“Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind. Friendships matter,” shares Sandra Lahar, Paraeducator at Challenger Intermediate School. The halls of Challenger Intermediate echo those statements with artwork used to help bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts themes to life. Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) aims to strengthen students’ connectedness to others by enhancing healthy bonds with teachers and helping build a school culture founded on relationships.

For the past several years, Mrs. Lahar has created art projects for the 5th and 6th grade students at Challenger that connect to the Capturing Kids’ Hearts theme each month.

Teamwork, Respect, Kindness, Courage, and Perseverance are some traits celebrated throughout the school year. “Creating art, using your creativity, and taking time to think about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts traits helps get the spirit of the message across,” shared Lahar.

Each month, Mrs. Lahar purchases, prepares, and delivers art projects with instructions to Challenger teachers so they can complete them with their class. Mrs. Lahar also partners with Challenger Librarian, Elizabeth Ewing to select a book that will tie in with the project/theme each month. “I get the privilege of reading the book selection to all of my classes. This helps begin a discussion about what they will see in the hallway to make it more meaningful. I love it because it allows me the opportunity to collaborate more with the classrooms and student work,” shared Mrs. Ewing.

The final artwork is then showcased in a seasonal display near the cafeteria, where all students and staff walk by daily. “Thankful leaves, snowflakes with goals, and hearts with affirmations, each CKH themes come to life and fills our halls with color. I like to see the students walk down the hall to lunch, find their art, and read others' affirmations and goals. We all need a little encouragement and reminder to embrace some of the traits taught through Capturing Kids’ Hearts,” shared Lahar.

“The Art Walls truly show Mrs. Lahar going above and beyond for our students, which is what we all strive for to create a community here at Challenger Intermediate.” Mrs. Ewing exclaimed. The Goddard Education Foundation is privileged to provide Innovative Teacher Grants that help impact educators, like Mrs. Lahar, who have innovative ideas that help expand the learning experience for USD 265 students.

Check out more of Mrs. Lahar’s story and the impact of Innovative Teacher Grants by clicking the link below to watch a short video.

https://youtu.be/ta-JdK5Vi4w

Challenger Intermediate Teacher Grants

INSPIRING MINDS & EXPANDING POSSIBILITIESFOR CHALLENGER INTERMEDIATE

2025-2026 Kelli Hansard- Librarian

2024 Doug Mann- Project Lead the Way Teacher

2024 Kari Fox- Behavior Support Teacher

2024 Stephanie Ryan- PE Teacher

2024 Kylie Rush- Gifted Teacher

2023 Sandra Lahar- Paraeducator

2023 Callie Grater and Martha Mann

2022 Jackie Buchanan- Physical Education Teacher

2022 Pam Cole- Project Lead The Way Teacher

2022 Liz Ewing- Librarian

2022 Kyanne Obrock- Special Education Teacher

2022 Linda Oller- 5th Grade Teacher

2022 Stephanie Ryan- Physical Education Teacher

2021 Madison Evans & Hannah Carson- 6th Grade Teachers

2021 Doug Mann- Project Lead The Way Teacher

2020 Kaleigh Kear- 5th Grade Teacher

2020 Linda Oller- 5th Grade Teacher

2020 Brad Zubke- 6th Grade Teacher