Happy School Social Work(er) Week! Please join us in celebrating the positive impact of social workers in each of Goddard's Public Schools. USD 265 social workers are instrumental in helping students navigate their academic journey with guidance, kindness and strength. By providing a safe space for students, school social workers help families and communities stay resilient through times of difficulty, and shine bright in times of success. We hope that everyone gets the opportunity to thank your school social worker this week. The difference they make is invaluable! Thank you, from the entire #265Family!
One of the pillars of Goddard Public Schools is the belief that ALL students can learn and must have access to resources, which maximize their opportunities for success. In 2021, Eisenhower High School (EHS) expanded their sports programs to include adapted bowling and adapted basketball. These co-ed programs are structured to provide a sports team experience for students with specialized needs. Student athletes develop a strong sense of teamwork, pride, and confidence in their abilities. On Friday, March 1st, the EHS Adapted Basketball team played against Wichita East High School and came out on top with the win (36-26). Athletes in the 12th grade were honored with a Senior Recognition presentation, and fans enjoyed a special halftime performance as well. Coaches, student peers, families and the community all came together to support our adapted basketball team. Moments like these are just a part of what makes this #265Family so special!
Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! We do our best to recognize our USD 265 Maintenance staff every day, because they do so much for each of the schools. With the help of these behind-the-scene heroes, our schools maintain proper temperature levels and air quality control, and our facilities and grounds stay properly prepared for all of the activities and athletic events that take place over the 65 square miles that are Goddard Public Schools. Our Maintenance crew is top-notch, and we couldn't be more proud to celebrate them today! Want to learn more about the Maintenance team? Visit their webpage here: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/maintenance. From the entire #265Family, thank you!!
Do you or someone you know have questions regarding enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year? Visit our website to learn more: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/enrollment.
Also, be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming enrollment events!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the annual State of the District Address last evening at Eisenhower Middle School! Over 150 individuals attended to hear from speakers Dr. Justin B. Henry (USD 265 Superintendent of Schools), Mark Richards (USD 265 Board of Education President), and Dane Baxa (USD 265 Director of Community Relations & Executive Director of the Goddard Education Foundation). Staff, parents, community leaders, elected officials, and administrators of schools all tuned in to learn more about the future of Goddard Public Schools. We appreciate every opportunity to share strategies and engage with our #265Family!
Check out these summer learning opportunities offered for our #265Family! Registration kicks off next week for high school summer programs. Questions? Call 316-794-4000 or learn more by visiting https://www.goddardusd.com/page/summer-learning today!
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible” - Arthur C. Clarke
Congratulations to Collin Taylor and Roy Schoonover, USD 265 Technology, who were presented the District Attitude Award from the Goddard Board of Education!
Their nominator wrote, "On Wednesday, November 29th, we hosted the computer completion half of Regional Business Professionals of America. There were nearly 100 entries from 14 different schools for students who competed in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Graphic Design, Web Design, and Programming.
Collin Taylor and Roy Schoonover prepared computers and set up our contest login for the system, printing, and Adobe access. Everything ran quite smoothly. There was much praise from the teachers who brought their students to compete in our building. In fact, we did such a great job, that they would like us to host again next year. I would not have been able to do this without the help of these guys. This was definitely above and beyond their normal job description."
"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." - David Ogden Stiers
Mrs. Whelan and Mrs. Truzzolino's 2nd Grade Class at Explorer Elementary School were presented the District Attitude Award from the Goddard USD 265 Board of Education.
"This is our first year to co-teach together. We have chosen to create a schedule that provides an inclusive environment throughout the entire day. With this set-up, all of our students receive individualized instruction in a variety of ways including whole-group lessons, small-group lessons in either of our classrooms, and Walk-To-Learn services provided by our 2nd grade staff and MTSS Reading team. This model allows students with identified special education needs to participate alongside their non-identified peers while having access to grade-level and modified curriculum. Our students are also new to this type of classroom setting. We have been blown away by the amount of grace, understanding, and kindness they have shown each other naturally and without our prompting. One of our students has a very specific set of needs and behaviors the class has learned and accepted from the start of our school year. Without this model, this specific student would not typically spend his entire day in a general education classroom. However, instead of shying away from his needs, our students have embraced them. A few kids have led the way for the entire class to love and care for him. It started with them walking with him to and from recess, playing soccer with him, and building with our hashtag blocks.
It has since blossomed into them taking on a bigger role and following the prompts us teachers have set in place. They ask him yes, please/no, thank you questions, sign and verbalize "help, please" when they recognize he is getting frustrated, sit quietly and patiently when it is his turn to participate in morning meetings and throughout the day and walk him through our different routines just like his teachers do. They give praise and a never-ending amount of hugs and fist bumps. They truly define the meaning of acceptance, inclusion, and the power of love. This solidifies our motives in creating an inclusive co-teaching classroom. So with our overwhelming amount of pride and his mom's permission, we would like to nominate our class for a district attitude award. We know nominating an entire class isn't traditional, but we genuinely believe they are making a difference in his life, their own lives, and ours."
Thank you for inspiring ALL students for lifelong success!
Happy Presidents' Day! Did you know that, while this holiday now celebrates all presidents and their service, it began as a celebration of George Washington's (and later Abraham Lincoln's) birthday? Thank you to all federal employees for everything you do for our communities!
Happy SRO Appreciation Day! School Resource Officers are an integral part of any school community. Want to learn more about the USD 265 Police Department? Visit their webpage at https://www.goddardusd.com/page/usd265police. Thank you to our dedicated SROs for your service!
Happy Valentine's Day, from our #265Family, to yours!
Join us from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 in the Eisenhower High School cafeteria for the USD 265 Special Education Services Fair! There will be an array of service vendors and support organizations for individuals with special needs, as well as free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches while supplies last. USD 265 staff that attend will even be entered in a raffle for some great prizes! This event is aimed to help provide support, information and connect resources with those that need them. Come help us help our community!
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 12th, 2024.
It's National School Counseling Week! This helps celebrate School Counselors and focus on their special contributions within our schools. This group of educators creates such a positive presence and can be so impactful in any student's academic career. From helping them achieve scholastic success, to supporting them as they plan for college or a career, School Counselors are an integral part of our District. We extend our thanks to each and every educator in our #265Family and especially recognize our friends in the Counseling category this week. Thanks for all the good you've done, and all the good you continue to do for the staff, students and families of Goddard Public Schools!
What is your favorite memory from school?
Goddard Public Schools is creating a video that highlights some of the most memorable experiences of our students' journey through their Pre-K - 12th grade.
We need your help. Whether you are an alumni, family member, or current student, please complete the Thought Exchange linked below to share your favorite memory, or your student’s favorite experience, from your family’s time at Goddard Public Schools.
https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/525023874/welcome?fbclid=IwAR1RljHrB7SYlxOm95OZwR_BJvqGkWLZxS6-FgjaPoiKe3p7qejLxm-ibAA
Think back to those days spent in the hallways, cafeterias and classrooms of school. What made those experiences most memorable for you, or your child?
Click the link, or scan the code below, to share some of your family's most cherished memories within Goddard Public Schools!
https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/525023874/welcome
Need to double-check the lunch menu for tomorrow? Want to be the first to see announcements, like snow days, or new athletic schedules? To check out the latest and greatest events going on in Goddard Public Schools, download the USD 265 mobile app today!
Did you know that Kansas Day is celebrated every year on the 29th of January in recognition of the state's birthday, as well as the anniversary of the admission of Kansas into the Union.
In addition to sunflowers, our state is also known for the Western Meadowlark, and the American Bison. What's your favorite thing about living in Kansas?
Happy Kansas Day, everyone!
How many careers can offer the opportunity to serve your community, positively impact kids every day AND a fun, family environment?! By being a part of the USD 265 Transportation team, you have the opportunity to earn a competitive wage, enjoy a flexible schedule and be surrounded by coworkers that become like family!
This is a great position for parents, grandparents, retirees or anyone that wants to help their hometown community and serve the students of Goddard Public Schools. To learn more and apply today, call 316-794-4291 or visit: https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation.
Please help us welcome Karaline Scott, the new Community Relations Intern for Goddard Public Schools and the Goddard Education Foundation!
Karaline Scott is a senior at Goddard High School. During her time at GHS she has been involved in many extracurricular activities including varsity cheer, marching band, and Kansas Association of Youth, but was looking for a unique experience to finish out her final semester with USD 265 before graduation. She reached out, seeking an internship with our Community Relations Department to expand her marketing and communication skills.
Karaline decided to pursue an internship at the Central Administration Center with the Goddard Education Foundation and Community Relations team because of the connection she has with the Goddard community. She has been attending Goddard Public Schools for the past 13 years and is the daughter of an educator in the District. Karaline says she admires USD 265’s ability to recognize and appreciate students and staff, and knows firsthand the impact and importance of the Goddard Education Foundation and public schools in Kansas. She is excited to get involved with innovative educators in the District as well as tell their stories in a creative way. She hopes to learn more about photography and videography as well as enhance her storytelling skills during her time on the team. She will be working on numerous projects and initiatives including Oz, the GEF's fundraising event, the “Roar on 54” magazine, Innovative Teacher Grants, and other school public relations projects.
We are excited to have Karaline Scott join our Community Relations team!
