2025 Fall - Foundation Awards over $20,000 in Impact Grants

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 donors of the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation. 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 principal, 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.