We are thrilled to celebrate Kelley Coakley, an amazing Occupational Therapist at Explorer Elementary, who was awarded an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation.

Her visionary project is establishing a Universally Designed Sensory School Garden Program - a vibrant, inclusive space where all Explorer Elementary students can flourish. This isn’t just any garden; it’s a living classroom designed to engage all five senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste) and promote development milestones for Life Skills students at Explorer Elementary.

The garden will provide incredible opportunities for Life Skills students to:

Enhance physical development: Improving grip strength, fine motor skills, functional reach, and even serving as a fun motivator for students working on standing or strengthening goals.
Boost cognitive skills: Studies show nature exposure improves working memory, attention, and reduces stress.
Nurture psychosocial development: Building relationships and fostering community through group interactions and shared goals.

“The idea is that this is a sensory garden for the whole school to enjoy, but for our students in the Life Skills classroom, it's a fun way for them to work on functional goals and activities of daily living,” shared Mrs. Coakley. “It gives them accessibility to everyday activities that other kids experience, and for the whole school, it brings enrichment and community.”

The accessible design of these planters, ensures students with physical or cognitive disabilities can fully participate. Life Skills students got to take part in planting fragrant herbs like Chocolate Mint, Lemon Balm, and Lavender. This hands-on experience brings smiles to students’ faces, impacting their entire day.

A special thank you to the Explorer Elementary ‘Fix It Club’ led by Mrs. Haney, Project Lead the Way Teacher. The ‘Fix It Club’ along with the Goddard USD Maintenance Department worked together in assembling the accessible garden beds, turning this project into a District-Wide community effort.

Thank you, Mrs. Coakley, for establishing this incredible space that nurtures every student’s potential. We can’t wait to see all the amazing ways the Explorer students GROW!

Explorer Elementary Teacher Grants

INSPIRING MINDS & EXPANDING POSSIBILITIESFOR EXPLORER ELEMENTARY

2024-2025 Kelley Ewert- Occupational Therapist

2024-2025 Leah Whelan- 2nd Grade Teacher

2024-2025 Erin Lawrence- Cornhole Set / Badminton and Pickleball Net

2024-2025 Melissa Haney- Project Lead The Way Teacher

2023-2024 Era Lilly - 4th Grade Teacher

2023-2024 Melissa Haney - Project Lead The Way Teacher

2023-2024 Kari Vermillion and Taylor Graber - Kindergarten Teachers

2022-2023 Melissa Haney- Project Lead The Way Teacher

2022-2023 Jen Schrader - Counselor

2022-2023 Leah Whelan - 2nd Grade Teacher

2021-2022 Melissa Haney- Project Lead The Way Teacher

2020-2021 Kathy Clapp- Early Childhood Teacher

2020-2021 Chollet Bucl- Early Childhood Teacher

2019-2020 Melissa Haney- Project Lead the Way Teacher

2019-2020 Kelly Blurton