Goddard High School

Multiplying Potential: The GHS Math Challenge

For many young students, a high school building can feel intimidating. But for a group of third through eighth-grade USD 265 students, math teacher at Goddard High School Joel Burgeson’s innovative GHS Math Challenge is creating an avenue for excitement, belonging, and highlighting academic success.

The idea sparked after the GHS Math Club competed in regional college math relays during the 2024-2025 school year. Seeing how much his high schoolers benefited from the STEM-focused environment, Mr. Burgeson, with the help of his Math Club students, designed a localized event to “spark and maintain interest in mathematics” for younger USD 265 students, giving them an opportunity to experience their own math competition.

During the half-day event on May 7th , 161 top-performing math students (approximately 20 students from each K-8th school) got to take part in a brief math lesson, tackled problems aligned with Kansas Math Standards, completed group mathematical activities, and toured Project Lead the Way labs and math classrooms at Goddard High School; finishing off their field trip with lunch alongside GHS Math Club high schoolers. Elementary teachers praised the event, noting “it was so nice to have an extra incentive that motivated students at the end of the school year and celebrated our top math performers with a fun challenge.”

Beyond test scores, this program builds mathematical confidence in our younger USD 265 students. In fact, freshmen who previously experienced the challenge shared that being in the building made them feel “ more confident that they were prepared to make the transition from middle school to high school.”

“Improving student participation in math and other STEM disciplines was the focus of the GHS Math Challenge,” shares Mr. Burgeson. “Increased effort and math achievement will be the immediate measure that students are learning. Looking forward, this Innovative Teacher Grant provides a powerful investment to expand the program to host even more students from across the District in the future. What do you call that kind of District-Wide dedication to STEM? As Mr. Burgeson puts it: “Answer = SUCCESS!”

Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping multiply potential for our #265Family!

Growing Beyond the Classroom: How the GHS Pollinator Garden is Rooting Science in Real-World Success

At Goddard High School, science education isn't just about reading text or memorizing formulas, it is about getting your hands dirty.

For decades, GHS has been the home of an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS), a mature, native grass and pond ecosystem. It is a beautiful space to look at, but for some students, just looking isn’t enough. As GHS Science Teacher Darcie Lowry notes, “Since the OWLS area is primarily established native perennials and grasses, it is more to look at than work with.” They need to build, tend, and discover the “fruits” of their labor.

With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Mrs. Lowry aims to cover the upfront funding to build a Pollinator Garden to expand the hands-on, outdoor tactile learning students can experience.

Every year, students at GHS have the opportunity to enroll in Ecology. For many of these students, this course is a practical choice for those eyeing a “career-over-college” pathway. These are students who thrive when learning is tactile and directly tied to real adult life. Unfortunately, meaningful hands-on learning often carries a high material cost. Mrs. Lowry explains, “Gardening of any type is a fantastic way to bridge classroom learning to real-life application. Most adults will eventually find themselves interested in gardening of some variety regardless of career.”

While the existing OWLS site offers an incredible ecosystem to observe, it is largely self-sustaining and doesn’t offer very many hands-on opportunities. To bridge this gap, Mrs. Lowry and the GHS science department envisioned a brand-new, highly interactive space located right in front of the school greenhouse. By establishing a dedicated, semi-maintained pollinator garden, science transitions from a passive lecture into an active workspace. To maximize the grant’s impact, the science department has already partnered with District Maintenance and Facilities to provide the topsoil, rock, and weed barriers at no cost to the program.

Through this Innovative Teacher Grant, the GHS Pollinator Garden will introduce a structured, collaborative layout featuring a rear bed of native perennials and a front rock bed containing a raised garden bed for every lab table group of 2 to 4 students.

The beauty of the GHS Pollinator Garden lies in its long-term viability. While the upfront grant funding is critical to build the infrastructure, the garden is designed to be completely self-sustaining in the years to follow, requiring little to no additional funding as future classes handle the seasonal upkeep.

What starts as a specialized project for 50 Ecology students will blossom to impact nearly every student in the building. The garden will serve as a core resource for Biology classes, a required class for all GHS students, and will remain open to any class looking to take a restorative brain break or read in a vibrant, natural environment.

The garden is already contributing in big ways to the Goddard Community. GHS students helped propagate, cultivate, and grow plants that were used as part of the Goddard Plant Swap in conjunction with Neighbors United in April. This hands-on experience directly reinforces the real-world value of their hard work.

By funding the GHS Pollinator Garden, you are investing in a tangible, lasting resource that gives hardworking, career-minded students the practical skills, pride, and environmental stewardship they need to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to introduce the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

Established in 2018, the Hall of Fame celebrates, honors, and recognizes the extraordinary service, success, and achievements of our alumni, retired staff, and dedicated friends of education.

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026:

* Dan Buchanan, Former Educator & Coach
* Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle), Goddard High School Class of 1986
* Jerry Longabaugh, Former Educator, Administrator, and Current USD 265 Board of Education Representative
* Dr. Christopher Warren, Goddard High School Class of 1992
* Dr. Michael Vivion, Goddard High School Class of 1962

Save the Date!
Please join us on September 18, 2026, to celebrate the Class of 2026.
Keep an eye out for event details, registration opens in July.
Stay tuned as we highlight each of our individual inductees in the coming weeks. Let's join together to celebrate the past and inspire the future of Goddard Public Schools.

Learn more about the Goddard Hall of Fame and read about past Honorees HERE or https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame .

From Spectators to Scientists: Shattering the Ceiling in Goddard Chemistry Labs

For many high school chemistry students, advanced science can feel overwhelming. While Honors Chemistry students at Goddard High School are capable of grasping complex scientific concepts like intermolecular forces, thermal separation, and purification, their practical experience was hitting a ceiling due to the lack of professional-grade equipment.

With the help of a Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Innovative Teacher Grant, Goddard High School Chemistry teacher, Jerod Horsch sought to shatter the ceiling by adding professional-grade Liebig condensers to his Honors Chemistry classroom. This project allows him to introduce advanced, multi-step distillation and purification techniques, typically reserved for university-level chemistry courses.

With this equipment, students won’t just read about boiling points; they will actively manipulate them. By having multiple condensers available to students, this innovative grant moves the classroom away from teacher-led demonstrations to true, hands-on collaborative learning.

“This hands-on exposure fosters scientific thinking, strengthens laboratory technique, and bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application," shared Horsch.

Ultimately, this grant isn’t just purchasing glassware, it is investing in confidence. By exposing our Chemistry students to college-level techniques early, we are bridging the gap between high school theory and professional practice, giving them the exact skills and competitive edge they need to become the next generation of STEM innovators.

Thank you, Goddard Education Foundation for your continued investment and support for students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.

Science, Service, and Connection: Bridging the Generational Gap

A word commonly used to describe high schoolers is “Apathetic.” It’s a label often unfairly placed on students seen tucked behind phone screens, seemingly checked out from the world around them. But Goddard High School science teacher Abbie Griffith asked a different question: “Do we provide students a chance to connect? Do we help them see the value they bring to others?

With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), two Freshman Physical Science classes recently traded their desks for “mobile science stations” at Dove Estates, a local senior living facility. Their mission? To host a hands-on science fair for residents.

This grant provided the specialized, durable supplies needed to take science on the road. From inertia hats to homemade lava lamps, these Freshman students transitioned from learners to experts. Students not only learned the content and science behind each activity, but they also prepared the presentations, introduced the activities, and explained the science all with the hope of creating special moments for both generations.

“My students have so much to offer and just don’t realize it yet because they don’t have enough opportunities to shine,” says Griffith. By teaching others, their own understanding of science deepens, but more importantly, they experience the “feel-good” power of serving others.”

The impact was immediate for both the students and the residents. For the seniors, it was a day of discovery and youthful energy; for the students, it was a lesson in civic responsibility that no textbook could provide.

Mason Wright, a Freshman student in Mrs. Griffith’s class reflected on his experience,
“This was an awesome opportunity for me. I love it when I can take just 5 seconds out of my day and make someone smile for me. Getting to work with these residents and teaching them something, and even getting to hear about their school stories was truly a blast! If I could be known for something, I would want it to be for always having a smile on my face. Being able to take time out of our school day and teach them tiny experiments that they have never seen before is heartwarming. This had a super positive impact on me because it shows something so tiny to us can be so big and meaningful to someone else, and I am just so thankful that I got to have that impact on them and make their day just a tiny bit better!”

By investing in this project, the GEF is helping turn “apathy” into “action,” proving that the best way to support a student’s academic growth is to empower them to serve their community. Students left Dove Estates with more than just scientific data, they left with the confidence that comes from knowing they made someone else’s day a little brighter. This project proves that the best way to support a student’s academic growth is to empower them to serve their community.

The success of this project would not be possible without the generous support of the GEF and its donors. Your investment did more than purchase supplies; it provided a bridge between generations. By supporting Innovative Teacher Grants like this one, you ensure that Goddard students don’t just learn about the world but how to change it for the better. Thank you for believing in our teachers and empowering our students to lead.

We’d love to have you join us for the annual 5th-12th grade
GODDARD ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Tuesday April 28!
Come hear all students involved in Goddard Orchestras at 7 PM in the GHS Gym!
Don't miss our annual Minute to Give It fundraiser to benefit the GIMB private lesson and senior scholarship fund! All amounts appreciated! Cash and checks made out to GIMB. Look for QR codes for electronic donations as well!
Help us celebrate an awesome year for Goddard Orchestra!

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.

It takes a village... and our village is the best.

Behind every great student is a dedicated team of teachers, drivers, custodians, and support staff. They are more than just employees; they are the heart of the #265Family.

Is there someone who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life this year? Whether they provide a safe ride to school or a word of encouragement in the hallway, we want to hear about it!

Nominate them for the #265Family Award today. A few minutes of your time could lead to a $100 surprise for a well-deserving staff member!

Let’s celebrate them! Nominate your hero for the #265Family Award. It’s a quick way to say "thank you" and gives them a chance to win a $100 cash prize!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117