BULLARD, Texas — A cherished Bullard ISD teacher who passed away from a heart condition earlier this year is being honored. In memory of the teacher, a longtime Bullard ISD employee established a fund near and dear to his late wife's heart.
Kathy Sleeper was an educator for more than four decades. During her 20 years at Bullard ISD, Sleeper was an instructional technology specialist in the curriculum department and taught pre-K, kindergarten, third, and fourth grades.
Seven years ago, Kathy and the principal of Bullard Elementary, Jenny Kasson created the district’s first STEAM lab. Through her STEAM labs, Sleeper fostered a learning environment that allowed her students to think critically, analyze cause and effect, and create media.
"The steam lab really was a perfect fit for her because she really valued children, just learning to explore, create, play," Kasson said.
Kathy and her husband, Lee Sleeper were married for 53 years. Earlier this year, he said goodbye to his best friend. And now he’s created a way to keep her memory alive.
"She was able to challenge the creativity and critical thinking skills of these students. That was her true calling there," Lee said. "The STEAM endowment will help that memory live on."
The Kathy Sleeper Endowment for Innovation in STEAM Education is expected to fund special projects related to STEAM areas for Bullard ISD students in pre-K through fifth grades. As the endowment grows, Lee'spreserving of Kathy's memory could one day impact future students.
"It's been hard losing her. So to know that her love and her legacy will continue. It's huge," Kasson said.
Kasson said Kathy had a true gift for making kids feel loved and comfortable.
"The children they loved Mrs. Sleeper. They did not miss school on their STEAM Lab Day. Her absence is definitely still felt here. And students still ask about her (and still) talk about her," Kasson said.
Mr. and Mrs. Sleeper was at the forefront in education in Bullard and now he gets to continue his wife’s work in steam.
"It means a lot keeping her memory alive," Lee said.
To donate to the Kathy Sleeper STEAM endowment, you can visit this website.