Goddard Public Schools 5th and 6th Graders Building Bright Futures with D.A.R.E.!
We’re excited to share an inspiring initiative that took place during Summer Learning with our incoming 5th-6th grade students: the return and expansion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program!
“This being our first year re-introducing the D.A.R.E. program, we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. But it exceeded our expectations! Watching students grow in confidence, learn how to make positive choices, and truly engage in conversations about peer pressure, responsibility, and leadership was inspiring,” shared Officer Lamar, a Goddard District Police Officer.
During the 2 week program, 48 students participated in the D.A.R.E “Keepin It Real” curriculum, learning how to Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate various challenging situations. This included practicing crucial skills like:
Making informed decisions
Managing stress
Communicating with confidence
Active listening
Understanding and addressing bullying
Helping others
What makes this program truly special? It was taught by two of our dedicated Goddard USD 265 Police Officers, Officer Lamar and Officer Heath! This unique approach fosters positive relationships between law enforcement, students, and the community.
“For both Officer Heath and I the best part was building relationships with these students and watching them proudly graduate from the program,” Officer Lamar shared. “We had a few students who were hesitant to engage at the beginning, but by the end of the course they were active participants in the group, one even winning an award at our D.A.R.E graduation.”
Thanks to the amazing support from a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, this program is bringing vital life skills and positive decision-making strategies to Goddard students. This year, the grant specifically helped create a special way to recognize our graduating D.A.R.E students with official D.A.R.E. shirts!
A huge thank you to Officer Heath and Officer Lamar for their dedication and truly investing in the future of Goddard Public Schools students! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this invaluable program.
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
We’re excited to share an inspiring initiative that took place during Summer Learning with our incoming 5th-6th grade students: the return and expansion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program!
“This being our first year re-introducing the D.A.R.E. program, we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. But it exceeded our expectations! Watching students grow in confidence, learn how to make positive choices, and truly engage in conversations about peer pressure, responsibility, and leadership was inspiring,” shared Officer Lamar, a Goddard District Police Officer.
During the 2 week program, 48 students participated in the D.A.R.E “Keepin It Real” curriculum, learning how to Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate various challenging situations. This included practicing crucial skills like:
Making informed decisions
Managing stress
Communicating with confidence
Active listening
Understanding and addressing bullying
Helping others
What makes this program truly special? It was taught by two of our dedicated Goddard USD 265 Police Officers, Officer Lamar and Officer Heath! This unique approach fosters positive relationships between law enforcement, students, and the community.
“For both Officer Heath and I the best part was building relationships with these students and watching them proudly graduate from the program,” Officer Lamar shared. “We had a few students who were hesitant to engage at the beginning, but by the end of the course they were active participants in the group, one even winning an award at our D.A.R.E graduation.”
Thanks to the amazing support from a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, this program is bringing vital life skills and positive decision-making strategies to Goddard students. This year, the grant specifically helped create a special way to recognize our graduating D.A.R.E students with official D.A.R.E. shirts!
A huge thank you to Officer Heath and Officer Lamar for their dedication and truly investing in the future of Goddard Public Schools students! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this invaluable program.
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Goddard Academy winner was Julie Nuessen, Goddard Academy Teacher, who was nominated by Hope Self, a colleague. Her nominator wrote, " Mrs. Nuessen always encourages to keep going! She always keeps the classroom so positive and everybody always feels welcome."
Congratulations again Mrs. Nuessen for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
Join us in celebrating Alicia Scott, the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Teacher at Goddard Middle School, who received a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant. Her project, “Sensory Empowerment” will help transform how she is able to support her students.
For many students, particularly those who thrive with PBS support, navigating the daily demands of school can be overwhelming. They often struggle with communication and emotional regulation. “Incorporating sensory play opportunities in the classroom can help these students regain focus, enhance their awareness of their actions, and better understand their emotions,” shared Ms. Scott.
The goal of the new sensory items is to significantly reduce the time it takes for students to self-regulate and return to learning, ultimately increasing their valuable time in inclusive classrooms. This grant isn’t just about a space; it’s about equipping students with the essential tools for lifelong self-regulation and success.
Congratulations, Ms. Scott, on bringing such a vital and impactful initiative to Goddard Middle School. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it makes for our students.
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
For many students, particularly those who thrive with PBS support, navigating the daily demands of school can be overwhelming. They often struggle with communication and emotional regulation. “Incorporating sensory play opportunities in the classroom can help these students regain focus, enhance their awareness of their actions, and better understand their emotions,” shared Ms. Scott.
The goal of the new sensory items is to significantly reduce the time it takes for students to self-regulate and return to learning, ultimately increasing their valuable time in inclusive classrooms. This grant isn’t just about a space; it’s about equipping students with the essential tools for lifelong self-regulation and success.
Congratulations, Ms. Scott, on bringing such a vital and impactful initiative to Goddard Middle School. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it makes for our students.
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Eisenhower High School winner was Travis Rink, EHS Assistant Principal, who was nominated by Meredith Beavers, a colleague. His nominator wrote, "I have known Travis Rink almost my entire life. As a teenager, Travis worked for my family on our farm and became part of our extended family. My mother was a science teacher, so she and Travis stayed close once he graduated college and started teaching at Goddard. When I bump into Travis' former students, they always say how great of a teacher he was and how much of an impact he had on them in high school.
Three years ago, my mother passed away from cancer, and we asked Travis to be a pallbearer because he was like family to us, and we knew that he was someone she would want to carry to her final resting place. While I only knew Travis outside of the school setting, I began teaching at Eisenhower High School this year and got to know him in his role as a leader in education. Travis is always professional even when he might be highly stressed about a situation and is being pulled in multiple directions. You can see that Travis truly cares about the kids in the building and makes a point of having a relationship with all of them. He will stop whatever he is doing to respond to a crisis or just sit down at a table and talk to a kid having a bad day.
Travis makes me want to be a better educator each day when I come to school. He never leaves you without telling you to have a good day and always offers advice when you need it. Travis genuinely deserves this recognition because he goes above and beyond to make EHS and the Goddard school district feel like a family for everyone. "
Congratulations again Mr. Rink for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
We are so excited for Clark Davidson Elementary’s 2nd-grade teacher, Emily Pezzola, on her Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant that brings sensory tools straight into her classroom.
Mrs. Pezzola recognized that traditional classroom settings don’t always meet the diverse needs of every student, especially those who crave extra movement. Her “Sensory Surge” project will incorporate a variety of engaging tools into her classroom, like under-desk cycles, weighted stuffed animals, swivel and spin chairs, and emotional regulation books and manipulatives.
“My goal is to keep students in the classroom where learning is taking place,” Mrs. Pezzola shared. “I want to add tools to our learning space that will engage students physically and mentally through the sense of touch, sight, movement, and balance.” She hopes this innovative approach will help students exert energy appropriately, self-regulate, reduce classroom disruptions and return to learning focused and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mrs. Pezzola for your commitment to helping CDS students find their best learning rhythm!
Watch a short video to see Mrs. Pezzola’s Innovative Teacher Grant in action and learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
Mrs. Pezzola recognized that traditional classroom settings don’t always meet the diverse needs of every student, especially those who crave extra movement. Her “Sensory Surge” project will incorporate a variety of engaging tools into her classroom, like under-desk cycles, weighted stuffed animals, swivel and spin chairs, and emotional regulation books and manipulatives.
“My goal is to keep students in the classroom where learning is taking place,” Mrs. Pezzola shared. “I want to add tools to our learning space that will engage students physically and mentally through the sense of touch, sight, movement, and balance.” She hopes this innovative approach will help students exert energy appropriately, self-regulate, reduce classroom disruptions and return to learning focused and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mrs. Pezzola for your commitment to helping CDS students find their best learning rhythm!
Watch a short video to see Mrs. Pezzola’s Innovative Teacher Grant in action and learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Oak Street Elementary School winner was Kirsten Hickey, a Kindergarten Teacher, who was nominated by Caitlin Enterkin, a parent. Her nominator wrote, "As a first year teacher, Kirsten has made my son feel like he is a part of a family in his classroom. He was very nervous leaving his preschool that he loved to start school in Goddard, but we have seen amazing progress in him. He is excited to go to school and his academic progress has been very obvious. As a parent who has raised him at home since he was born, it is hard for me to trust other people with his well-being, but we absolutely love Mrs. Hickey! She was meant to be a teacher!"
Congratulations again Mrs. Hickey for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Goddard Middle School winner was April Karber, the GMS Librarian, who was nominated by Trey Triggs, a colleague. Her nominator wrote, "April Karber is an exceptional middle school librarian who goes above and beyond to foster a love of reading and lifelong learning among students and staff in USD 265. Through creative initiatives like Reading BINGO, rotating book displays, and interactive activities such as Name That Book trivia outside the library, Mrs. Karber has transformed the library into an inviting hub of curiosity and engagement.
Students are drawn to the library not only during scheduled class check-outs but also during passing periods, before and after school, and ELA visits—resulting in a notable increase in foot traffic. Always looking for ways to connect, Mrs. Karber has also created a Google Classroom for the library, providing another layer of accessibility and engagement.
Beyond books, Mrs. Karber serves as a vital support system for both students and colleagues—helping with research, assisting in classrooms, and always offering a helping hand. With unwavering professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication, Mrs. Karber truly exemplifies the spirit of the #265Family Award, making a lasting impact on the school community."
Congratulations again Mrs. Karber, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
Congratulations to Meghan Hummer, Pre-School Teacher at Amelia Earhart Elementary for receiving a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant!
Ms. Hummer’s innovative project is bringing a fantastic play-based learning makerspace in her classroom! Students now have large building blocks, community figurines, and vehicles to help elevate their building creations - something previously unavailable at this scale in her early childhood classroom. A big shout out to our USD 265 Maintenance department for building a custom storage unit in the classroom, making these building materials more easily accessible to all.
What makes this program truly impactful is its reach. Play-based learning offers open-ended, creative, and valuable learning experiences for every student. Ms. Hummer explains, “Implementing play-based in an open makerspace area within the classroom setting allows students to demonstrate their knowledge without perimeters. By providing hands-on experiences, encouraging effort and persistence, practicing essential skills and social interactions, and creating a valuable form of communication that’s important for our bilingual and/or non-verbal students.” The best part is, these durable materials will inspire students for years to come.
We can’t wait to see the incredible creations and learning that emerge from this unique makerspace! The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to support innovative projects for our youngest learners in Goddard Public Schools. Thank you Ms. Hummer for inspiring minds and expanding possibilities for the #265Family!
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Discovery Intermediate School winner was Erin Johnston, a 6th Grade Teacher, who was nominated by Rachel Lange, a parent. Her nominator wrote, "Erin has taken the time to call me to discuss opportunities with my son at school. When I had a concern about him personally and emailed, she called me within an hour. She's sent me multiple emails going above and beyond with communication. Even positive communication and feedback! Which is huge! She's also be so invested in the kids through the extra-curricular group called Wydlife and is helping to facilitate not only a teacher- child relationship but setting them up for true lifelong success with her care and consideration every day for these kiddos!"
Congratulations again Mrs. Johnston, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
We're thrilled to share the latest Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant project: "Regulation Station and Classroom Regulation Kits" led by Gina Lamberger, Occupational Therapist at Apollo Elementary.
Students at every grade level face emotional and regulation needs that can impact their learning. Mrs. Lamberger’s innovative project provides essential sensory tools, both within classrooms and in a dedicated "Regulation Station," helping students learn to identify their feelings and apply strategies to refocus.
Mrs. Lamberger shares, “When students' sensory and regulation needs are met, they are able to engage and focus with classroom activities and learning. These tools will be ongoing and available throughout all grade levels. If students learn to regulate their early education years, hopefully they will be able to meet those needs independently in future classes and schools.
Thank you, Mrs.Lamberger, for your dedication to fostering a supportive and focused learning environment for all Apollo students! We're proud to support innovative projects that truly make a difference. Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Explorer Elementary School winner was Ryan Ryan, a 3rd Grade Teacher, who was nominated by Bri Talley, a parent. Her nominator wrote, "We have had the absolute joy and pleasure of sharing our year with Mrs. Ryan! Compassionate, loving, dedicated, gentle and inspiring. All words that wholeheartedly describe Mrs. Ryan. However, to us, they don’t mean near enough. Mrs. Ryan has put the spark back into our son’s love of learning. She has created a classroom environment where not only he, but his classmates know they are safe, loved, valued, and appreciated for who they are. She encourages every single child whose life she has had the opportunity to touch. She challenges them and is their biggest cheerleader.
When you send your little one off to their first day of school, there is always a set of “First Day Jitters.” Will they meet new friends? Will they enjoy their classes? Will they like their teacher? Will they be loved and valued for who they are?
This year, we haven’t had to worry. We know our son is in the absolute best care! We cannot thank Mrs. Ryan enough for the positive, lifelong impact she has had on our son this year. Thank you Mrs. Ryan for bringing back life into our son’s creativity and love for school. You are so loved and appreciated for everything you do! Goddard Public Schools is so much better with you in it! "
Congratulations again Mrs. Ryan, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
The Goddard Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the "The Language of Pictures" innovative teacher grant, a groundbreaking project designed to empower our growing English Learner student population at Clark Davidson Elementary and Oak Street Elementary.
Goddard Public Schools serves over 200 English learners, all with a diverse set of skills and cultural backgrounds, and represent more than twenty languages in our District. English Language Learner Teacher (ELL), Ashley Zoglmann, saw a unique opportunity to help her students thrive and applied for an Innovative Teacher Grant. This grant introduces an innovative approach: wordless picture books!
By removing the barrier of written text, these books allow students from pre-K through 4th grade to build essential listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a safe, engaging way. “Utilizing wordless picture books in EL instruction allows students to practice language in a guided manner while giving them access to choose topics of interest or familiarity. Wordless picture books facilitate practice of their reading and language skills, meeting them at their English proficiency level, and helps students find success in reading and reading skills,” shared Mrs. Zoglmann. While the books remain wordless, Mrs. Zoglmann is able to help unlock and transform students' English language comprehension.
"The Language of Pictures" grant ensures that regardless of their current English proficiency, every student can find success, discuss stories, and unlock their full English potential. This is an investment in their futures and a testament to the power of creative teaching!
Thank you, Mrs. Zoglmann for your dedication and innovative approach to expanding possibilities for our youngest learners in Goddard Public Schools!
Check out this video we captured, highlighting Mrs. Zoglmann's Innovative Teacher Grant at work in the classroom!
https://youtu.be/cLBGh1Zdm-Q?si=4CjTOwGmCwXGEwor
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Goddard High School winner was Sarah Hensley, a EL Specialist and teacher, who was nominated by Ana Cardenas, a parent. Her nominator wrote, " Miss Hensley has been incredibly supportive since my son's very first day at school. She has helped and guided him every day, making his transition to a new school system much smoother. Her genuine passion for teaching is evident in the care and dedication she shows. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure my son feels comfortable, heard, and understood. Her kindness and commitment have made a significant difference in his learning experience, and I am truly grateful for her support."
Congratulations again Mrs. Hensley, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
With a growing concern for students mental health and behavior needs, Mrs. Fox, a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Teacher at Challenger Intermediate, applied for a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher grant to help supply her classroom with regulation tools for Challenger students.
When we empower our most vulnerable students with the tools they need to find calm, we are not just helping them; we are fostering a more focused and positive learning environment. Mrs. Fox shares, “as the PBS teacher at Challenger, I have been working with teachers and other faculty members to bring awareness of techniques and tools to work directly with students with trauma and behavior dysregulation issues. Access to the proper tools will help students return to a ready to learn state, positively impacting all students.”
With a growing need to support student mental health, Mrs. Fox's project will provide research-based sensory tools to help students regulate their emotions, de-escalate anxiety, and return to a ready-to-learn state. From visual times, alternative seating, fidgets, sensory items, and much more, there are a number of different kinds of tools geared to meet each student's regulation needs. This isn't just about helping a few kids; it's about building a more supportive and positive environment for EVERY student at Challenger. Thank you Mrs. Fox for your proactive and compassionate approach to helping our #265Family succeed!
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Transportation Department winner was Lisa Woolard Estes, a USD 265 Bus Driver, who was nominated by Jennie Hundley, a parent. Her nominator wrote, "During the winter storm this school year 2024-25) Mrs. Lisa was bringing the students home from school with bad weather and ice forming on the roads. Mrs. Lisa stayed calm, drove slow and did her best to get the students home safely. Though she still got stuck TWICE. Both times she kept everyone calm and handled the situation like the pro she is. Not once was I worried, we trust her so much with our kids. We have had her as a bus driver for at least 5 years. She is always the most respectful, most loved and the best bus driver we have had. She ended up calling for back up the second time she got stuck to bring my kids home.
She has been the bus driver for some away events for school. Always rooting on the kids and supporting them. She always has a smile on her face greeting them and “see ya tomorrow “. She is definitely loved by our family for the hero she is in so many ways. "
Congratulations again Mrs. Lisa, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
There’s a new recording studio at Explorer Elementary, and it’s right inside the 2nd-grade classroom!
Congratulations to Explorer Elementary teacher Leah Whelan and the 2nd grade teaching team on receiving an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF).
With the help of this GEF teacher grant, Mrs. Whelan is bringing an exciting opportunity to 2nd grade students by creating portable recording studios for the classroom. “These portable recording studios give our young learners a chance to build fluency, learn how to use their voices to convey emotion, and be able to play it back to hear themselves ready! We believe this will be a great tool for students to see what they personally need to work on whether it's building fluency, recognizing punctuation, or changing their voice when a character is talking in a story, they can actually hear how they do that from the recording and be able to make changes. With these recording studios, we are empowering students to take an active role in their education while hitting a variety of standards,” Whelan shared.
This project puts a modern twist on practicing reading aloud, empowering students to use technology and take an active role in their education. It’s an innovative way to support our district-wide goal of creating strong, fluent readers.
The Goddard Education Foundation is so proud to fund creative ideas like this that will impact students for years to come! Thank you, Mrs. Whelan and the Explorer Elementary 2nd Grade team for bringing this vision to our #265Family!
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Clark Davidson Elementary School winner was Addison Misak, the CDS School Nurse, who was nominated by a CDS parent. Her nominator wrote, "Nurse Addison is truly amazing at what she does! Our daughter has medical needs that made us nervous to send her to school. Nurse Addison has great communication, is very diligent with paper work and ensures that our child has exactly what she needs each day. Our daughter always shares conversations she has with the nurse that shows that she goes above and beyond to care for kids. We are so thankful to her! "
Congratulations again Mrs. Misak, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
We’re thrilled to celebrate Mr. Neal Zoglmann of Goddard Middle School on his 2025 Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation.
In the past, theater was offered as a class at GMS- but thanks to the support of school administration and passionate educators like Mr. Zoglmann, theatre returned this year as an after-school program. What started as a trial quickly proved its value: 80 students showed up to the first interest meeting.
With only 14 roles available in their first show, auditions were tough and interest in crew roles like set design, lighting, and sound was just as strong. Unfortunately, limited resources meant many eager students had to be turned away.
That’s where this Innovative Teacher Grant comes in. With funding for portable lighting, set materials, and more, the program can now expand behind the scenes- giving more students the chance to contribute their creativity. From building sets with the help of the industrial technology teacher to learning leadership and teamwork, students will gain hands-on experience with both technical education and performing arts.
More than a stage, this is a space for belonging for students to find their voice, their confidence, and their community. Mr. Zoglmann shared, “While the success of a show is easy to measure, it’s the journey to curtain call where the real learning happens.”
Join us in applauding Mr. Zoglmann and the GMS team for bringing this spotlight back to the students, giving students a place to ‘shine’.
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Eisenhower Middle School winner was Brett Klepacki, a School Psychologist, who was nominated by an EMS parent. His nominator wrote, "Mr. Klepacki has gone above and beyond with our child (and I'm assuming many others) by supporting him with the special needs he requires to succeed in school. Mr. Klepacki took the reins for assessing/re-assessing our child fully and steering the development of his new IEP. He made us as parents feel "heard," and has gone above the call of duty to make our son feel more confident about getting his homework completed, with building and maintaining friendships, and with staying organized and communicating clearly.
Mr. Klepacki continues to meet weekly with our son to "check in" and determine what additional help is needed. He built a Google Doc for our son to use each day, which helps to communicate what is happening between school and home. We have very much appreciated all the time and effort Mr. Klepacki has made with our child, and we feel he deserves recognition for exceeding his job responsibilities. He doesn't just evaluate and place a child appropriately; he also follows up and makes adjustments to plans when they are needed."
Congratulations again Mr. Klepacki, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit
https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to celebrate a creative and impactful project funded by an Innovative Teacher Grant. Abigail Archer, a kindergarten teacher at Amelia Earhart Elementary school saw a need for more fine motor skill activities to help students start their day positively and turned that vision into a reality with the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant.
Students in Mrs. Archer’s class, who begin their morning with Morning Brain Bins, now have additional hands-on STEM based manipulatives that help strengthen fine motor skills, spark imagination, and encourage independent, creative thinking. These rotating Morning Brain Bins are packed with fun, educational tools that let students build, explore, and create from the moment they walk into the classroom.
“This soft start gives students time to calm their minds, get creative, and begin the day with confidence,” shared Mrs. Archer. “It’s an opportunity for them to imagine, problem-solve, and think outside the box, while building skills they’ll use for years to come!”
The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching that makes a difference every morning and for many years ahead!
Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants
