Kelsey Elsey - Teaching Innovator Grant Recipient

Our Community Foundation has announced the recipients of the Teaching Innovator Grant for the fall semester projects. Washington Community Schools received a $250 grant to support the Fall Dramatic Play Center Project. Kelsey Elsey accepted the award and was named a Teaching Innovator.

 The Fall Dramatic Play Center Project will equip students with essential 21st-century skills through meaningful, play-based experiences that reflect real-world scenarios. It is designed to create a rich, imaginative environment that brings seasonal learning to life through hands-on, student-led exploration. The center transforms the classroom into an immersive apple orchard and pumpkin patch where students can pretend to pick apples, sell pumpkins, and bake pies. By integrating elements of math, literacy, science, and social-emotional learning, this dramatic play center introduces students to academic concepts through play-based learning.

 Kelsey Elsey states that this project fosters critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability skills in a developmentally appropriate way, allowing students to take on roles, solve problems, and engage in imaginative storytelling while learning about agriculture, seasons, and community roles. “Through dramatic play, students practice communication, leadership, and cooperation skills that are foundational for success in both school and future careers.” The Foundation conducted its competitive grant program from May to August, inviting Daviess County educators to apply for resources for the first semester of the 2025-26 projects. The Foundation’s Administrative Fund provided funding for this program.

 “This program makes a strategic investment in the education of Daviess County youth,” says Travis Schaffer, Foundation Board President. “The funding empowers educators to be innovators and create dynamic learning environments that meet the diverse needs of students, so our Daviess County youth are better prepared for success in our ever-changing world.” Our Community Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching methods in all our area schools. We appreciate the generosity of our donors in making this grant possible.