Local donors and school employees fund innovative classroom projects across Washington County

Submitted by the Washington County Community Foundation

Students across Washington County are benefiting from a wide range of innovative learning experiences made possible by generous donors and school employees who believe in investing in the future of local children.

At West Washington Schools, the legacy of Paul and June Everitt continues to make a difference through grants awarded to teachers for collaborative and hands-on projects. Even years after their passing, the Everitts’ trust is providing meaningful opportunities for students throughout the district.

At West Washington Junior Senior High School, several departments received funding:

• Music Department (Grades 7–12) — Under the leadership of teacher Hannah Ledgerwood, a $3,206.83 grant will fund the purchase and repair of student instruments, replacement of instrument covers, and upgrades to equipment. These improvements remove financial barriers and allow more students to participate fully in music programs.

• English / Broadcasting Classes (Grades 11–12) — Teacher Jennifer Stahl received $2,700 to support student podcasting projects. Students will analyze literature, research social issues, craft arguments, and develop public speaking skills by producing audio programs for authentic audiences.

• Chemistry Classes (High School) — Teacher Kristin Messmore was awarded $3,240 for the “Molecules to Market” project. Students will use 3D printing to create molecular models and apply chemistry skills to produce products such as soap, lotion, and lip balm, connecting classroom concepts to real-world industry applications.

• Drama Department (Grades 7–12) — Under Kayla Seybold, a $1,761.97 grant will fund audio equipment purchases and repairs to improve sound quality for theatrical productions and community performances.

• Special Education Classrooms (PreK–Grade 6) — Led by Lydia Manship, these classrooms will receive $2,481.17 for flexible seating options designed to reduce sensory overload, anxiety, and disruptions while improving attention, emotional regulation, and engagement.

• Agriculture and Science Collaboration (Middle and High School) — Teachers Bethany Hepp and Brian Wolfe received $2,372 to purchase kits and materials related to sustainable energy, alternative fuels, and environmental stewardship, providing students with standards-aligned instruction in emerging energy technologies.

Meanwhile, at Salem Community Schools, employee contributions to the Salem Community Schools Giving Tree Fund are supporting a variety of classroom projects across multiple grade levels. Employees voluntarily donate a small amount from each paycheck, demonstrating how small acts of generosity can produce big results for students. Funded projects include:

• Salem Middle School — 8th Grade Math Teacher Rebecca Hardesty will have students create decorative sun catchers to explore graphing reflections, offering a visual and hands-on approach to understanding mathematical transformations.

• Salem Middle School — Life Skills Program Teacher Jennifer Maudlin will use sun catchers as part of a butterfly habitat project. Students will study the life cycle of butterflies by raising caterpillars and observing their transformation into butterflies, integrating science with practical life skills.

• Speech and Language Services (PreK–Grade 5) Students across elementary grades will benefit from new literature-based therapy materials that allow therapists to move beyond drill-based instruction toward engaging, interactive learning experiences centered on books.

• 6th Grade Civics — Salem Middle School Teachers Jessica Morgan and Amy Abner will guide students in studying the First Amendment and the judicial system. Students will design and create buttons that demonstrate their understanding of constitutional rights.

• Salem Elementary — 4th Grade Teacher Logan Davidson will implement a “Book Flood” initiative featuring daily read-aloud sessions designed to build listening stamina, comprehension, and a lifelong love of stories.

Together, these projects highlight how community generosity and educator creativity combine to enrich learning across Washington County schools.

The Washington County Community Foundation, established in 1993, is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to serving donors, awarding grants, and providing leadership to improve Washington County forever. For more information, visit www.wccf.biz.