Explorer Elementary School

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!

27 days ago, Goddard Public Schools

Educator Spotlight Alert!

This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.

This educator’s story reflects what makes Goddard a family: heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to students. Your year-end gift, matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000, fuels more teachers’ stories just like Mrs. Whelan's

Give. Gratitude. Goddard.

Donate now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680

2 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

🎉 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

3 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

REMINDER - All schools and district offices will be closed next week: Monday, Nov. 24th - Friday, Nov. 28th, 2025. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy fall break, from our #265Family to yours!

3 months ago, Goddard Public Schools

Calling all college junior teaching candidates! Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052

Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective

3 months ago, Goddard Public Schools

The Goddard Education Foundation is looking for all the “G’s” out there for our inaugural G-Day event!

This event is for all the “G’s” in our community: Grandparents, Golden-Agers, or anyone who is simply a Grand and Generous person who wants to give back to the next generation of students. We invite you to join us for a morning dedicated to remembering and experiencing all the amazing things that happen in elementary classrooms. This is more than just a volunteer event; it’s a celebration of generations and a chance to forge new relationships.

Goddard Public Schools will be featuring two of our Elementary Schools, Explorer Elementary and Amelia Earhart Elementary, for these Inaugural G-Day events. The dates are:

- Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 from 8:15 am - 12:00 pm at Explorer Elementary School
- Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 from 8:15 am - 12:00 pm at Amelia Earhart Elementary School

Please share this with a Grandparent, Neighbor, Community Patron, or friend who might enjoy learning more about Goddard Public Schools.

To Register:
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, with that in mind, there are only 20 available G-Day participant spots (10 for each elementary school). Interested G-Day participants can complete the application form by clicking the link below by the end of the day on Monday, October 13, 2025, and a representative from the Goddard Education Foundation will be in touch with you. Any interested G-Day representative must meet all the eligibility requirements (listed in the registration form) to be considered for G-Day.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUnhhEx28OQ9YJCj3dmcF4BHpPzV9sDTw6dTjWr6lsk4dKlw/viewform?usp=header

We hope you'll help us celebrate and honor the many "G's" who make our community strong. Thank you for supporting Goddard Public Schools. We look forward to welcoming our guests at G-Day!

5 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

Join us for our annual Family Fun Night with Explorer friends, families, and staff!

Enjoy yard games, inflatables, limbo, and tug-o-war. 💲Food trucks (Hot 2 Trot, Cheezepanze, Mrs. Coles), 💲Raffles, and the 💲Splash Tower (soak your favorite staff!) will also be available.

✨ This free event is open to all—mark your calendars and don’t miss the fun!

More details to come over the next couple of weeks!

6 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

Don't miss your chance! Registration for Explorer's Girls on the Run is still OPEN!

Girls on the Run is an after-school youth development program for 3rd and 4th-grade girls. The GOTR mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates movement. Through thought-provoking discussion and fun activities, Girls on the Run uplifts and empowers girls in our community and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Starting the week of September 22, 2025, the team will meet every Tuesday & Thursday from 4:15 PM - 5:45 PM. The program culminates in a celebratory 5K at the end of the season! The registration fee ranges from $25- $160. If your daughter qualifies for free lunch, the fee is $25. If your daughter qualifies for reduced lunch, the fee is $35. If you do not qualify for free or reduced lunch, financial assistance is available based on household income & size. We will never turn a girl away because of financial hardship! Registration can be found at: www.girlsontherunks.org. Team sizes are limited, and registration is first-come, first-served. If you have questions, please contact Kari Vermillion at kvermillion@goddardusd.com

6 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

We are thrilled to celebrate Kelley Coakley, an amazing Occupational Therapist at Explorer Elementary, who was awarded an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation.

Her visionary project is establishing a Universally Designed Sensory School Garden Program - a vibrant, inclusive space where all Explorer Elementary students can flourish. This isn’t just any garden; it’s a living classroom designed to engage all five senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste) and promote development milestones for Life Skills students at Explorer Elementary.

The garden will provide incredible opportunities for Life Skills students to:
-Enhance physical development: Improving grip strength, fine motor skills, functional reach, and even serving as a fun motivator for students working on standing or strengthening goals.
-Boost cognitive skills: Studies show nature exposure improves working memory, attention, and reduces stress.
-Nurture psychosocial development: Building relationships and fostering community through group interactions and shared goals.

“The idea is that this is a sensory garden for the whole school to enjoy, but for our students in the Life Skills classroom, it's a fun way for them to work on functional goals and activities of daily living,” shared Mrs. Coakley. “It gives them accessibility to everyday activities that other kids experience, and for the whole school, it brings enrichment and community.”

The accessible design of these planters, ensures students with physical or cognitive disabilities can fully participate. Life Skills students got to take part in planting fragrant herbs like Chocolate Mint, Lemon Balm, and Lavender. This hands-on experience brings smiles to students’ faces, impacting their entire day.

A special thank you to the Explorer Elementary ‘Fix It Club’ led by Mrs. Haney, Project Lead the Way Teacher. The ‘Fix It Club’ along with the Goddard USD Maintenance Department worked together in assembling the accessible garden beds, turning this project into a District-Wide community effort.

Thank you, Mrs. Coakley, for establishing this incredible space that nurtures every student’s potential. We can’t wait to see all the amazing ways the Explorer students GROW!

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

7 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

Help support Explorer Elementary by enjoying "The Phill" (Paige Hill) tea brought to you by Iron Nutrition! The Elementary School principal's tea challenge will take place from August 4th to 8th.

7 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

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/

8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

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

8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation

Love for Luke May 5th-9th! Join us in showing love and support for Luke, a 4th-grade student who was recently injured in a significant playground accident.

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

Hello Explorer Families, Staff appreciation week is May 5th - May 9th. Join in the fun and show appreciation for our OZ-SOME Staff!

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

Last day for Book Fair Shopping! Join us tonight from 4:15-6:30 in the Explorer Library!

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

Special thanks to Joel Condray, author of A True Kansas Treasure and math teacher at Challenger Intermediate, for sharing his True Treasure with third and fourth grade students. "The treasure is much more than dinosaur bones. That's cool, but even better was spending time with my grandpa," Mr. Condray said. Check out more information about his book and his grandpa's discovery at www.truekstreasure.com.

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

Book Fair shopping has begun and will continue until Thursday!

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

GLOW RUN is next week! All donations are due Tuesday, April 22nd! Our run is on Thursday, April 24th during your child's PE time--reach out to your child's teacher if you're unsure when they run! If the school body raises $12,000, everyone gets to play Bingo in the Library in May! THANK YOU, Mrs. Whelan ♥

10 months ago, Explorer Elementary School

EHS Lady Tigers Basketball Camp Girls Grades 1st -8th May 19th-23rd Please Scan QR code to register

11 months ago, Explorer Elementary School