USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

When Carrie Schrader and Sherry Stroh came to visit Explorer Elementary School, returning to a school district they both used to teach in, they brought more than just a love of reading. They brought a story uniquely their own. The two retired educators from USD 265 Goddard Public Schools recently came together to create a children's book for readers of all ages to enjoy. Thank you for showcasing this beautiful accomplishment, bringing it back “home” to a local Goddard school, and reading it to our students.


Schrader, author of “Wiggle Waggle Woo,” formerly taught 1st Grade at Clark Davidson Elementary School, Technology at Goddard Middle School, and Culinary Arts at Eisenhower High School. Ten of her 36 years of teaching were in Goddard when she retired in 2021. Schrader’s experience instructing students of all ages gave her the perfect perspective for what a children’s book might look like and what it would need in order to be successful. To really inspire young minds, she knew she’d have to pair her story with illustrations that matched the energy and reading level of her target audience.


“With 24 years of teaching in the lower grades of elementary school, I was very familiar with pattern and rhyme books. While spending a weekend with all four of my grandchildren, the thought of writing a book with all of them in it came to mind,” Schrader shared, explaining her book's origin. “I had so much fun reading the book! The students were engaged and asked great questions. They got so excited to say the stanza with me every time another animal character began to dance. It was a great day!”


Stroh, illustrator of “Wiggle Waggle Woo,” worked for Goddard Public Schools for 14 years before retiring in 2015. She taught Communications, Public Speaking, and Forensics at the high school level, for ten years at Goddard High School and four years at Eisenhower High School when it opened. Additionally, Stroh coached Forensics and Debate during her tenure in Goddard schools. A side hobby that evolved over the years, for her, was expressing herself through artwork.


“Engaging with students was and continues to be one of the best parts of education for me,” Stroh said. “This opportunity was so fulfilling and showed me that these students still connect with the inquisitiveness that a simple book can bring. They find connections to their own lives, and reading inspires them to write and share their own stories. Reading literature will always be very important for young ones, as they do connect with their creativity and imagination, while learning phrases, words, and ideas. I appreciated the teachers giving us their time, and what a great job they (and families) are doing to mentor these young people to be so polite and engaging with us.”


The familiar sights and sounds of a school environment brought back a flood of memories. The excitement of young learners, the colorful educational displays, and the genuine curiosity of children reminded them why they had dedicated their careers to education. Schrader's expertise in early childhood education shone through as she engaged the students with dynamic reading, while Stroh's skills in communication helped bring the story to life with expressive artwork and lively demonstrations. The two were brought together by a family connection and quickly became friends. 


While Schrader crafted a narrative that would not only entertain children, but also help them learn, Stroh leaned back into her roots in illustration and began to explore digital design more. Together, they created a story that reflects the educational drive that defined their professional lives. Their visit to Explorer Elementary to read the book aloud was more than just a routine storytelling session—it was a heartfelt homecoming. As many retired educators can attest, returning to the classroom can bring powerful emotions and is truly something special. 


“Reading sparks thinking skills even at a very young age,” posed Stroh. “What we hope to inspire in others was displayed while watching the students we read to find joy, laughter, and simple fun in learning the story together. Their excitement and connection made sharing the story and illustrations so special.”


The students listened attentively, studying the illustrations with curiosity. For Schrader and Stroh, this moment was a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have, even after retirement. Their book was not just a personal project, but a testament to their belief in the transformative power of storytelling and education. By sharing their collaborative work, the two demonstrated that education is a calling that extends far beyond the traditional classroom walls. Their visit inspired not just the young students, but also their fellow educators, showing that retirement is not an end, but another opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of children.