Eisenhower High School

Beyond the Stage: Microphones, Media, and Modern Theatre

How do we keep fine arts education relevant in a rapidly evolving digital world? Daniele Baxa, Theatre educator at Eisenhower High School, found a brilliant way to answer that question.

As communication and entertainment technology shifts toward digital audio platforms like podcasts and audiobooks, high school fine arts students need hands-on opportunities to learn, create, and produce content in these highly relevant fields.

“As technology is continually evolving so is the world of fine arts and the way we reach our audiences.” Mrs. Baxa shares. “Podcasts, YouTube, and Audiobooks are just an example of some areas that have gained popularity and growth in the past few years. Our students need to have an opportunity to learn and create in these areas in a safe and supported learning environment.”

Utilizing an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), the school purchased 4 starter audio recording sets that integrate seamlessly with student Chromebooks. This new equipment isn’t just for one project; it is changing the game across several different classes, each tailored to unique learning goals:

- Theatre Arts: Students are stepping behind the mic to master the art of voice acting and voice overs.

- Public Speaking: Students are researching, structuring, and producing their very own podcasts.

- Advanced Acting/Directing & ELL Classes: Students are exploring the world of audio books by recording children’s books. Best of all, English Language Learner (ELL) students will record these books in their native languages to share directly with elementary classrooms across our district.

Through this grant, students aren’t just learning how to use technology; they are developing content for real audiences, collaborating with their peers, and building future career or hobby outlets. They are creating a bridge of storytelling that connects our high schoolers with the growing world of technology.

Thank you to the GEF and all the contributors who make these innovative, and real-world learning experiences possible for Goddard students.

The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. The Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners at Lange Real Estate, was thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding staff members who embody the spirit of our District and lead with heart every single day.

Today, we are proud to recognize our winner from the USD 265 Maintenance Department: The EHS Building Engineer Team

"Kim and her team are always so willing to do what needs to be done. She will check in with me instead of waiting for me to ask when it comes to pep rally needs. I have never had to wait even a full 24 hours to get help with needs in the building or room. She has a wall in the building engineers' office with pictures of her team and special things going on with them in the building and outside. That alone makes me want to nominate her. Even when she has had to do things that are awful, she still smiles. The whole team is friendly and smiles all the time. Ennis, one of the daytime team members goes to the football games and sits with the kids. They love when he is there. It is expected. The students absolutely love him. The evening guys, Matt, Jake, and Seth are amazing. Because of the time that they work they do not get to work directly with the students often. However, my room is amazing, and more importantly, they make me feel like family. When something is going on in their lives they will come find me to tell me their good news. That makes me feel pretty special. I truly love these guys and consider them an important part of the school and better yet, friend to students and staff. I am proud to work with them."
- Carol Mock, EHS Co-Worker

This celebration is made possible by Lange Real Estate. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment ensures our #265Family Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations EHS Building Engineer Team for proving that we truly are #BetterTogether!

To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqBYiNp1_fBQ0Mhx_qC5-usWNmkBSCI5eF9Lgui-2ipsJxdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/

The newest edition of Voices of Kansas has been published, and several EHS students were selected for publication!

Congratulations to our published writers: Caitlyn Ramsey, Peyton McMillon, Ellie Taylor, Piper Loder, Lauralye Boor, Mattie Walters, Emma Packard, **Abigail Perez – Editor’s Choice Award

Check out their work here: Voices of Kansas https://www.kansasenglish.org/uploads/5/2/3/7/52372843/sr_voices_of_kansas_final_2026.pdf

The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. The Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners at Lange Real Estate, was thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding staff members who embody the spirit of our District and lead with heart every single day.

Today, we are proud to recognize our winner from Eisenhower High School: Blake Morgan

"He really brings passion to everything he does in the classroom. He also genuinely cares about his students health and mental wellness. He is willing to help out struggling students."
- Emmarie Barger, Student

"Mr. Morgan not only accepts his students with an insane amount of respect, but also with almost a belief in his responsibility for these kids. Rather than the typical teacher title, Mr. Morgan creates a familial feeling in his classroom. Teaching the sciences don't always leave the teacher as a student favorite, but he is the exception. So I nominate Blake Morgan (BMO)."
- Derek Hunsaker, Student

"He has been amazing with my son’s high school career and has been so helpful and kind at all times. He’s a fantastic teacher and a great asset to my son."
- Sara Parker, Parent of Student

"He is very inspirational and makes the classroom a fun environment that makes me want to learn."
- Sophia School, Student

This celebration is made possible by Lange Real Estate. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment ensures our #265Family Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mr. Morgan for proving that we truly are #BetterTogether!

To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqBYiNp1_fBQ0Mhx_qC5-usWNmkBSCI5eF9Lgui-2ipsJxdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/

The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to introduce the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

Established in 2018, the Hall of Fame celebrates, honors, and recognizes the extraordinary service, success, and achievements of our alumni, retired staff, and dedicated friends of education.

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026:

* Dan Buchanan, Former Educator & Coach
* Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle), Goddard High School Class of 1986
* Jerry Longabaugh, Former Educator, Administrator, and Current USD 265 Board of Education Representative
* Dr. Christopher Warren, Goddard High School Class of 1992
* Dr. Michael Vivion, Goddard High School Class of 1962

Save the Date!
Please join us on September 18, 2026, to celebrate the Class of 2026.
Keep an eye out for event details, registration opens in July.
Stay tuned as we highlight each of our individual inductees in the coming weeks. Let's join together to celebrate the past and inspire the future of Goddard Public Schools.

Learn more about the Goddard Hall of Fame and read about past Honorees HERE or https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame .