February Newsletter

Hello D95 Community!

As a D95 parent and Executive Director of the D95 Educational Foundation, I continue to be inspired by the creativity and care that define our schools. Every conversation with educators and families reinforces why this work matters—because when great ideas are supported, students are given the opportunity to learn in deeper, more meaningful ways.

The Grantee Spotlight below highlights one of those moments in action. Through the Full Circle project at LZHS, students are combining creativity with sustainability, learning how thoughtful choices and innovative tools can shape both their work and their world.

These opportunities are made possible by our community and with just one week left to purchase tickets for our Studio 95 Gala on February 28, I hope you'll consider joining us. Whether you attend on your own or with a group, your support of the event helps turn vision into reality for D95 students!

With thanks and excitement,

Tessa Zevallos

Executive Director

District 95 Educational Foundation

foundation@lz95.org

P.S. Can't attend the Gala? You can still be part of the impact! Our online silent auction opens the week before the event and features incredible items you won't want to miss...

The Foundation is proud to provide one of our 2026 educator grants to Art+Design Educator Kristen LaJeunesse Roach for the Full Circle project to improve sustainability within LZHS art classrooms. The grant will be used to purchase a professional-grade pug mill—a machine that allows students to reclaim and reuse clay instead of throwing unused material away. The investment will significantly reduce waste, both in unused clay and in the time students and staff spend trying to reclaim clay by hand.

The pug mill will enable creative exploration by allowing students to experiment with clay without fear of material waste. With an abundant supply of reclaimed clay, students will be empowered to take creative risks and engage in multiple attempts to improve mastery. The Full Circle project also models responsible resource management and sustainability for our students. We look forward to seeing how our students transform these reclaimed materials into imaginative, artistic expression!

There's just one week left to secure your spot at Studio 95! Join us on Saturday, February 28 from 6pm - 11pm, as Concorde Banquets comes alive for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and community impact. Whether you attend on your own or gather friends, neighbors, or colleagues, guests will enjoy a great meal, an open bar, lively entertainment, and opportunities to give through silent and live auctions—all in support of District 95 students.

This year’s fundraising goal is to raise $100,000 to bring a 3-D interactive anatomy and science learning table to LZHS—an innovative tool that will transform how students experience health science and anatomy. With ticket sales closing soon, now is the perfect time to join us and help turn a fun night out into a meaningful investment in student learning.

We're growing—and so is our impact. If you're interested in serving as a Trustee, joining a Foundation Committee, or supporting our work behind the scenes, we'd love to start a conversation.

Indra Josephs, Chair

Azure Smith, Treasurer

Savannah Haeger, 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

John Sfire, Trustee

Feliks Kravets, Trustee

Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent