Kearney, Mo., April 15, 2025: The rocket of innovation in Kearney School District continues to be fueled by the KSD Education Foundation.

Foundation leaders recently awarded $11,252 in Teacher Innovation Grants (TIG) to 14 certified KSD staff members at seven schools. The grants were revealed during a tour of schools by KSDEF Chair Season Kerns, several foundation volunteers and Superintendent Emily Miller on Friday, April 11.

TIGs provide needed funding for new and innovative ideas for classroom teachers to be implemented in the following academic year. Winners are selected annually in the spring to implement programs in reading, technology, science, fine arts and more, Kerns explained.

2025 KSDEF TIG Recipients (School) – Amount & Project:

• Krista Beyeler (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) – $1200 for “Reaching Independence Through Supported Education”
• Sara Burgener Madden (Kearney High School) – $1000 for “Biomedical Science Equipment Update”
• Kelsey Colwell (Kearney High School) – $1000 for “Go Direct Blood Pressure Sensor”
• Dani Davis (Dogwood Elementary) – $599.99 for “Social Emotional Learning”
• Shelly Dunn (Hawthorne Elementary) – $540 for “Netting Fun for Everyone – Let’s Play Pickleball!”
• Will Ford (Kearney Elementary) – $1000 for “iPads for Art”
• Katy Foster (Hawthorne Elementary) – $685 for “Egg to Check: A Hands-On Learning Experience in Life Science”
• Catina Green (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) – $1000 for “Establish RISE rooms throughout the district”
• Jamie Luppes (Southview Elementary) – $450.74 for “Development Wordsmiths One Word At A Time”
• Chelsea Miller (Hawthorne Elementary) – $300 for “Seeds of Knowledge: A Hands-On Learning Experience Through the Plant Life Cycle”
• Heather Oldham (Kearney Elementary) – $876.72 for “Rocking Into Reading: Enhancing Engagement”
• Tyler Owen (Kearney Middle School) – $950 for “Hands-On Ancient History”
• Kassidy Robertson (Kearney High School) – $1000 for “KitchenAid Attachments”
• Sara Woods (Early Education Center) – $650 for “3-D Minis for Hands-On Language Learning”

These teachers applied for and were selected by a special committee to receive these grants, which are funded with the donations raised by the foundation through direct giving and special events like the annual Turkey Trot run. The Teacher Innovation Grants program brings these concepts to life in classrooms, benefiting students when alternative funding isn’t available.

“KSD’s teachers are constantly looking to create new and more engaging experiences for our children,” Kerns said. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting this work and excited to see what our TIG recipients achieve!”

The KSD Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that fosters academic excellence through cooperation among educators, parents, alums, and the local community. Its mission is to enrich the educational experience of students attending Kearney public schools, paving the way for a brighter future in ways not supported by tax dollars. Visit www.ksdef.com to learn more about the foundation and how to support its programs.

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Kearney, Mo., November 5, 2024: Kearney School District is inviting its Bulldog runners to come home for Thanksgiving this year.

The Kearney High School Cross Country program is marking its 50th season this year. Former team members and coaches are being asked to join an anniversary celebration during the 2024 Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28.

Turkey Trot is run by the Kearney School District Education Foundation and the KHS Cross Country program, with support from a wide range of businesses and organizations. All registration fees help fund teacher innovation grants, special classroom projects and scholarships, and support the Kearney High School Cross Country team.

The KHS Cross Country program started in 1975 with teams for boys and girls. They were coached by Kent Kavanaugh and Bill Tuck. Larry Fields coached the teams from 1978 to 1981. Current Head Coach Jeff Roberts took over the program in 1982. Coach Roberts’ assistants this year are Rachel Heili, Alan King and Justin Leon.

Over the last five decades, the Girls team has won 17 conference championships, 19 district titles and three state titles. The Boys team has won 7 conference championships, 9 district crowns and one state title in 2000.

Former team members from years and decades past are encouraged to contact Coach Roberts at robertsj@ksdr1.net as soon as possible to join this celebration.

Learn more about the Turkey Trot event and sign up today at www.ksdef.com/news-events/turkey-trot.

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Kearney, Mo., March 11, 2024: The Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF) invites the community to join hands in support of the annual Rise & Shine for Kids fundraising breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 19 at the Annunciation Community Center.

At the Rise & Shine for Kids breakfast, community members, alumni, and business leaders unite in a shared vision of providing unparalleled resources and opportunities to every student in KSD. Tickets are $50 each, which goes towards funding the charitable organization’s programs that support students and educators.

For more information about the 2024 Rise & Shine for Kids fundraising breakfast and to reserve your seat, please visit givebutter.com/RiseandShine2024. The community center is located at 705 N. Jefferson St. in Kearney.

At the heart of the foundation’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to catalyzing positive change for both students and educators within KSD. Beyond merely enjoying a delicious meal, talented students and inspiring messages, this event symbolizes a dedication to empowering Kearney’s youth. The funds raised serve as a vital lifeline, fueling classroom grants and scholarships that directly impact students and educators. These grants have helped to enrich learning environments, bridge achievement gaps, and introduce cutting-edge teaching technologies, leaving an indelible mark on the KSD community.

“In these challenging times, the support of our community holds profound significance,” KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. “Now more than ever, we remain steadfast in our commitment to equipping teachers with the tools they need and ensuring every student graduates high school prepared for success.”

The projects funded by contributions to KSDEF play a pivotal role in igniting enthusiasm in young minds, offering opportunities beyond those supported by tax dollars alone. As participants gather for the Rise & Shine Breakfast for Kids, they not only enjoy a meal but also contribute to building a brighter future for the entire Kearney community.

“We invite everyone to join us in our mission to inspire, educate, and uplift,” KSDEF Board Chair Season Kerns said. “Together, we can ensure that every child in Kearney has the opportunity to rise, shine, and reach for the stars.”

About the Kearney School District Education Foundation:

The Kearney School District Education Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of students within Kearney School District through innovative programs, classroom grants, and scholarships. By fostering partnerships between the community and KSD, KSDEF strives to create a brighter future for all.

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Kearney School District celebrated the 19 exemplary employees chosen to receive Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year honors during the first-annual Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception held on Monday, April 17 at Tobacco Barn Farm in Holt.

“The determination to be the best on behalf of our students and community imbues every level of our team: teachers, support staff and administrators,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “Our culture of excellence serves a crucial educational purpose. Our students may not always be conscious that it exists, but they learn it nevertheless. Excellence becomes part of their DNA. That is why this work is so important and so essential. We are here to celebrate your work.”

A large group of KSD staff visited with the honorees during the after-school event. It culminated with the announcement that Kearney High School social studies teacher Jennifer West was selected to receive the district’s overall 2023 Kearney School District Teacher of the Year Award and Network Administrator Chris Shirk was selected to receive the overall 2023 Kearney School District Support Staff of the Year Award.

LINK: 2023 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Recognition Reception Photos

Mrs. West is described by school administrators, fellow faculty members and parents/guardians as a dynamic social studies teacher. This year, she implemented a Human Geography that is helping the Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District (KFRPD) in a Real World Learning project to identify potential sites for a second firehouse. That meant that she had to teach herself how to use specialized mapping software in order to guide her students through the project.

“Her classes are always very engaging and students are actively involved,” Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp said. “She goes over the essential content but always has side stories to make the content relevant and interesting to her students.”

Director of Special Education Heather Guilkey praised Mr. Shirk for his attention to detail and aptitude for seeing all sides of an issue. His customer service skills were particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chris was at the receiving end of many phone calls from parents, guardians, and grandparents trying to get their students online to access instruction,” Dr. Guilkey said. “Chris frequently begins working long before any teaching or office staff arrive, ensuring a consistent user experience by checking to see that all systems are working properly. If they are not, his early arrival usually gives him plenty of time to fix the issue before many have even noticed.”

Each KSD school selected one certified teacher and one support staff member to receive their building’s 2023 awards. The district award recipients were selected from that pool of school-level honorees. 

Along with their recognition plaques, West received a $250 cash award and a $750 classroom grant and Shirk received a $250 cash award and a $250 classroom grant from the Kearney School District Education Foundation. They can choose to spend their grants on education-related projects or items of their choice.

The event included recognition for the 14 KSD staff who will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. They each received a special embossed crystal apple. They also were each asked to select a book that the district purchased as a signed gift for their school libraries.

“The people whose names I am about to call represent countless years of dedication and experience,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Zach McMains said. “You have each earned this opportunity, and we are all so grateful for your selfless service on behalf of our students, schools and community. We recognize that it is our job to carry on the legacy of excellence that you built in KSD.”

KSD also honored the KFRPD as our 2023 Business of the Year because of its valuable partnership in education on behalf of our students, families and the community as a whole. Kelly Gentry received our 2023 Volunteer of the Year for his selfless service.

All of this year’s honorees will also be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Excellence in Education Awards Banquet on April 25. West has already been nominated by KSD for the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year recognition, which will be announced this summer.\

2023 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Staci Bonderer
• Dogwood Elementary – Amory Maley
• Hawthorne Elementary – Gayla Mogg
• Kearney Elementary – Sara Kimmel
• LENS – Audrianna Wooster
• Southview Elementary – Amanda Noll
• Kearney Middle School – Jana Klaehn-Sturm
• Kearney Junior High – Daniel Roberts
• Kearney High School – Jennifer West (2023 Kearney School District Teacher of the Year Award)

2023 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Cynthia Hollinberger
• Dogwood Elementary – Tamera Couchman
• Hawthorne Elementary – Michelle Cobb
• Kearney Elementary – Joleen Holsten
• LENS – Susan Beery
• Southview Elementary – Sabrina Clayton
• Kearney Middle School – Kaitlyn Parks
• Kearney Junior High – Toni Sinclair
• Kearney High School – Angie Carpenter
• KSD Central Office – Chris Shirk (2023 Kearney School District Support Staff of the Year Award)

2023 Team KSD Retirees (Book Gift)

• Kate Antos – Kearney Middle School (One Hundred and One Famous Poems compiled by Roy J. Cook)
• Julie Buckman – Dogwood Elementary (Zach’s Lie by Roland Smith)
• Tamera Couchman – Dogwood Elementary (Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling)
• Kristina DeLuca – Southview Elementary (Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen)
• Heidi Dodd – Kearney Middle School (The Book Thief by Markus Zusak)
• Richard Haas – Kearney High School (Wins, Losses and Lessons: An Autobiography by Lou Holtz)
• Mike Hoffman – Kearney Junior High (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
• Becky Kohlstaedt – Kearney High School (The Smart Cookie by Jory John)
• Gayla Mogg – Hawthorne Elementary (The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood)
• Audra Pelham – Kearney Middle School (The North Star by Peter Reynolds)
• Kerri Prom – Kearney Middle School (Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)
• Patty Roussin – EEC & Puppy Pound (Old Black Fly by Jim Aylesworth)
• Vicki Smith – Southview Elementary (Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch)
• Dana Starzl – Kearney Middle School (Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)

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The Kearney School District Education Foundation will host its 11th-Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 at Bulldog Stadium! This will once again be an in-person race this year. There will also be a virtual race option for those unable to participate in-person. All registration fees help fund teacher innovation grants, special classroom projects and scholarships, and support the Kearney High School Cross Country team. Learn more: www.ksdef.com/news-events/turkey-trot

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Donation will help support Teacher Innovation Grants and college scholarships

Kearney, Mo., November 15, 2021: Ply Gem Siding Group recently donated $3,000 to help launch the Kearney School District Education Foundation’s (KSDEF) annual fund drive.

“We appreciate them kicking off our fundraising program for the year with this incredible demonstration of generosity,” Ms. Kuhn said. “Our annual fund drive starts in November with the Kearney Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Showcase and continues through the month of December.”

The foundation’s mission is to bring together area business and community leaders who value education to guide and direct resources outside the district budget, thereby providing opportunities to enrich the educational experience for Kearney School District students and staff. KSDEF funds are used to foster cutting-edge classroom tools and techniques with Teacher Innovation Grants, provide college scholarships, and fulfill special requests.

Visit www.ksdef.com to learn more about the foundation and how to support its mission.

Ply Gem is one of the largest and most well-established employers in Kearney. It is a worldwide industry leader in the manufacturing of top-quality windows, vinyl siding and metal accessories. Company leaders and employees regularly and generously support a wide variety of charitable organizations across the region, including KSDEF.

Ply Gem is also a Diamond Sponsor at $2,000 for the 2021 Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving morning at Bulldog Stadium. This annual fundraising event is jointly hosted by KSDEF and the Kearney High School cross country program.

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Kearney, Mo., August 31, 2021: Citizens Bank & Trust continues to prove that it is banking on the future of Kearney’s children.

Bank Vice President Nicki Barnes presented a $2,592 donation to the Kearney School District Education Foundation on Friday, Aug. 27 at the KSD Administrative Office. The funds were generated by the bank’s School Debit Card program.

“This program allows our customers to show support for their school with a mascot debit card,” Ms. Barnes said. “Citizens is able to directly support our community schools by donating five cents for every point-of-sale transaction using those cards.”

KSD has been part of the School Debit Card program since 2011 and to date has received $74,843 as a result.

The mission of the Kearney School District Education Foundation is to bring together area business and community leaders who value education to guide and direct resources outside the district budget thereby providing opportunities to enrich the educational experience for KSD students and staff. Visit www.ksdef.com to learn more.

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