There’s nothing quite like the look on a teacher’s face when a surprise grant team walks through the door! This fall, classrooms across Ray-Pec were filled with cheers, hugs, and a few happy tears as the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation awarded more than $20,000 in Classroom Impact Grants.
From elementary makerspaces to high school career projects, each grant brings to life creative ideas that make learning more engaging, hands-on, and meaningful for students. These awards recognize educators who go above and beyond — dreaming big, inspiring curiosity, and creating opportunities that help students thrive.
A heartfelt thank-you to the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation and everyone who contributes to it. Your generosity makes these moments (and so much more) possible, turning great ideas into life-changing learning experiences for students across the district.
See below for pictures and more info on each grant!
Bridle Ridge – Jennifer Welder
Jennifer Welder, speech-language pathologist at Bridle Ridge Elementary, received a Foundation grant for a playground communication board.
Bridle Ridge – Katie Massart, Julie Swank, Lexi Easton
Second-grade teachers Katie Massart, Julie Swank, and Lexi Easton at Bridle Ridge Elementary received a Foundation grant for their “Build a Plant Lego Display” project.
Creekmoor – Janet Bader, Erica Dodson
Creekmoor fifth-grade teachers Janet Bader and Erica Dodson received a grant for their “Raymore History Podcast” project.
Eagle Glen – Jennifer Welder, Kirschen Minsky
Eagle Glen Elementary speech-language pathologists Jennifer Welder and Kirschen Minsky received a grant for interactive books to support functional skills students.
East Middle School – Zach Brady
East Middle School teacher Zach Brady received a Foundation grant for magnetic dry-erase coordinate graph boards.
East Middle School – Leanna Sisson
East Middle School journalism teacher Leanna Sisson received a grant to complete the “Bluey Family” of classroom cameras.
Ray-Pec High School – Megan Speer
High School College and Career Office advisor Megan Speer received a grant for the College and Career Office Engagement and Recognition project.
Ray-Pec High School – Anne Mussatti, Kevin Crean
High School National Honor Society sponsors Anne Mussatti and Kevin Crean received a grant to support NHS activities.
HS, EMS, SMS, NGC – Neil Pedersen
Band director Neil Pedersen received a Foundation grant for the long-term care of band instruments districtwide.
LEAD – Steven Hatfield
LEAD Center teacher Steven Hatfield received a grant for a machining grinder to support hands-on learning.
LEAD – Carma Rogers, Leeann Hayes, Stacy Johnson
LEAD Center teachers Carma Rogers, Leeann Hayes, and Stacy Johnson received a grant to create an ELA professional resource library.
Ninth Grade Center – Sasha Krough
Ninth Grade Center science teacher Sasha Krough received a Foundation grant to develop an outdoor classroom.
Raymore Elementary – Brianna Pennington, Kathy Wiley, Kristin Mason
Raymore Elementary third-grade teachers Brianna Pennington, Kathy Wiley, and Kristin Mason received a grant for their “Together is Better” project.
Raymore Elementary – Kellee Clark (with Kat Pogatshnik)
Raymore Elementary art teacher Kellee Clark received a grant for a 3D printer and filament, with support from Kat Pogatshnik.
Ray-Pec Academy – Rachel Coffelt-Ferrell
Ray-Pec Academy English teacher Rachel Coffelt-Ferrell received a grant for “The Reading Revival” project.
Success Academy – Katie Fernandez
Success Academy teacher Katie Fernandez received a grant for “Adventures at Our Doorstep.”
Stonegate – Kiley Brown
Stonegate Elementary counselor Kiley Brown received a Foundation grant to create an active calming center.
Shull Early Learning Center – Kimberly Watson
Shull Early Learning Center speech-language pathologist Kimberly Watson received a grant for phonological awareness tools to support speech therapy.
Shull Early Learning Center – Kristyl Boehmer
Shull Early Learning Center pre-K teacher Kristyl Boehmer received a grant for “Bringing Stories to Life,” supporting early literacy development.
Shull Early Learning Center – Susanne O’Mahoney
Shull Early Learning Center teacher Susanne O’Mahoney received a grant to create a Monarch Waystation.
Shull Early Learning Center – Stacey Barbarick
Shull Early Learning Center pre-K teacher Stacey Barbarick received a grant for “Discovering and Learning Through Play.”
South Middle School – Jennifer Bailey, Desiree Marvin
South Middle School library media specialists Jennifer Bailey and Desiree Marvin received a grant for their “Living Sculpture” library project.
South Middle School – Julia Parker
South Middle School science teacher Julia Parker received a grant for hands-on, project-based science materials.
Timber Creek – Elizabeth Retter
Timber Creek Elementary teacher Elizabeth Retter received a grant to create a classroom listening center.
TC, CM, SG, EG, BR – Kelly Testerman, Janet Bader, Ashlea Franks, Heather Poland, Pam Gonzales
Elementary librarians from Timber Creek, Creekmoor, Stonegate, Eagle Glen, and Bridle Ridge received a grant for the districtwide “Battle of the Books” competition.
Not Pictured
Stonegate – Victoria Wellman
Stonegate Elementary LEAP teacher Victoria Wellman received a grant for a Chomp Saw learning tool.
South Middle School – Piper Showen, Becky Petersen
South Middle School counselors Piper Showen and Becky Petersen received a grant to bring motivational speaker Foster Huggins to campus.