A Catholic community of dedicated teachers, parents, and students.

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502 491 3171

office@stmarthaschool.org

2825 Klondike Ln

Louisville, KY 40218

7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Monday to Friday

The child has one intuitive aim: self development

Fran Kidwell

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.

"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."

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.

My Recent Posts

Apr
11

Radiant Peace - Olive Branch Project

The Student Council members, the Global Innovations teacher, the guidance counselor, and the Learning Coordinator…

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Feb
12

A love letter to St. Martha

Ah, February - the month dedicated to all things love. To celebrate, we asked our…

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Great Prep for High School

“The community and fellowship are amazing. My boys have made friendships and bonds they will treasure. Their educational experience has been wonderful and will help them with their transition to high school!”

– Maranda White

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2016-03-14T15:19:08+00:00

– Maranda White

“The community and fellowship are amazing. My boys have made friendships and bonds they will treasure. Their educational experience has been wonderful and will help them with their transition to high school!”

Family is the Best Word

"The teachers are really vested in the kids long after they leave their classes. Family is the best word to describe St. Martha and prepared is the best word to describe my son after his time there.”

Amy Landrum

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2016-03-14T15:19:18+00:00

Amy Landrum

“The teachers are really vested in the kids long after they leave their classes. Family is the best word to describe St. Martha and prepared is the best word to describe my son after his time there.”

Warm & Inviting

“My children attend this school and love it!  The community is warm & inviting, the school staff genuinely care about my children's whole well-being. I highly recommend this school.”

– Kari Ogle

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:33:19+00:00

– Kari Ogle

“My children attend this school and love it!  The community is warm & inviting, the school staff genuinely care about my children’s whole well-being. I highly recommend this school.”

Being a Part of a Family

“When choosing a parish for my family, I was looking for a community that would fulfill our spiritual, educational, and social needs. St. Martha Church and School has been that for over 23 years now."

– Dana Bale

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:39:56+00:00

– Dana Bale

“When choosing a parish for my family, I was looking for a community that would fulfill our spiritual, educational, and social needs. St. Martha Church and School has been that for over 23 years now.”

Top-Notch Academics

“Top-notch academics, athletics, students and parents. You won't find a better school!

– Katherine A. McCurry

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:42:19+00:00

– Katherine A. McCurry

“Top-notch academics, athletics, students and parents. You won’t find a better school!

It’s a Blast

“Softball leagues here are a blast. Best fish in town!”

– Kathleen Smith

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T08:43:41+00:00

– Kathleen Smith

“Softball leagues here are a blast. Best fish in town!”

You Can’t Beat the People

"My husband and I toured several parish schools in Louisville, and St. Martha stood out for its incredibly friendly staff and supporting culture. We felt the magic immediately."

– Lauren Micka Thomas

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2017-01-15T17:10:14+00:00

– Lauren Micka Thomas

“My husband and I toured several parish schools in Louisville, and St. Martha stood out for its incredibly friendly staff and supporting culture. We felt the magic immediately.”

Neighborhood School

"Our family initially picked St Martha due to it being a private school in our neighborhood, we’re not Catholic. We didn’t know anyone but I had heard good things. As soon as the kids started there it felt like family. We quickly got engaged in clubs and sports and all of us have made great friends!! The staff is top notch and the boys can’t wait to go to school everyday!"

Kim Lockard

Kim Lockard

Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
5.0
2018-01-25T13:50:09+00:00

Kim Lockard

“Our family initially picked St Martha due to it being a private school in our neighborhood, we’re not Catholic. We didn’t know anyone but I had heard good things. As soon as the kids started there it felt like family. We quickly got engaged in clubs and sports and all of us have made great friends!! The staff is top […]

Our Teachers Go Above and Beyond

"It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the faculty and staff of St. Martha want your child to succeed just as much as you do as their parent. If I ever have a concern, or for that matter my child has a concern about something they don’t understand, they are provided with extra support until they are able to master the skill being taught. Our teachers go above and beyond!"

- Deana Price, St Martha Parent
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:07:27+00:00
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the faculty and staff of St. Martha want your child to succeed just as much as you do as their parent. If I ever have a concern, or for that matter my child has a concern about something they don’t understand, they are provided with extra support until they are able to master […]

St. Martha Truly Does Rock!

"St. Martha truly does rock! We have a solid faith foundation, a school that provides not only education, but love and support to our children. We have a parish that works together to make sure there are groups/activities for every member of the parish. I feel blessed to be a member of the St. Martha Community."

Deana Price
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:15:37+00:00
“St. Martha truly does rock! We have a solid faith foundation, a school that provides not only education, but love and support to our children. We have a parish that works together to make sure there are groups/activities for every member of the parish. I feel blessed to be a member of the St. Martha Community.” Deana Price

The Drive…It’s Worth It!

"We drive over 30 minutes each way to get to St. Martha - and it's worth it! We grateful to have found a community of loving, courageous, helpful, kind, genuine people to help us raise our babies - and we're not going anywhere. After 3 years of preschool and with our oldest now in Kindergarten - we know we're where we belong.
A deciding factor and one of the greatest benefits to our family is that SMS offers after school care AND summer care - that are run by SMS staff. My kiddo is in the same place, with people she knows, all year and its priceless!"


Eileen Burden
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:17:48+00:00
“We drive over 30 minutes each way to get to St. Martha – and it’s worth it! We grateful to have found a community of loving, courageous, helpful, kind, genuine people to help us raise our babies – and we’re not going anywhere. After 3 years of preschool and with our oldest now in Kindergarten – we know we’re where […]

There is Something For Everyone

"St. Martha offers such a wide range of extra curricular activities from sports to academic oriented clubs to service clubs and many more. There is something for everyone."

Meredith Havlin
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:21:09+00:00
“St. Martha offers such a wide range of extra curricular activities from sports to academic oriented clubs to service clubs and many more. There is something for everyone.” Meredith Havlin

Supportive Faculty

"I love being part of a faculty that truly cares about each student’s growth and progress. Our teachers are continually seeking ways to support the individual needs of every student."

Anne Bahr
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:22:52+00:00
“I love being part of a faculty that truly cares about each student’s growth and progress. Our teachers are continually seeking ways to support the individual needs of every student.” Anne Bahr

Rich History

"I LOVE that there is a rich history here at St. Martha. The St. Martha community is very welcoming. It is a place where I feel like I belong, and I am valued as an educator and as a person."

Karen Woo
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:24:10+00:00
“I LOVE that there is a rich history here at St. Martha. The St. Martha community is very welcoming. It is a place where I feel like I belong, and I am valued as an educator and as a person.” Karen Woo

Growth Mindset

"I am pleased to see St. Martha moving toward a growth mindset of learning where students are encouraged to manage their own learning goals."

Mariann Lawrence
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:26:44+00:00
“I am pleased to see St. Martha moving toward a growth mindset of learning where students are encouraged to manage their own learning goals.” Mariann Lawrence

No Worries At All!

"My daughter became a Shamrock in 7th grade, and my biggest worry as a parent was if she would feel like part of the school community. I shouldn’t have worried AT ALL. She has said multiple times that the students have been so wonderfully welcoming to her that she feels like she’s been at St. Martha since kindergarten. It’s been an amazing transition for her and we are so thankful for everyone who’s been part of her school experience at St. Martha - her new friends, teachers, school staff, and the St. Martha families. It’s never too late to find your perfect school!"

Sonia Fuderer
Mrs. Brennan Ebersold
2022-02-17T16:28:22+00:00
“My daughter became a Shamrock in 7th grade, and my biggest worry as a parent was if she would feel like part of the school community. I shouldn’t have worried AT ALL. She has said multiple times that the students have been so wonderfully welcoming to her that she feels like she’s been at St. Martha since kindergarten. It’s been […]
2.0
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