USD 265-Explorer Elementary

Multiplying Potential: The GHS Math Challenge

For many young students, a high school building can feel intimidating. But for a group of third through eighth-grade USD 265 students, math teacher at Goddard High School Joel Burgeson’s innovative GHS Math Challenge is creating an avenue for excitement, belonging, and highlighting academic success.

The idea sparked after the GHS Math Club competed in regional college math relays during the 2024-2025 school year. Seeing how much his high schoolers benefited from the STEM-focused environment, Mr. Burgeson, with the help of his Math Club students, designed a localized event to “spark and maintain interest in mathematics” for younger USD 265 students, giving them an opportunity to experience their own math competition.

During the half-day event on May 7th , 161 top-performing math students (approximately 20 students from each K-8th Goddard school) got to take part in a brief math lesson, tackled problems aligned with Kansas Math Standards, completed group mathematical activities, and toured Project Lead the Way labs and math classrooms at Goddard High School; finishing off their field trip with lunch alongside GHS Math Club high schoolers. Elementary teachers praised the event, noting “it was so nice to have an extra incentive that motivated students at the end of the school year and celebrated our top math performers with a fun challenge.”

Beyond test scores, this program builds mathematical confidence in our younger USD 265 students. In fact, freshmen who previously experienced the challenge shared that being in the building made them feel “ more confident that they were prepared to make the transition from middle school to high school.”

“Improving student participation in math and other STEM disciplines was the focus of the GHS Math Challenge,” shares Mr. Burgeson. “Increased effort and math achievement will be the immediate measure that students are learning. Looking forward, this Innovative Teacher Grant provides a powerful investment to expand the program to host even more students from across the District in the future. What do you call that kind of District-Wide dedication to STEM? As Mr. Burgeson puts it: “Answer = SUCCESS!”

Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping multiply potential for our !

The deadline to order school supply packs has been extended. Do not wait. Secure your child’s supplies today.
Order here: https://www.educationalproducts.com/ShopPacks/

Explorer Elementary early discount deadline is 6/14/2026.
Use School ID: EXP020

The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to introduce the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

Established in 2018, the Hall of Fame celebrates, honors, and recognizes the extraordinary service, success, and achievements of our alumni, retired staff, and dedicated friends of education.

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026:
* Dan Buchanan, Former Educator & Coach
* Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle), Goddard High School Class of 1986
* Jerry Longabaugh, Former Educator, Administrator, and Current USD 265 Board of Education Representative
* Dr. Christopher Warren, Goddard High School Class of 1992
* Dr. Michael Vivion, Goddard High School Class of 1962

Save the Date!
Please join us on September 18, 2026, to celebrate the Class of 2026.
Keep an eye out for event details, registration opens in July.
Stay tuned as we highlight each of our individual inductees in the coming weeks. Let's join together to celebrate the past and inspire the future of Goddard Public Schools.

This year I will be running "OPEN MATS" over the summer for Eisenhower-side students entering grades 4-6. I have attached the "Wrestling - Youth Wrestling Dates - Summer 2026" schedule for this to this email and was wondering if you might be able to help distribute this information to your students/parents entering 4th & 5th grade. This will be open for both boys and girls and will be free of charge.

Additionally, we will also be hosting a 3-Day Youth wrestling camp from June 8th-10th. This camp is open for students entering 1st - 5th grade and also includes both boys and girls. I have attached this "2026 Eisenhower Kids Wrestling Camp" document to this email as well and I was wondering if you also might be able to help distribute this information to your students/parents.

Before your students head out for summer break, please have them check the lost and found for any missing items! All unclaimed items will be donated on Friday, May 15th.

Building Blocks of Brilliance

For first- year Kindergarten teacher Hannah Moncada, the classroom at Explorer Elementary is more than just four walls, it is a launchpad. But she noticed a common hurdle among her class: many of her students were beginning their academic journey with limited exposure to the foundational building blocks of ready and math.

“I have seen how much my students enjoy hands-on activities,” Moncada shared in her grant application. “They are more engaged and retain more information when they are able to move and manipulate materials.”

Driven by a desire to bridge this gap, Hannah submitted an Innovative Teacher Grant for specialized ELA and Math activity centers. Thanks to the generosity of Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) donors, her vision for an engaging tactile classroom was fully funded.
With the reading and math activity centers, Hannah is moving beyond traditional pencil and paper tasks. These resources ensure students aren’t just memorizing, but truly mastering the materials.

The GEF’s investment in Ms. Moncada’s classroom extends far beyond a single school year. While these resources have helped her current students bridge the gap, these materials are built to last for the next generation of Explorers.

“These materials will be used for years to come. They will benefit not only my current students but also future Explorer students,” shared Moncada.

By partnering with educators like Hannah Moncada, the GEF is doing more than just purchasing supplies; they are building a foundation of confidence and curiosity. Because of this grant, young learners are getting the hands-on tools they need to thrive.

A huge thank you to Premier Martial Arts for coming to Explorer and spending time with our students! We loved learning new skills, building confidence, and having so much fun. Thank you for investing in our students and making it such a great experience! 🥋👏

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