USD 265 Goddard Public Schools - Home of the Lynx

“If knowledge is power, then learning is a superpower.” - Jim Kwik

Congratulations to Kelci Mohr (3rd Grade Teacher, Amelia Earhart Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Mohr was nominated by Angela Webster, Special Education Teacher at Earhart , who shared the following, “Kelci Mohr’s 3rd-grade classroom, The Seastars, is a shining example of creativity, connection, and compassion. Her students start their mornings learning Spanish through Duolingo so they can better communicate with their ELL friends - just one of the many ways Kelci fosters inclusivity and belonging. This month, her class is eagerly preparing for their fall feast, a potluck paired with their recent novel study. Kelci’s passion for hands-on experiences extends beyond the classroom: she was part of the National Cohort for Social Studies Educators and received a CUA grant in 2024 to launch her after-school cooking club. Kelci goes above and beyond to stay connected with her students and families, hosting summer fishing days and sharing updates about her family’s turtle rescue and rehabilitation project. Kelci embodies everything the Attitude Award stands for. Kelci is one of the most hands-on, out-of-the-box educators I’ve ever had the honor of working with. She is a safe place for her students - past and present - and the first to offer a warm meal, a kind word, or a hug to a colleague in need. Her attitude radiates warmth, creativity, and heart in everything she does.”

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier

Congratulations to Fred “MJ” Jenkins (Building Engineer, Discovery Intermediate School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Jenkins was nominated by Alexa Heim, 5th Grade Teacher at Discovery, who shared the following, “MJ is such a breath of fresh air in our building. He has consistently gone above and beyond within our building to keep it a clean and safe environment for all staff and students. He has taken such good care of us as a staff, always checking in to see if he can get us anything or do anything for us. We appreciate that he takes the extra time to ask us how our day went and encourages us to relax at the end of our day.

One of my favorite things about MJ is that he also takes the time to interact with our students. He has a good rapport with our students and was seen engaging in ‘aura farming.’ The kids thought this was the coolest thing ever. It brought so much laughter and joy to our fifth grade students.

At the end of a busy school day, it is an absolute joy to see MJ offering a smile and a helping hand. I believe he is more than deserving of this award because of his infectious positive attitude and his willingness to step in and help anyone. I speak for multiple teachers in the building when I say he is truly an amazing building engineer. We appreciate him more than he knows and believe he should be recognized for the great work he does each and every day. We are so very lucky to have MJ in our building!”

Just a few minutes can make a BIG impact!

We know life is busy. But if you have just a few minutes, we would truly appreciate your voice in our post-election survey. This isn’t just a questionnaire. It’s a chance to shape how we move forward as a district.

- Have thoughts on the election?
- Want to help us improve?

Click the link below to take this short survey and tell us what’s most important to you for the future of our schools.

http://research.net/r/usd265

#265Family #BondFeedback #265Pride #BetterTogether

THIS WEDNESDAY! The USD 265 Certified Staff Career Fair is almost here!

04:30 - 08:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 12th
Eisenhower High School (1230 S. 167th St. W. Goddard, KS 67052)

If you’re ready to launch your education career, USD 265 offers:
Supportive district culture
Competitive compensation
Professional growth opportunities
Chance to impact students' lives daily

We're hiring for Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, SLP, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other certified positions!

Sign up for an interview here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-59174180-teaching

We can't wait to meet you!

Happy STEM Day!

Science. Technology. Engineering. Math.
These aren't just subjects - they're the keys to innovation and the future. Here at USD 265, we're proud to offer hands-on STEM experiences through Project Lead The Way coursework. We're building problem-solvers, creators, and the next generation of innovators! Learn more here: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/project-lead-the-way.

Today and every day, Goddard educators help their students continue to ask questions, explore possibilities, and dream big!

Tomorrow is National Parents as Teachers (PAT) Day, so we’d like to take this opportunity to shout out our amazing PAT Staff: Charity & Michelle! Parents are the first and most important teachers in a child's life. From bedtime stories to homework help, from teaching kindness to building confidence, parents are the foundation of every child's success.

At Goddard Public Schools, we believe that education is a shared responsibility and that students, parents, community members, and the district must all be active partners and work together in the process. Learn more about USD 265 Parents as Teachers by visiting the website here: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/parents-as-teachers-pat

AND follow allow on social media by clicking on the links below!
https://www.instagram.com/usd265_pat/
https://www.facebook.com/people/USD-265-Parents-As-Teachers/61579594182722/

Thank you to ALL members of our #265Family who partner with us to nurture curious minds and caring hearts. Together, we're preparing the next generation!

Help Us Learn: Take the Survey Today!

At Goddard Public Schools, we are a community of learners - and we believe listening is part of learning. Following the recent bond election, we’re asking our #265Family to take a short survey to help us understand the outcome and how we can better serve our students, staff, and families moving forward.

Share your thoughts
Let your voice be heard
Help shape the future

The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Click the link below to help us shape a better tomorrow for our school communities!

research.net/r/usd265

#265Family #BondFeedback #265Pride #BetterTogether

November is National Scholarship Month! At USD 265, we're committed to helping our students achieve their dreams. Now is the time to explore scholarship opportunities!

Check with your counseling offices for local and national scholarship resources. Every application is a step closer to your future. Don't leave money on the table, start your search today!

Find more resources here: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx

Hey, #265Family - want the full USD 265 experience? Follow us on ALL platforms! Stay connected with news, updates, and celebrations across the district!

Facebook: USD 265-Goddard Public Schools
https://www.facebook.com/GoddardPublicSchoolsUSD265/

Instagram: @usd265_goddard
https://www.instagram.com/usd265_goddard/

X/Twitter:
@usd265_goddard
https://x.com/USD265_Goddard

Be sure to follow the district on all platforms, and download the USD 265 mobile app to stay in the loop 24/7/365!

This week, we celebrate the dedicated school psychologists who work tirelessly to support the mental health, academic success, and overall well-being of our students. They help create safe, nurturing environments where every child can grow, learn, and thrive - both individually and as part of our #265Family!

From crisis support to fostering resilience, from collaborating with families to championing student strengths - our school psychologists make a lasting difference every single day. Please join us in thanking these essential professionals for their commitment to helping all students reach their full potential. Your impact matters more than you know!

From superheroes to scientists, storybook characters to historical figures, schools across the district were filled with colorful and creative costumes today. THANK YOU to our incredible staff for making today safe, fun, and memorable for the entire #265Family! Seeing the spark of excitement in the hearts of our young learners, and watching families help that spark shine bright, is what having #265Pride is all about.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

Our Certified Staff Career Fair is next Wednesday, November 12th!

Are you ready to be part of educational excellence? USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools is seeking dedicated certified professionals to join our team.

When: 04:30 - 08:00 p.m. I Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Where: Eisenhower High School (1230 S. 167th St. W. Goddard, KS 67052)
Positions: Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, SLP, Psychologist, Social Worker & more!

Pro Tip: Sign up for an on-site interview in advance! Walk-ins welcome, too. Link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-59174180-teaching

See you next week!

As October comes to a close each year, communities across the country come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and abuse. Let's embrace this opportunity to get informed and have meaningful conversations today, so that we can collectively pave the way for a safer, drug-free tomorrow! #RedRibbonWeek

Today we celebrate the incredible Occupational Therapists (OTs) who are making a real difference in our USD 265 schools every single day!

Our OTs work behind the scenes - and sometimes right there in the classroom - helping students develop the skills they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether it's fine motor development, sensory support, adaptive strategies, or building confidence and independence, our Occupational Therapists meet students exactly where they are and help them reach their full potential.

To our amazing OTs across all schools: Thank you! Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your creativity. Thank you for seeing each student's unique strengths and challenges. Thank you for collaborating with our teachers, counselors, and families to create inclusive environments where every child can succeed.

Our students are better because of you. Our schools are stronger because of you. Our Goddard Public Schools community is richer because of the care you bring to work every day!

Congratulations to Leah Whelan, 2nd Grade Teacher at Explorer Elementary School, and one of two district nominees representing USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools for Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY). This award honors exemplary educators, at the elementary and secondary levels, who go above and beyond in their classrooms and school communities to cultivate and foster a caring and connected learning environment for students. The mission of this program, which is hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. Leah Whelan shines bright as an example of what it means to pour your soul into your profession. Here’s a peak into just why that is.

Whelan was nominated for this recognition by Explorer Principal, Paige Hill, who shared this, “Leah Whelan goes well beyond the standard curriculum to ensure education transcends the classroom walls and becomes a lifelong part of our students’ lives. Mrs. Whelan does this by utilizing innovative teaching methods, focusing on each child as a whole, and withholding a strong sense of community. Mrs. Whelan instills intrinsic motivation within each of her students. She recognizes each student’s growth and praises efforts, teaching students that intelligence is not fixed, it can be developed through perseverance and grit.” Hill continued by sharing, “Mrs. Whelan brings the real world into her classroom, helping students understand the why behind what they are learning. She is aware of the individual differences each student brings and she strives to modify her teaching to match the students at their various learning levels. Mrs. Whelan also creates a safe and welcoming community where students learn from and with each other. This allows our students to build social skills and a sense of shared responsibility. She creates a dynamic and compassionate learning environment where curiosity is celebrated, effort is paramount, and collaboration steers the ship. Mrs. Whelan doesn’t just teach curriculum; she empowers young minds to become strong independent thinkers, empathetic citizens, and lifelong learners.”

Whelan shared a bit about her own motivations and what she strives to create in the classroom. “Even in my 18th year of teaching, I continue to have a love of learning. Education is ever-changing and so are teaching practices.” She continued, “The most important thing I have learned in my career is that students do not learn if they do not feel loved. In my classroom, students are loved for who they are first and taught second. They are encouraged to make mistakes, so they grow not only as students but as people. During our time together, I am dedicated to being the teacher who teaches them the important things: they are enough, they are loved, and they can do hard things.”

Thank you, Mrs. Whelan, for all that you have done and will continue to do to educate our #265Family for lifelong success!

Congratulations to Brandy Lane, English & Language Arts Teacher at Eisenhower Middle School (EMS), and one of two district nominees representing USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools for Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY). This award honors exemplary educators, at the elementary and secondary levels, who go above and beyond in their classrooms and school communities to cultivate and foster a caring and connected learning environment for students. The mission of this Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. Brandy Lane is a fantastic example of teaching with heart, but don’t just take our word for it. Keep reading!

Lane was nominated for this prestigious honor by EMS Principal, Evan Manning, who had this to share, “Brandy is an advocate for all students in her class, but also for all students and staff members in our building. She puts as much time, effort, and expertise into her world class lessons as she does into the support and connection for our entire culture.” He continued on to say, “She finds ways to connect with students that are outside the box, and incredibly engaging to 21st century students. Many great teachers will be applicants for the teacher of the year, but few will have also excelled as an advocate for all students and staff like Brandy has. Mrs. Lane has been on a team where we had to be critical, take ownership, look for solutions, gather data, communicate with other schools and make difficult choices for student success. Brandy helped create new building and district goals, collect data on student performance, collaborate with administration and counseling departments to set up new classes, intervention strategies, and instructional modification, all with the express vision of driving student achievement. Without the initial and continued leadership from Mrs. Lane, we would not be able to continue these impactful programs. I could not more highly recommend someone for this nomination as much as I do Mrs. Brandy Lane.”

Lane expressed how she strives to build a positive school culture through engaging with students, colleagues, and families through authentic learning experiences. “My classroom is a place where academic rigor, creativity, and care for the whole child meet - hopefully, creating a ripple effect across our school and district.The focus of this initiative centers around building relationships. My priority is for students and families to know I truly care for them.” She continued, “Part of how I build and maintain strong relationships in the classroom, is ensuring I build them outside of the classroom, too. I prioritize contributing to a culture of shared responsibility in the district. The results of these priorities are visible in both student outcomes and in the overall school environment. What began as a personal commitment to making learning joyful and meaningful, has developed into a broader effort that engages students, empowers teachers, and strengthens family-school partnerships. Ultimately, this focus has contributed to a school culture where students feel cared for, staff feel supported, and families feel connected—creating a community where learning and belonging exist together.”

Thank you, Mrs. Lane, for all that you have done and will continue to do to educate our #265Family for lifelong success!

Did you know that USD 265 offers adult education and diploma completion through Orion Education & Training? Orion utilizes a user-friendly curriculum aligned with state standards and works individually with each student to establish an individualized learning plan that will advance their academic goals. Life doesn’t always follow a straight path, and whatever may have prevented you from a traditional high school graduation, please know that Orion Adult Education is here to help YOU reach your goals for the future!

Programs offered:
High school diploma preparation and completion,
Career and college planning assistance,
Dual-credit courses to gain college credit,
Work experience credits and training, and so much more!

It's never too late to invest in your future. Learn more about how Orion can support your educational journey. Click the link below to learn more.

https://orioneducation.org/diploma-completion/locations/goddard

This week, we're celebrating safe school bus travel and reminding our USD 265 community about the importance of keeping our students safe on and around the bus.

STUDENTS: Remember these important safety rules:
Wait for the bus in a safe place, away from moving traffic
Stay seated while the bus is moving
Keep the aisles clear and voices at a reasonable level
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing up
Look both ways before crossing in front of the bus
Always stay where the driver can see you

PARENTS & DRIVERS: You play a crucial role too!
Stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended
Never pass a stopped school bus - it's illegal and dangerous
Be patient and alert in school zones and around bus stops
Talk to your children about bus safety rules

BUS DRIVERS: Thank you for keeping our kids safe every single day! Your training, vigilance, and care make all the difference.

Let's make every ride a safe ride! Questions about bus safety or routes? Contact our USD 265 Transportation Department at 316-794-4291.

Is your teen ready to get behind the wheel? USD 265's Spring 2026 Driver Education program registration opens this Wednesday, October 22nd at 10:00 a.m.!

WHO CAN ENROLL? Current USD 265 students who will be at least 14 years old by November 21st, 2025

PROGRAM COST: $275 for USD 265 students

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
Registration opens: Wednesday, Oct. 22nd @ 10:00 a.m.
Payment due: Thursday, Oct. 30th @ 10:00 p.m.
Required in-person meeting: Sunday, Nov. 10th, 2025
Online coursework: Feb. 2nd - 19th, 2026
Behind-the-wheel driving: Nov. 22nd, 2025 - May 14th, 2026

ENROLL HERE: https://bit.ly/USD265-DESpring26

IMPORTANT: Space is limited and spots fill up fast! Enrollment is first-come, first-served, and payment must be received by the deadline to guarantee your teen's spot in the program. Questions? Reach out to Jacob Holle at jholle@goddardusd.com or 316-794-4142. Don't wait - mark your calendars for Wednesday morning and get ready to register!