Six KCSD teachers honored, super grant awarded for library reading program
By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times
The 2014 Kennett Education Foundation “Outstanding Teachers” awardees are: from left to right: Marybeth Kufen, Mary D Lang Kindergarten Center, Patti Tatum, Kennett Middle School, April Reynolds, Bancroft Elementary School, Jodi Davidson, Kennett High School, Jennifer Miller, Greenwood Elementary School, Not pictured -Sue Yocum, New Garden Elementary School
KENNETT SQUARE — The mood was celebratory this week as the Kennett Education Foundation (KEF) awarded its $10,000 Super Grant and also honored six teachers during Kennett Consolidated School District’s (KCSD) final 2013/2014 staff meeting.
The following teachers, representing each of the KCSD schools, received KEF’s “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” award. The recipients were nominated by their respective school’s principal. Principals provided detailed accounts of the honoree’s impressive accomplishments, commitment to education and their peers, along with exemplary character qualities.
This prestigious honor, now celebrating its ninth year, culminated with KEF presenting these teachers with cash awards, complimentary tickets to its spring dinner, flowers, and recognition plaques in their schools and the District Office.
This year’s Super Grant winners were Kennett High’s Department Chair & Library Media Specialist- Lisa Teixeira and Kennett Middle School’s Teacher & Library Media Specialist – Virginia McGarvey for their proposed “Bridge Building in Reading for the 21st Century at KMS and KHS.” The grant will provide start-up funds to purchase e-readers, e-books and broaden the base of students who have access to this technology. The program’s goal is to engage students, provide technological consistency between the two schools, and foster a love of reading via a platform that students prefer. Three groups applied for the 2014 Super Grant, the remaining two will also receive modified financial support from KEF for their initiatives.
The winners of the 2014 Kennett Education Foundation Super Grant, Lisa Teixeira (left) and Virginia McGarvey pose with a giant check that will fund Bridge Building in Reading for the 21st Century at Kennett Middle School and Kennett High School.” The grant will provide start-up funds to purchase e-readers, e-books and broaden the base of students who have access to this technology.
The original Super Grant initiative was established by a $20,000 donation from Exelon Generation. Since then, KEF has been raising funds for all initiatives through their annual spring dinner, fall Masquerade Ball and direct-giving campaign. KEF has awarded three Super-Grants to date: The first, “Bringing Hollywood to Kennett” – went to Frank Vanderslice, teacher and member of KHS Business and Technology Department.
Vanderslice was awarded a 3-year grant to bring network-quality technology to KHS video production students and the K-TV program. As a result of his efforts, KHS students have received local and regional awards annually for their production projects all while learning how to use the latest technology available. The second Super-Grant went to the “Demon Robotics” program when it was awarded “seed” money. KEF continues to offer ongoing financial support to this very popular and successful club. Demons Robotics has more than 30 KHS student members, and a goal of participating in at least three robotics competitions annually.
The Super Grant is KEF’s second largest grant; topped only by the $150,000 pledged in 2013 to start-up the district’s Science Technology Engineer & Math (STEM) program. With over 300 students signed-up to take STEM classes next year, the program is experiencing explosive growth and will continue to receive support from the Foundation.
KEF remains proud of its growing strength and the assistance it’s able to provide the educators and students of KCSD. 14 years ago KEF awarded its very first scholarship of $500; in 2014, over $24,000 in scholarships were awarded to the KHS graduating class. The Super Grant, annual Outstanding Teacher awards and student scholarships are just a few of the initiatives funded by KEF. To learn more, and to support the efforts of KEF visit: kennetteducationfoundation.org
