An after-school program offering book club, chess, French, garden club, sewing, science and responsibility classes will begin this year at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, principal Miguel Trujillo told members of the local schools council this week.

The school, at 6700 N. Greenview Ave., has also partnered with Lifeline Theater's school outreach program to begin a theater club at the school.

The meeting also included recognition of teachers from the school who have received grants and other honors.

Second grade teacher, Christina Ninedorf is the recipient of a Chicago Education for Foundation Grant. Teacher Olga Salas will have her Readers' Theater program funded by the Donors Choose organization. The award is Salas' second grant from the organization, which has also awarded teacher Jessica Dauphinais' "Reading Right" project.

A special education teacher at the school and a teacher who works with students in the English as a second language program  have been nominated for Golden Apple Awards, Trujillo said.

The Golden Apple Award is given annually to 10 teachers of grades four through eight in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties. 

The council also approved a plan for three school picture fundraising proposals.