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
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 Amelia Earhart Elementary School winner was Jaime Kitzmann, a Kindergarten Teacher, who was nominated by Nicole Lauer, a classroom parent. Her nominator wrote, "This is our first year having a child in school- we were anxious to begin this new chapter. Mrs. Kitzmann quickly gave us a sigh of relief from the moment we met her. Dropping our daughter off to kindergarten on that first day, while the moment was so bittersweet, we just knew our girl was in amazing hands. Our daughter has grown in a number of ways and truly looks forward to going to school each day. To know your child is being taken care of and is having fun while learning just gives you such peace of mind as a parent.
Our daughter has fallen in love with learning and we’ve seen an entirely new little girl since she joined Mrs. Kitzmann’s classroom family. I’ve had the privilege of helping in Mrs. Kitzmann’s classroom each week as well and have seen her in action with her class. This woman was born to be a teacher and it shows. She goes above and beyond for kids and has made learning enjoyable. She treats her class with love and care and has a way to make learning fun and engaging- it’s truly impressive what she’s able to do and the way she does it. We are grateful for her and really feel like she’s one of the best in the business. I could not have asked for a better start to school for my child. The bar has been set so high! I even think new teachers could benefit from watching how Mrs. Kitzmann runs her classroom- it’s just that impressive!"
Congratulations again Mrs. Kitzmann, 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 Explorer Elementary's amazing Physical Education teacher, Erin Lawrence!
Mrs. Lawrence is always innovating to bring diverse and engaging activities to her students. Thanks to an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation, over 450 students at Explorer Elementary will have the opportunity to dive into new adventures in PE. With her “Movement and Fun For Everyone” grant, Mrs. Lawrence was able to purchase new portable nets, cornhole boards, and more P.E. equipment to make learning fun and active!
"This equipment allows our students to work on standard-specific skills that help build not only their physical, but their mental, and emotional well-being too,” shared Mrs. Lawrence. Making the connection that movement isn’t just about playing new games; it’s about fostering a lifelong love of activity and developing teamwork and social skills. Students will learn skills in PE that they can take directly into real-world settings and community events.
We love seeing how these grants directly empower our educators and enrich our students' experiences in Goddard Public Schools!
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 Challenger Intermediate School winner was Del Dreyer, Head Building Engineer, who had multiple nominations including one by Piper White, a colleague and Challenger Intermediate Teacher. Mrs. White wrote, "Del is the heart of Challenger! I have never met anyone as hardworking, kind and humble as Del Dreyer. He is the definition of selfless. Del plays many roles within our building. He is our locker jam whisperer, snow/ice melter, heater fixer, comedic relief in the hallway, bus facilitator and so much more. Del wears each hat with a smile on his face. If he knew I was nominating him he would not be happy with me as he hates the spotlight, but he is truly Challenger and the Maintenance team hero! "
Congratulations again Del, 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 Apollo Elementary School winner was Candace Brown, Kindergarten Teacher, who was nominated by Elizabeth King, a classroom parent. Her nominator wrote, "When we were enrolling our oldest in Kindergarten last year, I'll admit that we were nervous. He has ten allergies, to foods and chemicals, and many of them are unusual. We were so worried he would feel excluded or singled out or teased, but Mr. C reassured me, saying that he had just the teacher in mind for him and that he would be in good hands. He couldn't have been more right! Mrs. Brown has been so patient and thoughtful about the whole situation and has made it feel like a total non-issue. She's so kind to both my son and I, and he truly looks forward to coming to school every day. I know that he's in such competent and loving hands all day, and I can't tell you how much that means to us. For these reasons, I'd like to nominate Mrs. Brown for making our child feel at home and making us all feel like family. "
Congratulations again Mrs. Brown, 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/
What an absolutely heartwarming way to conclude an amazing school year in Goddard Public Schools. We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support and continued partnership of Lange Real Estate.
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Lange Real Estate friends, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district.
The response from our community was overwhelming, with over 65 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. One finalist was chosen from each school or department to receive this special recognition and a $100 cash prize.
The #265Family Award, proudly presented by Lange Real Estate, 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.
Our first #265Family Award winner is , Thomas (Tab) Baughman from the Maintenance Team. Thomas's nominators, J.R. Miller and Ashley Miller, wrote, "It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Thomas Baughman, a dedicated maintenance and grounds employee, for the #265Family Award. Thomas consistently goes above and beyond in supporting both students and staff throughout the district, making a meaningful impact on the Oak Street School community.
Thomas (Tab) Baughman's contributions to the USD 265 district extend far beyond his official duties. He regularly volunteers his time to support school events, including the Oak Street Thanksgiving Feast, where he carves turkeys, and Oak Street Tiger Tuesday Family Night, where he grills hamburgers and hot dogs for the school community. His selflessness also shines through in his work decorating the Oak Street Courtyard, where he creates beautiful seasonal displays to brighten the school environment. Additionally, Tab ensures that the school grounds and courtyard are well-maintained, personally planting flowers, spreading mulch, and pulling weeds to create an inviting space for students oftentimes on the weekends and on his own time.
Beyond his time and effort spent improving the school’s physical appearance, Tab generously donates to the Oak Street PTO regularly, ensuring that every student’s field trips are fully funded, and all students receive a school t-shirt. He has also contributed to student lunch and breakfast accounts, helping to ensure that no child goes without a meal.
Tab Baughman embodies the spirit of community and dedication. His unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of Oak Street students and staff makes him an invaluable member of our school district. He is truly deserving of this recognition."
Congratulations again Thomas, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family, and thank you, Lange Real Estate, for helping us celebrate the heart of our district!
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 yellow brick road led straight to an evening of enchantment and generosity at the Goddard Education Foundation’s Oz event on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Distillery 244 was transformed into a vibrant, whimsical world, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz met the heart of our community.
From the moment guests stepped through the doors, they were greeted by dazzling Oz-inspired decorations, a testament to the hard work and creativity of our dedicated volunteers. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as volunteers, many dressed in spectacular costumes, and attendees mingled for an evening of fun and philanthropy.
The night unfolded with Live Music provided by The 99 band, a delicious buffet meal by Heart of Country Catering, and desserts provided by Butter Babes Bakery. The generosity of our community was truly inspiring, as attendees participated in the Haunted Forest games, and limited chance games, bid on unique items during the Live Auction, and made direct donations to support Goddard Public Schools students and staff.
This year’s Oz event was particularly special, as it highlighted the GEF’s commitment to the Innovative Teacher Grant Program, a program that helps fund Goddard educator’s most innovative and hands-on learning projects for their classrooms.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding business partners, individual benefactors, and community leaders whose generous support continues to inspire the work we do. We also want to thank our tireless volunteers. Your dedication and passion were instrumental in creating such a memorable evening.
The success of Oz is a testament to the power of community. We are incredibly proud to be part of a community that values education and invests in the future of our #265Family!
Theatre classes at Goddard High School offer students more than just theatrical experiences. They also provide opportunities to work in a hands-on environment. The Technical Theatre & Stagecraft class offers students hands-on stage design and costuming, necessary elements for GHS Theatre Productions.
Goddard High School Theatre teacher, Jamie Oettle, saw an opportunity to expand her students' skills and address a need for more hands-on learning. She created a costume-making and alterations project, allowing students to create, customize, and alter costumes for upcoming productions. “Working with costumes reaches students in a non-traditional way because of the hands-on approach to measurement, math, angles, understanding and following directions, working with new machinery, and teamwork,” Mrs. Oettle shared. “This is an opportunity for students to add to their skill set that will aid them in possible career opportunities and teach them skills they can use for the rest of their lives.”
With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Oettle was able to purchase both a sewing machine and a serger sewing machine, mannequins, and additional fabric and sewing supplies that will open doors for GHS Theatre students for years to come. Mrs. Oettle’s theatre students were excited to utilize the new equipment as they prepared for their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
“Students gain a sense of pride when they see actors in one of our productions wearing their costumes or fitted altered costumes,” explained Oettle. Avreya, a GHS Senior and technical theatre student, shared, “I enjoy sewing costumes and learning new tricks with costume design, it’s fun to help the show come to life.” For each production, it takes the entire theatre department coming together, and with the additional resources provided through the Innovative Teacher Grant, the GHS theatre department is able to expand possibilities for the growing program.
With the district growing and resource needs increasing, Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants help bridge the gap, ensuring USD 265 educators have what they need to expand opportunities 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
