Ms. Hoehne's class experiences the Oak Park Education Foundation's newest program, Geared Up.  Geared Up brings engineering, physical science, math and technology challenges to elementary school students using Lego motorized Mechanisms.  Click here to see photos of this project from Oak Park photographer David Kindler.

 

Lincoln 3rd graders learned about architectural features through a neighborhood walking tour conducted by architect Chris Goode.  The students took pictures along the way.  Click here to see some of their photos.

 

The Oak Park Education Foundation is a privately funded, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exciting, hands-on programs to Oak Park K-8th grade public school students. Private support of OPEF is critical to our ability to fulfill our mission.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution in support of our programs. To make a gift online, click here. Or send a check to OPEF, 970 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. To learn more about OPEF's programs and volunteer opportunities, call 708.524.3023. Thank you for your support!

 

See all 5 OPEF programs in action on our new, 2-minute video (you may need to hit "refresh" if you've watched our old video on this site). Our sincerest thanks to Kathryn Hempel at Cutters for creating this exciting spot.

The Oak Park Education Foundation is also now on Facebook. Check us out and friend us!

 

Our sincerest thanks to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, who made the Oak Park premiere of Mike's film, Dear Mr. Fidrych, a benefit for the Oak Park Education Foundation. The event was a sell-out and a wonderful evening. Thanks also to Classic Cinemas' Lake Theatre, the village of Oak Park's ArtRageous festival, and ABC 7 Chicago sports director Mark Giangreco for donating one of the exciting raffle prizes -- a personalized backstage tour of ABC 7 news.

Giangreco, who had a role in the film, promoted it (and OPEF) on his sportscast. Click here to see the clip!

Dear Mr. Fidrych was shot largely in Oak Park and River Forest and features numerous Oak Parkers as principal cast members, Chicago talent including Rob Belushi, ABC's Mark Giangreco, and the Score's Mike Mulligan, plus probably a hundred Oak Parkers who served as extras or otherwise contributed to the production of the film over the last three years. The movie premiered to a sold-out 480-seat auditorium at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival in June, where it won the Best Director award. You can check out the trailer, more photos and other info at www.dearmrfidrych.com, and learn more at the Dear Mr. Fidrych fan page on Facebook. Although it appeals to adults who like independent film, Dear Mr. Fidrych is entirely family friendly, and features lots of Oak Park kids in key roles.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Oak Park Education Foundation!

  Many thanks to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, who donated the proceeds from the Oak Park premiere of Mike's award-winning film, "Dear Mr. Fidrych," to the Oak Park Education Foundation. For more on this heart-warming film about baseball and childhood dreams, click here.