The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. The Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners at Lange Real Estate, was thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding staff members who embody the spirit of our District and lead with heart every single day.
Today, we are proud to recognize our winner from Apollo Elementary: Amy Kalinich
My daughter Cora is in Mrs. Kalinich’s 1st grade class this year. My husband and Cora’s dad, Kyle, has been away at pilot training for the Air Force for the whole school year. His birthday was at the beginning of February. I had made a simple Facebook post asking friends and family to send him a card in order to try and make his birthday special, even though he couldn’t be home. Mrs. Kalinich saw my post and decided to incorporate card making into her lesson plans. She let Cora tell the class about her dad and what he was doing, and each student made him a birthday card. Mrs. Kalinich shipped the package of cards to Kyle, and he was so grateful when he opened it and saw a handmade card from each and every student in her class. She went above and beyond not only to help make Kyle’s day special, but to acknowledge what challenges our family has gone through this year. In what has been a tough year with her dad out of town, Cora could not have been more excited to get to share about him with her class and to watch him open and read every card she and her classmates made for him.
- Kaci Kozik, Parent of Student
This celebration is made possible by Lange Real Estate. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment ensures our #265Family Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mrs. Kalinich for proving that we truly are #BetterTogether!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqBYiNp1_fBQ0Mhx_qC5-usWNmkBSCI5eF9Lgui-2ipsJxdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/
From Spectators to Scientists: Shattering the Ceiling in Goddard Chemistry Labs
For many high school chemistry students, advanced science can feel overwhelming. While Honors Chemistry students at Goddard High School are capable of grasping complex scientific concepts like intermolecular forces, thermal separation, and purification, their practical experience was hitting a ceiling due to the lack of professional-grade equipment.
With the help of a Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Innovative Teacher Grant, Goddard High School Chemistry teacher, Jerod Horsch sought to shatter the ceiling by adding professional-grade Liebig condensers to his Honors Chemistry classroom. This project allows him to introduce advanced, multi-step distillation and purification techniques, typically reserved for university-level chemistry courses.
With this equipment, students won’t just read about boiling points; they will actively manipulate them. By having multiple condensers available to students, this innovative grant moves the classroom away from teacher-led demonstrations to true, hands-on collaborative learning.
“This hands-on exposure fosters scientific thinking, strengthens laboratory technique, and bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application," shared Horsch.
Ultimately, this grant isn’t just purchasing glassware, it is investing in confidence. By exposing our Chemistry students to college-level techniques early, we are bridging the gap between high school theory and professional practice, giving them the exact skills and competitive edge they need to become the next generation of STEM innovators.
Thank you, Goddard Education Foundation for your continued investment and support for students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.
Toot the Flute that Makes You Tap Your Boot!
For many elementary students, learning to play the recorder in 3rd and 4th grade is their very first introduction to reading music and playing an instrument. But traditional recorders come with a hidden challenge; they require precise finger dexterity to completely seal the tone-holes. For young beginners or students with fine motor challenges, this can quickly turn a fun music lesson into a frustrating experience.
Thanks to a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, Apollo Elementary Music Teacher Sarah Ashcraft is changing the game.
With her grant funding, Mrs. Ashcraft purchased innovative Nuvo Recorders. These special instruments feature rubber finger flaps that help small hands easily seal the holes, guaranteeing immediate success for all beginners.
“These will be great beginning instruments for not only learning the recorder in elementary school, but also future instrumental programs as they progress through Goddard Public Schools," shares Ashcraft.
What makes this project truly special is its inclusivity. Because every student uses the same beginner instrument, students in the Special Education program who need a little extra physical support blend right in with their peers, no one stands out, and everyone succeeds together. As an added bonus, the instruments perfectly match the Apollo Panthers and Eisenhower Tigers school colors!
By removing the physical barriers to making music, Mrs. Ashcraft is not only helping 3rd and 4th graders at Apollo Elementary build academic reading and rhythm skills, she’s also paving the way for the next generation of USD 265 band students
We are thrilled to announce our 2026 #265Family Award Winners from across the district. As we know, the magic of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. These fifteen individuals represent the very best of our district, going above and beyond their daily duties to inspire our students and support their colleagues.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners, each representing a different school and department across the District. Each winner has been awarded a $100 cash prize as a token of our appreciation for their profound dedication to the #265Family.
Amy Kalinich - 1st Grade Teacher, Apollo Elementary School
Ana Jimenez - Nutrition Services, Clark Davidson Elementary School
Blake Morgan - Science Teacher, Eisenhower High School
Danielle Vequist - Physical Therapist, Explorer Elementary School
Dwane Scheidt - Mechanic, USD 265 Transportation
EHS Building Engineer Team - Building Engineers, USD 265 Maintenance
Jordan Brown & Ben Jervis - Band Instructors, Discovery Intermediate School
King Sanders - Instructional Support Teacher, Eisenhower Middle School
Megan Alexander - Counselor, Challenger Intermediate School
Mellisa Schwartz - Receptionist, USD 265 District Office
Mira Mullen - Speech Language Pathologist, Oak Street Elementary School
Misti Carmichael - Paraprofessional, Goddard High School
Patty Butherus - Science Teacher, Goddard Middle School
Randi Ornelas - Speech Language Pathologist, Amelia Earhart Elementary School
Sara Read - Special Education Teacher, Goddard Academy
A Special Thank You to Lange Real Estate This celebration would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our community partners. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Lange Real Estate for their partnership with the Goddard Education Foundation. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment is truly inspiring. Because of their support, we are able to ensure our #265Heroes feel seen and valued.
To every staff member who was nominated: please know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. Every nominee will receive a copy of their nomination letter and a special certificate to commemorate the profound difference they make every single day. To the nominators, who took time to shine a light on the incredible work of our staff and educators, THANK YOU! The affirming stories recognizing their impact made a lasting difference to the nominees.
In USD 265, we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Thank you for proving once again that we truly are better together!
With gratitude,
The Goddard Education Foundation
Cultivating Inclusion: The EHS Adaptive Accessible Garden
At Eisenhower High School, the Life Skills program serves an incredible group of students with multiple disabilities who require adaptive environments to truly unlock their potential. Because many of these students utilize wheelchairs or other mobility supports, traditional outdoor activities are often out of reach.
With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Brady Helton, Eisenhower High School Life Skills teacher, created an accessible garden space at EHS to create more hands-on learning opportunities for his students. “The reality is that many of our students face unique physical boundaries every day,” explains Mr. Helton. “When a student in a wheelchair wants to participate in an outdoor activity but physically can’t reach it, it limits their learning. This project is all about removing those barriers and providing access to meaningful, engaging activities that support life skills and vocational goals.”
The EHS Adaptive Accessible Garden project is changing the narrative by creating a universally designed outdoor learning space where students of all abilities can actively participate, grow, and thrive.
Unlike traditional gardens, these uniquely shaped wheelchair-accessible raised garden V-beds are engineered specifically for both seating and standing access. By allowing a wheelchair to roll right up under the framework, students with physical disabilities can reach the soil, plant seeds, pull weeds, and maintain the garden independently or with minimal support.
This project expands upon the Life Skills classrooms’ indoor hydroponics system. Having already mastered seed planting and basic plant care indoors, students now have the opportunity to transition their skills to outdoors. “Our students have done a wonderful job exploring seed planting indoors, but this new outdoor garden will extend that experience,” shares Helton.
The true harvest of this garden will come in the way of social inclusion and tactile learning. This project will directly benefit Life Skills students at EHS, while partnering with the Mixed Abilities program and general education peers to make the garden a shared campus hub.
“We don’t want this to be an isolated project,” Helton emphasizes. “These shared learning experiences will strengthen our entire school community.”
Thank you to the Goddard Education Foundation and donors for establishing an equitable space for ALL USD 265 students to enjoy.
For first- year Kindergarten teacher Hannah Moncada, the classroom at Explorer Elementary is more than just four walls, it is a launchpad. But she noticed a common hurdle among her class: many of her students were beginning their academic journey with limited exposure to the foundational building blocks of ready and math.
“I have seen how much my students enjoy hands-on activities,” Moncada shared in her grant application. “They are more engaged and retain more information when they are able to move and manipulate materials.”
Driven by a desire to bridge this gap, Hannah submitted an Innovative Teacher Grant for specialized ELA and Math activity centers. Thanks to the generosity of Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) donors, her vision for an engaging tactile classroom was fully funded.
With the reading and math activity centers, Hannah is moving beyond traditional pencil and paper tasks. These resources ensure students aren’t just memorizing, but truly mastering the materials.
The GEF’s investment in Ms. Moncada’s classroom extends far beyond a single school year. While these resources have helped her current students bridge the gap, these materials are built to last for the next generation of Explorers.
“These materials will be used for years to come. They will benefit not only my current students but also future Explorer students,” shared Moncada.
By partnering with educators like Hannah Moncada, the GEF is doing more than just purchasing supplies; they are building a foundation of confidence and curiosity. Because of this grant, young learners are getting the hands-on tools they need to thrive.
Science, Service, and Connection: Bridging the Generational Gap
A word commonly used to describe high schoolers is “Apathetic.” It’s a label often unfairly placed on students seen tucked behind phone screens, seemingly checked out from the world around them. But Goddard High School science teacher Abbie Griffith asked a different question: “Do we provide students a chance to connect? Do we help them see the value they bring to others?
With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), two Freshman Physical Science classes recently traded their desks for “mobile science stations” at Dove Estates, a local senior living facility. Their mission? To host a hands-on science fair for residents.
This grant provided the specialized, durable supplies needed to take science on the road. From inertia hats to homemade lava lamps, these Freshman students transitioned from learners to experts. Students not only learned the content and science behind each activity, but they also prepared the presentations, introduced the activities, and explained the science all with the hope of creating special moments for both generations.
“My students have so much to offer and just don’t realize it yet because they don’t have enough opportunities to shine,” says Griffith. By teaching others, their own understanding of science deepens, but more importantly, they experience the “feel-good” power of serving others.”
The impact was immediate for both the students and the residents. For the seniors, it was a day of discovery and youthful energy; for the students, it was a lesson in civic responsibility that no textbook could provide.
Mason Wright, a Freshman student in Mrs. Griffith’s class reflected on his experience,
“This was an awesome opportunity for me. I love it when I can take just 5 seconds out of my day and make someone smile for me. Getting to work with these residents and teaching them something, and even getting to hear about their school stories was truly a blast! If I could be known for something, I would want it to be for always having a smile on my face. Being able to take time out of our school day and teach them tiny experiments that they have never seen before is heartwarming. This had a super positive impact on me because it shows something so tiny to us can be so big and meaningful to someone else, and I am just so thankful that I got to have that impact on them and make their day just a tiny bit better!”
By investing in this project, the GEF is helping turn “apathy” into “action,” proving that the best way to support a student’s academic growth is to empower them to serve their community. Students left Dove Estates with more than just scientific data, they left with the confidence that comes from knowing they made someone else’s day a little brighter. This project proves that the best way to support a student’s academic growth is to empower them to serve their community.
The success of this project would not be possible without the generous support of the GEF and its donors. Your investment did more than purchase supplies; it provided a bridge between generations. By supporting Innovative Teacher Grants like this one, you ensure that Goddard students don’t just learn about the world but how to change it for the better. Thank you for believing in our teachers and empowering our students to lead.
“Scooting to Inclusion”
At Oak Street Elementary, the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) exists for one reason: to generate transformational impact for students like Asher.
Asher is a student at Oak Street Elementary with diverse learning needs who, like any other child, simply wants to participate alongside his peers. One afternoon in the gym, his adaptive P.E. teacher, Carolyn McDaneld, watched as Asher looked on while his classmates raced across the floor on scooters. The desire in his eyes was clear, he wanted to join them.
Mrs. McDaneld knew that “good enough” wasn’t enough for Asher. After researching equipment, she submitted an Innovative Teacher Grant to the GEF for a specialized adaptive scooter. This tool is specifically designed to bridge the gap between a physical barrier and total independence for students like Asher.
“As an Adaptive PE teacher we do our best to modify and adapt activities so our students are socially included and to help build confidence as they interact with their peers,” shares Mrs. McDaneld. This program will provide adaptive scooters for students in Life Skills and Mixed Abilities classrooms across the USD 265 District.”
Because of the generosity of our Staff Givers and community partners, that dream became a reality.
When the scooter finally arrived, the atmosphere in the gym was electric. As Mrs. McDaneld and a team of educators helped Asher settle into his new ride, the anticipation was visible. And then, in a moment that no one in that room will ever forget, Asher was off. He was scooting.
The joy was immediate. The independence was undeniable. There were tears in the gym that day as a team of educators, who had partnered so closely with Asher’s family, watched a barrier vanish. What any parent would define as "success" for their child came to life in that moment of belonging.
To learn more about the Adaptive Scooter, check out this short video!
When you give to the Goddard Education Foundation, these are the moments you create. You aren't just funding a grant; you are removing a barrier for students like Asher and many more who will benefit from the Adaptive Scooter. You are ensuring that ALL students, regardless of their needs, have the opportunity to fully engage, thrive, and succeed.
Fueling Innovation with EarhART
At Amelia Earhart Elementary, the halls are no longer just corridors, they are a rotating museum of student imagination. While the school currently operates without a designated art class, teacher Angi Webster saw an opportunity to ensure creativity didn’t fall through the cracks. With the support of an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation, Webster launched “EarhART,” a school-wide initiative that turns every student into a featured artist.
“Our teachers incorporate art whenever they can, but resources and time are often limited,” Webster explains. “EarhART was designed to fill the gap, engaging the entire school community through themed gallery exhibits.” EarhART is a school-wide program designed to fill the artistic gap.
Instead of a traditional classroom setting, EarhART turns the entire school into a living gallery. Each quarter, students are challenged with a themed creative project—like the Spring quarter project "Falling into Creativity" exhibit, which combines nature, print media, and the vibrant colors of autumn.
The impact goes deeper than paint and paper. By integrating art history, science, and literacy into each theme. EarhART helps over 500 students in grades K-4 develop the fine motor skills and critical thinking necessary for success in all subjects. Perhaps most importantly, it invites families to be a part of the process, celebrating student achievements through quarterly gallery walks.
"EarhART brings art to Earhart," says Webster. "It’s about building momentum and showing our students that their creativity has a permanent home here."
Thanks to your generosity, the school was able to purchase the initial supplies and gallery display materials needed to make this vision a reality. Now, with a permanent gallery space and plans for an after-school art club, the future at Amelia Earhart Elementary is looking much more colorful.
Check out this video to learn more about EarhART at Amelia Earhart Elementary!
Your support of the Goddard Education Foundation makes “aha moments” like these possible. When you give, you aren’t just buying supplies, you’re fueling the innovation that makes our schools unique.
Quick Reads, Big Impact: Meet Explorer Elementary’s Newest Library Addition
Walking into a library can be a daunting experience for a young reader. For some, the jump from colorful picture books to dense chapter books feels like a big step. At Explorer Elementary, Librarian Tammy Spencer is launching a new initiative to ensure no student feels behind on that journey.
The Quick Reads project, funded with the help of a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, is a strategic “bridge” to help turn reluctant readers into confident bookworms.
Quick Reads are short, high-interest books designed to increase reading and confidence. These aren’t just shorter books; they’re engaging fast-paced stories with bold print and frequent illustrations, perfect for students who need to build their reading stamina.
“I am committed to fostering a love of reading and ensuring all students have access to materials that support literacy development,” shared Mrs. Spencer. “The new Quick Reads book section is specifically designed to engage students in shorter chapters, more illustrations to help build confidence, fluency, and comprehension skills.”
Innovation isn’t just about the books; it’s about the experience. This Innovative Teacher grant not only funded new Quick Reads books but also dynamic, rotating display cases that move these titles off traditional shelves and into the spotlight. The rotating cases mimic a bookstore’s “Featured” section, making it easy for students to grab-and-go, and is already proving to be highly popular among students.
“With these books, I can ensure that every student has access to books that meet them where they are and inspire them to be lifelong readers,” shares Mrs. Spencer. With over 400 students impacted, Explorer Elementary’s library is building a foundation for lifelong learning. The Quick Reads collection will serve as an essential tool, ensuring every student who walks into the library walks out with a book they feel empowered to read.
Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping support the Explorer Elementary Library!
Dear Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families,
Neighbors United Goddard is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, 2026, and we would love for you to be part of this incredible day of service and community connection.
We are still looking for volunteers to join us. Registration will take place at the Goddard District Stadium from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., and there are still plenty of project sites available for individuals and families to serve together. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1499152881939945
Volunteers can expect a meaningful and fun experience, along with a free event t-shirt, breakfast, and lunch. Whether you come on your own or bring the whole family, this is a great opportunity to give back while spending time together in service to our community.
In addition to volunteer projects, there are two special opportunities taking place at the Goddard Linear Park Pavilion, 108 N. Main Street:
Plant and Seed Swap Event, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring a piece of your garden to share, such as plant cuttings, divided perennials, seeds, or small garden items. Participants can drop off items as early as 8:00 a.m. and then “shop” beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is a fun and simple way to trade plants and grow something new while connecting with others in the community. In addition, students from the Goddard High School Ecology and Biology programs, under the leadership of teacher Darcie Lowry, have cultivated 100 indoor houseplant starter kits that will be given away to community members who stop by. This work is an extension of a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, bringing classroom learning to life while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. CLICK HERE for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1784640216043365
Sports Equipment Donation and Pickup
Drop off gently used sports equipment between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Families in need are invited to pick up equipment from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All remaining donated items will go back into our community through local junior league programs, helping ensure every child has access to the equipment they need to participate. A special thank you to the Summer Ball Showdown for coordinating this opportunity. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2189421978525736
We encourage everyone to follow the Neighbors United Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsUnitedGoddard for updates. In the event of severe or dangerous weather, any cancellation will be announced by 7:00 a.m. If the event has already begun and conditions change, volunteers will be safely dismissed and further communication will be provided.
Thank you for continuing to make Goddard Public Schools such a strong and caring community.
Oak Street Care Closet: Removing Barriers to Learning
It’s hard to focus on a math problem when you’re worried about a hole in your clothing, a forgotten snack, or a missing essential. At Oak Street Elementary, teachers realized that for many students, the biggest barriers to learning weren’t academic, they were personal.
Thanks to an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation and two teachers, Andrea Douglass and Hallie Rausch, who have a heart for meeting student needs beyond the classroom, Oak Street Elementary launched the “Care Closet”. It’s a simple concept with a profound impact. The closet is stocked with essentials such as socks, shoes, hair ties, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and snacks to name a few.
Before this grant, a student might have to call home or even leave school for the day due to a clothing mishap. Now, a quick, private visit to the Care Closet gets them back to their desk ready to continue learning in minutes.
“A child who feels secure and comfortable is a child who is ready to learn,” the teachers shared. “This is just the beginning!” By meeting these basic needs with dignity and compassion, Oak Street isn’t just giving out supplies, they are gifting students the confidence to enter the classroom ready to succeed.
Oak Street Elementary and the GEF are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the community and benefactors who recognize that sometimes, the best way to support a student's mind is to first care for their basic well-being.
Beyond the Numbers: How Kindergarten Explorers are Building Math Success
At Explorer Elementary, Taylor Graber’s kindergarten classroom is buzzing with a new kind of energy. Through her Innovative Teacher Grant, funded by the Goddard Education Foundation, Mrs. Graber is redefining math time. By replacing traditional drills with structured, tactile play, she is ensuring her students develop a deeper, more intuitive understanding of mathematical concepts.
“In kindergarten, most of my students are kinesthetic learners. Having hands-on activities allows students to get up, move, and learn through direct experiences,” Mrs. Graber explains. “With these new resources, students will practice counting, recognizing numbers, identifying shapes, and understanding basic addition and subtraction problems.”
The impact, however, stretches far beyond math stations. As students manipulate small objects like nuts, bolts, and locks, they are refining their fine motor skills and navigating social-emotional opportunities like teamwork, sharing, and collective problem-solving.
By investing in these resources, the Goddard Education Foundation is helping Mrs. Graber build a rock-solid foundation that these students will carry with them as they promote to higher grades. This project ensures that for these young Explorer students, math isn’t just a subject they study, it’s a world they can touch, build, and successfully navigate.
Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping ensure our youngest learners aren’t just learning numbers; they are learning how to be confident learners for life.
Stitching Together Compassion at EHS
Students in the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) classroom at Eisenhower High School recently discovered that their sewing skills can provide much more than just a grade, they can provide a lifeline of comfort for another generation.
Through the project, “Stitching Together Compassion,” led by FACS teacher Meredith Beavers, students transformed their technical skill production into a powerful lesson on empathy and community service. By constructing specialized “fidget quilts” for dementia residents at local Memory Care facilities, students were able to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and the tangible needs of their community.
“As a FACS educator, I strive to find new ways for my students to engage with and give back to their community,” shares Mrs. Beavers. “This project is uniquely poised to help students see what they create in the classroom can offer a sense of comfort and dignity for someone living with the daily challenges of dementia.”
The impact became real when students hand-delivered their creations to Oxford Grand Memory Care. The “fruits of their labor” were met with contagious smiles from the residents. Students distributed their unique art to residents and showed them the different tactile elements each quilt offers, giving residents plenty of options to meet their needs. Staff at Oxford Grand were equally thrilled, noting that while these fidget quilts are highly popular and effective for residents, the facility previously only had a few to share.
This experience is a testament of service within the Goddard and surrounding community, a lesson these students will carry throughout their journey in USD 265. Through this Innovative Teacher Grant, the FACS department is proving that a sewing machine isn’t just a tool for a hobby; it’s a tool for the heart.
A huge thank you to the Goddard Education Foundation for helping us stitch together compassion at EHS!
Bringing ‘Dewey’ to Life in the GMS Library!
The Goddard Middle School library is transforming into a living laboratory where books are no longer just static objects on a shelf. In this space, knowledge is something students touch, observe, create, and even wear. This innovative project, “Bringing Dewey to Life,” led by GMS Librarian April Karber, reimagines the traditional Dewey Decimal System, moving it from a quiet organization method into a vibrant, sensory-driven experience.
Middle School is a pivotal crossroads where voluntary reading typically declines. “Bringing Dewey to Life” meets students where they are, reversing this trend by bridging the gap between “real-world” experiences and non-fiction subjects, such as science, the arts, and history. By integrating hands-on artifacts and interactive stations directly into the shelving sections, Mrs. Karber is sparking the type of curiosity that transforms a casual reader into a lifelong hobbyist or a future professional.
“Reading is a fundamental skill used in all content areas and so many professions post-high school; therefore, it is easy to see how libraries and reading play an important role in the school community. The library and the “Bringing Dewey to Life” initiative is uniquely poised to impact this important skill and contribute to students becoming lifelong learners,” shared Karber.
With the support of this innovative teacher grant, the GMS Library now offers tactile exploration in three key areas:
500s Section (Sciences): Students become botanists and ecologists through Hydroponic Gardens and a “Bookworm” farm, allowing them to monitor and cultivate plant growth and study the “sound of soil” sciences in real-time.
700s Section (Arts): Creativity takes center stage with Watercolor Stations.
900s Section (History): History moves off the page with immersive History Kits. These kits, filled with realistic props, and period-accurate costume pieces, allow teachers to check out kits to enhance their lessons.
When a student picks up a costume piece or harvests a flower, they aren’t just visiting a library, they are participating in their own education. Through this Innovative Teacher Grant, the GMS Library is ensuring that the “Dewey” system isn’t just a way to find a book; it’s a way to find a passion.
A huge thank you to April Karber and the Goddard Education Foundation for helping us bring Dewey to life at GMS.
Small Hands, Big Ideas: Exploratory STEM Bins at Earhart
In early childhood education, one of the most powerful tools for learning isn’t a textbook, it’s play. With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Mrs. Hummer’s preschool class at Amelia Earhart Elementary now has Exploratory STEM Bins to inspire learning in a fun, inclusive way. Whether a child is an English Language Learner, has physical limitations, or is navigating a cognitive delay, the STEM bins offer a universal language of exploration. In this setting, every child, regardless of ability, can collaborate, create, and solve problems side-by-side.
“Exploratory play in Pre-K meets children’s need for hands-on learning allowing them to investigate, and experiment. It’s a free way for children to practice essential skills and social interaction,” shares Mrs. Hummer. These bins address the urgent need for hands-on, self-directed discovery and build a vital foundation of collaborative learning. By prioritizing the experience of discovery over simple content, we are empowering our youngest learners to develop the critical thinking and fine motor persistence they will need for a lifetime of academic success.
We are deeply grateful to the Goddard Education Foundation for providing these vital building blocks; your investment ensures that every child, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to investigate, experiment, and thrive. Thank you for helping us turn our classroom into a place where the next generation of engineers and innovators can begin their journey with confidence.
Event Details:
Goddard High School (GHS)
Monday, April 13th
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Goddard High School Parking Lot
Eisenhower High School (EHS)
Thursday, April 16th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Eisenhower High School Parking Lot
During these times, community members in the area may notice a significant presence of emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and other first responders, with active lights and sirens. This activity is part of a planned simulation and training exercise.
We want to reassure our community that these events are fully coordinated, controlled, and focused on student education. There is no active emergency, and students and staff are not in any danger. We’d like to additionally take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of the agencies involved in bringing this experience to our school communities:
D.U.I Victims Center of Kansas
Garden Plain Police Department
Kansas Highway Patrol
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department
Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Wichita Fire Department
Wichita State University Police
USD 265 School Police
USD 265 Transportation
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together with our community partners to provide meaningful learning experiences that help keep our students safe. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being of our students and schools!
Because of YOU, Oz 2026, was a record-breaking night for the Goddard Education Foundation.
From the moment guests journeyed Over the Rainbow, and stepped into the Land of Oz, it was clear this was more than an event. It was a reflection of who we are as a community. A community that believes in students. A community that shows up. A community that invests in the future.
And just like the story we celebrated, it took heart, brains, and courage to bring it all to life.
To our Business Partners, thank you for leading the way and believing in the mission. Your investment fuels opportunities that inspire minds and expand possibilities for every student we serve.
To our table hosts and attendees, thank you for showing up in such a powerful way. A sold-out room and record attendance is not just a number, it is a statement. It says that our students and educators matter, and their future is worth investing in.
To our volunteers, planning team, and behind-the-scenes champions, you are the reason the magic happens. From decorations and design to logistics, auctions, and every thoughtful detail in between, your work transformed a space into an experience our community will never forget.
To our students and staff who contributed their time and their talents, whether through creativity, service, or leadership, thank you for reminding us why this work matters. You are the heart of everything we do.
And to every individual who gave so generously during the event, thank you for turning an evening of celebration into lasting impact for classrooms across our District.
This reminded us of something we say often, but felt deeply that night.
There truly is no place like Goddard.
By supporting the Goddard Education Foundation, we are building opportunity. We are building belief. We are building a future where every student has the chance to succeed. One Yellow Brick at a time.
Check out the Oz 2026 Program below to recognize ALL those who made this evening a success!
https://aptg.co/VQFS7X
Our district's legacy is built by those who go above and beyond. From standout graduates to the staff and friends who have dedicated their lives to our students, the Goddard Hall of Fame is where we celebrate the best of us.
We need YOUR help to recognize those making a difference!
Categories for Nomination:
🎓 Distinguished Alumni
🍎 Dedicated Staff Members
🧡 Devoted Friends of the District
Let’s celebrate excellence together. Click the link below to submit your nomination for the Class of 2026!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLMYuOL2ATkI0TYJIJ4TiGCTBYL5R_97E414K-EyWSObjo-Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117
It takes a village... and our village is the best.
Behind every great student is a dedicated team of teachers, drivers, custodians, and support staff. They are more than just employees; they are the heart of the #265Family.
Is there someone who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life this year? Whether they provide a safe ride to school or a word of encouragement in the hallway, we want to hear about it!
Nominate them for the #265Family Award today. A few minutes of your time could lead to a $100 surprise for a well-deserving staff member!
Let’s celebrate them! Nominate your hero for the #265Family Award. It’s a quick way to say "thank you" and gives them a chance to win a $100 cash prize!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117
