Washington Schools Receive $250 Teaching Grant

Funds will support early childhood literacy program

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:37am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of classic children's books in a vibrant palette, conceptually representing the joy and creativity of early childhood education.A whimsical pop art celebration of the power of children's literature to inspire young minds.Washington Today

Washington Community Schools has been awarded a $250 second-semester Teaching Innovator Grant from the local Community Foundation. The grant will support the 'Nurturing Nursery Rhymes' program, which promotes cognitive development and literacy in primary classrooms. Washington Primary Teacher Shelly Padgett was named a Teaching Innovator and accepted the award.

Why it matters

The Teaching Innovator Grant program provides crucial funding for creative educational initiatives in the local school district, helping to boost early childhood literacy and cognitive skills through engaging, research-backed programs like 'Nurturing Nursery Rhymes'.

The details

The $250 Teaching Innovator Grant will be used by Washington Community Schools to implement the 'Nurturing Nursery Rhymes' program in primary classrooms. The program utilizes classic nursery rhymes and songs to help young students develop cognitive abilities, language skills, and a foundation for literacy.

  • The grant was awarded in April 2026 for the second semester of the school year.

The players

Washington Community Schools

The public school district serving the city of Washington, Indiana.

Shelly Padgett

A primary school teacher at Washington Community Schools who was named a Teaching Innovator and accepted the $250 grant award.

Our Community Foundation

A local non-profit organization that provides grants and funding for community initiatives in the Washington, Indiana area.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to receive this grant and put it towards such an impactful early childhood literacy program.”

— Shelly Padgett, Primary School Teacher

The takeaway

This grant highlights the important role that community-based funding can play in supporting innovative educational programs, especially in the critical area of early childhood literacy development.