SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for next Monday, March 31st, to learn more about the upcoming bond election for Goddard Public Schools. Open to the public, come-and-go style, this informational gathering will provide the community with the detailed list of projects and how they will impact students. The Bond Informational Kick-Off Event will be held from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. next Monday, March 31st, 2025 at Oak Street Elementary School (501 N. Oak St. Goddard, KS 67052). We can’t wait to see you there!
Welcome back, #265Family! We’re excited to announce the finalized USD 265 District Calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. This calendar can always be found on your school’s main website, or the district website, any time. It provides exact dates for seasonal breaks, first and last days of school, screening days, graduation dates, and more. Download and print yours today!
Goddard Public Schools has an administrative opening available, and we want YOU to be a part of our #265Family! Come join a community that promotes positive growth and professional development, with competitive salary and benefits. Goddard Public Schools is a family, and when you're here, you'll feel right at home. As the 17th largest school district in the state, immediately adjacent to Wichita, you can enjoy both the amenities of a suburban community, with a small town feel. USD 265 seeks educators with a commitment to high achievement for all students, and the ability to build a stimulating, supportive, and caring educational environment. Goddard is growing, and growth brings resources that enhance our mission to educate ALL students for lifelong success!
To learn more, contact Nick Grummert at ngrummert@goddardusd.com, call 316-794-4000 today, or click the link below!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administration
Attention parents of little learners - mark your calendars for our annual spring enrollment events!
The Kindergarten Enrollment Event will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 and will take place at each individual elementary school. Check out school boundaries here: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/school-boundaries.
The Pre-K Enrollment Event will be held from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. (come and go) on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 and will take place at Challenger Intermediate School.
Learn more about early learning options and resources in Goddard Public Schools by visiting https://www.goddardusd.com/page/early-learning today!
REMINDER - All schools and district offices will be closed next week: Monday, March 17th - Friday, March 21st, 2025. Wishing everyone a restful and relaxing spring break, from our #265Family to yours!
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert
Congratulations to Brandon Sommer, Math Teacher at Eisenhower High School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education!
Sommer was nominated by Stephanie Robinson, who shared, “I am honored to nominate Mr. Brandon Sommer for the District Attitude Award. As a math teacher, Dive coach, and sponsor of clubs that create an inclusive environment, Brandon embodies the qualities of a dedicated educator and mentor. His impact reaches beyond the classroom, shaping a positive culture in our school and community.
Recently, at a swim meet, I had the privilege of witnessing Brandon’s unwavering support for his athletes, his willingness to assist another coach, and his kindness toward my Yearbook staffer and me. His encouragement and enthusiasm were contagious as he cheered on his students, offering guidance and celebrating their hard work. He not only focuses on his own team’s success but also extends his support to those around him, always lifting people up with his positivity and genuine care. When last year's yearbook came out, he was the first colleague to reach out to me and compliment my students' hard work. I appreciated this so much and it really exemplifies how Brandon goes out of his way to make everyone feel seen, heard, and respected. Even though we are in two different departments and on two different floors, Brandon took the time to reach out to me at the busiest point in the year: the start of school. That is just the kind of person he is!
Beyond coaching, Brandon has been incredibly supportive of the Yearbook staff, taking the time to provide insight into the new swim team while ensuring we felt welcome and informed. His openness and willingness to collaborate have made a meaningful impact on our work, and his perspective has been invaluable in helping us capture this incredible new opportunity for our students with the swim team. Brandon exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator, mentor, and colleague. His kindness, leadership, and dedication make our school a better place, and I truly appreciate all that he does. He is incredibly deserving of this recognition, and I am honored to be his colleague!”
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
Congratulations to Lisa Farrell, USD 265 Nutrition Services - Kitchen Manager at Goddard Middle School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education!
Farrell was nominated by an anonymous peer, who shared, “I would like to nominate Lisa Farrell for the district’s attitude award! I’ve had the pleasure of working with and observing her enthusiasm and willingness to serve the patrons, families, and fans who attend sporting events at Goddard! Her servant approach and ability to connect with everyone she comes across is inspiring, and her positivity is always infectious! Everyone knows her, and there are no handshakes involved when she greets her ‘fan club,’ only hugs! She is also very patient in modeling how to serve in the concession stands and puts in an untold amount of hours to make the system work, behind the scenes!”
“The best education does not happen at a desk, but rather engaged in everyday living – hands on, exploring, in active relationship with life.” – Vince Gowmon
Congratulations to Abigail Garcia, Kindergarten Teacher at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education!
Garcia was nominated by Hillary Thackery, who shared, “Abby is truly an exceptional teacher. She loves her students so deeply and it shows in every facet of her teaching. My daughters both had her as their Kindergarten teacher, and she has set the foundation for them to succeed academically and emotionally as they began their journey into school. Abby has an amazingly involved, thoughtful, and intentional teaching style that has not only given my kids a golden standard for their academics in which they experienced tremendous growth, but they also feel loved and seen. It is hard to put into words the positive impact she has left on my kids, but even my older child who is no longer in Abby's class still reaches out to her as a mentor and for guidance. I feel very privileged to have Abby at Amelia Earhart, and for my kids to have her as their teacher. She is a gift to the school and district, and is deserving of every recognition possible!”
Calling anyone who has been positively impacted by a member of our #265Family! This week is your last chance to nominate someone for the #265Family Award. This gives YOU the opportunity to recognize the outstanding faculty and staff who are making a profound difference every day, AND gives them the chance to win $100 cash!
Our community recognizes the vital role each and every USD 265 staff plays in creating a thriving and supportive learning environment for students. Whether it’s a teacher, bus driver, para-educator, administrator, support staff, custodian, or any other valued member of our dedicated team - they are ALL eligible for this award!
Click the link below to nominate your #265Family hero today!
https://forms.gle/7nRTfQbkbem9d18g7
Let’s celebrate and show appreciation for the amazing work and dedication of our USD 265 employees. We truly are better together!
Please join us today, Maintenance Appreciation Day, as we shine a spotlight on the champions who ensure our schools are functional, clean, and inspiring learning environments. Our maintenance team is far more than a support staff—they are the critical infrastructure that makes education possible. These dedicated individuals are the unsung heroes who:
Ensure Student Safety: Meticulously maintain critical systems that protect our students and staff every single day.
Create Optimal Learning Environments: Transform schools into welcoming, comfortable spaces where education can flourish.
Each day, our maintenance team does so much more than repair and clean. They troubleshoot and respond to unexpected challenges with professionalism, immediate action and, foremost, care for the students, staff, and visitors of school buildings and facilities districtwide. From the entire #265Family, THANK YOU for being such a critical part of Goddard Public Schools!
Congratulations to the Goddard High School Wrestling Team for winning the 5A State Championship! Grab a copy of the Times-Sentinel Newspaper to get the full story!
From GHS, nine student athletes qualified for state, and nine placed. Four members of the wrestling team went to the final rounds of the state tournament, and four emerged with individual state championship titles. Pick up this week’s edition of the TSN today!
Goddard Public Schools is seeking an exceptional law enforcement professional to serve as our next USD 265 - Chief of Police. This pivotal leadership position includes the opportunity to uphold our district's high safety standards and create collaborative security initiatives.
As Chief of Police for Goddard Public Schools, you'll lead a dedicated team committed to protecting what matters most—the students, staff, and visitors that inhabit our school buildings and district facilities. Advantages that set this career apart from the rest include:
Opportunity to develop and implement innovative safety protocols for our educational community, that will continue to progress with the district
Build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families
Collaborate with district leadership to enhance our comprehensive safety strategy and develop a future-focused roadmap for growth
Mentor and lead a team of safety professionals dedicated to educational excellence
Make a lasting difference in the lives of the next generation
Come join our #265Family, and click the link below to learn more and apply today!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Security
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - the USD 265 Special Education Cooperative Transition Services Fair is next week! Join over 25 local vendors and organizations from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 in the Eisenhower High School Cafeteria. Discover resources, connect with agencies, and explore opportunities for students transitioning to adulthood. Don't miss this chance to plan for future success!
This week, USD 265 proudly recognizes the people who have such an incredible impact on our school communities throughout the year - our amazing school social workers. These dedicated individuals are so much more than support staff; they are transformative advocates, compassionate listeners, and critical bridges between students, families, and success. Our social workers are true education professionals who:
Create Safe Spaces: Provide nurturing, judgment-free spaces where students can share, heal, and grow.
Build Vital Community Connections: Expertly link families with essential resources, ensuring no student or family feels unsupported.
Champion Mental Health: Develop comprehensive support strategies that address the complex emotional landscapes of our students.
Advocate Tirelessly: Stand as unwavering champions for student potential, removing barriers and creating pathways to success.
Each day, our social workers go above and beyond, turning challenges into opportunities. They don't just help students survive—they empower them to thrive. From crisis intervention to long-term support planning, these professionals are the heart and soul of our educational community.
To our remarkable social workers: Your compassion knows no bounds. Your expertise changes lives. Your commitment transforms futures. Our #265Family is profoundly grateful for everything you do. You are not just supporting our students—you are building the foundation for their lifelong success.
Have you heard?! Neighbors United 2025 is underway! This provides an avenue for community members of all ages to come together to help their neighbors in need of a hand. Learn more by reading the article linked below!
https://www.goddardusd.com/article/2050012
Big shout out to the USD 265 Transportation team this week! They strategically utilize regularly scheduled breaks throughout the school year, such as spring parent teacher conferences, to clean our fleet and conduct routine maintenance. The beautiful weather, in stark contrast to last week, made this perfect for the team - THANK YOU!
The USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools Board of Education is excited to announce the hiring of Evan Manning as the new Principal for Eisenhower Middle School, to begin serving on July 1, 2025.
Manning received his Bachelor of Science from Emporia State University in 2010. He earned his Master's of Education in Educational Leadership in 2020 from Fort Hays State University. He has taught in USD 265 at Eisenhower High School (EHS) since the building opened in 2011. He’s taught Communications, English, and Debate. He has been part of the Administration Team at EHS since 2020.
In addition to classroom experience, Manning also has extensive involvement coaching. Previously he has coached the EHS Debate Team for 10 years, and the Boys Tennis Team for five years. He was a part of leading some incredible students and student-athletes to State Championships in both programs.
Manning shared, "I am grateful for the love and support from my wife, Betsy. We are blessed with three wonderful children, Stevan (12), Amsey (10), and Millie (10 months). Outside of my professional duties, I can be found spending time with my family. We enjoy following the kids to their games, fishing, and playing Pitch at Grandma's house. I am humbled to be part of the EMS family. I look forward to working with all students, families, and community members, and I am excited to listen and learn all I can from our world-class staff.”
Reminder! There will be NO SCHOOL Wednesday, Feb. 26th - Friday, Feb. 28th, 2025. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held at each school from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. All schools and district offices will be closed Friday.
Happy Digital Learning Day! Today we celebrate how technology empowers our students and teachers to explore, create, and grow together. From virtual learning to collaborative online projects, our classrooms are transforming into dynamic digital spaces where learning knows no bounds. THANK YOU to all of the innovative educators and USD 265 Technology team members here in Goddard, America! Because of you, embracing all of the new opportunities that technological advances provide, our district is able to thrive together.
As our community grows, our school district continues to provide collaborative opportunities, innovative programming, and robust resources for students AND staff. Just a few of the many reasons that the world-class staff here in USD 265 call Goddard Public Schools home is the sense of togetherness in our schools and the family feel in our community. Other amazing benefits include: safe and inclusive environments, competitive salaries, optimal suburban sized district, and strong professional development opportunities. Want to take that next step in your career and join our #265Family? Visit the link below!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/
