Join us in celebrating Alicia Scott, the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Teacher at Goddard Middle School, who received a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant. Her project, “Sensory Empowerment” will help transform how she is able to support her students.
For many students, particularly those who thrive with PBS support, navigating the daily demands of school can be overwhelming. They often struggle with communication and emotional regulation. “Incorporating sensory play opportunities in the classroom can help these students regain focus, enhance their awareness of their actions, and better understand their emotions,” shared Ms. Scott.
The goal of the new sensory items is to significantly reduce the time it takes for students to self-regulate and return to learning, ultimately increasing their valuable time in inclusive classrooms. This grant isn’t just about a space; it’s about equipping students with the essential tools for lifelong self-regulation and success.
Congratulations, Ms. Scott, on bringing such a vital and impactful initiative to Goddard Middle School. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it makes for our students.
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
For many students, particularly those who thrive with PBS support, navigating the daily demands of school can be overwhelming. They often struggle with communication and emotional regulation. “Incorporating sensory play opportunities in the classroom can help these students regain focus, enhance their awareness of their actions, and better understand their emotions,” shared Ms. Scott.
The goal of the new sensory items is to significantly reduce the time it takes for students to self-regulate and return to learning, ultimately increasing their valuable time in inclusive classrooms. This grant isn’t just about a space; it’s about equipping students with the essential tools for lifelong self-regulation and success.
Congratulations, Ms. Scott, on bringing such a vital and impactful initiative to Goddard Middle School. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it makes for our students.
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 Goddard Middle School winner was April Karber, the GMS Librarian, who was nominated by Trey Triggs, a colleague. Her nominator wrote, "April Karber is an exceptional middle school librarian who goes above and beyond to foster a love of reading and lifelong learning among students and staff in USD 265. Through creative initiatives like Reading BINGO, rotating book displays, and interactive activities such as Name That Book trivia outside the library, Mrs. Karber has transformed the library into an inviting hub of curiosity and engagement.
Students are drawn to the library not only during scheduled class check-outs but also during passing periods, before and after school, and ELA visits—resulting in a notable increase in foot traffic. Always looking for ways to connect, Mrs. Karber has also created a Google Classroom for the library, providing another layer of accessibility and engagement.
Beyond books, Mrs. Karber serves as a vital support system for both students and colleagues—helping with research, assisting in classrooms, and always offering a helping hand. With unwavering professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication, Mrs. Karber truly exemplifies the spirit of the #265Family Award, making a lasting impact on the school community."
Congratulations again Mrs. Karber, 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
Something big is coming to GMS this fall! Get ready, students!
Goddard Community Youth Basketball Camp - presented by Maycee and Guests wrapped up today with drills, work on fundamental skills, and some fun games! Thank you parents and campers who attended! Go Lions! 🦁🏀
Day 1 - GMS Home to Maycee James Summer Youth Basketball Camp ⛹️♂️⛹️♀️ Still open for campers.
5/20 and 5/21
🏀K-3rd Session 1: 8am to 9:30am
🏀4th-6th Session 2: 10am to 11:45am GMS Gyms
Enjoy your summer!
GMS Fun Day starts....
Earlier today Track and Field Lions Mason Wright and Jill Eck received a team-voted Leadership Award for outstanding efforts in character, integrity, and team spirit. This award is reserved for 8th Graders. Congratulations!
GMS x WSL DIV. 2 TRACK & FIELD MEET!
Please have students return library books this week! Especially outgoing 8th graders! Thank you!
Introducing the 2025-2026 GMS Cheerleading Sqauds! 📣🦁
Big Lions shout out to Mrs. Gardner and Mrs. Burdge and our GMS Choir who put on a wonderful display of whole group and solo voice performances tonight for the 2025 Pops Concert! 🎶🎤x🦁
It's School Nurse appreciation day, and we want to say thank you to our nurse, Mrs. Mitchell! We appreciate all you do to help keep GMS students healthy!
Some history lovers stayed after school with Mrs. Webb to watch the play/movie Hamilton!
Circle of Friends had a blast at the park last week for their final get-together!
Circle of Friends had a blast at the park last week for their final get-together!
Circle of Friends had a blast at the park last week for their final get-together!
Actually...it IS rocket science! More fun in Ms. Lancaster's class!
"To teach is to touch lives forever, for the lessons imparted by a teacher echo through eternity." It's Teacher Appreciation Day, and we want to say thank you to all the educators who impact young lives every day! We appreciate you!
