Ten teachers and all five schools in the Fort Thomas Independent School District will enjoy more than $51,000 in additional funds this year donated by the Fort Thomas Foundation's teacher grant program to purchase new technology and supplies.
“We are so grateful to our generous donors. Because of the philanthropic support our foundation has received, this is the second year we are able to fund over $50,000 worth of requests for all of our schools," Mary Rafferty, full-time equivalent faculty chairperson, said.
Since 2001, the foundation has awarded more than $289,000 in teacher grants for items that are above and beyond the district’s operating budget. Money raised through the foundation’s Tailgate Club, Annual Appeal Dance and employee's giving drive help support the teacher grant program. Among this year’s grant awards are:
- Seven laptops to Colleen Epperson and Becky Van Damme at Highlands High School for chemistry labs for a total of $8,400;
Instruments to Kathy Anderson, music teacher, for the Strings Program that is open to students from all three elementary schools (Johnson, Moyer and Woodfill) as well as students from Highlands Middle School for a total of $10,000.
- Physical education equipment and program supplies to Matt Gessner, PE teacher at Woodfill Elementary, for a total of $6,940.
- Two SmartBoards to the Highlands Middle School English Department for a total of $7,500.
Graphing calculators and related components to Judy Manning, math teacher at Highlands Middle School, for a total of $5,549;
- Eight computers to the principal at Moyer Elementary for their computer lab for a total of $6,312.
- iMAC computers and software to Lisa Birkley, English and journalism teacher at Highlands Middle School, for a total of $3,690.
Superintendent John Williamson said the foundation's support is of particular importance at this time.
“Especially during these difficult budget times, it is great to have the Fort Thomas Education Foundation as a partner for our District. These grants will provide enhanced learning opportunities for our students that will allow them to take teaching and learning to the next level,” Williamson said.
Formed in 1992, the Fort Thomas Education Foundation, separate from the district, believes that the education of our children is of paramount importance to the future of Fort Thomas. Its mission is to provide funds beyond the operating budget for educational programs and activities for students and staff.
