The foundation’s only annual fundraiser supports programs and opportunities beyond what the West Platte School District’s regular budget can provide. Among the projects approved for the 2026-27 school year is a proposal from West Platte High School chemistry teacher Shelly Day to participate in the Science Coach program.

Day’s proposal requested $1,000 toward the program’s $2,750 cost. The yearlong curriculum is designed to help teachers guide middle and high school students through original scientific research based on the Next Generation Science Standards.

The program provides teaching units through the Canvas learning management system, monthly professional-development webinars and admission to the next Science Coach Academy. Teachers may use the curriculum in a dedicated research course or incorporate portions into existing science classes.

Day attended a four-day Science Coach Academy in June after earning a scholarship connected to one of her students’ performances at the Greater Kansas City Science Fair. The student received the highest project score among students whose teachers were not members of the Science Coach program.

After attending the academy, Day applied and was accepted into the yearlong program.

“I believe we have students capable of doing even more, and I want to be at my best to help them achieve their goals,” Day wrote in her grant application.

Day said she wants to improve her ability to help students initiate, conduct and analyze original research projects. She also plans to share what she learns with other members of the West Platte science department and use the curriculum to update the district’s science fair instruction and expectations.

“Being part of Science Coach can help me learn how to better serve my students and get them to the next level,” Day wrote.

Day has secured some funding through the district’s professional-development fund and is working with Science Coach to obtain the remainder. The organization also connects participating teachers with donors who may provide laboratory supplies, instruments and equipment, although that portion was not included in Day’s grant request.

The foundation’s teacher grants are generally limited to $500, but its grant review committee may award more for proposals it considers particularly compelling. Foundation President Kate Jones said the organization previously helped send two teachers to space camp so they could bring what they learned back to their classrooms.

Day’s proposal is one example of the opportunities supported through the foundation’s fundraising.

“Every ticket, every silent auction bid and every dollar raised tonight goes right back into supporting students at every stage, from preschool all the way through graduation and beyond,” Jones told attendees before the races began.

In addition to teacher grants, the foundation provides college and trade scholarships, dual-credit assistance, preschool tuition assistance and support for students participating in educational organizations and national competitions.

Foundation Secretary Renee Eades said the organization awarded or facilitated more than $16,000 in scholarships for 12 members of West Platte’s Class of 2026.

This year’s Mouse Races moved to the Platte Purchase Building after the inaugural event filled the Mac Myers Building, which holds about 100 people. The larger venue can accommodate up to 300.

Eades said sponsorships and donations received before this year’s event had already surpassed the total from last year.

The evening also included a silent auction, games, a nacho bar and beverages for attendees 21 and older.

The foundation was established in 2014 and has tried several fundraising formats, including jazz nights and poker nights. Jones said the Mouse Races appear to have found an audience.

“We’ve tried several different things over the years, and this is really what seems to have taken hold,” Jones said. “It is a really fun time.”

More information about the West Platte Education Foundation is available at WPEDFoundation.org.