Over the years, the old double-wide on Blane Drive — out in front of the former Indian Hills Elementary School — has served a number of purposes for Christian County Public Schools.
Early on, it was a student reward station for “Indian Bucks Store,” and later an operating point for family resource and youth services. Even now, a plaque near its front door, and some fresh landscaping, still memorializes “Sandy’s Corner” — as tribute beloved Chiefs educator Sandy McGinnis following her 2002 death in Trigg County.
Tuesday afternoon, however, the building was filled with the hustle and bustle of the district’s teachers — arriving to embrace a ribbon cutting for what the CCPS Education Foundation is calling a new initiative in “The Teacher’s Corner.”
Foundation Executive Director Angie Major, as well as Secretary Noell Robinson and Treasurer Tracy Pelletier, confirmed the idea came from CCPS Teacher Recruiter Beverly Fort and CCPS Director of Communications Johnna Brown — who visited with Clarksville, Tennessee, schools to explore the same model, before bringing it to the not-for-profit’s steps.
Twice a year, at the beginning of each semester, CCPS instructors now have the freedom to spend up to 20 points worth of supplies free of charge. The generosity of financial partners, general donations and a successful “Stuff the Bus” campaign at Christian County’s Industrial Parks have made more than 70 items available — ranging from small touches like notebooks, stickers and dry erase markers, all the way up to headphones, glue guns, anchor charts and 3-hole punchers.
Major said a “blank slate” was the best approach for the points system, with suggestions welcome, and a survey from Fort and the district helped draft a teacher’s wish list.
Pelletier noted that while the trailer won’t be open at all times, due to manpower, it will be carefully monitored and offered to every teacher in the system — as well as potential incomers mid-semester, with unique skill sets.
Toting a small game and some AstroBrights colored printing paper, and her daughter at her side, Indian Hills Elementary first grade reading and social studies teacher Jennifer Culpepper called this measure “incredible,” noting she spends no less than $1,000 of her own income annually to create her classroom experience.
In a post-pandemic, all-digital world, the days of passing out just books and printed handouts are long gone. Culpepper said her learning space requires materials that can engage 6- and 7-year-olds in more creative ways, and those ways aren’t free.
Major reiterated that those interested in donating to the perpetual cause can contact her by phone at (270) 484-5518, or by E-mail at ccpseducationfoundation@gmail.com.
