October Newsletter

As fall settles in and the school year is well underway, we’re reflecting on the incredible generosity and spirit that make District 95 so special. Thanks to our community’s kindness, we wrapped up our Birthday Box initiative with more than 595 boxes packed and $1,200 in gift cards donated - a wonderful example of what’s possible when students, staff, families, and local partners come together for a shared cause.

This season, as we shift our focus toward our upcoming fundraising and giving efforts, we’re reminded that every contribution, big or small, creates ripples of opportunity for our students. From hands-on learning experiences to “Future Ready” student support and educator-led innovation, your involvement continues to make a lasting impact across our schools. Together, we’re not just celebrating what we’ve accomplished - we’re building what comes next!

Liz Hartke

Executive Director
District 95 Educational Foundation

Since its inception in 2007, the District 95 Educational Foundation has proudly invested over $1.1 million to benefit our students - funding innovative programs and hands-on learning experiences that go beyond what traditional resources can provide.

Each initiative we support reflects our belief that when we invest in our students, we invest in the future of our entire community.

Our work focuses on three key priorities:

• Experiential Learning Projects & Enhancements - Supporting initiatives like the Career Pathways Development program and the INCubator entrepreneurship course, giving students real-world experience that prepares them for future careers.

• “Future Ready” Student Support - Partnering with the District to provide scholarships, trade and technical training opportunities, and student ambassador grants that encourage leadership and lifelong learning.

• Educator-Led Innovation - Funding bi-annual classroom grants that help teachers bring creative ideas to life, from Building Thinking Classrooms to interactive technology that transforms how students learn.

These opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the collective support of our donors, families, and community partners. Your involvement - whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission - creates ripples of impact that reach every school in District 95.

As we look ahead to a new season of giving, we’re excited to continue this journey together.
Because when we come together for our students the impact lasts a lifetime.

The District 95 Educational Foundation is excited to introduce the Alumni Connection - a new initiative designed to bring together graduates of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95. Our alumni are a vital part of our story, and we believe that by reconnecting, we can celebrate the successes of our graduates while also strengthening the future of our schools and community.

Why the D95 Alumni Connection?

The experiences you had in District 95 helped shape your path, and now we want to create a way for you to reconnect with classmates, teachers, and the community that supported you. The Alumni Connection will be a place to:

• Reconnect – Stay in touch with fellow alumni and the district.

• Engage – Participate in events, mentorship opportunities, and networking.

• Give Back – Support today’s students through volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy.

Indra Josephs, Chair

Azure Smith, Treasurer

Kelly Cranstoun, Vice Chair of Communications

Andy Spetter, Vice Chair of Grants & Initiatives

Ashley Scott, Vice Chair of Development

Willy Borkowski - Secretary

Joe Janicki, Trustee

Vas Russis, Trustee

Heidi Casady, Trustee

Savannah Haeger, Trustee

John Sfire - Trustee

Feliks Kravets, Trustee

Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent

Liz Hartke - Executive Director