Please join us today as we celebrate Teaching Assistants Day! Every thriving classroom is built on a foundation of support, collaboration, and care. We're grateful to our entire #265Family of educators who work together to create a positive learning atmosphere. This includes our incredible teaching assistants! From paraprofessionals and student aides to specialized staff such as physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and occupational therapists. Thank you ALL for your essential role in educating each student for lifelong success!
Did you know that school websites are packed with resources for families and students?! From school meal menus to important forms, student handbooks to activity calendars and links - everything you need is just a click away! Explore the Family & Student Resources section within your school’s website menu today.
Want to make a difference in your child's school experience? Join your school’s PTO or Booster Club! Whether you have 30 minutes or 3 hours to spare, parent volunteers are at the heart of so much for each school community. From fundraising to event planning, supporting students through a contribution of time can be invaluable. Contact your child(ren)’s school directly to learn more and get involved today!
Want to stay updated on how our community supports student success? Click the link below to visit the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) on Facebook, and make sure you click “Follow” to stay on this journey with us!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef
See how the GEF Innovative Teacher Grants enhance learning opportunities, support innovative programs, and make dreams possible for our students. Through the thoughtful stewardship of GEF Business Partners, and individual donors, students in Goddard Public Schools can continue to not just progress, but thrive in our caring and connected school communities!
The Goddard Education Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants. This grant offers any USD 265 staff member up to $1,000 to help them fund innovative projects and programs in their classroom or school.
The grant money can be used for supplies, materials, and other resources to create innovative opportunities for students.
How to Apply
To apply for a GEF grant, please use the provided links:
Apply Now: https://5il.co/3mrmb
View Past Grants for Inspiration: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/schools
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by December 19th, 2025, to be implemented in the Spring 2026 semester. If you have any questions or need help with your application, please contact Amanda Leivian at aleivian@goddardusd.com or by calling 316-794-4000.
THANK YOU for your continued dedication to educating ALL students for lifelong success!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef
See how the GEF Innovative Teacher Grants enhance learning opportunities, support innovative programs, and make dreams possible for our students. Through the thoughtful stewardship of GEF Business Partners, and individual donors, students in Goddard Public Schools can continue to not just progress, but thrive in our caring and connected school communities!
The Goddard Education Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants. This grant offers any USD 265 staff member up to $1,000 to help them fund innovative projects and programs in their classroom or school.
The grant money can be used for supplies, materials, and other resources to create innovative opportunities for students.
How to Apply
To apply for a GEF grant, please use the provided links:
Apply Now: https://5il.co/3mrmb
View Past Grants for Inspiration: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/schools
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by December 19th, 2025, to be implemented in the Spring 2026 semester. If you have any questions or need help with your application, please contact Amanda Leivian at aleivian@goddardusd.com or by calling 316-794-4000.
THANK YOU for your continued dedication to educating ALL students for lifelong success!
Today, on I.T. Professionals Day, we want to give a huge thank you to the USD 265 Technology team who keep our systems running smoothly every day. From training and troubleshooting new programs, to maintaining our networks and keeping classrooms connected with the best possible technological options, you make 21st-century learning possible for our students and staff. Thank you for all you do!
Reminder! There will be no school on Monday, September 15th, as USD 265 Staff will be having a Professional Development Day.
Today we pause to remember September 11th, 2001, and honor the lives lost and sacrifices made. This country was founded on a sense of duty, resilience, unity, and the importance of coming together during difficult times. This Patriot Day, we want to say THANK YOU to every armed service member, first responder, and all those who serve these United States of America!
It's Arts in Education Week! This week we celebrate how creativity enhances learning across ALL subject matter. From theater to graphic design, music to creative writing - the arts help our students think critically, express themselves, and see the world in new ways. Thank you to our incredible art educators!
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson
Congratulations to Aretha Place, USD 265 Transportation Secretary, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Aretha was nominated by Sarah Smith, Treasurer at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, who shared, “I would like to nominate Aretha for this award due to her work ethic. She consistently works long hours and manages an incredible amount each day. No matter how busy she is, whenever I call, even with a small question, she is always patient, kind, and helpful. Aretha is calm and professional. She ensures I get the support I need. I have never heard her complain or speak negatively about anything, even when things are not going as planned. She quietly handles so much behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed, simply because she just keeps working without seeking recognition. The Transportation Department is truly lucky to have her, and I believe she deserves to be recognized for the incredible work she does each and every day.”
Congratulations to Aretha Place, USD 265 Transportation Secretary, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Aretha was nominated by Sarah Smith, Treasurer at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, who shared, “I would like to nominate Aretha for this award due to her work ethic. She consistently works long hours and manages an incredible amount each day. No matter how busy she is, whenever I call, even with a small question, she is always patient, kind, and helpful. Aretha is calm and professional. She ensures I get the support I need. I have never heard her complain or speak negatively about anything, even when things are not going as planned. She quietly handles so much behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed, simply because she just keeps working without seeking recognition. The Transportation Department is truly lucky to have her, and I believe she deserves to be recognized for the incredible work she does each and every day.”
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
Congratulations to Nina Gracy, USD 265 Bus Driver, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Nina was nominated by Interim Director of USD 265 Transportation, Sean Hollas, who shared, “Nina Gracy is one of the hardest-working drivers in our department and a driving force behind many of the positive changes we've seen in transportation over the past year. Her dedication, initiative, and consistently positive outlook have made a lasting impact on our team.
Nina has gone above and beyond her regular duties—helping to organize the summer BBQ, as well as multiple staff breakfasts, luncheons, and snack days. These efforts were aimed at building a stronger sense of community among our team, and they absolutely succeeded.
She also dedicated countless hours to supporting our drivers in preparing for the bus rodeo, not only by organizing practices but also by building and setting up equipment. Her leadership and commitment extended beyond our district as she served on the board of the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association (KSPTA), stepping into the role of interim secretary this winter. Nina played an integral role in planning and executing this year’s KSPTA conference and bus rodeo—work that demanded time and energy, often at the expense of her family time.
Despite her busy schedule and long list of responsibilities, Nina never let stress or work dampen her spirit. She consistently brought energy, encouragement, and a can-do attitude to everything she did. She truly acts as a cheerleader for our department, lifting others up and leading by example.
Nina is more than deserving of the Attitude Award—her positivity is contagious, and her contributions have made our workplace better for everyone.”
Congratulations to Nina Gracy, USD 265 Bus Driver, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Nina was nominated by Interim Director of USD 265 Transportation, Sean Hollas, who shared, “Nina Gracy is one of the hardest-working drivers in our department and a driving force behind many of the positive changes we've seen in transportation over the past year. Her dedication, initiative, and consistently positive outlook have made a lasting impact on our team.
Nina has gone above and beyond her regular duties—helping to organize the summer BBQ, as well as multiple staff breakfasts, luncheons, and snack days. These efforts were aimed at building a stronger sense of community among our team, and they absolutely succeeded.
She also dedicated countless hours to supporting our drivers in preparing for the bus rodeo, not only by organizing practices but also by building and setting up equipment. Her leadership and commitment extended beyond our district as she served on the board of the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association (KSPTA), stepping into the role of interim secretary this winter. Nina played an integral role in planning and executing this year’s KSPTA conference and bus rodeo—work that demanded time and energy, often at the expense of her family time.
Despite her busy schedule and long list of responsibilities, Nina never let stress or work dampen her spirit. She consistently brought energy, encouragement, and a can-do attitude to everything she did. She truly acts as a cheerleader for our department, lifting others up and leading by example.
Nina is more than deserving of the Attitude Award—her positivity is contagious, and her contributions have made our workplace better for everyone.”
“Perseverance is the act of true champions." - Richelle E. Goodrich
Congratulations to Valerie Armstrong (Lead SIS Specialist) and Tara McPhillips (SIS Specialist) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Valerie and Tara were nominated by a number of peers, including Taylor Smith, Registrar at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, who shared the following, “Big thanks to Valerie for being our Skyward superhero! Through all the changes, questions, and ‘Wait… how do we do that again?’ moments, she’s been right there - helpful, hardworking, and endlessly patient. We’re so grateful for her dedication and the way she’s made this transition feel so much easier. Valerie, you’re the best!” Smith echoed a similar sentiment for both, sharing, “In the middle of the chaos, Tara McPhillips has been a breath of fresh air. She’s always ready to lend a hand, sprinkle a little kindness, and somehow find the humor in even the wildest moments. Her positive energy has been refreshing, and we’re so lucky to have her lighting up the madness.”
“Over the past several months, Tara and Valerie have worked tirelessly to guide our district through the challenging migration from our old Skyward system to the new one,” shared Tristan Davis, Registrar at Apollo Elementary. “This was no small task, and still isn't.....it required long hours, detailed problem-solving, constant communication, and an incredible amount of patience. Throughout the entire process, they stayed positive, even when faced with tight deadlines, unexpected issues, and the inevitable learning curve that comes with a new system. They are committed to supporting staff, answering endless questions, and ensuring data accuracy has been nothing short of inspiring. I can't imagine taking on this migration without them!!!!”
Amber Powers, Treasurer at Challenger Intermediate School, enthusiastically endorsed these nominations, noting, “I would like to nominate Tara McPhillips and Valerie Armstrong for the District Attitude Award, recognizing how they transformed what could have been a stressful migration into a positive experience for everyone involved. During the Skyward Q transition, these two became the backbone of our implementation effort, spotting problems before they became crises, thinking outside the box when standard solutions wouldn't work, and serving as the calm, knowledgeable voices that kept everyone moving forward. Whether it was staying after hours to troubleshoot issues or patiently walking colleagues through procedures for the hundredth time, Tara and Valerie maintained an upbeat, can-do attitude that was truly infectious. Their leadership didn't just get us successfully moved to the new system; it showed our entire secretary team that challenges can be opportunities when approached with the right mindset. Although they did not know much on the finance side, they were both there, figuring out all issues to have a better start to our first days back!” Amber’s counterpart and Registrar at Challenger, Anita Parks, joined in the nomination and added, “I would like to nominate Tara McPhillips & Valerie Armstrong for the District Attitude Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication and positive attitude during the Skyward Q migration process. Throughout this complex transition, Tara & Valerie consistently went above and beyond expectations by proactively identifying potential issues, developing creative solutions to technical challenges, and serving as reliable resources for colleagues navigating the new system. Their patient and thorough responses to countless questions, combined with their willingness to stay late and provide hands-on support during critical migration phases, exemplified the collaborative spirit that makes our district successful. Tara & Valerie's positive attitude and problem-solving expertise not only ensured a smooth transition to Skyward Q, but also created a supportive environment that helped the entire secretary/registrar team adapt confidently to the new platform. Their outstanding contribution truly embodies the values we celebrate with this award.”
Tiffany Spradling, Registrar at Discovery Intermediate School, shared in the nominations sharing, “Tara has been instrumental in the conversion process for SMS to Q. She has gone above and beyond to help us do our jobs best at the school level; she has a great sense of humor and is always willing to do what needs to be done. I don't know what we would do without Tara, especially right now. She deserves more than just an attitude award!”
Explorer Elementary School Registrar, Stephanie Shoff, shared, “Tara and Valerie go above and beyond every day. They always have a positive, helpful attitude. They are the heart and soul of making sure Q is running. They have truly blessed us with their knowledge!”
Congratulations to Valerie Armstrong (Lead SIS Specialist) and Tara McPhillips (SIS Specialist) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Valerie and Tara were nominated by a number of peers, including Taylor Smith, Registrar at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, who shared the following, “Big thanks to Valerie for being our Skyward superhero! Through all the changes, questions, and ‘Wait… how do we do that again?’ moments, she’s been right there - helpful, hardworking, and endlessly patient. We’re so grateful for her dedication and the way she’s made this transition feel so much easier. Valerie, you’re the best!” Smith echoed a similar sentiment for both, sharing, “In the middle of the chaos, Tara McPhillips has been a breath of fresh air. She’s always ready to lend a hand, sprinkle a little kindness, and somehow find the humor in even the wildest moments. Her positive energy has been refreshing, and we’re so lucky to have her lighting up the madness.”
“Over the past several months, Tara and Valerie have worked tirelessly to guide our district through the challenging migration from our old Skyward system to the new one,” shared Tristan Davis, Registrar at Apollo Elementary. “This was no small task, and still isn't.....it required long hours, detailed problem-solving, constant communication, and an incredible amount of patience. Throughout the entire process, they stayed positive, even when faced with tight deadlines, unexpected issues, and the inevitable learning curve that comes with a new system. They are committed to supporting staff, answering endless questions, and ensuring data accuracy has been nothing short of inspiring. I can't imagine taking on this migration without them!!!!”
Amber Powers, Treasurer at Challenger Intermediate School, enthusiastically endorsed these nominations, noting, “I would like to nominate Tara McPhillips and Valerie Armstrong for the District Attitude Award, recognizing how they transformed what could have been a stressful migration into a positive experience for everyone involved. During the Skyward Q transition, these two became the backbone of our implementation effort, spotting problems before they became crises, thinking outside the box when standard solutions wouldn't work, and serving as the calm, knowledgeable voices that kept everyone moving forward. Whether it was staying after hours to troubleshoot issues or patiently walking colleagues through procedures for the hundredth time, Tara and Valerie maintained an upbeat, can-do attitude that was truly infectious. Their leadership didn't just get us successfully moved to the new system; it showed our entire secretary team that challenges can be opportunities when approached with the right mindset. Although they did not know much on the finance side, they were both there, figuring out all issues to have a better start to our first days back!” Amber’s counterpart and Registrar at Challenger, Anita Parks, joined in the nomination and added, “I would like to nominate Tara McPhillips & Valerie Armstrong for the District Attitude Award in recognition of their exceptional dedication and positive attitude during the Skyward Q migration process. Throughout this complex transition, Tara & Valerie consistently went above and beyond expectations by proactively identifying potential issues, developing creative solutions to technical challenges, and serving as reliable resources for colleagues navigating the new system. Their patient and thorough responses to countless questions, combined with their willingness to stay late and provide hands-on support during critical migration phases, exemplified the collaborative spirit that makes our district successful. Tara & Valerie's positive attitude and problem-solving expertise not only ensured a smooth transition to Skyward Q, but also created a supportive environment that helped the entire secretary/registrar team adapt confidently to the new platform. Their outstanding contribution truly embodies the values we celebrate with this award.”
Tiffany Spradling, Registrar at Discovery Intermediate School, shared in the nominations sharing, “Tara has been instrumental in the conversion process for SMS to Q. She has gone above and beyond to help us do our jobs best at the school level; she has a great sense of humor and is always willing to do what needs to be done. I don't know what we would do without Tara, especially right now. She deserves more than just an attitude award!”
Explorer Elementary School Registrar, Stephanie Shoff, shared, “Tara and Valerie go above and beyond every day. They always have a positive, helpful attitude. They are the heart and soul of making sure Q is running. They have truly blessed us with their knowledge!”
Please join us in applauding our amazing Physical Therapists: Geri Beatty, Jessica Giacometti, Emily Tejano, and Danielle Vequist! Thank you for helping our students move, grow, and thrive every single day. Your dedication to improving mobility, strength, and independence makes such a difference in the lives of Goddard Public Schools and we're grateful for all you do!
To kick off Literacy Month, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate all of the amazing educators that make a special place for reading and literacy advancements in Goddard Public Schools. THANK YOU to each and every teacher, para, librarian, and administrator that places important value on literature and pushes our students to achieve their very best. Our #265Family shines bright in areas of literacy, and beyond. Thank you, this month and every month, for all that you do to educate all students for lifelong success!
Let's give a warm welcome to the new teachers at Goddard High School! Welcome to Goddard Public Schools, we all hope you have a fantastic school year!
Don't miss out! Make sure to pick up this week's edition of The Times-Sentinel Newspaper and check out the 2025 Fall Sports Guide! This 20-page annual publication features local high school sports schedules, team photos, rosters, and preview stories of our Eisenhower High School and Goddard High School football, volleyball, cross country, girls tennis, girls golf, and boys soccer teams.
Keep an eye out for The Times-Sentinel Newspaper throughout the fall season for coverage on all local teams. We wish all our student athletes the best of luck this season. Our #265Family is #BetterTogether!
Keep an eye out for The Times-Sentinel Newspaper throughout the fall season for coverage on all local teams. We wish all our student athletes the best of luck this season. Our #265Family is #BetterTogether!
Let's give a warm welcome to the new teachers at Eisenhower High School! Welcome to Goddard Public Schools, we all hope you have a fantastic school year!
Let's give a warm welcome to the new teachers at Goddard Middle School! Welcome to Goddard Public Schools, we all hope you have a fantastic school year!
As a reminder, all schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1st in observance of Labor Day. We hope everyone has a fantastic holiday weekend!
Let's give a warm welcome to the new teachers at Eisenhower Middle School! Welcome to Goddard Public Schools, we all hope you have a fantastic school year!
Let's give a warm welcome to the new teachers at Discovery Intermediate School! Welcome to Goddard Public Schools, we all hope you have a fantastic school year!
