Latest project is a new Innovation Lab

By Kelly White

St. Germaine School has a new Innovation Lab thanks to the Germazing Ducks, a small, volunteer-based fundraising committee shaped and formed by parents, teachers, and staff members.

The Innovation Lab at the school, 9735 S. Kolin Ave., Oak Lawn, is a remarkable feat built around cohesiveness, collaboration and integrity.

“As a committee, it brings us such joy to see the impact that we have on the students’ experience at school, and how far a few new resources and tools for teachers can go,” Philip O’Rourke, Principal of St. Germaine School, said.

The Germazing Ducks are a fundraising group that sponsors activities to raise funds that are not included in the school’s regular budget. They sponsor regular raffles for friends and families of the school. Since their inception, the Germazing Ducks have raised over $220,000 for the school. Their generosity, warmth, and spirit of giving is unparalleled, according to school officials.

“It is hard to express the magnitude at which the Ducks have supported our school, students, and teachers. Their financial support is invaluable and being thankful is an understatement,” O’Rourke said.

The Innovation Lab was just one of the many Germazing Ducks’ generous contributions.

St. Germaine School moved to a one-to-one Chromebook program a few years ago. Each student in grades kindergarten through eighth-grade has a school provided Chromebook to promote individualized instruction and distance learning.

“The move allowed us to re-purpose the space that was formerly used for the school computer lab,” O’Rourke said. “Teachers were looking for a maker-space where they could perform experiments and learning activities in a larger space than was available in their classrooms.”

Many of the activities the students complete in the lab are extensions of the regular curriculum that promote creativity and learning investigations. The title, Innovation Lab, O’Rourke said, captures the idea that students are exploring their learning at a deeper level.

In addition to the $11,000 spent developing the lab, the Germazing Ducks have purchased a new reading and math series for the students, classroom projectors and screens, teacher laptops, a state-of-the-art gym floor, I-pads for younger students, a new office PA system and more.

School officials said that the St. Germaine School and community are thriving and a huge part of that is because of the financial support the Germazing Ducks have been able to provide.

“The keys to successful fundraising are consistent communication, a purpose driven mission, and a celebratory thank you,” O’Rourke said. “When people know the why and purpose behind a fundraising event it takes on a whole new meaning.”

The lab was opened in the fall of the 2022-2023 school year. It was painted by a parent volunteer and the furniture and layout was selected by the teachers. The school is continuing to add features and make modifications to build student engagement and excitement.

One feature that was added to the lab this year was an interactive white board. The board allows teachers and the students to connect to the internet so that all can participate in research activities. Common examples are interactive word sorts, math mazes, categorizing games etc. With the white board, teachers are able to use resources from their Math and Reading curricula to engage the entire class and have students be a part of their learning.

Teachers said the Innovation Lab has increased student engagement immensely and allowed students to take an active position in their learning.

“The students love to go to the lab to participate in activities that extend their learning,” O’Rourke said. “The lab builds on student enthusiasm and helps students to explore academic content in creative ways. The lab also enhances school connectedness and appreciation for facilities.”