BFEPE Awards $18,742 in Grants to Support Innovative Classroom Projects

February 16 was a day of surprises and celebration in Bardstown City Schools (BCS) as the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education (BFEPE) made its annual mini-grants prize patrol!

With visits to four BCS schools, BFEPE distributed $18,742.21 in funding to support engaging and creative classroom projects. Educators were thrilled as Foundation board members arrived unannounced, bearing grants that will bring fresh, exciting learning opportunities to their students.

“This is such an exciting time for our foundation, knowing that the money given directly enhances our students’ educational opportunities and typically provides benefits for many years,” said Drew Ballard, Foundation President.

Since 1985, BFEPE has worked to support teachers and students in Bardstown City Schools, funding both mini-grants of up to $1,000 and major grants for larger-scale projects. These grants are made possible through the generosity of local businesses, community sponsors, and monthly contributions from BCS employees.

2024 Grant Recipients

• Monika Williams, Second Grade Teacher, Bardstown Elementary – Awarded $1,008 to purchase Orton Gillingham Science of Reading decodable readers for the entire second-grade teaching team. These resources will help 225 second-grade students develop confidence, fluency, and automaticity in reading.

• Yvette Martin, Music Teacher, Bardstown Elementary – Will purchase ukuleles to enhance the elementary music program and provide students with hands-on instrumental learning.

• Fourth Grade Science Team, Bardstown Elementary – Received a grant to purchase weathering and erosion rock tumblers, giving all fourth-grade students an interactive, scientific approach to studying natural earth processes.

• Angel Filiatreau, Preschool Teacher, Bardstown Early Childhood – Was awarded a grant for a “Learn Through Nature” project to support hands-on outdoor exploration for preschool students.

• Michelle Ellis & Lee Brothers, Science Teachers, Bardstown High – Will purchase an autoclave to expand microbiology and zoology course offerings, providing students in the healthcare concentration with hands-on lab experiences relevant to healthcare and veterinary sciences.

• Marci Ballard, Media Specialist, Bardstown Primary – Will launch “BPS is Wild About Books,” a weeklong literacy event that combines literature with lessons about animals, career exploration in animal sciences, and virtual field trip experiences.

• Paola Land, Orchestra Teacher, Bardstown City Schools – Will use her grant to purchase two basses, two cellos, and repair multiple instruments to ensure students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels have access to quality instruments.

“Our board of directors is proud to support the dedicated, hard-working teachers of this district,” said Ballard. “We’re also grateful for the support of local businesses and individuals throughout our community whose generosity makes this all possible.”

Thanks to the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education, students across Bardstown City Schools will benefit from new learning experiences that ignite creativity, inspire curiosity, and foster academic growth.

Want to support the Foundation’s mission? Click here to donate or learn more!