February 16, 2010 - (by La Grange District 102) La Grange Elementary School District 102 jump-started the new decade with a new teammate: Vulcan Materials Company McCook Quarry. As the district's first Adopt-A-School partnership, the effort will enhance students' learning of Earth science and the environment.

"We are especially grateful and very excited to begin this partnership," said Lori Gehrke, Director of Curriculum for District 102. "We strive for creative ways to increase student's experiences through partnerships with employers and other resources in our community."

Gehrke expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities a new decade might bring with the added support of a community employer like McCook Quarry. In year one of the partnership, fourth and fifth-grade students from the Cossitt Elementary School Environmental Club will have the opportunity to learn how quarries utilize recycling and environmentally-friendly practices in their day-to-day operations.

"We are committed to supporting the children of our community because they are tomorrow's leaders," said McCook Quarry's Jeff May. "It's important for area businesses get involved with local students and this new partnership carries out our mission to help educate schoolchildren."

Vulcan is a longtime, active supporter of area schoolchildren and recently partnered with Lyons Township High School's TV Club. Annually, McCook hosts hundreds of school children through a partnership with the Des Plaines Valley Council and through its Earth Science Day program.

"It is incredibly important for local companies and organizations to partner with our classrooms," Gehrke said. "We look forward to expanding our partnership to fifth-graders district-wide."

La Grange Elementary School District 102 is a public school district in Cook County, Illinois, covering parts of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Brookfield. Cossitt Elementary, located in LaGrange, is one of six members of the district. For more information, please visit http://www.dist102.k12.il.us/. For more information on the McCook Quarry, please visit http://www.vmcMcCook.com.