Fran Kidwell and her family have been members of St. Martha since 2010. Mrs. Kidwell has two sons and they currently attend school at St. Martha. Mrs. Kidwell attended St. Ann’s School while growing up in the Bardstown area.
Mrs. Kidwell graduated Summa Cum Laude from Spalding University in 1999. She had a double major in Psychology and Social Work and was nominated for the Who’s Who Among American Colleges / Universities in 1998. In 2001, Mrs. Kidwell obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville.
Mrs. Kidwell has been with the St. Martha Preschool program since 2012. Mrs. Kidwell’s own strong Catholic values and her years of work experience with children and families help her to be a strong and caring educator.
Q & A with Mrs. Kidwell
Highlight of the year:
The Polar Express day is a highlight because I love to see and experience in all of the
festivities. The day starts with teachers and students wearing their pajamas to school and students are then given their boarding pass/ticket for the train. I can’t stop smiling as I witness everyone using their imagination as they board the train, sip on hot cocoa, and pretend to be on the Polar Express as they watch the movie.
Passion:
I am most passionate about helping children reach their full potential as both a person and student. I love to challenge my students to think outside of the box and to be curious as they engage in the learning process. I also strongly encourage students to ask questions and be active participants in their education journeys.
Philosophy:
My philosophy is every child wants to learn and all children learn differently. It’s my job as an educator to help guide and foster all of my students’ journeys as they strive to reach their fullest potential. Classrooms need to foster a nurturing, fun, and positive learning environment for all students. I feel strongly children begin to learn and explore the world around them once they feel safe and confident at school. Learning can be and should be fun for all children.
Favorite part of teaching:
The moment when a student finally grasps an idea or concept that he or she has been struggling with at school. It warms my heart when I hear a child exclaim, “I got it!’ I always tell my students if they are patient they will see that hard work and practice will lead to success.
Favorite teaching memory:
One of my favorite teaching memories is from two years ago. A student and I were practicing to write her name in shaving cream and the student finally was able to write her name. The student looked up at me with the biggest smile and said, “Thank you, Mrs. Kidwell. That was hard, but we did it!”
Favorite thing about St. Martha:
My favorite thing about St. Martha is the sense of community and pride that exists in every student, teacher, parent, and church member. Everyone plays an integral part in helping to build and foster the family atmosphere that exists in our school.
My hope for my students:
I hope my students enjoy school on a daily basis and learn to be curious as they engage in the learning process. I also hope my students know I believe in them and truly want the best for each of them.
Fun fact:
My family and I are members of St. Martha. My two sons attend school at St. Martha. I enjoy spending time with my husband and sons outside of school. I like to go to the lake and spend time around a campfire with my family and friends. My favorite childhood cartoon growing up was Popeye.
