Amelia Earhart Elementary School

One of our Tiger Cub fourth-grade teachers at Explorer Elementary, Mrs. Patry, has recently been diagnosed with cancer and will be beginning treatment immediately. Mrs. Patry is an incredibly dedicated educator who cares deeply for her students, and this news has understandably been difficult. Our entire Explorer Elementary family is surrounding her with love, encouragement, and support. We invite all students and staff to participate in a fundraiser this Thursday, February 5th. We will be hosting a Wear Your Favorite Team/Colors Spirit Day! We are asking for a $1 donation, but this is not required. Mrs. Patry is an avid Chiefs fan, so if your student does not have a favorite- red and/or yellow is a great choice! All proceeds go directly to Mrs. Patry.

THANK YOU, Goddard Public Schools Maintenance Team!

While most of the community was staying warm inside, this incredible maintenance team was outside doing the hard work that makes a safe return to school possible.

On Sunday, January 25th, and again early Monday morning, January 26th, the USD 265 Facilities, Maintenance & Operations staff were out across the district clearing snow from parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring school buildings are safe and accessible for students, staff, and families.

These moments from Clark Davidson Elementary School, Discovery Intermediate School, and Challenger Intermediate School are a snapshot of the pride, grit, and dedication behind the scenes. Snow storms do not stop this team from showing up, problem solving, and taking care of our schools.

Their work may happen before sunrise and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student and staff member who walks through our doors. Thank you for going above and beyond for our #265Family!

Look at this stuff… isn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think our Lost & Found’s complete?

Well… it’s overflowing—Ariel’s-treasure-cave level overflowing.
Jackets, water bottles, lunchboxes, and a few mysteries we still can’t explain.

Please stop by during office hours to look for missing items, or feel free to send your student to check.
While we’re happy to help point you in the right direction, we aren’t able to search for or hold items in the office.

Let those lost treasures finally be…
Part of your wooooorld!

🎉 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that 30 Innovative Teacher Grants were awarded to dedicated USD 265 educators across the District on Friday, December 5th, 2025! Here is just a sneak peak of some of the grants awarded. Visit https://www.facebook.com/goddardef to see pictures of all the Educators who received this year's Innovative Teacher Grants.

These grants will fund innovative projects, purchase cutting-edge resources, and create inspiring learning experiences for our USD 265 students. From STEM equipment to enhanced literacy materials, our teachers are bringing innovation into the classroom!

The Innovative Teacher Grant program is a direct result of the support generated throughout the year. The GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. campaign is one of the ways the GEF is able to raise funds that invest in the future of our students and the passion of our educators.

Let's celebrate these teachers and the amazing work they do every day!

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Your generosity sparks innovation in classrooms just like this year's Innovative Teacher Grant Recipients. And right now, every gift to the Goddard Education Foundation is doubled thanks to a $25,000 matching opportunity.

There’s never been a more powerful moment to Give. Gratitude. Goddard.

➡️ Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680

Friendsgiving at Amelia Earhart Elementary: A Celebration of Gratitude, Community, and One Extraordinary Letter

Friendsgiving at Amelia Earhart Elementary: A Celebration of Gratitude, Community, and One Extraordinary Letter
The 3rd grade students at Amelia Earhart Elementary School celebrated their annual Friendsgiving Day with food, family, and an attitude of gratitude that filled the entire building. Families were invited into classrooms to share home-cooked dishes, ‘secret’ family recipes, and long-cherished traditions. Students tried Thanksgiving favorites, many for the very first time, and sat together as one class family, celebrating the joy of being part of a caring school community.

In the lead-up to Friendsgiving, one 3rd grade teacher, Kristin Ohnmeis, launched a heartfelt class project: writing personal letters to local businesses expressing gratitude for the work they do in the community. Students learned how to structure a letter, use proper punctuation, address an envelope, and mail it themselves—real-world skills paired with a lesson in empathy and appreciation. The teacher shared, “They got to choose their favorite business. They learned how to address the letter, how to send it in the mail, and most importantly, how communication helps people feel heard and valued. Writing personalized letters builds empathy and the skills we hope they carry with them the rest of their lives.”

One of those letters, hand-written by student Quincy Ulmen, made its way to the newly opened Raising Cane’s on Ridge Road. Quincy wrote about how much he loved their chicken and fries, even taking photos and describing his favorite meal in vivid detail. That simple act of kindness made a profound impact. Jerry Navarro, the general manager, shared, “We got a letter from Quincy, and we were so moved because so few people take time to hand write a letter. He took time to write, to take a picture, and to describe the meal with so much detail. It meant the world to our team and how welcome it made us feel in our community.”

In a gesture of gratitude, Jerry coordinated a catered Raising Cane’s lunch for the entire 3rd grade class as part of their Friendsgiving celebration. He personally delivered the food, only to be surprised by a giant student-made poster, covered in signatures and messages of thanks. The moment moved him deeply. “I shared the poster with all my staff. It inspired our whole team seeing the impact we’re making in our community,” he said.

Parents felt that same sense of pride and gratitude. Quincy’s mother, Tegan Perkins, reflected, “I’m just so proud of my son. Watching him progress to write in such a way that he generated this kind of response is inspiring. I’m thankful for his teacher and the community at Amelia Earhart for giving students this real-world experience. It’s beyond my expectations.” Quincy himself summed up the experience with pure joy: “Raising Cane’s is the best restaurant. It made me so happy to learn that my letter made a difference. It was fun to meet the general manager, and he helped us understand why writing to people is important. I’m so grateful my class got to enjoy this wonderful meal together.”


GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. A Thanksgiving Appeal

Stories like this—where gratitude sparks connection, courage, and unforgettable real-world learning—are why the Goddard Education Foundation exists. When students are empowered to explore, to communicate, to lead, and to dream, extraordinary things happen. A single handwritten letter from a third grader brought joy to an entire business, inspired an entire staff, and created a memory those students will carry for the rest of their lives.

This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in nurturing more moments just like this.

Your gift to the Give. Gratitude. Goddard. campaign helps fund classroom initiatives, creative projects, teacher grants, and innovative learning opportunities that allow students across all of Goddard Public Schools to discover their potential and impact their community.

Every contribution—big or small—supports the next Quincy, the next inspiring teacher-led project, and the next student’s dream waiting to take flight.

In the spirit of gratitude and community, we invite you to make a gift today and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities throughout Goddard Public Schools at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools