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!
USD 265 partnered with the Goddard Senior Center to host an information session and 'bus tour' for people to see the numerous new housing developments under construction, as well as learn and ask questions about how the bond will impact the future of our community. Thank you to all the individuals who took time to engage in the process!
A perfect alignment of celebrations—School Nurse Day during Teacher Appreciation Week! Let's give a standing ovation to our incredible school nurses who are the heartbeat of our Goddard Public Schools.
These healthcare heroes do far more than bandage scrapes and check temperatures. They're our frontline responders, compassionate listeners, and steadfast guardians of student well-being. Day after day, they transform health challenges into learning opportunities, ensuring every child can thrive.
The dedication our school nurses bring to their role exemplifies what makes our learning environment so special—where care and connection help educate the whole child. They embody the spirit of service that makes our #265Family truly extraordinary.
From all of us at Goddard Public Schools, THANK YOU to our amazing school nurses! Your healing hands and caring hearts make all the difference!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Today especially, Teacher Appreciation Day, we honor the extraordinary educators who build futures every single day in our school communities.
To those that build confidence, shape futures and minds, and spark passion in all the 6,450+ students across USD 265: You are nothing short of remarkable! Your impact stretches far beyond textbooks and hallway high-fives. You create safe spaces where curiosity and innovation can thrive. You spot hidden talents and nurture potential. You transform ordinary moments into extraordinary learning opportunities that last a lifetime.
Even when faced with challenges, you adapt with creativity and perseverance, ensuring that every student—regardless of background or ability—has the chance to shine bright. To all educators who call Goddard Public Schools home: YOU are the heartbeat of our #265Family. The relationships you build today create the community leaders of tomorrow - THANK YOU!
Please help us give the biggest shout-out to every member of our USD 265 - Nutrition Services Department today, on School Lunch Hero Day! These talented professionals serve up hundreds of meals each and every day to the students and staff of Goddard Public Schools, with a smile on their faces and positivity that radiates. Fueling the future with delicious and nutritious meals, these individuals work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure each student gets what they need to succeed. Their contributions go far beyond food - they nurture spirits and school communities daily!
Good leadership sets an example for others, great leadership uplifts others, and the best leadership inspires others. Each of our schools is fortunate to have an incredible leader at the helm, steering students, staff, and families to success. On School Principals Day, we want to recognize the hard work and incredible commitment of each Principal in our #265Family. Whether answering questions about upcoming school events and activities, discussing concerns with parents, helping problem solve challenges that arise in the day-to-day operations of managing a school community, or simply welcoming students every morning with a fist bump or high five - these dedicated educators wear a multitude of hats and represent the very best of what Goddard Public Schools is all about. Their unwavering dedication helps create and maintain safe, productive, and positive learning spaces so that each student can thrive. Please help us say THANK YOU to each of these wonderful leaders, today and every day!
Everything Goddard Public Schools…right at your fingertips! Download the USD 265 mobile app to instantly access school news, event updates, and staff information. STay more connected than ever with your child’s academic journey. Never miss an important announcement or schedule change again - you can even add school events to your own personal iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar!
Perfect for parents on the move! Search "USD 265" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or simply visit the link below. Because staying connected shouldn't mean slowing down!
https://uqr.to/1jds2
