Fall sports season is officially here, #265Family!
The new 2026 Fall Sports Guide is officially out in this week’s edition of The Times-Sentinel Newspaper, and you're going to want to grab a copy before they fly off the stands!
Whether you are cheering for Eisenhower and Goddard, we’ve got your Friday nights, match days, and meet days completely covered. Inside this week's Fall Sports Guide special edition, you'll find:
Full season schedules so you never miss a game
- Official team photos and complete rosters
- In-depth preview stories for football, volleyball, cross country, girls tennis, girls golf, and boys soccer
- Let’s pack the stands, cheer loud, and show up for every single one of our incredible student-athletes across both Eisenhower High and Goddard High Schools as they kick off an amazing season!
Grab your FULL copy TODAY at Kwik Shop, Walmart (Goddard), Dillons (135th & Maple), or subscribe to the Times-Sentinel Newspaper by visiting https://publisher1.etype.services/Times-Sentinel
A Great Start, and We’re Just Getting Started
The first days of a new school year are about so much more than schedules, classrooms, and learning new routines. They are about building positive relationships. Across Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff have worked intentionally to make sure students feel welcomed, supported and excited to be back at school. At Challenger Intermediate School, that has meant everything from music, fist bumps, and big greetings during morning drop-off to hands-on science experiments, classroom activities, and older students stepping up to help younger classmates. Those moments matter. When students know there are adults who care about them and classmates who support them, it creates the sense of belonging that helps them learn, grow and succeed. As a new school year kicks off, a few members of the Challenger team shared about their first-day-of-school experience and what they're looking forward to most this year.
Darrin San Romani, Principal
A new school year means new beginnings, and Principal Darrin San Romani has been proud to see students and staff making connections from day one at Challenger. One of his favorite moments has been watching sixth graders step up to welcome and help incoming fifth graders. Those leadership opportunities are helping create a strong sense of community throughout the building. Creating a welcoming environment is a priority from the moment students arrive. From music playing in the morning to big greetings and fist bumps, Challenger staff prioritizes every student’s sense of belonging.
“Welcome!” That simple message has been on display all week, especially as students who arrived nervous on the first day quickly became excited to jump out of the car and head into school. And there’s plenty more ahead, with student leadership, robotics, family activities, and more giving students and families opportunities to connect throughout the year.
Jaden Wiley, 5th Grade Teacher (1st Year Teaching)
For first-year teacher Jaden Wiley, building relationships was the focus during the first week of school. His fifth graders played games, learned more about their new teacher and had opportunities to share about themselves with their classmates. Those early conversations are already helping build a classroom community where students feel comfortable being themselves. “I am hoping to create a sense of family here in my classroom,” Wiley shared. It’s clear that one of the highlights of the week was seeing students look out for one another, checking on classmates and helping pick each other up when they needed it.
Doug Mann, 5th Grade PLTW Science Teacher
What better way to start the school year than by getting hands-on with science? Fifth-grade science teacher Doug Mann jumped right into STEAM activities and hands-on projects during the first week at Challenger. One favorite was the “Fred the Gummy Worm” challenge, where students worked together to rescue Fred from his plastic cup boat. For Mann, activities like these are about more than having fun, they’re about helping students discover a love for science early on. He’s looking forward to a year filled with STEAM projects, including robotics activities later in the year.
His goal? “Hooking kids to science” and hopefully inspiring them to keep exploring it long after they leave his classroom.
Megan Alexander, School Counselor
The first week of school is full of new faces, new routines and, for some students, a few nerves. School Counselor Megan Alexander has been excited to see those nerves turn into confidence as students settle into Challenger.
Alexander shared that several parents reached out before the first day with concerns about their children feeling nervous. But when she checked in with those students afterward, she heard a very different story, they were doing great and thriving. Seeing staff help students feel comfortable and at home has been especially rewarding.
As the year continues, she is looking forward to watching students build strong connections with their teachers and staff. Alexander shared, “I’m excited to see students continue to make connections with staff.”
Building Connections All Year Long
Excitement and opportunities at Challenger mirror what happens all throughout Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff creating environments where students know they are welcomed, valued, and cared for. Thanks is owed to all teachers, support staff, administrators, and families for making the beginning of this school year such a positive one! And we're just getting started. As the #265Family moves beyond the excitement of the first days, we encourage families to stay connected. It takes all of us working together to create an incredible school year for students. Here's to a year filled with relationships, opportunities, discovery, and continuing to build the #265Family!
Story and pictures contributed by Tessa Carson, USD 265 Intern.
For 12 years, Kelly has been one of the people working behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly. As a Head Building Engineer at Clark Davidson Elementary School, Kelly takes care of the little things that can make a big difference—fixing a broken desk, making sure a new student has a desk waiting in their classroom, solving problems, and helping create a safe, welcoming environment where students and staff can focus on learning.
But when we asked Kelly what keeps him coming back every day, his answer went far beyond maintenance, “I love seeing teachers and others happy. I want to do my job so others have a good flow and they are able to do their job with little hiccups.”
When Kelly talks about working for Goddard Public Schools, one thing stands out: he feels like part of the team, “Our maintenance team is one big unit, not several different crews. We are all always working together to help one another out.”
Kelly says that same sense of belonging extends throughout the district, “Goddard has always treated me as a person and never just ‘the help.’" That sense of teamwork, respect, and purpose is part of what makes our schools special—not only for the students and staff we serve, but also for the people who make our schools work every day. We’re proud to have people like Kelly on our team. His work may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact can be seen throughout the school - in classrooms that are ready for students, in teachers who have what they need, and in a building where students, staff, and families feel welcomed and supported.
Find Your Place at Goddard Public Schools!
It takes people with many different skills and talents working together to create an exceptional experience for our students. Across Goddard Public Schools, there are opportunities to make a difference every day—including building engineers who, like Kelly, help create schools where students can learn and educators can thrive. If you’re looking for a career where your work has purpose, your teammates have your back, and you have an opportunity to positively impact students, staff, and families, there may be a place for you at Goddard Public Schools.
Come be part of our team. Explore current opportunities and apply today:
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/GoddardUSD265
Story and Pictures contributed by Riley Schoen, USD 265 Community Relations Intern
And be sure to tune in to KSN Channel 3 tonight! KSN joined us today to capture the excitement of the first day of school in Goddard. Watch for the feature during the 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. newscasts! To our students, families, teachers, staff, and community, thank you for making day one such a special one.
Here’s to an incredible year!
Pre-K - 6th Grade Open House will be held from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
7th - 12th Grade Open House will be held from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Meet your child(ren)’s principal and teachers, and get materials and resources that will help your family start the school year off right!
This is your FINAL opportunity to donate school supplies before the bus rolls out! Our GHS & EHS cheer squads are teaming up with Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize to fill the bus for local students — and YOU can help!
📍 Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize (10515 W. 21st St. W)
🕙 TODAY, August 4 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Bring a school supply donation → walk away with a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich. It's that simple!
Every item collected will be distributed to classrooms across the District to help fill in needs throughout the first semester — your donation goes straight back to local teachers and students. 💙
Most needed:
✏️ Backpacks
✏️ #2 pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils
✏️ Glue sticks & block erasers
✏️ Folders, notebooks, rulers
✏️ Scissors, highlighters, dry-erase markers
Come see our cheerleaders in action and help send local classrooms into the semester fully stocked. Don't miss this last chance to make a difference! 🙌
Goddard Public Schools is excited to introduce ParentSquare, our new primary two-way communication platform for staff, families, and students. Whether you prefer email, text message, the mobile app, or a web browser, ParentSquare makes staying connected simple and seamless. Implementing ParentSquare aligns with our ongoing commitment to student safety and meets the requirements of Kansas House Bill 2299, ensuring two-way, school-related communications between staff and students remain secure, transparent, and accessible.
For families that wish to access class schedules & rosters through Skyward Family Access instead, those will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. tonight. As a reminder, bus route information will only be available through the StopFinder mobile app.
Three Quick Steps to Take Today
1. Download the App or Register Online
Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parentsquare.psapp
Apple App Store (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parentsquare/id908126679
Web Sign-In: https://www.parentsquare.com/signin
2. Verify Your Account Details
Log in to confirm your contact details and student information. If updates are needed, please make those changes via Skyward Family Access.
3. Set Your Notification Preferences
Customize how and when you receive updates so communication fits your family schedule and needs.
Class schedules and teacher assignments will be available TODAY at 4:00 p.m. via ParentSquare. Downloading the free mobile app now is the fastest way to view your student's schedule as soon as it releases. You can also log in anytime at www.parentsquare.com. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue working together to educate ALL students for lifelong success!
How to Donate:
Drop off new, unused school supplies at designated collection bins around the district and local community centers.
Most Needed Items:
- Pencils and Pens
- Crayons and Markers
- Notebooks and Loose-Leaf Paper
- Folders and Binders
- Backpacks
- Glue Sticks and Scissors
- Tissues and Sanitizing Wipes
Shop the Amazon Wish List & Show Your Support from Anywhere:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UB3X40CYCF7R
Become a $265 Supplies Champion & Donate Direct Funds Here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ygp4i5/
Every donation, big or small, makes a huge impact on a child's learning journey. Thank you for supporting our Goddard students and schools!
If your family is in need of school supplies, the #265 Supplies pick-up event is Monday, August 3rd, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (or while supplies last) at Pathway Church Goddard. PLEASE NOTE: Student(s) MUST be present to receive supplies.
At USD 265, our staff community is the heart of everything we do. We have intentionally built a culture where educators do not just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down Main Street, at a Friday night game, under the stage lights, and in our classrooms every single day.
What sets Goddard Public Schools apart?
We Grow Our Own: With an impressive staff retention rate and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there is a reason people choose Goddard and stay in Goddard.
Grow Roots & Bring Your Family: Our unique Staff Choice Enrollment means even if you live outside the district, your children can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship That Means Something: Experienced Goddard teachers guide our newcomers with real-world experience and genuine care.
A Culture You Can Feel: Enjoy the "sweet spot" of a suburban district - not too big, not too small. Get the tight-knit family feel alongside competitive pay, top-tier resources, and professional growth opportunities.
Support That Actually Supports: Confidential Staff Guidance and Parent Guidance platforms ensure you and your family have the resources you need, when you need them.
Competitive Pay: Enjoy one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area because we know your true worth.
Ready to join our #265Family or explore new career opportunities within the district? We have transitioned to a new platform for all job postings and application processing. Click the link below to check out our updated careers page to view open positions, substitute opportunities, and instructions on how to apply today!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/GoddardUSD265
https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new
Want more information? Visit the USD 265 Nutrition Services webpage today to learn more!
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/nutrition-services
DATE: Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Goddard High School Gym
Come check out school and community resources, get enrollment help, drop off school supply donations, get your sports physicals and learn about activities and athletics, discover job opportunities, and more. There’s something for everyone, and fun for all ages. We can’t wait to see you there!
If you are involved with a business, organization, civic entity or other group whose services/products benefit USD 265 families, please use the link below to sign up!
https://forms.gle/bL6kU31cuPbZ56yN9
Donate directly to the drive by clicking the link below!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ygp4i5/
Let's come together as a community and set our students up for success from day one!
Check the official USD 265 School & District Boundary map here: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/school-boundaries
The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. The Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners at Lange Real Estate, was thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding staff members who embody the spirit of our District and lead with heart every single day.
Today, we are proud to recognize our winner from the USD 265 District Office: Mellisa Schwartz
"Mellisa Schwartz is the steady presence at the heart of the USD 265 District Office, the person who ensures that everything and everyone is cared for from the moment a call is answered or a visitor walks through the door. As the primary point of contact for the entire district, she manages an extraordinary volume of calls, visitors, and daily requests with a level of professionalism and efficiency that sets the tone for our entire organization.
Each day, Mellisa supports multiple departments, including Human Resources, School Police, and Community Relations, while also managing the mailroom and front office workroom. She does this seamlessly, knowing exactly where each call should go and how each staff member prefers to receive communication. During the busiest times of the year, especially the start of school or periods of high staff onboarding, she remains calm and composed, ensuring that the district office continues to operate smoothly no matter the pace or pressure.
What truly sets Mellisa apart is not just what she does, but how she makes people feel. She creates a warm, welcoming environment through genuine eye contact, a kind smile, and a consistently positive attitude. Visitors feel at ease, staff feel supported, and the entire office reflects her sense of organization and care. Even in the smallest details, from maintaining an orderly workspace to raising the flag each day, Mellisa demonstrates pride in her role and in the district she serves.
Beyond her responsibilities, Mellisa is someone people trust. If faced with a challenging situation, whether professional or personal, she is a steady listener who brings a calm and thoughtful presence. She has a unique ability to help others work through problems with clarity and confidence, offering understanding without judgment. In an environment that can often be hectic and highly emotional, Melissa remains grounded and consistent, a source of stability during both challenging and celebratory moments.
Mellisa Schwartz is more than an outstanding professional, she is the foundation that helps our district office function at its best. Her service-minded approach, her unwavering consistency, and the care she shows to every individual make a lasting impact on our staff, our families, and our community. Quite simply, this place would not be the same without her, and she is truly deserving of the #265Family Award."
- USD 265 Community Relations Team
This celebration is made possible by Lange Real Estate. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment ensures our #265Family Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mrs. Schwartz for proving that we truly are #BetterTogether!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqBYiNp1_fBQ0Mhx_qC5-usWNmkBSCI5eF9Lgui-2ipsJxdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/
Access it two easy ways:
- Visit any USD 265 website: www.goddardusd.com, or
- Open the USD 265 mobile app
Pro Tip: You can subscribe to the full calendar OR hand-pick specific events and add them straight to your personal calendar app. Totally customized. Totally convenient. Click the link below to access the district calendar pdf today!
https://5il.co/3abmd
Built by dreamers, innovators, and everyday hard-working heroes, the American dream isn't just about celebrating history, it’s about celebrating each other and the future we continue to build together. 250 years ago, 56 people signed a document that forever changed the trajectory of the world, creating the United States of America. Through progress, imperfections, trials, and triumphs, Americans continue to build a better tomorrow by learning from today. From classrooms to the community we build together, here in Goddard the red, white, and blue shine the brightest when we all come together to support and celebrate one another. As we fly our flags high, let’s collectively honor the legacy of those who came before us and work to pave the way for generations to follow.
Wishing the entire #265Family a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Customized Just For You: Turn on push notifications and select only the specific schools your children attend. Get the updates you need without the information overload!
Never Miss a Beat: Instant access to school news, lunch menus, announcements, and staff directories whether you're at home or on the move.
Streamlined Scheduling: See upcoming events (including next year's dates for easy family planning!) and seamlessly sync them directly to your personal iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar with just a tap.
PRO TIP: You can subscribe to the entire district calendar or pick and choose only the dates that matter most to your family!
Let’s strengthen our #265Family together. Download the app today and stay effortlessly connected to your student's academic journey! Search "USD 265" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or simply click the link below.
https://uqr.to/1jds2
