Kirkwood School District staff members Patty Goeke and Tashia Nelson recently received two grants, $500 each, from the Missouri Retired Teachers Association Foundation (MRTF).

Patty Goeke, science teacher at Nipher Middle School, received a MRTF Teacher grant for her submission of a grant titled “Growing Vegetables and Herbs Hydroponically.” The funds will be used to purchase hydroponic gardening supplies benefitting Nipher students and the community.

Tashia Nelson, the technology specialist at Kirkwood High School, received a MRTF PEERS grant for her submission of a grant titled “Therapy Dog-Teaching is Heart Work.” The funds are used to train the Kirkwood High School Therapy dog, Pioneer Penny.

According to MRTF Board Member Sandy Berry, the two grants awarded to Kirkwood Schools were part of 126 Teacher Grants and 28 PEERS grants awarded this year across the state. “There were so many wonderful applications this year,” said Berry. “Tashia’s and Patty’s projects were top-notch applications that impressed the eight grant scorers. For Patty’s project, we are thrilled by the opportunity for many students to get back to nature and learn such skills. And for Tashia’s, Penny is very well trained. Tashia has done a beautiful job of working with her to support the Kirkwood High School staff.”