Friends of Brennemann

Help Brennemann teachers get the lounge they deserve.

We value our teachers and understand how a better experience for them can help build a stronger relationship with our students. But to keep our teachers at their best, we need to create an environment that supports their well-being. That's why Friends of Brennemann is launching a campaign to revitalize the teachers' lounge, turning it into a space where educators can recharge, collaborate, and feel valued. And we need your support to make it happen.

Donating to our cause means you're not just funding a renovation project—you're showing our teachers that you care about their well-being and happiness. Here's a list of how a contribution of any size will make a difference:

Please contribute by June 15 at the latest so we can begin renovations over the summer vacation.

Located in Chicago’s diverse Uptown/Buena Park neighborhood, Brennemann is a vibrant public grade school with a student body that’s 90% on free- and reduced-lunch plans and has had a recent influx of 50+ migrant students. Despite the many challenges, Brennemann is filled with dedicated teachers and passionate staff.

We can all understand our teachers need a space for things like lesson plans, grading student work, holding meetings, posting notices and other practical activity and, like any of us, they also need refuge—a place to step away from their busy classrooms to enjoy a moment and to just breathe.

The existing 60 year-old space is a poorly lit multi-purpose room, with temperature-control issues and no running water. It’s an uninviting environment with little inspiration for our educators, and one not conducive to collaboration with others or for building community. Currently, teachers opt for their often windowless rooms or even in their cars.

Let’s show Brennemann teachers how much we truly value them with a space that’s calm, comfortable, and restorative. With the help of MDT Architects, a local firm sharing their expertise and time, funds will go far in updating the space in many positive ways. The new lounge will include:

• Sink and running water for prepping meals and washing dishes (currently non-existent)

• Comfortable seating and small tables for small-group collaboration

• Microwaves and refrigerators for a more enjoyable lunch break

• Modern lighting to brighten the space make it more inviting and calm

• High tables near restorative natural light

Please consider donating today—no amount is too small. Let's transform an existing neglected room into a restorative space deserving of our passionate teachers and staff members. Thank you for your support!

- Friends of Brennemann

https://friendsofbrennemann.org/