USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

Ever wonder who keeps the buildings, athletic complexes, and school campuses of Goddard Public Schools clean and functional, despite day-to-day, high-traffic use year after year? The USD 265 Facilities & Maintenance team is full of hard-working professionals who put in the effort year-round to ensure that the students, staff, and families of Goddard Public Schools have clean, safe, and effective learning environments. Please join us in applauding all of the work, which is often done behind-the-scenes, that this incredible team does throughout the school year and summer! Considering a career in facilities maintenance and management? We're currently seeking dedicated team members! Bring your skills and passion for excellence to a team that makes a meaningful difference every day. You'll help maintain the foundation of our educational mission while enjoying competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment. Whether your expertise is in general maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or grounds management, we have opportunities waiting for you. Click the link below to apply today, and become part of a team where your work directly impacts thousands of students and staff members each day! https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackPostingSearch=maintenance

We're proud to announce that USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools has been named a Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) National Showcase District Award Winner! This prestigious recognition celebrates districts that have created extraordinary school environments where students and staff feel connected, valued, and eager to learn. Through the dedication and compassion of staff across the district, Goddard Public Schools is creating a more safe and caring environment, forming trusting relationships that are the foundation for academic excellence! Congratulations especially to each of the individual schools that earned the title of "National Showcase School!" Amelia Earhart Elementary School Apollo Elementary School Challenger Intermediate School Clark Davidson Elementary Discovery Intermediate School Eisenhower Middle School Explorer Elementary School Goddard Academy Goddard High School Goddard Middle School Oak Street Elementary School In addition to the above, Eisenhower High School (EHS) has been recognized with the “Rising Star” award, which is designated for schools within their first year of piloting CKH programming. This national recognition honors campuses that have fully embraced the processes and demonstrated measurable improvements in school culture, student behavior, and academic achievement during their initial year. EHS will be eligible for the National Showcase recognition after year two of their implementation. What makes these accomplishments truly special is that they reflect the HEART of what we work to accomplish in USD 265 – putting building positive relationships first, and creating environments where every student feels valued and capable of achieving greatness. To every teacher, staff member, administrator, and student who embraces the Capturing Kids' Hearts principles each day: YOUR commitment to building meaningful connections is transforming lives and shaping futures. This recognition belongs to YOU!

Have you heard of, or read, the USD 265 Strategic Plan? This comprehensive roadmap represents the culmination of extensive collaborative planning, community engagement, and forward-thinking approaches to ensure exceptional educational experiences for all students. The Strategic Plan serves as an actionable blueprint featuring: Core belief statements Clearly defined, measurable goals Evidence-based educational practices Strategic resource allocation methods designed for maximum impact At USD 265, we maintain our commitment to educational excellence through shared responsibility and by providing innovative, connected opportunities for EVERY student in our district. We invite all members of our #265Family community to review this important document and partner with us in realizing this vision. Together, we are creating an educational legacy that will last generations. View the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for Goddard Public Schools at: https://5il.co/39y6y

The Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps inspire minds and expand possibilities for the 6,400+ students and 1,200+ staff of Goddard Public Schools. Through the dedication of creative volunteers, generous donors, supportive trustees, and hard working staff the GEF is able to provide appreciation breakfasts, innovative teacher grants, and host an incredible fundraising event annually. Want to follow along on the journey of helping educate students for lifelong success by inspiring minds and expanding possibilities? Follow the Goddard Education Foundation on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/goddardef

Are you looking for a rewarding career helping students with varying ability levels develop, grow, and succeed? Goddard’s Special Education Cooperative is hiring, and we want YOU to join our #265Family! Learn more about the fulfilling journey that a position within Special Education can provide by clicking the link below! https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1&AppliTrackPostingSearch=title%3Aspecial%20education%20&AppliTrackZipRadius=5&AppliTrackSort=type&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail

Please join us in celebrating the amazing teachers and staff across the district who have collectively earned prestigious awards and recognition from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - where science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) meets career readiness! Distinguished School Award Recipients: Eisenhower High School Goddard High School Goddard Middle School Challenger Intermediate Discovery Intermediate Amelia Earhart Elementary Apollo Elementary Clark Davidson Elementary Explorer Elementary Oak Street Elementary But that’s not all we have to celebrate! EVERY SINGLE K-6 school in our district has been recognized as a "Distinguished Launch School" - that's ALL our elementary schools AND both intermediate schools! In addition to these school communities who have exceeded expectations in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math - Challenger and Discovery ALSO earned “Distinguished Gateway School” status, and are two out of only eleven in the state of Kansas to receive these honors. As if all of this wasn’t impressive enough, EHS & GHS are two out of only EIGHT high schools in the entire state to receive PLTW’s “Distinguished High School" program recognition. To our phenomenal educators and specifically PLTW teachers: Your dedication to hands-on, real-world learning is transforming the futures of students across the entire district. You're not just teaching - you're inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and leaders. THANK YOU for your passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re so fortunate to count you as part of our #265Family!

One of the best parts about engaging with families online, via our school or district websites or social media platforms, is telling the stories of our school communities! Highlighting the hard work of our students, teachers, parent volunteers, coaches, support staff, and more is such a privilege. The NEWS section of each school and district website is solely dedicated to doing this work, shining a spotlight on the dedication and success of our #265Family! Check out the NEWS section of your school’s website via the links below! District: https://www.goddardusd.com/news EHS: https://ehs.goddardusd.com/o/ehs/news GHS: https://ghs.goddardusd.com/o/ghs/news Goddard Academy: https://academy.goddardusd.com/o/ga/news EMS: https://ems.goddardusd.com/o/ems/news GMS: https://gms.goddardusd.com/o/gms/news Challenger: https://challenger.goddardusd.com/o/cis/news Discovery: https://discovery.goddardusd.com/o/dis/news Apollo: https://apollo.goddardusd.com/o/aes/news Earhart: https://earhart.goddardusd.com/o/aees/news Explorer: https://explorer.goddardusd.com/o/ees/news CDS: https://clarkdavidson.goddardusd.com/o/cdes/news Oak Street: https://oakstreet.goddardusd.com/o/oses/news

Did you know that in the first few years of life, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life? Their futures are shaped by the experiences they are provided with, even at such early stages. Goddard Public Schools Parents As Teachers (PAT) is a no-cost, parent education and family support program serving USD 265 families from pregnancy through age four. USD 265 PAT families receive personal visits, opportunities for parent group connections and play groups, access to screenings, and a vast resource network to link families with community services. Learn more about how your child can benefit from PAT programming and how to apply here: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/parents-as-teachers-pat.

At the district wide End-of-Year Celebration, four incredible individuals were recognized for their selfless dedication and countless hours of service, which have made an immeasurable impact on our USD 265 community. The 2025 recipients of the Ryan Jilka Impact Award were Jessica Holle, Ashley Miller, Travis Rink, and Lindsay White. Their collective contributions to help strengthen our school communities and create lasting positive change is immeasurable. As Co-Chairs of the 2025 School Bond steering committee, these amazing volunteers poured their hearts and souls into educating our community, answering questions, and championing for the future of our students. Night after night, weekend after weekend, they sacrificed their personal time because they believed in something bigger than themselves - they believed in building a better future, continuing to expand student opportunities, for the ENTIRE #265Family! Jessica Holle - Your desire to better your alma mater, and your passion for progressing educational excellence in Goddard Public Schools shines bright and encompasses everything it means to lead with a servant heart. What you do, you do it with a full and motivated heart. THANK YOU! Ashley Miller - Your commitment, leadership, experience, and enthusiasm was invaluable and helped keep the focus future-forward. Your top priority is always to create the most caring and connected environment for students, at Oak Street and beyond. THANK YOU! Travis Rink - Your dedication to this district and the betterment of our students and staff is incredible and unparalleled. You met every obstacle with a positive attitude, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes and to answer every question for your community. You stepped up to the plate and made a remarkable impact and difference for this community. THANK YOU! Lindsay White - Your unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy made all the difference, even in the face of adversity. The gift you gave of time, talent, and leadership in an effort to positively impact the students, staff, and families of Goddard Public Schools defines excellence. We’re proud to have parent advocates like you. THANK YOU! The Ryan Jilka Impact Award was created to recognize those who go above and beyond to make an incredible impact in our school community. The efforts of these four individuals have directly contributed to strengthening and improving USD 265 for generations to come. Thank you for believing in the mission of Goddard Public Schools, for investing in the future of our students, and for showing what it truly means to serve with heart. The entire #265Family is better because of you. THANK YOU!

Please help us applaud the decades of hard work, dedication, and compassion that Lisa Hogarth, Principal at USD 265 - Goddard Middle School, and Sean Hollas, Interim Director of USD 265 - Transportation, have poured into our #265Family! These two were selected as the 2025 recipients of the Sara McDonald & Ruth Wood Legacy Award for USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools! Lisa’s colleagues had this to share, “Lisa Hogarth inspires me to be the best version of myself, both in and out of the classroom. As a leader, she doesn’t simply direct; she walks alongside you, asks the hard questions (even when we are not so keen on hearing them), and helps you think through your ideas so that even your failures lead to growth. She challenges and empowers, always with a deep understanding of your strengths and areas for growth. Because she knows others so well, she knows exactly when to push, when to guide, and when to celebrate. Her leadership reaches far beyond school walls. It reaches into her family, her relationships, and her community. She is my boss, my leader, my friend, and someone who holds a piece of my heart. As the saying goes, ‘The heart of a school is its principal.’ Not only does she capture the hearts of students, parents and the staff at GMS, but she IS the heart, the drive, the vision, and the soul behind what we accomplish. Lisa has dedicated a lifetime of service in education. She has led with wisdom, strength, compassion and courage that has impacted generations of students as well as the educators who have had the honor of working alongside her. Her daily contribution to students and staff may, at times, be overlooked but her impact on the overall culture of Goddard Middle School is a testament to her ongoing commitment and hard work. Through her vision and passion, she has cultivated a true community where students and staff are empowered to grow and thrive. Goddard is lucky to have a leader like Lisa in the district and I am blessed to call her my colleague and friend!” Sean’s colleagues had this to share, “It’s no surprise that Mr. Sean Hollas is being recognized with this award— his humor, his gift for building strong relationships, and his remarkable memory for names and faces set him apart. On my first day working with Sean, I completely misread a story he was sharing and ended up laughing hysterically—only to realize, far too late, that it was actually a deeply personal and heartbreaking experience for him and his family. Thankfully, Sean turned it into a running joke and gave me the nickname “Tinman” for my apparent lack of heart. He even made me a Tinman quilt as a constant reminder of our first day together. That’s just who he is— quick-witted, endlessly kind, and a master of memorable nicknames. His ability to turn even awkward moments into lasting connections is a true reflection of the impact he has on everyone around him.” The Sara McDonald and Ruth Wood Legacy Awards celebrate the lifelong commitment to educational excellence and positive impact on students. Thank you, Lisa and Sean, for your commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities and making a difference in the lives of our students and staff every day. Please join us in congratulating these exceptional leaders, who have served this district for a whopping combined SIXTY years!

All of the faculty and staff of USD 265 came together to celebrate the conclusion of another amazing school year on Friday, May 16th. This is a chance to celebrate staff milestones, honor those that came before us, and look ahead to the future of our district together - and of course welcome summer break for teaching staff! As part of this, staff was honored to celebrate the incredible educators who have reached the milestone of 25 years in education! These dedicated teachers have shaped countless futures, inspired generations of students, and strengthened our school communities through their unwavering commitment to learning. A quarter of a century of lesson planning, creating caring and compassionate learning environments, staying dedicated year after year to the positive impact you make, and helping students grow and thrive - that's something truly special! Thank you for your years of service, for believing in every student who walks through your school hallways, and for making education your life's work. Your legacy lives on in every student’s life and future that you’ve positively impacted. Here's to 25 years of being a difference maker and always raising the bar of educational excellence!

One of the exceptional educators at Goddard Academy recently received a well-deserved recognition - perfectly suited for someone who represents such a strong commitment to educational excellence! Tune in to KSN at 11:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday, May 27th) to see which special teacher will be featured on their collaborative "Treat the Teach" segment, which is achieved in partnership with Credit Union of America. Set your reminders to find out which Goddard Academy star will shine in the spotlight of our community!

Reminder! All school and district offices will be closed on Monday, May 26th, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.

Wondering what possibilities might be available to you and your family this summer in and around the Goddard area? The Goddard Public Schools district website has a page directly dedicated to providing information specifically for local families such as summer sports camps, activities, local events and more. Check it out today by clicking the link below! Questions, or interested in adding an opportunity to the website? Contact Dane Baxa at danebaxa@goddardusd.com or call 316-794-4000. Community Opportunities: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/community-opportunities

Speech Language Pathologists (or SLPs) play SUCH a crucial role in school communities, and we want to extend a huge thanks to each and every SLP that is part of this #265Family! Words cannot fully capture the profound difference you make in our schools. As you move between classrooms, navigate changing schedules, and transform hallways into therapy spaces, you bring with you something irreplaceable: the gift of communication. Where others might see challenges, you see potential waiting to be unlocked. The victories they celebrate may seem small to some: a correctly produced “rrr” or “sss” sound, a completed sentence, a raised hand in class, a student conducting a smooth conversation with a friend. But SLPs understand these moments represent mountains climbed and barriers overcome. These triumphs transform not just academic outcomes, but entire futures. Through partnership with teachers to weave communication strategies into daily lessons, guidance to families advocating for their child, and finding time to create that perfect activity that makes a reluctant, soft-spoken student light up with confidence. These fiercely passionate education professionals are more than just a wide knowledge base of clinical resources. They provide creative solutions in busy environments, and patience when progress is measured in tiny increments. Their unwavering belief in every student's right to be heard and understood helps shape and positively impact the futures of so many. The voices they help today will tell stories, share ideas, forge connections, and change the world tomorrow.

Another amazing school year in the books! As the classroom doors close and the summer sun beckons, we pause to reflect on the remarkable journey we've shared together this year. Through challenges and triumphs, laughter and learning, each of you has contributed to making our Goddard Public Schools community truly extraordinary. To our incredible students: You have amazed us with your resilience, creativity, and determination. From the youngest learners in Pre-K taking their first brave steps into education, to the high school Seniors preparing for life beyond our halls - we have watched you grow, question, create, and inspire. Carry your curiosity with you this summer, find adventure in unexpected places, and know that we're already counting the days until we see your smiling faces again. To our dedicated staff: Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the countless hours, energetic efforts, and immeasurable heart you've poured into this school year. You've been educators, mentors, cheerleaders, problem-solvers, and so much more. You've created safe spaces where students feel valued and capable of achieving greatness. You've adapted to meet ever-changing needs with grace and professionalism. This summer, please take time to rest, recharge, and remember the profound difference you make in the lives of our students and community. To our supportive families: Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gift - your children. Your partnership, understanding, and involvement have been vital to our collective success. The strong foundation we build together within our school communities is reinforced by your support at home. The hallways may fall quiet in the coming weeks, but the impact of our #265Family extends far beyond these walls and throughout the summer months. Whether you're staying close to home or exploring new horizons, we hope your summer is filled with joy, connection, and well-deserved rest. When the school bells ring again in August, we'll be ready to embark on another year of growth and discovery together. Until then, we wish you sunny days, starry nights, and all the best that summer vacation has to offer!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss Congratulations to Josephine Wilson, Library Clerk at Clark Davidson Elementary School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Wilson was nominated by Matt Cavanaugh, CDS Principal, who shared, “Josephine Wilson brings an infectious positive attitude to work with her every day at Clark Davidson School. She calls being a library clerk her dream job because she gets to be surrounded by books every day, but she brings so much more to CDS than her love for books. She starts her day by greeting students as they get off the bus, then greets staff members after greeting students, then continues to greet students in the hallway before recording morning announcements with 4th-grade students. She is a shining example of a Capturing Kids' Hearts focus to positively engage with students and colleagues to begin the day. Josephine has a sub license, which means that she is also called upon to sub when there is a shortage. She has also been called upon to help in the cafeteria when we are short-staffed in that department. Her love of books is what brought her to the library clerk position at CDS, but Josephine's flexibility, adaptability, and genuine love for being in a school setting have made her an invaluable and indispensable part of the CDS team.”

“Intelligence and skills can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” - John F. Kennedy Congratulations to Jessica Jackson, Physical Education Teacher at Goddard Middle School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Jackson was nominated by Ellie Strausberg, a GMS Student, who shared, “Mrs. Jackson is honestly one of the best teachers out there. She’s super respectful and kind, and you can really tell she makes a difference in our lives. From the moment we step into her class, the positive energy she creates is just contagious. Her way of teaching gym is not only effective but also really inspiring. She puts in so much effort to make sure every student is engaged and doing well in the activities. There was this time we were doing our 8 minute run, and we were allowed to take a one minute break in between, and I decided to just keep running, and she made sure I knew she was proud. It’s the small things that can completely change a person's view. What I love about her is that she knows how to challenge us while still giving us the support we need to succeed. She encourages us to push our limits and try new things, and it’s clear she believes in our potential. That kind of motivation makes us want to work harder and strive for excellence. Her feedback is always constructive, which helps us improve our skills. One time, I went into class having a terrible day, and she pulled me over, sat me down, and just talked to me. Plus, Mrs. Jackson creates a real sense of community in the gym. She respects each of us as individuals and takes the time to understand our strengths and weaknesses. That personal connection makes it so much easier to participate because we know she genuinely cares about our well-being. Her kindness creates a supportive environment where we feel comfortable and can actually have fun. In summary, Mrs. Jackson’s dedication, kindness, and respect make her an exceptional gym teacher. She teaches us about fitness and sports while also instilling values like teamwork and perseverance. She definitely deserves recognition for her unwavering commitment to her students and the positive impact she has on our physical education journey.”

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation” - Plato Congratulations to Travis Ford, Physical Education Teacher at Apollo Elementary School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Ford was nominated by Allison Ebert, Bailee Fosse, Abby Jennings and Connor Christensen, who collectively shared, “Travis is always willing to jump in and help whenever needed! Whether it is with a student who is having a tough start to the day or being there to provide some extra one-on-one time with a student, he is happy to help. It is amazing to see all of the wonderful relationships Travis has with students and how excited they are to greet him in the morning and go to PE. The staff and students of Apollo are lucky to have him! Travis Ford is truly deserving of the Attitude Award because of his unwavering positivity and dedication to our students, staff, and school. Each morning, Travis is our car rider greeter. He welcomes each student with a fist bump and a smile. He takes the time to learn students' names and greets many of them personally. He remembers details about them from their sporting activities to their families, checking in on older siblings, or seeing how their games went over the weekend. As one of the first staff members students see each day, his positivity sets the tone, helping them start their day off on the right foot. Travis is also always willing to step in and help in any situation, whether it’s providing extra PE time for a student who is struggling, offering to walk students to class, or being his special helper by helping him set up the gym for the day. Students rely on his positivity and encouragement to get through their day. No matter the situation, he makes the most of it, bringing out the best in those around him and making our school a better place. Mr. Ford is far more than just a PE teacher; he is a true role model of kindness, care, and positivity. His interactions with students always have a genuine warmth. He can often be found offering encouraging words, a high-five, or a listening ear to students of all ages. He creates a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued and comfortable participating, regardless of their athletic abilities. He goes above and beyond his job description by stepping in to help whenever needed. This includes covering extra classes and providing behavior interventions to students. Apollo is a better place because Mr. Ford is here! Mr. Ford has been a familiar and friendly face at Apollo since we opened in 2010. The number of lives he has impacted is astounding. His impact can be seen throughout each day as he greets each car rider as they enter the building, works hard to connect with students on a personal level, and is always looking for new activities to incorporate into PE. Mr. Ford has taught students many lifelong lessons, including teamwork, conflict resolution, various sports, and even skating! Mr. Ford is also a great support for staff as he can often be seen with multiple classes at a time in order to help make up for any shortages in substitutes. He does all of these things with a smile and a positive attitude! Mr. Ford's selflessness and impact are greatly appreciated!”

Happy School Communicators Day! In the daily life of our school communities, this work often happens behind the scenes, yet its impact resonates through every hallway, classroom, and home districtwide. These professionals are the storytellers of the incredible journey our students and staff embark on throughout the school year. Through meticulously crafted social media posts, thoughtfully designed website updates, timely newsletters, and communications delivered with care, they help share what drives our schools towards excellence each and every day. During celebrations, their cameras capture the moments that families will treasure. In times of uncertainty, their clear guidance provides stability. Through the dedication of our school communicators: Families feel connected to their children's educational experience, School values and mission are clearly communicated, Community engagement thrives through accessible information, and Our students' accomplishments receive the recognition they deserve. Their skills in website maintenance, design, and digital communication platforms are matched only by their interpersonal talents - knowing exactly how to frame a message for maximum clarity and impact. On this School Communicators Day, please know that YOUR work matters profoundly. Please take a moment to help us applaud these education professionals today, and every day!