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/
Time to trade textbooks for sunshine, fun, and family adventures. As you kick off your summer plans, don’t forget to stay safe:
🚲 Wear helmets when biking
🌊 Swim with supervision
🚗 Buckle up on every ride
🌞 Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
Let’s make this summer unforgettable for all the right reasons. Have fun and be safe out there! 🌴🍧
See you August 11th!
Are you passionate about supporting diverse learners and making a difference every day? Join our team!
We're currently looking for:
🔹 A Mixed Abilities Paraeducator – someone patient, dedicated, and ready to support students with a wide range of learning needs.
🔹 A Gifted Education Teacher – creative, inspiring, and skilled in nurturing advanced learners.
Please email Marney Hay at mhay@goddardusd.com to inquire.
Due to inclement weather, Field Day will be held indoors today. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate parent visitors because of space and staffing limitations. We appreciate your understanding and support.
Our creative and enthusiastic 3rd grade students have come up with a brand-new school holiday — Character Day! After brainstorming and sharing their favorite stories, heroes, and icons, they decided it would be amazing to celebrate the characters who inspire us.
Character Day will take place this Friday, May 9th!
Students are invited to dress up as their favorite character from a book, movie, TV show, or video game. Whether it’s a superhero, a princess, a wizard, or a talking animal, we can't wait to see the imagination and personality each costume brings to school!
This student-led idea is a celebration of creativity, reading, and self-expression — and a great reminder that learning can be fun and magical when we bring our imaginations to life.
LOST & FOUND OVERLOAD!
Our Lost & Found has officially reached “Where did all this come from?” status. It's full of lonely jackets, water bottles, and the occasional single shoe looking for its forever home.
Parents, you're welcome to stop by and take a look during school hours — anytime before 3:45 PM. You might just reunite with that hoodie that vanished weeks ago!
Please note: Our office staff won’t be able to search or hold items (we are already emotionally attached to the lost unicorn lunchbox ).
Come take a peek — your kid’s stuff misses you.
Student Verification is due 5/1/25! If you haven't already, please log into Skyward Family Access to complete the verification. If your student will NOT be returning for the 25-26 school year please contact the office ASAP!
Spring is in full bloom, and our students are loving every minute of it! There's nothing better than enjoying lunch outside in the fresh air, surrounded by friends and sunshine.
Thanks to the incredible support and fundraising efforts of our amazing families, we're looking forward to adding outdoor lunch & classroom tables for next school year!
We’re so grateful for this community and all the ways you help make our school even better. Here's to more lunches & classes under blue skies!
Returning Student Registration is now available and must be completed for each child in your family who will be returning to Goddard Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year. Please log in to Skyward Family Access today at https://tinyurl.com/u9x26d9z and complete the process before May 21, 2025. If your student will NOT be returning to Goddard, please contact the office ASAP!
Lunch time Reminders!
Check out the flyers for information for Kindergarten & Pre-K Enrollment Nights!
Kindergarten Enrollment night will be held on 4/3/25 from 6:30-7:30 at your boundary school, if you are unsure of which school is in your home address boundary, please reach out and we can assist you. Please make sure to bring your students Birth Certificates, Proof of Residency, Vaccine Records and any other Dr. Notes that will be helpful for the success of your student!
Pre-K Enrollment Night will be held at CHALLENGER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL on 4/9/25 from 4:30-7:30, this is a come & go event!
Ms. Carney, gym teacher here at Earhart, initiated a field trip for our 4th grade & Mixed Abilities classes to go watch the Tri-County Basketball game at Eisenhower Highschool.
"I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to bring our 4th grade students to cheer on our district's mixed-abilities basketball team! They made signs, cheered on the players, and had a great time. The fourth-grade teachers were thrilled to reconnect with their former students and families, offering their full support. It was such a heartwarming event that truly reminded us why we became educators. The love, joy, and uplifting energy were a beautiful reminder of what life is truly about."
They had a blast!!
Behind every successful student is a dedicated social worker who brings positivity, support, and a listening ear. Whether it's offering guidance, providing emotional support, or helping navigate life's challenges, school social workers are the unsung heroes creating a safe and uplifting environment for every child. Happy School Social Workers Week to our very own, Mrs. Tabatha!
AND we cannot forget to mention our wonderful Social Worker in training, Miss Gabby! Her gentle presence reminds us that sometimes, a wagging tail (or lack thereof), and a cuddle are all we need to feel better.
A group of select 3rd graders at Earhart had the exciting opportunity to lead the flag ceremony at the board meeting. Their involvement helps engage students in school events and encourage leadership skills. As they proudly stood in front of the board members and attendees, they demonstrated confidence and a sense of responsibility, marking a memorable moment for both the students and the community.
We are in need of a few more volunteers for our Parent Teacher Conference Meals. Click the link below to sign up to donate!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4EABA628A0FB6-54619797-parentteacher#/
Many kindergarteners arrive at school with vastly different experiences. As Amelia Earhart kindergarten teacher Mrs. Wollard explained, "Some students don't have bikes or trikes at home and have never learned to ride." To address this, Mrs. Wollard secured an Innovative Teacher Grant to provide scooters, tricycles, and balance bikes for all Amelia Earhart kindergarteners to use during recess.
Developing gross motor skills like riding is crucial for young children. Access to this equipment helps improve coordination, balance, and sensory awareness. "Kids need to be active and burn energy to succeed and focus in the classroom," Mrs. Wollard emphasized. "These bikes, trikes, and scooters will not only teach our 100+ kindergarteners how to ride but also how to follow rules and take turns, fostering important social growth."
The joy on the kindergarteners' faces as they tried out the new equipment was undeniable. Goddard Public Schools is committed to providing learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day, and GEF Innovative Teacher Grants help educators make these opportunities a reality for all students.
From early childhood to graduation, we are #265Family! Thank you for being part of the journey to educate all students for lifelong success.
The Goddard Education would like to invite you to attend Oz, a night of philanthropy where we come together to support the #265Family and the Innovative Teacher Grant Program. Learn more about Oz 2025 by clicking this link: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/oz-2025-fundraising-event
Goddard Public Schools Families,
Due to ongoing dangerously low wind chill temperatures and the challenges this creates with our buses, there will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, February 20, 2025, for students.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dane Baxa
Due to ongoing severe winter weather conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, for students.
USD 265 Educators will have a Virtual Professional Development Day on Feb. 19, 2025.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dane Baxa
Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families,
Due to the forecasted severe winter weather conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
