Small Hands, Big Ideas: Exploratory STEM Bins at Earhart
In early childhood education, one of the most powerful tools for learning isn’t a textbook, it’s play. With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Mrs. Hummer’s preschool class at Amelia Earhart Elementary now has Exploratory STEM Bins to inspire learning in a fun, inclusive way.
Whether a child is an English Language Learner, has physical limitations, or is navigating a cognitive delay, the STEM bins offer a universal language of exploration. In this setting, every child, regardless of ability, can collaborate, create, and solve problems side-by-side.
“Exploratory play in Pre-K meets children’s need for hands-on learning allowing them to investigate, and experiment. It’s a free way for children to practice essential skills and social interaction,” shares Mrs. Hummer. These bins address the urgent need for hands-on, self-directed discovery and build a vital foundation of collaborative learning. By prioritizing the experience of discovery over simple content, we are empowering our youngest learners to develop the critical thinking and fine motor persistence they will need for a lifetime of academic success.
We are deeply grateful to the Goddard Education Foundation for providing these vital building blocks; your investment ensures that every child, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to investigate, experiment, and thrive. Thank you for helping us turn our classroom into a place where the next generation of engineers and innovators can begin their journey with confidence.
Event Details:
Goddard High School (GHS)
Monday, April 13th
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Goddard High School Parking Lot
Eisenhower High School (EHS)
Thursday, April 16th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Eisenhower High School Parking Lot
During these times, community members in the area may notice a significant presence of emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and other first responders, with active lights and sirens. This activity is part of a planned simulation and training exercise.
We want to reassure our community that these events are fully coordinated, controlled, and focused on student education. There is no active emergency, and students and staff are not in any danger. We’d like to additionally take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of the agencies involved in bringing this experience to our school communities:
D.U.I Victims Center of Kansas
Garden Plain Police Department
Kansas Highway Patrol
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department
Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Wichita Fire Department
Wichita State University Police
USD 265 School Police
USD 265 Transportation
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together with our community partners to provide meaningful learning experiences that help keep our students safe. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being of our students and schools!
If possible, we kindly ask that appointments be scheduled after 11:00 AM on testing days. This helps ensure students have the time they need to fully complete their assessments without feeling rushed.
Thank you for your support in helping our students succeed, we know they’re going to do great!
Wait Until 8th is a parent‑led pledge that helps families delay giving their child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. The goal isn’t to avoid technology, it’s to give kids more time to develop focus, social skills, and healthy habits before navigating smartphones and social media. The pledge works by building strength in numbers. When families in the same grade commit together, kids feel less pressure to be “the only one without a phone.”
Voluntary and family‑driven
Allows basic phones or smartwatches for calls/texts
Backed by growing research on child development and screen use
Learn more:
Official site & pledge details: Wait Until 8th https://www.waituntil8th.org/
Why parents wait: Why Wait? https://www.waituntil8th.org/why-wait
If this aligns with your family’s values, consider signing the pledge and waiting together with other parents in our community.
Take the pledge: https://www.waituntil8th.org/take-the-pledge [waituntil8th.org]
If possible, we kindly ask that appointments be scheduled after 11:00 AM on testing days. This helps ensure students have the time they need to fully complete their assessments without feeling rushed.
Thank you for your support in helping our students succeed, we know they’re going to do great!
#265Family, we’re hard at work gearing up for the 2026–2027 school year, and we can’t do it without YOU! Mark your calendars for these upcoming, new student enrollment events: Tag your neighbors and friends who are moving or have just moved into Goddard Public Schools to join us!
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT EVENTS
- Thursday, April 9th, 2026
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- At each individual elementary school
For families with incoming Kindergarteners - meet the staff, explore the building, and get your little learner ready for their big adventure! Not sure which school your address falls under? Check district boundaries at the link in our bio!
PRE-K PRE-ENROLLMENT EVENT
- Thursday, April 16th, 2026
- 4:30–7:30 p.m. (Come & Go)
- Challenger Intermediate School
Is your child turning 3 or 4 years old on or before August 31st, 2026, and living within GPS boundaries? Come learn about our incredible Pre-K programs!
Sign up, register, or learn more: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/enrollment-26-27
It takes a village... and our village is the best.
Behind every great student is a dedicated team of teachers, drivers, custodians, and support staff. They are more than just employees; they are the heart of the #265Family.
Is there someone who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life this year? Whether they provide a safe ride to school or a word of encouragement in the hallway, we want to hear about it!
Nominate them for the #265Family Award today. A few minutes of your time could lead to a $100 surprise for a well-deserving staff member!
Let’s celebrate them! Nominate your hero for the #265Family Award. It’s a quick way to say "thank you" and gives them a chance to win a $100 cash prize!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117
Not a coffee fan? No problem! We also have Alani drinks, Premier Protein shakes, and juice box options for kiddos.
You can even brighten a teacher or staff member’s day by ordering a drink for them!
Orders are due TOMORROW – Wednesday, March 11
Drinks will be delivered Friday
Order here: https://forms.gle/gswstfJuSiz8bfveA
Concessions available – pay with cash or Cheddar Up.
Enter through Door 23.
Bring your friends and family for a night of fun, prizes, and community!
**If you would like to contribute to the Staff Parent/Teacher Soups & Sandwiches bar, please bring items to the office by 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 25th for lunch.
**If you would like to contribute to the Staff Parent/Teacher Taco Bar, please bring items to the office by 3:30 PM on Wednesday, February 25th for dinner.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../70A0E4EABA628A0FB6...
We appreciate your help!
Please follow the steps below to schedule your conference:
1️⃣ Log in to Skyward Family Access.
2️⃣ Find the Conference Sign-Up Tile.
Scroll down (on a phone) or over (on a computer) and look for the tiles with the GREEN BANNER that say:
“Open until 2/26/2026.”
3️⃣ Select the Correct Grade-Level Tile:
Pre-K / 4th → Choose this if you have a Pre-K OR 4th grade student
K–3rd → Choose this if your student is in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade
4️⃣ Choose Your Student.
On the next screen, you will see your student’s name on the left-hand side.
5️⃣ Select a Date & Time.
Click on your preferred available date and time from the list.
Once selected, it should appear below your selection.
6️⃣ Click “DONE SCHEDULING.”
This step is important! Make sure you select “DONE SCHEDULING” to confirm your conference time.
If you have any questions or experience any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to meeting with you!
