Proceeds will be donated to the Goddard Education Foundation, so that your support stays local and helps support our students and school communities. It’s a fantastic way to clear your student-athlete for play, while directly supporting local educators, a true win-win for our #265Family!
Ready to schedule? Contact Vrana Chiropractic in Goddard today to secure your appointment today!
Pre-K screenings are being held TODAY only (Monday, May 18th) from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Challenger Intermediate School (325 N. Walnut St. Goddard, KS 67052).
Kindergarten screenings will take place at each of the five elementary schools. Hours are listed below!
Monday, May 18 | 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
We’re so excited to welcome our newest, little learners! Questions? Contact school building offices, or the USD 265 district office at 316-794-4000.
Goddard Public Schools staff gathered this morning for the annual End of Year Celebration. We collectively recognized accomplishments, wished retirees farewell, and celebrated together the conclusion of another successful school year. It’s a privilege to honor the amazing people who make Goddard schools so special. Take a look at some of the smiles from the day, our #265Family is truly one of a kind.
Congratulations to all of the honorees recognized at the event, listed below. Please keep in mind, this list only includes those that opted to be recognized publicly and does not include all staff members that may belong to any of these groups.
New-to-the-Profession/First-Year Teachers:
Angela Cortes
Cara Fraizer
Keri Hutchinson
Bailey Harris
Shanda Miller
Kayla Nush
Bailey Scoggin
Rose Spurgeon
25-Year Educators:
Sara Burke
Monica Cromwell
Jacob Holle
Martha Mann
Robert Rehse
USD 265 Retirees:
Julianne Aragon
Joel Burgeson
Amy Driskill
Stephanie Edwards
Carla Graham
Lisa Hogarth
Karmela Jahde
Denise Landau
Ron March
Julie Montgomery
Ann Morgan
Mickie Nally
Judy Phillips
Susan Ridgway
Jodi Schendel
Mellisa Schwartz
Diane Soza
Kristine Spradley
Maryanne Thompson
Paulette Traffas
Diana Van Horn
Michel Williams
Dawn Fasbender
Michelle Allen
Goddard Education Association’s USD 265 Teacher of the Year:
Summer Ford
Sara McDonald & Ruth Wood Legacy Award Recipients:
Mickie Nally, Doug Maxwell, and Joe Blasi
Ryan Jilka Impact Award Recipient:
Dillon Archer
To each member of our amazing staff, THANK YOU for your heart, hard work, and everything you pour into this district. We accomplish so much, because we are better together!
To the incredible teachers, faculty, and staff that make USD 265 such an exceptional district - THANK YOU! Your dedication, creativity, and heart make Goddard Public Schools a place where students thrive. We could not do any of this without you.
And to the students and families that collectively make up our district community - thank you for your partnership, trust, and energy every single day. You make this community something truly special.
As the school year comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the tireless efforts of so many. We are truly better together! Wishing the entire #265Family a sensational and safe summer break!
Congratulations to Chase Blasi (State Senator & Kansas Senate Majority Leader, Kansas State Senator) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Blasi was nominated anonymously, and the nominator shared the following, “During his time in the legislature, Senator Blasi has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to seeking input and feedback regarding education-related legislation. Balancing the diverse needs of communities across Kansas while continuing to support a world-class public education system is no easy task. We appreciate Senator Blasi’s positive attitude, collaborative approach, and willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue throughout his legislative service and in his current role as Senate Majority Leader. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Senator Blasi as we work to strengthen systems of support and opportunities for all students across Kansas.”
Congratulations to Becky Steckline (2nd Grade Teacher, Apollo Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Steckline was nominated by Travis Ford, Apollo P.E. Teacher, and Connor Christensen, Apollo Principal, who shared the following, “It is our distinct honor to nominate Becky Steckline, 2nd Grade Teacher at Apollo Elementary, for the Attitude Award. We believe Mrs. Steckline perfectly exemplifies the profound difference a positive, intentional attitude can make in the lives of students and the morale of the staff around her.
At Apollo, we begin every week with our ‘Rise and Shine’ student assembly - a time designed for school-wide connection and teacher collaboration. While the transition from assembly back to the classroom can often be a whirlwind, Becky has transformed it into a sacred moment of connection.
Travis and I have observed a heartwarming routine that Becky performs each and every week: the moment she arrives to pick up her class, she begins with the very first student in her line and personally greets and hugs every single child. As Mrs. Steckline makes her way down the row, the impact of her attitude is visible. You can see the smiles broaden and the ‘jitters’ of excitement grow as each student’s turn approaches. It is abundantly clear that her students look forward to this moment to:
Connect with their teacher on a deep, personal level. Share their weekend updates in a safe space. Receive the positive physical and emotional ‘charge’ they need to start their week on the right track.
In a fast-paced school day, it is easy to overlook the ‘small things.’ However, Becky’s commitment to this routine is a masterclass in intentionality. For those few moments, her students have nothing to worry about other than that special connection with their teacher. She ensures that before a single academic task is tackled, every child in her care knows they are seen, valued, and loved.
Becky Steckline does not just teach; she fosters a sense of belonging that sets the tone for her entire classroom. Her attitude is a gift to Apollo, and we are proud to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.”
Congratulations to Mindy St. Peter (Project Lead The Way or PLTW Teacher, Goddard Middle School) and Bridget Vaughn (Math Teacher, Goddard Middle School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! St. Peter and Vaughn were nominated by Lisa Hogarth, GMS Principal, who shared the following, “Adding a Robotics Club to GMS was long overdue, and when Mindy St. Peter and Bridget Vaughn joined forces, they did an outstanding job leading our pilot year. They successfully advocated for the purchase of the necessary kits to launch the program while also organizing multiple fundraising efforts to cover registration fees and the 2025–2026 competition kit.
They carefully reviewed applications to form four competitive teams, supervised early morning practices, and kept parents actively engaged throughout the entire season. Despite the steep learning curve of establishing a new club, they never wavered. Because of their commitment and determination, as well as the dedication of some incredible students, GMS had two teams qualify for the state competition and one team advanced to Nationals.
Seeing the excitement and passion in the students throughout the season illustrated how much this club was needed at GMS! We are incredibly grateful to Mindy and Bridget for creating this opportunity for our students and for their unwavering dedication to making it a success.”
Congratulations to Teresa Spencer (Speech Language Pathologist, Eisenhower Middle School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Spencer was nominated by Deanna Ferris, Social Worker at Goddard Middle School, who shared the following, “Teresa goes above and beyond in her role as an SLP and always has for over 23 years in the district. She not only has exceptional SLP knowledge and skills, she finds unique and effective ways to provide direct services to students, as well as helping staff and families. She will help anyone and everyone, in special education or not, on her caseload or not, and she always does it with great passion and compassion! She is extremely organized, detailed, dependable and KIND, always quick to respond to any needs and treats the WHOLE person, going far beyond basic SLP services. Teresa is a team player and adds joy to her working environment. In addition, Teresa leads the EMS Circle of Friends program and weekly Lunch Bunch for ALL EMS students. She works tirelessly to teach and support students in growing their pragmatic skills that promotes inclusion, and helps them build independence, connections/friendships, self-esteem, and social skills. She has touched countless lives and is truly one of a kind!”
Effective communication is vital to a thriving school district, and to each school community. Today we recognize the professionals who work behind the scenes to keep our families and community informed and connected.
Behind every newsletter, social post, emergency alert, and community update is a dedicated school communications professional working to keep families informed and connected. It's a big job, and it matters. Please help us celebrate these dedicated communication professionals today, School Communicator Day!
Thank you to all those who help tell the story of Goddard Public Schools every single day. You shine a light on the amazing things happening in our schools every day, you help connect the community to our #265Family, and your work is vital and appreciated - THANK YOU!
Vrana Chiropractic & Homegrown Chiropractic are BOTH offering discounted sports physicals for just $25, AND during the month of May only - all proceeds benefit the Goddard Education Foundation! Get your student athlete ready for sports season, and support your local educators at the same time. It's a win-win!
Contact Vrana Chiropractic in Goddard or Homegrown Chiropractic in Wichita to schedule your appointment today!
Is there anything that a school nurse can’t handle?! These unsung heroes have seen it all, and are always ready to step up for the health and safety of students at all ages. Happy School Nurse Day to each of the healthcare professionals that call Goddard Public Schools home! School nurses are at the core of what we do: provide a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child. They bring essential care to each school building, and are there to support and ensure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. We are grateful for their expertise and the compassion they show to each school community.
From the entire #265Family, THANK YOU for all that you do! You care for those around you with kindness and compassion and it doesn’t go unnoticed!
Goddard Public School teachers are the heartbeat of everything we do. They create magic in the classrooms and ignite the spark behind every student’s "aha" moment. To each of the educators that call Goddard home, THANK YOU for choosing to inspire the next generation and for making such a profound difference in the lives of students. You show up everyday with purpose, patience, and perseverance. You see potential in students and colleagues when they can't always see it in themselves, and you make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
We are so proud to have the best educators around. Teachers tie our #265Family together and positively impact the lives of so many, helping fulfill the mission of educating all students for lifelong success. Today (and every day), we love celebrating you!
This recognition reflects the importance of something the #265Family has always practiced and prioritized: relationships. They matter and come first in our district. The Capturing Kids' Hearts framework guides staff and students to build trust, practice intentional connection, and create school environments where every child feels safe, seen, and supported. Earning this honor at the district level, with ALL schools recognized, is a testament to the collective commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and community.
Congratulations to all of the educators that this recognition belongs to, bringing this initiative to life every day in Goddard Public Schools! As we kick off TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, feel free to give your favorite USD 265 educators a shoutout in the comments. We are so proud to be a district where relationships, care, and connectedness come first! #265Pride #265Family
To all of the principals that continue to make Goddard Public Schools such a special place, THANK YOU for the early mornings, school events, late evenings, tough decisions, hallway fist bumps, and heart you pour into your school communities! You set the tone, uplift your staff, advocate for your students, and open those doors every morning with purpose and dedication. From managing the unexpected to celebrating the everyday wins, your leadership shapes our schools and our #265Family. Happy School Principal Day!
They show up with a positive attitude and do so much behind the scenes to achieve successful meal preparation, service, and clean up each and every day. Please join us today, School Lunch Hero Day, in celebrating all of the cafeteria crews that fuel our #265Family!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our sponsors this year, with a special shoutout to the returning partners whose commitment over the years truly reflects a belief in the bright future of our #265Family!
- Credit Union of America
- Lange Real Estate
- First National Bank
- Equitable Advisors
- Building Control Services (BCS)
- Phoenix Financial
- Schaefer
- Hutton Construction
- ISG Technology/Twin Valley
- Higgins Group
- Contech
- Edward Jones Financial
- Holle Homes
- Ortega Aviation
- Horace Mann Vornauf Group
- McCown Gordon Construction
- Vrana Chiropractic
- Key Construction
- and so many more!
Your investment helps fund Innovative Teacher Grants, enriches student experiences, supports early childhood education, and encourages Goddard educators all year long. We truly are BETTER TOGETHER and because of you, our students have more opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Interested in partnering with the GEF? Visit: www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/partners or call 316-794-4000 to learn more.
Today, we proudly celebrate our Goddard Public Schools bus drivers, the dedicated individuals who begin their days before sunrise and continue long after the final bell, safely transporting thousands of students across hundreds of miles, every single day. Their commitment, care, and consistency are what keep our #265Family moving forward.
This week gave us even more reason to celebrate.
At the Bus ROADeo competition hosted at Eisenhower High School, our drivers once again showcased their skill, precision, and professionalism, earning outstanding recognition and continuing a tradition of excellence that defines Goddard Transportation.
At the same time, something equally powerful was happening behind the scenes.
Students, educators, and community leaders from Neighbors United came together at the bus barn with a simple but meaningful mission, to say thank you. They rolled up their sleeves and cleaned every single school bus and district vehicle, honoring the drivers who serve our students day in and day out. Along the way, they also wrote handwritten notes for each driver, small gestures carrying a big message of gratitude.
It was a beautiful reminder that appreciation is not just spoken, it is shown.
To our bus drivers, THANK YOU for the miles you travel, the relationships you build, and the safety you provide. You are a vital part of our #265Family, and we are deeply grateful for you today and every day!
Please join us in thanking a bus driver!
Dear Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families,
Neighbors United Goddard is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, 2026, and we would love for you to be part of this incredible day of service and community connection.
We are still looking for volunteers to join us. Registration will take place at the Goddard District Stadium from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., and there are still plenty of project sites available for individuals and families to serve together. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1499152881939945
Volunteers can expect a meaningful and fun experience, along with a free event t-shirt, breakfast, and lunch. Whether you come on your own or bring the whole family, this is a great opportunity to give back while spending time together in service to our community.
In addition to volunteer projects, there are two special opportunities taking place at the Goddard Linear Park Pavilion, 108 N. Main Street:
Plant and Seed Swap Event, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring a piece of your garden to share, such as plant cuttings, divided perennials, seeds, or small garden items. Participants can drop off items as early as 8:00 a.m. and then “shop” beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is a fun and simple way to trade plants and grow something new while connecting with others in the community. In addition, students from the Goddard High School Ecology and Biology programs, under the leadership of teacher Darcie Lowry, have cultivated 100 indoor houseplant starter kits that will be given away to community members who stop by. This work is an extension of a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, bringing classroom learning to life while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. CLICK HERE for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1784640216043365
Sports Equipment Donation and Pickup
Drop off gently used sports equipment between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Families in need are invited to pick up equipment from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All remaining donated items will go back into our community through local junior league programs, helping ensure every child has access to the equipment they need to participate. A special thank you to the Summer Ball Showdown for coordinating this opportunity. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2189421978525736
We encourage everyone to follow the Neighbors United Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsUnitedGoddard for updates. In the event of severe or dangerous weather, any cancellation will be announced by 7:00 a.m. If the event has already begun and conditions change, volunteers will be safely dismissed and further communication will be provided.
Thank you for continuing to make Goddard Public Schools such a strong and caring community.
