THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 8 | March 2022
Save the Date!
The Winston Knolls Building Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is coming up so make sure you mark those calendars! The event will be taking place on June 3rd at 1pm at the new site of The Winston Knolls School in Elgin, IL. We can't wait to share this special day with you all!
St. Patrick’s Day Sweets!
Classroom 101 got to baking some St. Patrick's Day cinnamon rolls to ring in the holiday! Not only did our students bake these delicious treats, they also exchanged cash and handed out change while distributing their treats as well! Can't wait to see what they're going to make next month!
The Kindness Matters Crew Strikes Again!
Students from classrooms 103 & 105 came together to hand out goodie bags to the staff for St. Patrick’s Day! Each goodie bag included a 4 leaf clover, candy, hand soap, and an octopus pop-it! Thank you to classrooms 103 & 105!
april is autism awareness month!
Quick reminder that April is Autism Awareness Month! Be on the lookout for updates from The Winston Knolls Foundation on events that may be happening soon in the month of April to help us celebrate this very important month with us!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 7 | February 2022
The students of Classroom 101 got to practice their baking and decorating skills with these Minnie inspired cupcakes. 101 spent Thursday baking and decorating the cupcakes so that they could hand them out on Friday, February 25th! Thank you, 101!
Building progress updates
If you are wanting to keep up with what's going on with our renovations at the new school building in Elgin, please visit our website (www.winstonknolls-hecampus.org) and click the "Building Progress Pictures"
The Kindness Matters Crew: Valentine's Day Edition
The Kindness Matters Crew (a combination of students from classrooms 103 & 105) came together to package and hand out goodie bags this Valentines Day at The Winston Knolls School!
The mission of the Kindness Matters Crew is to practice their packaging and delivering skills, all while showing the WK Staff how appreciated they are!
The Kindness Matters Crew will be continuing this every month and we can't wait to show you what they come up with!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 6 | December 2021
The Winston Knolls Christmas Celebration!
We were able to let the Winston Knolls School teaching staff celebrate the Holidays and everything they've accomplished this year at The Arlington Lakes Golf Club on Thursday, December 16th. The staff were able to relax and unwind and ring in Christmas Break!
Merry Christmas from the Winston Knolls Family!
The Winston Knolls School is hiring! We are in need of Classroom Assistants to help with the day to day needs of our students and staff. If you have a passion to help those affected by ASD or know someone who does, please consider sharing and applying! This position is for full-time, with a minimum of a high school diploma and Paraprofessional License. Applications can be found on Indeed, LinkedIn, and on our website.
Thank you!
We at The Winston Knolls Foundation and School would like to thank each and every one of you for making a difference. We would not be able to operate and function without the generosity that is continuously shown to us! Even though 2021 has come to a close, we will not forget all the love that we have been blessed with. Here's to 2022 and everything it has to offer! Happy New Year!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 5 | November 2021
“In my eighth year at Winston Knolls, it continues to amaze me how our school has transformed and evolved into what it is today. The progress we have witnessed from our students is all due to the combined dedication, passion, and commitment from a team of professionals including classroom assistants, teachers, related services, administrators and executive leadership. We have also been incredibly fortunate to have the support of our parents and district partners to continue striving for the highest quality programming to help our students develop the necessary skills for lasting independence into their adult years. This has not been without its challenges. We have relied on creativity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness towards fulfilling our mission and vision; however there are limitations to the tools at our disposal to reach that next threshold. With your support, we believe we can get there so our students and their families can continue to receive the best possible educational opportunities and experiences they deserve. Please consider giving a gift as part of our Annual Appeal. No matter what the amount, it will go a long way towards helping Winston Knolls in successfully achieving our mission."
- Principal Robert Lee
Thank you, Taylor!
The Winston Knolls School said goodbye to our Program Assistant, Taylor McNally, on Friday, November 19th. Taylor was with The Winston Knolls School for over 4 years, starting off as a CA in 2017 and moving full-time into her present role as Program Assistant. We can't thank Taylor enough for all the hard work and dedication she has put into this school! We wish her nothing but the best on her next chapter in her career! We'll miss you!
#GivingTuesday
If you didn't have the chance to contribute on Giving Tuesday, no worries! You can give to The Winston Knolls Foundation any day, any time!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS SCHOOL - HALLOWEEN 2021 10/31/21
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 4 | October 2021
Recap of The 1st Annual Jammin' for Autism Event!
The Winston Knolls Foundation hosted the 1st Annual Jammin' for Autism Event on Sunday, October 24th, at Nellie's in Palatine, IL. Included in this event was a live performance from Glen Ellyn's very own, Barry Dupuy, along with a Silent Auction. The event was in an effort to help raise funds for The Winston Knolls Foundation and School. We were able to successfully bid away all of our Silent Auction items and are looking forward to have you all at our next event!
A huge thank you to all who made it out to Nellie's for the event, we wouldn't have been able to pull it off without you!
The Winston Knolls Foundation's 2021 Annual Appeal is Underway!
Each year, The Winston Knolls Foundation dedicates a stretch of time to raising revenue beyond tuition to to support an outstanding learning environment for its students and teachers. Our Annual Appeal this year focuses on the perseverance of our students and staff as they took on the challenges of the 2021 school year. It also highlights the ability for the school to go back to in-person learning and the new beginnings that are to come next year with the new school location! The Winston Knolls Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the best for their students and staff and that is only achievable with the help and support of our amazing donors and supporters. See below for more details!
A Letter from our President and CEO, Val Belmonte
A letter from our chief executive officer, michael belmonte
While we continue in our efforts to help raise funds for The Winston Knolls Foundation and School, we also want to showcase who we are and the people within our organization!
My name is Michael Belmonte and I have been working at Winston Knolls since June of 2017. I started as a classroom teacher before I took a leadership role because I thought I could make a bigger impact with all the students.
The Winston Knolls School relies on your donations to enhance the lives of our students and our program offerings. In the past we have had donations from parents, school supply distributors, sport/recreation companies, therapeutic equipment suppliers and professional development and specialized training programs for our faculty and staff. Every single donation can be used somewhere, somehow.
We have made a promise to our student body, parents and districts to better the lives of the children we serve, and that is ALL made possible through the donations, contributions and support given to the school. Donating does not impact one student’s life, it impacts and helps ALL of the students.
Please help us continue to provide the very best offerings to our students by making a donation through our website: www.winstonknolls-hecampus.org.
Thank you for your consideration,
Michael Belmonte
Chief Education Officer/Executive Vice President
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 3 | September 2021
We’re Hiring!
The Winston Knolls School is hiring! We are in need of Classroom Assistants to help with the day to day needs of our students and staff. If you have a passion to help those affected by ASD or know someone who does, please consider sharing and applying! This position is for full-time, with a minimum of a high school diploma and Paraprofessional License. Applications can be found on Indeed, LinkedIn, and on our website.
Silent Auction & Live Music Sunday, October 24th!
It's official, The Winston Knolls Foundation will be hosting a Silent Auction with a live musical performance on October 24th, at Nellie's Gastropub and Concert Hub in Palatine, IL from 12pm-3pm. Drinks and food will be available for purchase, with $1 being donated back to The Winston Knolls Foundation for every drink. There will be a $5 donation at the door upon entrance as well! Some of the Silent Auction items include Zip-Lining in Lake Geneva, Zanies Comedy Club tickets, Board & Brush Certificate, Fred Astaire Dance Classes, Howling Wolfe Kayak Rentals, a Photography Session, and much more! We hope to see everyone out there to enjoy the day and help show their support for The Winston Knolls Foundation!
Construction is underway at the new location of The Winston Knolls School!
The Winston Knolls Foundation's 2021 Annual Appeal has officially started!
The past year, as we’re sure for everyone else as well, has come with its challenges. Thankfully, with challenges also comes perseverance, and that’s exactly what our students and staff have shown through it all. With that in mind, there has never been a better time to support the Winston Knolls Foundation Annual Appeal than right now! It's because of people like you, our donors and supporters, that we are able to continue our mission to give every child who walks through our doors the opportunity at their best life. Nothing would be even remotely possible if it weren’t for the dedication and loyalty shown from donors like yourselves. Each gift received is deeply appreciated. Giving is available through our website(www.winstonknolls-hecampus.org) on our "Donation" page. Thank you!
Gloria Harper to be inducted into The Lake Forest Academy Hall of Fame
September 20th, 2021
Gloria Harper is being inducted into the Lake Forest Academy Hall of Fame and will have the title Women of Distinction on Saturday, September 25th. For more than three decades, Gloria has served the Academy as a faculty member, an administrator, as a Trustee and now as a Life Trustee.
Gloria is also our Vice-Chair for The Winston Knolls Education Group. Congratulations, Gloria!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 2 | August 2021
Recap: Fundraiser at Two Hound Red Brewing Co.
The Winston Knolls Foundation had the opportunity on Thursday, August 19th, to partner with Two Hound Red Brewing Co. located in Glen Ellyn, IL. Two Hound hosted the fundraiser along with performers Michael Hayes and Eric Csukor. For every table that brought in our flyer, Two Hound donated 10% of it back to us. Thanks to not only Two Hound Red and the performers, but to every one who came out and attended as well! We would never be able to make events like this happen without the help from all of you!
Bring on the Fall School Semester!
After graduation at the end of July, the kids got to enjoy their two week summer vacation the first two weeks of August. On Wednesday, August 18th, the kids returned for the start of their Fall school year! The teachers also participated in two Staff Institute days that Monday and Tuesday prior to the kids returning to school. We are looking forward to another great semester with our students and staff!
say hello to our new assistant principal, michelle block!
We are excited to announce the we have a new Assistant Principal, Michelle Block. Michelle has been with The Winston Knolls School for 7 years and we are excited for her to take on this new position! Best of luck, Michelle!
Jammin' for Autism - October 24th, 2021 - Live Performance & Silent Auction
Mark your calendars! The Winston Knolls Foundation is excited to announce that we will be hosting a Silent Auction at Nellie's Gastropub and ConcertHub in Palatine, IL. The event will also include a live performance by Glen Ellyn's own, Barry Dupuy. More information pertaining to the event details will be sent out closer to the event date! So far we have items available from Zanies Comedy Club, Chicago Boat Rentals. The Field Museum, and more!
Stay tuned for more information!
It's Confirmed: Construction is Underway!
Huge shout out to Kraus-Anderson as they continue to make headway on the new school building! All personnel who report to the construction sight will now be required to wear safety gear inside the building, which means it is official! The building is now in active construction! We can't wait for what's ahead for The Winston Knolls School!
first donation = Success!
The Winston Knolls Foundation received it's first monthly donation from Nasco Education! The donation consisted of 5 pallets full of useful supplies and items that the school will be able to utilize! Our next donation is scheduled to be coming after Labor Day Weekend!
THE WINSTON KNOLLS FOUNDATION
Issue No. 1 | July 2021
The Winston Knolls board members performing the first dig at the groundbreaking ceremony at the new location in Elgin, IL.
Graduation
A big congratulations is in order for our 8th and 12th graders at The Winston Knolls School. The Winston Knolls School was able to conduct their graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021. The ceremony allows our students to be celebrated for all their hard work and accomplishments they've achieved. Taylor Carrara, our Program Support Assistant stated, "This year I believe was a big year and also heartfelt more than others because of COVID and all the struggles the families and staff have been through in the past year. Everyone can celebrate their achievements altogether." We are so excited and proud of our students!
A few pictures from our Graduation ceremony and ESY celebration.
New Monthly Donor of School Supplies - Nasco Education
The Winston Knolls Foundation has been blessed to partner with Nasco Education, located in Fort Atkinson, WI, to be the recipient of monthly donations of school supplies and products. These products will be leftover supplies or discontinued items that the company no longer distributes. These items could range from Arts and Crafts, Science, Home Ec, STEM, Phy. Ed, etc. A huge thank you to Nasco Education for their generosity!
events coming soon:
Aug. 19th: Fundraiser - Two Hound Red Brewing Co. - 486 Pennsylvania Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL - 4PM10PM
Sept. 9: Trivia Night - Nellie's - 180 N Smith St. Palatine, IL - 7PM-9PM
Oct. 24th: Band/Fundraiser - Nellie's - 180 N Smith St. Palatine, IL - Time TBD
thank you leo
Thank You, Leo! As much as we didn't want to see him leave, our Chief Financial Officer & Director of Business Operations retired this month! Leo Cascio joined the organization in November 2013 as Director of Finance and Business Operations and brought over 20 years of accounting and business management experience to the Winston Knolls Group. Leo is gratified to have contributed to the growth of the Winston Knolls Education Group and to the establishment of the Foundation. We wish him a happy retirement full of golfing, White Sox games, and collector trains!
Welcome, Ana!
We also wish the best of luck to our new Director of Finance, Ana Martinez! While Ana has been with us since April, she is now taking over Leo's role for The Winston Knolls Education Group. Ana brings more than 15 years of experience with 10 years in the non-profit sector as head of finance handling the highest level of strategic services in the areas of accounting and finance at Alpha USA, Providence St. Mel School, Switch Rail Safety Systems and Arauz Company.
New Facility
As you know, construction and renovation is underway at the new location of The Winston Knolls School. Kraus-Anderson recently started receiving subcontractor bids and was within budget on all bids. KA continues to lead the field of regional education construction projects and is currently ranked 12th in the nation in the construction of K-12 facilities by Building Design and Construction magazine.
The building was designed by Healey Bender Patton & Been Architects with the students and staff in mind. Healey Bender Patton & Been Architects are providing them with total privacy without sacrificing natural light. Every classroom will face an exterior courtyard with access to them through sliding glass doors. We can't wait for everyone to see what they have in store!
