GAF-Geneva Academic Foundation

Two days left to place your bid and take home a signed, limited edition Farewell Fox Valley Tour jersey. All proceeds benefit the Geneva Academic Foundation, helping us fund classroom grants and scholarships for graduating seniors! Thank you for your support!

Tap this link to bid: t.ly/CAcKE

McCormick FONA Chicago Steel Hockey Team Geneva CUSD 304 Geneva High School PTO City of Geneva, Municipality

Join us next weekend for a Fox Valley Celebration presented by McCormick FONA, where the Steel will wear special jerseys that feature different elements of
the Fox Valley in a tribute to the team’s 11 seasons in Geneva! Proceeds benefit the Geneva Academic Foundation, supporting classroom grants and schokarshios for seniors! Reach out to [email protected] for ticket i formation.

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Interested? Join us at Aurelio’s at 7pm this Thursday to learn more!

GAF is looking for new members! Reach out for more info on how you can get involved.

Today's grant winner is Ms. Thomas, Spanish teacher at Geneva High School. Her request for grant funding went towards headphones/microphones to be used to help students test for the Seal of Biliteracy. Ms. Thomas writes, "Seal of Biliteracy testing is a state designation showing students are proficient in multiple languages. The microphones are much more functional and allow students to record without issues. These will allow students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, which earns them college credit at most schools and is a recognition through the state on their diplomas and transcripts."

Donations to the Geneva Academic Foundation help fund classroom grants like this as well as scholarships for Geneva seniors to pursue their next level of education. Find out more about us at https://www.gaf304.org/

Today's grant winner is Mr. Kastel, music teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School. Mr. Kastel requsted funds for new xylophones for classroom use. Mr. Kastel writes, "All grade levels use the xylophones to learn now. Younger grades can set them up and use them by themselves. We have added instruments to songs like never before. We have more time in class thanks to them getting xylophones on their own. Furthermore, I have been able to assess concepts like rhythm and steady beat much more effectively and I can see which students need more help very clearly when we use these xylophones. After we learn a song or play a game, I can repeat the song many more times by adding xylophones to the music during their next class. This has really enhanced the learning by greatly increasing our repetitions with songs.
Differentiation is beginning to show up on these instruments as well because some students are able to play more difficult patterns with music a little earlier than others. These xylophones have allowed them to have that freedom.

Our students are better prepared as music makers and as creative thinkers. The xylophone offers wonderful opportunities for song creation and improvisation which are perfect activities for the developing mind. Also, the students are more prepared to take care of the materials they use; ensuring they are taken out and put back properly and carefully. There is a joy the students experience when I announce that we get to use the xylophones. They love everything from getting them out to playing them and putting them away on their own. As a bonus, they also love the secret compartment that houses extra keys and the mallets. There is a whimsical feeling surrounding these instruments that the kids love. We have used them for songs, sound effects for stories, songs for games, and music writing."

Donations to the Geneva Academic Foundation help fund classroom grants like this as well as scholarships for Geneva seniors to pursue their next level of education. Find out more about us at https://www.gaf304.org/