USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

Within every school community is an extraordinary administrative team! Please join us today in celebrating each of the Administrative Professionals that help keep our front offices a bright and welcoming space for students, staff and visitors. On top of managing schedules, budgets, and events, these dedicated individuals are constantly finding creative ways to swiftly solve problems. Their skills and smiles make all the difference in the world, and our #265Family is truly better because of the dedicated efforts of each one - THANK YOU!

Rain or shine, the first faces students see each morning and the last to wish them well each afternoon are the dedicated bus drivers that make Goddard Public Schools such a special place. Today, on Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we want to thank each and every member of our amazing USD 265 - Transportation Department for their tireless efforts! Whether it’s cleaning up after a long day of driving students all across the district, maintenance work to ensure top-tier safety on the roads, or training up-and-coming drivers on managing the environment aboard a school bus - the entire Transportation crew goes above and beyond regularly to ensure the safety of students. THANK YOU for serving as a direct link between cul-de-sacs and classrooms, and for all you do to help prepare all students for lifelong success!

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TOMORROW! Your vote is your voice in building a better future for our community! If you live within Goddard Public Schools district boundaries, make sure you are registered to vote prior to the upcoming school bond election in May. The deadline to register to vote is tomorrow (Tuesday, April 22nd). This bond issue provides solutions to accommodate the growing student population, as well as a focus on the future to create the best possible learning environment for ALL students and families. Click the link below to check your voter registration status! https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview Click the link below to register to vote! https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/

This week we’re celebrating a huge part of our school communities - the volunteers! From PTO parents to Booster Club members, this Public School Volunteer Week, we want to say THANK YOU! Whether it’s coming in to help decorate hallways with student artwork, planning bingo night fundraisers, running the merch tent at a game, or helping chaperone an activity trip - our schools thrive with the help of dedicated parent volunteers. Their dedication of time and talent makes such an extraordinary difference for our entire #265Family!

The USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools Board of Education is excited to announce the hiring of the new Chief of Police for the USD 265 Police Department, Joseph Camp! Camp has dedicated 30 years to law enforcement, holding a variety of leadership roles with the Wichita Police Department. With a decade of experience as a School Resource Officer, he specializes in juvenile de-escalation and critical incident response. A skilled police instructor, he has trained officers in effective intervention strategies to strengthen community safety. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Park Resource Management from Kansas State University and previously served on the Renwick School Board, contributing to education policy and student well-being. Joe shared, “I am excited for this new challenge and look forward to building relationships with students, faculty and staff to help make Goddard Public Schools the safest schools in the state. I believe in communication and partnership, and my philosophy is safety through respect.”

Do you have questions about how the upcoming bond and what the your family’s investment may look like? Good news! The district website has a bond webpage dedicated to answering financial questions and helping our #265Family see exactly how their vote can impact the future of Goddard Public Schools. Click the link below to learn more today! https://www.goddardusd.com/page/2025-bond-financial-investment-page

The USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools Board of Education is excited to announce the hiring of the new Principal for Clark Davidson Elementary School, Allison Ebert! She will begin serving as CDS Principal on July 1, 2025. Ebert has been in education for 14 years and brings a wealth of experience that spans all grade levels. Most recently, she has been serving as the School Counselor at Apollo Elementary School. Prior to that she served as Assistant Principal at Wayside Elementary and School Counselor at Central Middle School (both in Bartlesville, OK). Ebert has a strong background in student development and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Student Development and School Counseling from Kansas State University, as well as a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Allison stated “I am thrilled and honored to join the CDS team. I am eager to work alongside the staff to serve students and families. I am committed to creating a positive and supportive school culture that inspires innovation and empowers both students and staff. I am passionate about providing a high quality education to every student and ensuring our community feels valued and supported.”

Do you have a plan to vote? The bond election on Tuesday, May 13th, will provide solutions to accommodate the growing student population, as well as a focus on the future to create the best possible learning environment for all students and families. YOU have the chance to help shape the future of USD 265, and impact the experience of existing and future students. Visit the webpage linked below to learn more about how to vote! https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/2025-bond-how-to-vote-page

Reminder! All schools and district offices will be closed on Friday, April 18th, 2025.

DON’T FORGET! This weekend is Neighbors United 2025, where our community comes together to help one another. Students from all across the district will be joining forces to lend a hand to their neighbors. The weather is beautiful and what a better way to spend a beautiful weekend?! Come join us for Neighbors United 2025, and click the link below to learn how you can make a positive, lasting difference in our community. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPPT5bZjjm_w7_my0VyOAZlAKTlslTg0Ri0F9G4dU-caBRxA/viewform

We're grateful to the KAKE News team for visiting our district and sharing information about the upcoming USD 265 Goddard Public Schools bond initiative with the community! Interested in learning the details? All the information you need is available on our dedicated bond website: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/2025-bond. Don't forget to mark your calendar and be a voter on Tuesday, May 13th! This bond issue provides solutions to accommodate the growing student population, as well as a focus on the future to create the best possible learning environment for ALL students and families. Your vote is your voice in building a better future for our community. Check out the full story from KAKE by clicking the link below! https://www.kake.com/home/goddard-school-district-looks-ahead-to-vote-on-196-million-bond/article_b06fc309-c75b-491c-be83-3a747f200b41.html

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for graduation! We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2025 with the entire #265Family. Details below. Goddard Academy’s graduation ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 in the Goddard High School auditorium. Goddard High School’s graduation ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at Hartman Arena (8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr. Park City, KS 67147). Eisenhower High School’s graduation ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at Hartman Arena (8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr. Park City, KS 671447).

Thank you to KSN News & Mike Mahoney for taking the time to come out and learn more about the upcoming bond for USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools, and helping inform our community! Want to learn more? Check out the District's bond webpages for all the facts: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/2025-bond. Be sure to mark your calendars and be a voter on Tuesday, May 13th, and help shape the future of our #265Family! https://www.ksn.com/news/your-local-election-hq/goddard-school-district-asks-voters-to-approve-196m-bond/

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more - you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams Congratulations to Mason Keeler, Senior at Eisenhower High School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Keeler was nominated by Julie Seagraves, who shared, “Mason Keeler, EHS Senior, is a deserving recipient of our district's Attitude Award for his outstanding dedication to inclusivity, leadership, and kindness in the classroom. Mason has consistently demonstrated patience, empathy, and encouragement while working alongside a mixed-ability peer, fostering an environment where both students can thrive. Through Mason’s positive attitude and willingness to support others, he has not only helped his peer succeed academically but has also built his confidence and sense of belonging. Mason’s ability to lead by example, treating all classmates with respect and dignity, makes him an exceptional role model. Mason’s actions represent the values of teamwork, perseverance, and compassion, making a lasting impact on our school community here at Eisenhower High School. One classmate shared, ‘Mason helps me with my work. He is nice and kind.’”

“Teaching our children and teenagers how to use modern technology more consciously is the only way to ensure they know how to interact ethically with it” – Introduction to AI, Robotics and Coding (for Parents) Congratulations to Jennifer Martinez & Kylie Rush, Robotics Coaches at Clark Davidson Elementary School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Martinez and Rush were nominated by Kayla Sinness and Amanda Gish. Sinners shared, “Kylie’s approach to teaching robotics goes beyond the technical skills; she fosters an environment of creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. Her students not only learn the mechanics of robotics but also develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a love for innovation. Her ability to inspire and motivate students is truly remarkable, and it's no surprise that they love working with her. Kylie’s positive attitude is contagious, and she has cultivated a classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued, encouraged, and empowered to do their best. Kylie’s passion for robotics and her unwavering dedication to her students’ success make her an outstanding candidate for the District Attitude Award. She is a true asset to our school and the district as a whole, and her contributions to our educational community are immeasurable. I am nominating Jennifer for the District Attitude Award due to the immense time and effort she dedicates to the robotics program. Every week, she spends countless hours preparing and coaching the teams, ensuring they are always ready for competition. When two teams made it to the state level, Jennifer provided positive and encouraging feedback to the students, even in moments of frustration. Her unwavering support and commitment to the team's success are unmatched. Beyond her work in robotics, Jennifer’s positive attitude extends throughout the building. She greets everyone with a smile and a kind word, making her presence uplifting for all who interact with her. Jennifer truly exemplifies the spirit of the Attitude Award, and she is highly deserving of this recognition.” Amanda Gish wrote, “Kylie Rush and Jennifer Martinez have shown exceptional dedication in initiating and organizing the CDS Robotics Club. Their vision and passion have provided elementary students with an invaluable opportunity to engage in STEM activities through this hands-on, collaborative experience. The duo invested countless hours mastering the intricacies of VEX robotics, hosting weekly team practices, coordinating parent communications, and producing team t-shirts to foster a sense of unity. In addition to volunteering their personal time, they also secured funding to ensure families did not have to bear any expense. A highlight of their leadership was working with Challenger Robotics to successfully host the inaugural robotics tournament at Goddard, a first for this age group. The event brought the community together to introduce them to the potential of robotics, but also allowed students to showcase their skills, build confidence, and take pride in their work. Additionally, they accompanied two teams to the State Tournament in Garden City. Kylie and Jennifer's commitment extends well beyond traditional volunteerism; they are mentors, role models, and advocates for STEM education at USD265. Their efforts have had a profound and lasting impact, igniting curiosity in young minds and encouraging teamwork.”

“Robotics is about us. It is the discipline of emulating our lives, of wondering how we work.” – Rod Grupen Congratulations to Doug Mann, Rochelle Mann, and Pam Cole, Robotics Coaches at Challenger Intermediate School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! They were collectively nominated by Carrie Phelps, who shared, “This year marks the third successful year of the Robotics program at Challenger Intermediate, and under the exceptional guidance of Mr. Doug Mann, Mrs. Rochelle Mann, and Mrs. Pam Cole, the program has reached an unprecedented level of achievement. Their exemplary patience, significant investment of time, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment have cultivated an environment where all Challenger Robotics teams have excelled competitively, culminating in the remarkable qualification of four teams for the State Competition. Specifically, Challenger Team Alpha, comprised of students Caden Enos, Liam VanStrien, Trenton Teel, Caleb Norman, and CJ Decker, has demonstrated outstanding performance and a consistently positive attitude throughout the season. Their achievements under the mentorship of Mr. and Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Cole include securing four consecutive Excellence Awards and their second Tournament Teamwork Championship. For context, the Excellence Award represents the highest honor within the VEX IQ Challenge. It is bestowed upon a team that embodies comprehensive excellence in the development of a high-caliber VEX robotics program. This team must demonstrate strong potential across various award categories and meet stringent criteria, including Engineering Notebook quality, rankings in the Design Award, Teamwork Challenge qualification matches, Robot Skills Challenge, other judged awards, and overall program quality. The consistent success and positive demeanor exhibited by Challenger Team Alpha are a direct reflection of the inspiring leadership and supportive atmosphere fostered by Mr. Doug Mann, Mrs. Rochelle Mann, and Mrs. Pam Cole. Their dedication has not only driven competitive success but has also instilled valuable qualities of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship within the students. Therefore, I strongly believe that Challenger Robotics Team Alpha is highly deserving of recognition with an Attitude Award, acknowledging their exceptional performance and the positive influence of their mentors.”

“Robotics and other combinations will make the world pretty fantastic compared with today.” – Bill Gates Congratulations to Alivia Gish, 4th Grader at Clark Davidson Elementary School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Gish was nominated by Dane Baxa, who shared, “Alivia Gish, 4th-grade student at Clark Davidson Elementary School, was recently named the ‘VEX IQ 2025 Kansas Student of the Year’ for her dedication to excellence in robotics, teamwork, and helping others achieve success. Alivia was recently interviewed by Travis Mounts with the Times-Sentinel Newspaper about this award, and she was able to clearly articulate her answers to questions with grace and humility and told a captivating story about the journey of her first year on the CDS Robotics Team. It was a testament to all of the lifelong skills she learned and implemented from her experience in the Robotics program. Alivia is an outstanding representative of CDS and Goddard Public Schools, and has a bright future ahead of her!”

Happy School Library Month! From literary legends, to references and resources, school libraries are the place where dreams take flight and imagination can transport readers of all ages to another world. Help us applaud the school library staff of Goddard Public Schools that work tirelessly to provide students with the tools and technology they need to succeed, fostering a love of reading and critical thinking.

Did you know that the USD 265 school district boundaries include 65 square miles of land? Any registered voter inside the district boundaries can vote in the upcoming bond election on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025! Learn more by clicking the link below and visiting the USD 265 Bond Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage today! https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/2025-bond-faqs-page

Ready for Pre-K?! Join us TONIGHT for the Pre-K Enrollment Event, which will take place this evening from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Challenger Intermediate School (325 N. Walnut St. Goddard, KS 67052). We’re here to help answer questions you may have, help with enrollment, and get you everything you need to succeed. Come meet our #265Family today!