D46 Foundation Sponsors Destination ImagiNation®

This school year, the CCSD 46 Education Foundation will sponsor Destination ImagiNation® (DI) as an extra-curricular activity to be offered to students throughout our school district.

The "Why Destination ImagiNation" White Paper (http://www.idodi.org/index.php/team-support/downloads/category/9-white-papers) offers an excellent overview of the program and its benefits to today’s students. 

DI is designed to allow students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving and is an ideal next step in the Foundation's mission to enhance the learning experiences offered in the district. This global program offers a truly unique 21st Century learning experience that fosters a dynamic skill set required for future success and allows students to develop into world-class innovators and critical thinkers.

Results of the American Management Association's 2010 Critical Skills Survey revealed that 75% of business executives believe the 4 C's will be as essential to their organizations as the 3 R's. DI fosters the 4 C's:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communicating Effectively
• Collaboration and Team Building
• Creativity and innovation

While DI is for ALL students, it may fill a void that was left when the district had to cut the Challenge Program that was offered to Gifted and Advanced Learners. DI is often used as a component in Gifted Education programs given its emphasis on higher level thinking. That said, this program is designed to foster growth in all students as they work together, each bringing their individual strengths and talents to the team.

The Foundation plans to support as many as ten teams of up to seven children during the 2011-2012 school year by paying team registration fees and offering a teacher stipend to one staff member willing to serve as a staff liaison. Families will be asked to pay a small fee to contribute to a fund to purchase necessary and beneficial materials and resources. Scholarships will be offered to families with financial need.

As is the case in other local districts such as Libertyville D70 and Deerfield Public Schools, parent involvement is a required component. Volunteer parents will act as Team Managers given the support of two volunteer DI consultants, Jill Alfrejd and Tina Baldwin. In addition to the Team Manager, a second volunteer adult must be present at each meeting. This position can be shared/rotated among parents of participants.

Families who may be interested in this program are invited to an informational meeting at State Bank of the Lakes Community Room on Tues 8/30 at 6:30 PM. Students are welcome to attend with a parent.

For more information about the Foundation, its mission, and our upcoming FREE Movie In The Park, please visit our website at www.d46foundation.org. A special thanks to Maggie Byrne, Independent Telecommunication Specialist, and John Wondrasek of Fokoz for their hard work in creating this fantastic new site!