THANK YOU, Goddard Public Schools Maintenance Team!
While most of the community was staying warm inside, this incredible maintenance team was outside doing the hard work that makes a safe return to school possible.
On Sunday, January 25th, and again early Monday morning, January 26th, the USD 265 Facilities, Maintenance & Operations staff were out across the district clearing snow from parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring school buildings are safe and accessible for students, staff, and families.
These moments from Clark Davidson Elementary School, Discovery Intermediate School, and Challenger Intermediate School are a snapshot of the pride, grit, and dedication behind the scenes. Snow storms do not stop this team from showing up, problem solving, and taking care of our schools.
Their work may happen before sunrise and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student and staff member who walks through our doors. Thank you for going above and beyond for our #265Family!
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, there will be no school for Goddard Public Schools on Monday, January 26, 2026. We hope you stay warm and safe.
Why Goddard? Because you deserve more than just a job!
At USD 265, our staff community is truly special - they’re the heart of it all. We’ve collectively created a place where educators don't just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down main street, you can feel it at a Friday night game, you can feel it under the stage lights during a performance, and you can see it in our classrooms every day. You can trust that our culture is built intentionally, brick by brick, to attract and retain world-class, talented educators that welcome opportunities to grow and thrive on connection.
What places Goddard Public Schools apart from the rest?
We grow our own. With an impressive staff retention rate, and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there's a reason people choose Goddard and STAY in Goddard.
Goddard Public Schools is a place where you can grow roots and bring the whole family. Staff choice enrollment is a unique advantage for employees because it means that, even if they reside out of the district, their child(ren) can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship that means something. Our mentor educators (longtime Goddard teachers themselves) guide the program diligently to help mentors welcome newcomers with real experience and genuine care.
A culture you can feel. The distinct advantage of suburban school districts is the “sweet spot” feeling, not too big or too small. Just the right size to maintain a family feel, strong community connections, and meaningful relationships that make coming to work something to look forward to - while maintaining the resources, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay that will keep you and your future secure.
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 that reflects your worth. With one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area, we’ve positioned ourselves competitively to show how much we value strong educators and realize the positive impact they can make. Not just on our students and families, but on the entire community.
Ready to join our #265Family? Click the link below to start exploring opportunities today!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/
At USD 265, our staff community is truly special - they’re the heart of it all. We’ve collectively created a place where educators don't just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down main street, you can feel it at a Friday night game, you can feel it under the stage lights during a performance, and you can see it in our classrooms every day. You can trust that our culture is built intentionally, brick by brick, to attract and retain world-class, talented educators that welcome opportunities to grow and thrive on connection.
What places Goddard Public Schools apart from the rest?
We grow our own. With an impressive staff retention rate, and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there's a reason people choose Goddard and STAY in Goddard.
Goddard Public Schools is a place where you can grow roots and bring the whole family. Staff choice enrollment is a unique advantage for employees because it means that, even if they reside out of the district, their child(ren) can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship that means something. Our mentor educators (longtime Goddard teachers themselves) guide the program diligently to help mentors welcome newcomers with real experience and genuine care.
A culture you can feel. The distinct advantage of suburban school districts is the “sweet spot” feeling, not too big or too small. Just the right size to maintain a family feel, strong community connections, and meaningful relationships that make coming to work something to look forward to - while maintaining the resources, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay that will keep you and your future secure.
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 that reflects your worth. With one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area, we’ve positioned ourselves competitively to show how much we value strong educators and realize the positive impact they can make. Not just on our students and families, but on the entire community.
Ready to join our #265Family? Click the link below to start exploring opportunities today!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/
Dare to dream! In Goddard Public Schools the focus is constantly on the future, and how our teams of educators can expand possibilities for all students and capitalize on opportunities to educate the whole child - academically, physically, and socially. Without barriers, with bright futures in mind, you can count on us to always continue to work towards our mission to educate all students for lifelong success.
As a reminder, there will be no school today (Monday, Jan. 19th, 2026) in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
As a reminder, there will be no school today (Monday, Jan. 19th, 2026) in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
REMINDER: There will be no school on MONDAY, January 19th, 2026.
Thanks to this community's incredible generosity during the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF)'s year-end campaign, GEF didn't just reach their goal, they made history by securing the full matching gift and raising $85,000 that will go to impact students and staff all across the district. Your impact is already in motion: These funds are headed directly into USD 265 classrooms to fuel creativity. This past December, the GEF awarded 30 Innovative Teacher Grants, providing everything from high-tech science equipment to hands-on learning tools for our 6,400 students. Whether you donated, shared our posts, or cheered us on, you are the reason Goddard remains a premier place to learn. Thank you for your continued confidence in our mission to Inspire Minds and Expand Possibilities!
Follow the GEF on Facebook to see the positive impacts made throughout the year!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef/
Follow the GEF on Facebook to see the positive impacts made throughout the year!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef/
Last Thursday, our district welcomed aspiring educators in for a Prospective Teacher Open House that included shadowing current teachers, learning from faculty and administrators, as well as a panel discussion by USD 265’s Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) nominees - Brandy Lane, and Leah Whelan; and Kansas Horizon Award nominees - Abbie Griffith, Kirsten Hickey.
A huge THANK YOU to all who made this event such a success:
- To our administrators who shared their valuable expertise and insights,
- To the dedicated educators who opened their classrooms and offices to have attendees shadow and observe for a half day, and
- To all of the attendees who came to learn just what our #265Family is all about.
The future of education is bright when we invest in motivated future teaching staff!
A huge THANK YOU to all who made this event such a success:
- To our administrators who shared their valuable expertise and insights,
- To the dedicated educators who opened their classrooms and offices to have attendees shadow and observe for a half day, and
- To all of the attendees who came to learn just what our #265Family is all about.
The future of education is bright when we invest in motivated future teaching staff!
As we embark into 2026, USD 265 remains committed to our strategic vision of excellence in education. Kansas's motto reminds us, "Ad Astra Per Aspera" – to the stars through difficulty. With this in mind, it’s easier to remember that every challenge we face is an opportunity to rise higher. Every student we serve deserves our unwavering dedication. The mission of Goddard Public Schools is to educate all students for lifelong success, and the USD 265 Strategic Plan encompasses how to do that by following five main pillars:
- All students can learn and must have access to resources, which maximize their opportunities for post-secondary and career success.
- Education is a shared responsibility. Students, parents, community members, and the district must be active partners in the process.
- Status quo is not acceptable. We must pursue excellence in providing connected and advanced opportunities for all students.
- We must continue to recruit, develop, and retain world-class staff members throughout the district.
- The district must provide a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child academically, physically, and socially.
Together, we're reaching for the stars!
- All students can learn and must have access to resources, which maximize their opportunities for post-secondary and career success.
- Education is a shared responsibility. Students, parents, community members, and the district must be active partners in the process.
- Status quo is not acceptable. We must pursue excellence in providing connected and advanced opportunities for all students.
- We must continue to recruit, develop, and retain world-class staff members throughout the district.
- The district must provide a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child academically, physically, and socially.
Together, we're reaching for the stars!
Please join us in congratulating Abigail Griffith, Science Teacher at Goddard High School, for being recognized with the Kansas Horizon Award! The Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, took time to individually call each recipient, inform them and congratulate them. Abbie is one of only 32 educators in the state to win this award for excellence in their first year of teaching. According to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the Horizon Award "identifies and recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state."
This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional first-year teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and make meaningful contributions to their school communities. Abbie has proven to be a remarkable addition to our #265Family and is a fantastic representation of the excellent educators that call Goddard Public Schools home.
The entire district is so proud of this tremendous honor! Our community is so fortunate to have educators like you, Abbie, and indebted forever for all you do to make USD 265 an environment of excellence for students, staff and families. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, and thank you for representing our district with #265Pride!
This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional first-year teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and make meaningful contributions to their school communities. Abbie has proven to be a remarkable addition to our #265Family and is a fantastic representation of the excellent educators that call Goddard Public Schools home.
The entire district is so proud of this tremendous honor! Our community is so fortunate to have educators like you, Abbie, and indebted forever for all you do to make USD 265 an environment of excellence for students, staff and families. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, and thank you for representing our district with #265Pride!
DID YOU KNOW? You can stay up-to-date on all USD 265 events through the website or mobile app. Check out the 'Events' section on our district website homepage (or any school website) AND download the USD 265 mobile app!
You can even subscribe to your school's calendar or add individual events to your iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar. Never miss a game, concert, conference, or celebration again!
https://www.goddardusd.com/events
You can even subscribe to your school's calendar or add individual events to your iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar. Never miss a game, concert, conference, or celebration again!
https://www.goddardusd.com/events
Last call for future teachers in the area!
Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
We can’t wait to welcome back our whole #265Family tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 6th, for the first day of the second semester! Drop your favorite pictures in the comments of what made winter break fun for you and your family.
A new year, a new semester, and new opportunities await. We're thrilled to see our students and staff back in the halls, ready to make the spring semester incredible. Here's to learning, growing, and achieving great things in 2026!
A new year, a new semester, and new opportunities await. We're thrilled to see our students and staff back in the halls, ready to make the spring semester incredible. Here's to learning, growing, and achieving great things in 2026!
REMINDER: There will be no school on MONDAY, January 5th, 2026! Following winter break, USD 265 faculty and staff will be returning to work for a Teacher Work Day. Our incredible educators will be hard at work preparing for an outstanding spring semester!
See you back in class on Tuesday, January 6th!
See you back in class on Tuesday, January 6th!
Happy New Year from USD 265!
As we step into the new year, we're filled with excitement, hope, and endless possibilities! May this year bring joy, growth, and success to every member of our #265Family. Here's to new beginnings, new adventures, and continuing to educate students for lifelong success. Let's make 2026 amazing together!
As we step into the new year, we're filled with excitement, hope, and endless possibilities! May this year bring joy, growth, and success to every member of our #265Family. Here's to new beginnings, new adventures, and continuing to educate students for lifelong success. Let's make 2026 amazing together!
As 2025 comes to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year in Goddard Public Schools!
Thank you to every student who showed up ready to learn, every educator who inspired young minds, every staff member who kept our schools running, and every family and community partner who supported our mission. YOU make our district exceptional; YOU help us create educational excellence every single day!
Here's to the memories we've made and the bright future ahead. We are so grateful for, and happy to serve, our #265Family!
Thank you to every student who showed up ready to learn, every educator who inspired young minds, every staff member who kept our schools running, and every family and community partner who supported our mission. YOU make our district exceptional; YOU help us create educational excellence every single day!
Here's to the memories we've made and the bright future ahead. We are so grateful for, and happy to serve, our #265Family!
As we celebrate the spirit of the season, we're filled with gratitude for the incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families who make Goddard Public Schools such a special place. To every member of our #265Family, thank you for your commitment, your kindness, and your belief in the positive power of education!
All schools and district offices will be closed for the next two weeks for winter break: Monday, Dec. 22nd, 2025 - Friday, Jan. 2nd, 2026. Additionally, Monday, Jan. 5th, 2026 will serve as a Teacher Work Day for staff, so there will be no classes. We look forward to welcoming our school communities back on Tuesday, Jan. 6th, 2026.
Wishing everyone peace and joy this winter break, from our #265Family to yours! We're so excited for the new year and all the amazing things ahead. Here's to continuing to learn, grow, and shine together!
All schools and district offices will be closed for the next two weeks for winter break: Monday, Dec. 22nd, 2025 - Friday, Jan. 2nd, 2026. Additionally, Monday, Jan. 5th, 2026 will serve as a Teacher Work Day for staff, so there will be no classes. We look forward to welcoming our school communities back on Tuesday, Jan. 6th, 2026.
Wishing everyone peace and joy this winter break, from our #265Family to yours! We're so excited for the new year and all the amazing things ahead. Here's to continuing to learn, grow, and shine together!
There's still time to make a positive impact on our #265Family!
Support the Goddard Education Foundation's "Give. Gratitude. Goddard." year-end giving campaign and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities for every student and educator in USD 265!
Your generosity powers innovation, supports teachers, and enriches learning for the entire #265Family. Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
Support the Goddard Education Foundation's "Give. Gratitude. Goddard." year-end giving campaign and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities for every student and educator in USD 265!
Your generosity powers innovation, supports teachers, and enriches learning for the entire #265Family. Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
To all of the incredible Goddard Education Foundation Business Partners - THANK YOU! Your commitment to our students and educators doesn't go unnoticed. Because of your partnership, we're able to provide resources, opportunities, and experiences that truly make a difference in the lives of our #265Family.
We're proud to work alongside community partners who believe in the power of education. Together, we're #BetterTogether!
We're proud to work alongside community partners who believe in the power of education. Together, we're #BetterTogether!
Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
After more than 20 years of dedication, we recognize and celebrate the incredible service of Mark Richards to the Goddard Public Schools Board of Education! Mark's tenure as a Board Member, including serving as Board President on three separate occasions, has helped guide our district through decades of change and growth, all focused on the mission to “educate all students for lifelong success.”
Mark's commitment has been central to the stability and progress of USD 265. Mark’s consistent leadership ensured that the district's vision transformed into reality. His time on the Board encompassed major shifts in the district's strategic outlook. Richards was integral in supporting major facility updates.
Superintendent, Dr. Justin B. Henry speaks to the deep commitment required of those serving on the Board of Education, "There is no greater opportunity for servant leadership than to dedicate oneself to the vision of a public school district. Mark Richards’ 20+ years of selfless commitment to serving on the Board, including co-chairing two separate bond construction committees, has shaped not just our operations, but positively impacted the futures of thousands of students for decades to come."
Mark, thank you for your commitment to the #265Family. Your legacy of selfless service will continue to inspire our community!
Mark's commitment has been central to the stability and progress of USD 265. Mark’s consistent leadership ensured that the district's vision transformed into reality. His time on the Board encompassed major shifts in the district's strategic outlook. Richards was integral in supporting major facility updates.
Superintendent, Dr. Justin B. Henry speaks to the deep commitment required of those serving on the Board of Education, "There is no greater opportunity for servant leadership than to dedicate oneself to the vision of a public school district. Mark Richards’ 20+ years of selfless commitment to serving on the Board, including co-chairing two separate bond construction committees, has shaped not just our operations, but positively impacted the futures of thousands of students for decades to come."
Mark, thank you for your commitment to the #265Family. Your legacy of selfless service will continue to inspire our community!
