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.

Oak Street Elementary Teacher Grants

INSPIRING MINDS & EXPANDING POSSIBILITIESFOR OAK STREET ELEMENTARY

2025-2026 Shanda Miller- Special Education Teacher

2025-2026 Andrea Douglass & Hallie Rausch- 3rd Grade Teachers

2025-2026 Elizabeth Bally- Special Education Teacher

2025-2026 Carolyn McDaneld- Adaptive Physical Education Teacher

2023-2024 Joey Buresh - Counselor

2022-2023 Jackie Chambers - Music Teacher

2022-2023 Hallie Rausch - 3rd Grade Teacher

2021-2022 Jackie Chambers- Music Teacher

2020-2021 Nathan Lind- PE Teacher

2020-2021 Renee Richards- Structured Learning Teacher

2020-2021 Tammy Sheridan

2017-2018 Mira Mullen- Speech Pathologist

2017-2018 2nd Grade Teaching Team

2017-2018 Joey Buresh- Counselor