District 96, the fourth highest ranking district in Illinois, recently announced the Champions Enrichment Program at Willow Grove Elementary School earned the 2011 Friend of the Foundation Crystal Apple Award.
The Champions Enrichment Program at Willow Grove Elementary School was recognized for “Exemplifying the true spirit of a school/business partnership,” said Robin Eisenstot, Champions site director for the past seven years.
The Crystal Apple Award recognizes individuals and groups within Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 whose innovative and creative programs help enhance children’s learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. The Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 Foundation for Educational Excellence, a non-profit organization associated with the school district, awards this yearly honor based on nominations provided by district faculty, staff, administration, parents, students and community members.
“Every day Champions staff skillfully engages their eager, giggle, and rambunctious students in literacy-building and problem-solving activities, laying a sound foundation for the growth to come,” said Kildeer Countryside CCSD96 superintendent Julie Schmidt. “Champions is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Their dedicated staff work closely with Barb Cirigliano, Willow Grove Principal, to fine-tune a preschool and before-and after-care program that compliments the district’s curriculum. Like cookies and milk, it’s a winning partnership.”
Champions is a leading out-of-school-time education provider delivering a broad array of educational solutions and providing customized, on-site learning programs at more than 600 locations around the country. For the past 12 years, Willow Grove Champions Enrichment Program has offered students the chance to participate in academic preschool/pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten enrichment classes and before- and after-school care. Champions is a member of the Illinois AfterSchool Network; and Shelley Lambert, Champions vice president of operations, is a former IAN board member, and currently serves on the NAA board.






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