What does CARE do?
CARE helps support our students, staff, parents, and community. We are dedicated to raising funds that enrich the educational experience for our children. We use our funds for improving facilities, providing new educational programs, adding equipment and hosting social events! Teachers directly request Grant Funds from CARE which are reviewed and approved by our Board.
Our Impact
Education & Technology Grants
CARE supports initiatives that enhance the education experience for our teachers and students. Your generous contributions have allowed us to fund over $100,000 in education and technology grants for our schools. Recent grants include:
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STEM Drones (Concord)
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Mock Newbury (Cass)
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Chess Club (Concord)
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STEAM Lab (Cass)
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Kindergarten Grow Lab (Concord)
Focus on Fine Arts
CARE provides a wide range of support to help keep the fine arts alive in our school district. We’ve impacted the art and music programs at Cass Junior High and Concord Elementary School by funding a number of projects, programs and equipment:
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Baritone Saxophone (Cass)
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Artsonia Tablets (Concord)
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​Chicago Symphony Orchestra field trip (Concord)
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Band Uniforms (Cass)
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Classroom Support
Whether it's field trips, assemblies, classroom celebrations or community events, CARE builds community through our many social events for the kids, teachers, staff, and parents:
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Annual Ice Cream Social (Concord)
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Bingo Night (Cass)
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3 room parties (Concord)
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2 Cass Jr. High dances (Cass)
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Teacher Appreciation Lunch
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Annual activity budget for class field trips or other educational activities
Our Leadership
2024-2025 CARE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Shafaque Khan, President (2024-2026)
Julie Shannon, Vice President (2024-2026)
Jessica Krause, Treasurer (2025)
Angela Rainaldi-Desmond, Secretary (2025)
Kristin Scheirer, Past President Advisor (2024-2026)
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2024-2025 CARE BOARD
Nisha Garcia (2024-2026)
Julie Ghrist (2023-2025)
Prem Green (2023-2025)
Kristen Jackson (2023-2025)
DeAnna Jarvis (2024-2026)
Lindsey Krenn (2024-2026)
Sonali Patel (2023-2025)
Christina Vega (2024-2026)
Karen Adams, Ex-Officio (2024-2026)
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OUR TEACHER LIASONS
Concord Elementary: Mrs. Kristyn McElligott
Cass Junior High School: Ms. Marie Musil
Superintendent: Mr. Mark Cross
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Communications: DeAnna Jarvis
Grants Chair: Karen Adams
Room Parents Co-Chairs: Julie Shannon/Sarah Torres​