The River Parishes Education Foundation has presented six teachers, representing St. Charles, St. John and St. James parishes, a total of $3,000 in grants to fund proposals promoting parent, family and community involvement in the instructional process.
Receiving the six $500 grants were:
• Jennifer Russell, East St. John Elementary School (St. John Parish) – Bully Prevention.
• Michelle Stall, St. James High School (St. James Parish) – Helping Hand Project.
• Meryl Waguespack, Gramercy Elementary School (St. James Parish) – Literacy Strategies and Activities.
• Marie Smith Stewart, Hahnville High School (St. Charles Parish) – Building a Bridge Between Home School and Community.
• Judy Matherne, Mimosa Park Elementary School (St. Charles Parish) – The Reading Connection.
• Jill Talbot, Schoeffner Elementary School (St. Charles Parish) – Olweus Bully Prevention Kickoff Event for Student and Parents.
“We are delighted to provide these grants to this exceptional group of classroom teachers,” said RPEF Chair Kevin Hardy. “It is a privilege to be able to make these resources available to educators who strive to innovate in the classroom.”
Thirty grant proposals were considered. The grants were presented at a reception held Jan. 15 at La Maison Magnolia in Norco.   
The River Parishes Education Foundation, composed of representatives of business, industry and the education community, was chartered to provide a forum for dialogue between public educators and the business community to help improve the quality of education in the River Parishes. RPEF, originally chartered as the River Parishes Education Initiatives, has continuously awarded teacher grants in the River Parishes since 1995.