The Foundation approved several innovation grants for fall 2005, and accelerated the approval of one major grant, allocating more than $8,500 for educational enrichment. The Grants Committee received 12 grant requests representing proposed innovations in seven departments.

Each year, the LFHS Foundation’s Innovation Grant Program sets aside $10,000 for grants of $1,000 or less. Grants are considered and approved in November and March of each year. Requests come from faculty members who see an opportunity for the Foundation to make a difference in the classroom. Innovation grants funded this fall include:

Two high-resolution digital video cameras for Animation classes

Portable recording equipment for Music performance

An oscillating vertical spindle sander for use by Woodshop students

Heart rate monitors for Wellness classes

Overcoming Obstacles Curriculum Materials for helping students to address factors impacting their success in school

Musician software for Music students

The Board also approved by exception a time-sensitive grant requesting two DVD players and two LCD screens for the Mosaic Mural project initially co-funded by the LFHS Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council.

An outgrowth of the creative process, this idea was developed by students, and will enable the constant incorporation of student work in animation and telecom into the mural. Although the amount requested was higher than the traditional $1,000 Innovation Grant limit, “this innovative design is so exciting and offers so much potential, it runs chills up my spine,” said Foundation Faculty Liaison Jim Sullivan.