Board Members

  • David Metrick - President
  • Lou Rubin - Vice President
  • Scott Ritchie - Treasurer
  • Audrey West - Secretary
  • Dara Zweig - Communications Director
  • Catherine Wang - Director
  • Ken Ali
  • Michael Chiang
  • Scott Eisen
  • Matthew Giedt
  • Dan Goldstein
  • Gary Hazan
  • Michael Hering
  • Michael Kelber
  • Jon Kerr
  • Jon Knouse - Past President
  • Kevin Kustra
  • Kristin Klein
  • Eran Klein
  • Harry Maisel
  • Ben Riefe

SMART Boards

A key initiative for the GEF has been providing SMART Boards for classrooms across the schools. A SMART Board is a large, high-tech, interactive white board. By using their own hands, students can manipulate the Board like a touch screen.

You will find a SMART Board in all instructional spaces. This includes special education settings and speech & language rooms.

Number of boards across District 35 schools:

  • Central: 57
  • South: 24
  • West: 22

How are SMART Boards used?

Within Central School, sixth graders can be found observing primary sources from ancient civilizations. These observations allow students to connect textbook learning with actual artifacts from historic time periods.

Within West School, third graders can be found viewing and manipulating 3D images of the earth. The teachers are able to incorporate questioning and editing visually.

Within South School, first graders can be found actively leading daily math routines. Attendance graphs are built as children manipulate their picture as they enter the classroom.

What do teachers think of SMART Boards?

"tremendous difference in the children’s learning"

District 35 teacher at South School

"new level of accessibility with their daily lessons"

District 35 teacher at Central School

"raised the level of student interest and excitement"

District 35 teacher at West School

"I utilize the SMART Board in my classroom each day in a variety of ways, from sharing lessons, eBooks, and videos with my students to having the students show each other ways to solve problems or projects they have created."

Ms. Karen Leeds, 2nd grade teacher at South School

SMART Boards for the future

In addition to hardware, GEF has ensured success by providing over $60,000 in teacher education along with AT&T. GEF recently committed to funding a multi-year software license.

More than 125 Fortune 500 companies in over 50 countries around the world are using SMART’s technology. GEF is preparing our students for collaboration in the real world.

Tap-It Boards

The Tap-It is a high-quality, interactive screen designed to bring learning to all students. It has an interactive display that minimizes barriers and maximizes flexibility for students with special needs. A Tap-It can recognize the difference between an arming resting upon the screen and a finger or assistive device intentionally tapping on an image.

Thanks to the generosity of the Aronson family of Glencoe, we were able to begin, in 2011, the purchase interactive Tap-Its and laptops.

"The Tap-It is an invaluable classroom and teaching tool. It allows students with disabilities access to SMART technology and interactive lessons. My students are engaged, interested and participating so much more than with traditional classroom tools. Thank you GEF for giving my students and me such a wonderful gift!"

Mrs. Maggie Schmieder, ELS teacher at South School

Technology Lab

Central School received a technology lab. Video production and tv station components are used to produce the school’s weekly video announcements. An elective course in video production takes advantage of these tools to create and capture news for the Central School community.

Laptop Computers

Since 2011, GEF has funded more than 80 laptops. Laptop use is a priority for the District. The District encourages the use of technology to focus on academic content, increase instructional collaboration and optimize the learning experience.

There is an ongoing need for laptops. More teachers are requesting them. And soon, we will enter a replacement cycle for those purchased in 2011.

This is a key initiative for GEF.

Camera Equipment

In honor of Jay Mirasol - GEF supporter, avid cyclist and photographer - new video cameras, tripods and memory cards were donated. Jay's love of documenting life will be shared with many students in the district who partake in video production and technology courses.

Copyright 2010, Jay Mirasol

Canadian champion David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies) wins the AT&T USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships at the Glencoe Grand Prix, Glencoe, IL, Saturday 14 August 2010.

School Visits

Students enjoy hearing stories from athletes who compete in the Glencoe Grand Prix. The athletes visit the schools and tie their stories into a learning topic of the school's choice. For example, May is Goal Setting month, so athletes have offered real-life goal setting. Other topics have included:

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Healthy choices, your body and nutrition
  • Safety – spotlighting the helmet law in Glencoe
  • The Spanish language, from riders of Spanish-speaking countries

Because of the popularity of these visits among the students, the number of visits as quadrupled since the first one in 2011. In 2014, 19 visits where held.

Enthusiastic rider Kat Carr inspires students to pursue their goals.

Hand Cycling Venue

Handcycling is a form of adaptive cycling that enables athletes of all abilities to ride by exclusively using the upper body.

Handcycling is becoming one of the world's fastest growing disability sports. The speed and adrenalin in this sport is addictive. In 2004, handcycling was included in the Paralympic Games.

GEF's largest fundraiser is the popular Glencoe Grand Prix. Like our commitment to inclusive education, GEF supports riders of varying abilities. GEF is proud to offer a handcycling provision in the Glencoe Grand Prix.

Anyone who is interested in biking with their upper body is welcome to join the venue. This includes but not limited to the following: SCI, MS, Spina Bifida, Amputations, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Able-bodied. Competitions are classed by disability, through four different classifications. Able-bodied riders are not eligible for prizes or placing.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) runs Adaptive Sports Programs and hosts one of the largest handcycling programs in the US with over 40 participants. The RIC team practices twice a week year around, seeking warmth inside the Adaptive Fitness center during the Winter Months and training on Chicago's Lake Front path in the warmer months.

Leave your mark. Honor a new or graduating child, a special teacher or a school with a personalized, engraved brick, paver, tree or bench. Donations directly fund District 35 schools.

It's our way of showing indelible appreciation for our donors.

Donation Options

Your 4" x 8" personalized brick for $100 offers a lasting acknowledgement of a special person or occasion.

Your 8" x 8" paver for $200 allows for greater detail and distinction.

Stand tall with a tree and customized plaque to be installed on District 35 property for $500.

Make a statement with an inscribed bench for $1000 to be installed on District 35 property.

Download PDF order form.

To discuss options and personalization, please contact Audrey West at thewestgang@yahoo.com.

Rally Up

Online sales of 2017 raffle tickets are now open!

Please purchase raffle tickets online by the day of the race June 3, 2017 or on-site on race day at the information booth before 2pm.

Checks

Checks can be made out to the Glencoe Educational Foundation and mailed to:

Glencoe Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 287
Glencoe, IL 60022

Please note raffle in the check memo

GEF welcomes your time and talent. There are several ways to contribute.

Attend a Fundraising Event

We offer something for everyone. Adults and children alike enjoy the popular Glencoe Grand Prix cycling race and 5k Monster Dash. Dedicate an engraved brick outside one of the schools. GEF events do more than just raise money. They also build relationships within Glencoe and encourage a stronger bond in the community.

Join Our Board

Our Board members have varying backgrounds, but a shared interest in classroom enrichment. We encourage parents to join us.

Volunteer Your Time

Have limited time? No problem. GEF encourages different types of volunteering requiring as little or as much time as you can offer. Options include staffing a table at the Glencoe Grand Prix, offer Host Housing for professional athletes that come to Glencoe for the GGP, or spend time Course Marshaling by making our streets safe for participants at the GGP and/or the Monster Dash. We have a match for your time and interests.

To get involved, email information@glencoegef.org.

Enriching the student experience is our goal. Have a suggestion? Want to get involved? We want to hear from you!

Glencoe Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 287
Glencoe, IL 60022
Email Address:
information@glencoegef.org

Thanks to all our Supporters


© 2017 Glencoe Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 287, Glencoe, IL 60022