The second semester will bring new learning opportunities and experiences for Jaguars throughout the district thanks to the West Jefferson Hills Foundation for Education. In December, the Foundation awarded 14 grants to West Jefferson Hills educators totaling nearly $15,000.
The West Jefferson Hills Foundation for Education works to provide supplemental funding to further enhance and enrich opportunities for WJH students. The foundation, led by a board of volunteer directors, fulfills its mission with community support of its fundraising initiatives, including TJ blanket sales, holiday flower sales, the summer ice cream social, and the annual Bingo event which is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Earlier this school year, educators submitted grant applications for innovative ideas that were both unique and impactful for their schools and the community. Nearly two dozen applications were received and reviewed by the foundation.
Gill Hall kindergarten teacher Jennifer Hrvatin was one of this year’s grant recipients. Hrvatin requested funding for tabletop light panels to make her small group work more engaging, interactive, and hands-on. Her students now use translucent manipulatives to develop early learning skills such as counting, letter sounds, blending letter sounds, and spatial awareness.
At Pleasant Hills Middle School, support from the West Jefferson Hills Foundation for Education allowed educator Bob Kerr to purchase an additional 3D printer. Another printer allows Kerr to increase classroom workflow, allowing students to have more opportunities for 3D printed projects for both 6th grade AET classes and interest groups. The grant will positively impact 300 middle school students. This month, Kerr’s students created game boards using the 3D printers.
More hands-on learning experiences are also taking place at Thomas Jefferson High School after the foundation awarded its latest round of grants. Kacey Carsone was able to secure nearly $2,000 of updated, high-quality anatomy and physiology models and resources. This is Carsone’s first year teaching the College in High School Anatomy and Physiology course, and she said the resources ensure the rigor and integrity of the course through Carlow University, but also provide students with more enriching and comprehensive educational experiences. The resources will be used throughout the course, and students recently explored the axial and appendicular skeletal systems with the models and resources from the foundation.
Other grant projects made possible by the West Jefferson Hills Foundation for Education this school year included:
- The purchase of a playground sensory wall at Gill Hall Elementary School for students to engage with their peers in a way that suits their specific needs as requested by educator Alexandra Downer
- Financial support for the G.O.L.D. program which helps to uplift, empower, and motivate girls in grade-levels throughout the district as proposed by Monica Kilcoyne, Angela Bell, and Regina Slater
- The purchase of additional CPR adult and infant manikins for high school students enrolled in Jennifer McHugh’s foundations of health and safety course to earn American Red Cross certification in adult and pediatric first aid, CPR, and AED
- The purchase of novels at Pleasant Hills Middle School that encourage literacy skills awarded to educator Naomi Beres
- Additional and updated CPR manikins and AED training devices for educator Brian McClain to utilize during a lifeguard certification course and staff professional development
- Funding for Giving Bags organized by Denise Fairhead and Melissa Gambino at Pleasant Hills Middle School which will be donated to local food banks, nursing homes, and animal shelters throughout the remainder of the school year
- A camera and supplies so that Lisa Kostella’s business students at Thomas Jefferson High School can record their business pitches to practice for two large events
- The purchase of supplies needed for culminating activities for application and enrichment at the end of each unit of CKLA in fifth grade at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School as requested by educators Amanda McWilliams, Alexis Huss, Melissa Arndt, Taylor Kanaskie, and Angela Bell
- The funding for additional camera equipment for the high school print journalism (yearbook) class requested by educator Gwenna Cokley
- The replacement of the PAES Lab sewing table at Thomas Jefferson High School requested by educator Laura Herron
Outside of the annual fundraising efforts, community members interested in supporting the West Jefferson Hills Foundation for Education can make a contribution their employer’s United Way Contributor Choice Campaign utilizing the Contributor Choice Code #1462189 or can donate directly through the online giving portal by clicking here. All monetary donations to the Foundation are tax deductible under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
For more information about the WJHSD Foundation for Education, email
[email protected].