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.

Apollo Elementary Teacher Grants

INSPIRING MINDS & EXPANDING POSSIBILITIESFOR APOLLO ELEMENTARY

2025-2026 Sarah Ashcraft- Music Teacher

2024-2025 Gina Lamberger- Occupational Therapist

2021-2022 & 2019-2020 Sarah Ashcraft- Music Teacher

2020-2021 Samantha Lampe- Instructional Support Teacher

2018-2019 Jenna Holder- PBS Teacher