September Newsletter

Dear D95 Community,

September is a season of support and possibility, and here at the D95 Educational Foundation, we’re honoring the many ways our community comes together to lift up students and families.

One of the most joyful projects this month has been our Birthday Box collection. Thanks to your generosity, we’re helping ensure that individuals in need can experience the simple joy of a birthday celebration - complete with cake, candles, and a little extra cheer. It’s a beautiful reminder of how small gestures, when combined across a community, can bring so much happiness.

We’re also excited to be strengthening our alumni connections, welcoming Lake Zurich High School graduates back into the fold to share their stories and invest in the next generation of students. And with the support of our community partners, we’re opening new sponsorship opportunities that allow local businesses to make a lasting difference in District 95.

Whether you’ve donated to the Birthday Box project, joined our alumni network, or partnered with us as a sponsor - thank you. Your support creates meaningful experiences and opportunities that brighten the lives of students and families across District 95.

Liz Hartke

Executive Director
District 95 Educational Foundation

The D95 Educational Foundation is wrapping up our district-wide Birthday Box project today - our final day to drop off items that help bring birthday celebrations to families in need right here in Lake Zurich and throughout Lake County.

Throughout September, each school collected specific birthday items to help create “Birthday Boxes.” Collection bins remain open through the end of today in every school vestibule as well as at the District Office.

School Collection Assignments

• Spencer Loomis – Cake Mix

• May Whitney – Balloons, Party Favors, and Stickers

• Sarah Adams – Candles

• Seth Paine – 9 x 13 Disposable Pans

• Isaac Fox – Icing

• Middle School South – Sprinkles

• Middle School North – Small Party Favors

• LZHS – Birthday Plates and Napkins

• Young Adult Center – Birthday Plates and Napkins

If you missed the chance to bring an item, you can still support this initiative by making a monetary donation online using the button below. Every contribution helps us make birthdays brighter for children across our community.

The D95 Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

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

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

Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent

Liz Hartke - Executive Director