Bret Ricke, USD 265 Maintenance, was nominated anonymously for the District Attitude Award. Read Mr. Ricke's full nomination at https://tinyurl.com/ea9huhcz
Rachelle Blue, English Language Arts Teacher at EHS, was recognized for being named the Kansas Association of Teachers of English, Secondary Teacher of the Year, and receiving the District Attitude Award! Check out the full story at https://tinyurl.com/59c49jae
"Dear Veteran,
I wanted to write this letter to thank you for everything you do. Thank you for your sacrifices, for you and your family putting everything on hold, your valor, for the unfair things you carry, for protecting and defending everyone and our rights. With your gratitude and strength, I am thinking of you this Veteran’s Day. 'Honor the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause.' I pray for peace for you and your family…God speed."
One of the nearly 500 letters, drawings, and affirmations that students from across Goddard Public Schools have created that will be distributed to Veterans today to celebrate their service and sacrifice to our nation. If you, or someone you know, served in the United States Armed Forces, please stop by the Goddard Community Veterans Day & Thanksgiving Celebration Lunch TODAY, Thursday November 9th starting from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Goddard Church (300 N. Cedar St., Goddard, America) for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and a package of affirmations from our students.
Because of the partnership with the Goddard Lions Club, Goddard Church, and City of Goddard, this event is FREE to attend. Volunteers will be accepting donations for the Goddard Mitten Tree, a service project benefiting over 300 Goddard Public Schools students in need this holiday season.
In celebration of National Parents as Teachers Day today, it is our honor to announce that the Parents as Teachers program at Goddard Public Schools has recently completed the National Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process and has once again earned the highest recognition: Blue Ribbon Affiliate status! Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that the Goddard Parents as Teachers program includes the highest quality members of the home visitation and parent education field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity and quality. Congratulations to our Parents as Teachers staff for their continued hard work and dedication to Goddard families and our youngest Goddard students!
Susan Ridgway, USD 265 PAT Coordinator, shared, “Parents and caregivers are their children’s first and most influential teachers. We know it is our families who drive our program to success each and every day and we want to thank them for all they do as together we strive to help their child develop, learn and grow to realize their full potential.”
The Parents as Teachers program is a no-cost parent education and family support program serving Goddard School District families. It’s an initiative that serves prenatal to school-age students by providing parents resources, information, screenings and opportunities to expose their children to social interaction through groups and play. “They are an outstanding resource to families within our community,” shared Scott May, Coordinator for Early Childhood & Human Resources.
PAT Families, past and present, be on the lookout for additional details coming soon for an event in honor of this national recognition! If you are a family that would benefit from joining the USD 265 PAT Family, please click the link below to register today: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/parents-as-teachers-enrollment-form.
It's National School Psychology Week! School Psychologists connect with students every day and get the opportunity to shine a light on the importance of both personal and shared strengths, as our school communities grow individually and collectively. Thank you to all School Psychologists for the important work you do year-round to positively impact the students of Goddard Public Schools!
Parent Teacher Organizations, or PTOs, help each of the schools in our district achieve success by maximizing opportunities and experiences available to the student population. This is only possible through the voluntary efforts of PTO members. Thank you, Goddard Public Schools PTO Family, for your efforts and involvement!
On Monday, Oct. 23rd, the "Raices de Mi Tierra" (Roots of My Land) dance company visited Goddard High School to present on the cultural significance of Mexican dance and dress to GHS Spanish classes. The troupe has members that age from 5 to 25, and has been a part of all kinds of community events since they started in 2019. Thank you to everyone involved for such an enriching, educational experience!
Happy Halloween from the #265Family!
Have you heard?! USD 265 has a MOBILE APP! Did you forget the lunch menu for tomorrow? Want to be the first to know about snow days? Want to know the latest and greatest events going on in Goddard Public Schools? Download the USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools mobile app today!
Happy Occupational Therapy Day! With the help of our fabulous OT Staff, our school communities have the chance to flourish to their fullest extent. Their efforts and energy are greatly appreciated and something we all strive to duplicate. THANK YOU for all that you do, OTs!!
Each year, at the end of October, many communities celebrate Red Ribbon Week to help spread awareness and information about the harmfulness of drug use and abuse. Get informed and have the discussions today, so that we can all have a safer and drug-free tomorrow! #RedRibbonWeek
Join the EHS & GHS marching bands for the first ever USD 265 Marching Band Showcase at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30th, at the District Stadium! Both bands will unite for the performance of a lifetime. You won't want to miss hearing this ROAR on 54! #ROARon54
Be sure to come check out the exciting possibilities at the upcoming USD 265 Teaching Job Fair! The event will be from 6 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26th, at Eisenhower Middle School. Come see what being a part of the #265Family is all about!
"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and what better time to highlight the resources available to students, staff and parents of Goddard Public Schools. One of these valuable resources is the SPEAK UP Program. This allows students, staff and parents the ability to send anonymous tips through a secure website, app or phone number. This service is generously provided by Crime Stoppers of Wichita and Sedgwick County, a division of The Wichita Crime Commission.
Visit https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/speakup to learn more about the SPEAK UP Program. For additional information and resources on efforts to eliminate bullying, please visit your school's website, or the district site here: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/anti-bullying.
In order to fuel the future of our district, we need to continue placing dedicated educational professionals in each classroom. Come visit our Teaching Job Fair on Thursday, Oct. 26th from 6 - 8:30 p.m. to learn more about the exciting opportunities for educators in USD 265!
TECH or treat! Are you a digitally inclined professional considering new possibilities? There's a job opening in the USD 265 Technology Department, and we want YOU! To learn more, feel free to scan the QR code here or contact the Tech. Dept. at 316-794-4011.
“Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world.” — Oprah Winfrey
Congratulations to Melanie Highfill, a student at Oak Street Elementary School, one of the four October 2023 Attitude Award winners for Goddard Public Schools! The Attitude Awards recognize individuals that go above and beyond with a positive attitude that will help shape the future of our district. To nominate a Goddard Public Schools student, staff member, volunteer, or supporter for the District Attitude Award, please utilize the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkaNfHU4_lF4JX0Qdp802yp44pgR4eic1O5vtDxpH_MnrFrQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Over the last two years, I have watched Melanie come alongside our Mixed Abilities students and not only be a peer model but be a friend. She shows patience, kindness and care for these students. If there has been a child in the last 16 years of my employment that I have seen exhibit the traits of a leader and kindness and compassion towards classmates that cannot give anything in return, it is Melanie.
Carol Edmiston, Oak Street Nutrition Services
Melanie is an outstanding peer leader in the classroom. She goes above and beyond to help another student in the classroom. She promotes inclusivity and does everything she can to make sure that every student feels welcome and loved in our classroom. She has mentioned to me that she wants to one day become a teacher so she can help students and is inspired by the bond she shares with that student.
Ms. Burr, Oak Street Teacher
Melanie brings a positive attitude to school each day; greeting me and others with a happy good morning. She always stops and checks in and tells me about her day. Each interaction I have with her is enjoyable and entertaining.
Ms. Gerstner, Oak Street Librarian
Melanie ensures that Mixed Abilities students are included with peers. She leads by example by greeting all Mixed Abilities students first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Melanie is always eager to help and has such a positive attitude. Melanie is kind, sweet, caring, helpful, loving, thoughtful and so much more. She brings out the best in all of us!
Renee Richards, Oak Street Mixed Abilities Teacher
“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” — Les Brown
Congratulations to Officer Shannon Heath, part of the USD 265 Police Department, one of the four October 2023 Attitude Award winners for Goddard Public Schools! The Attitude Awards recognize individuals that go above and beyond with a positive attitude that will help continue to shape the future of our students and staff. To nominate a Goddard Public Schools student, staff member, volunteer, or supporter for the District Attitude Award, please utilize the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkaNfHU4_lF4JX0Qdp802yp44pgR4eic1O5vtDxpH_MnrFrQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
On behalf of the Apollo staff and students, I would like to nominate Officer Shannon for the District Attitude Award. Since the first day in her position, Officer Shannon has been committed to building strong relationships with staff and students by being a proactive presence within the building, greeting students during arrival most mornings, reading to students in the classroom, helping run centers/rotations, and she even spent an entire day with students during our Hero Day on Monday, September 11. I have no doubt that our students feel more safe and comfortable with her in the school. It is clear that Officer Shannon is focused on serving the students within our building and district in a proactive and positive manner. Her attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to make positive connections is recognized and greatly appreciated by many. I firmly believe that Officer Shannon is one-of-a-kind. We are very fortunate to have her in the district.
Conner Christensen
Apollo Elementary School
Principal
"Happiness is not by chance but by choice." — Jim Rohn
Congratulations to Brian Gee, Principal of Goddard Academy, Goddard Virtual School & Successful Dreams Goddard, one of the four October 2023 Attitude Award winners for Goddard Public Schools! The Attitude Awards recognize individuals that go above and beyond with a positive attitude that will help continue to shape the future of our students and staff. To nominate a Goddard Public Schools student, staff member, volunteer, or supporter for the District Attitude Award, please utilize the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkaNfHU4_lF4JX0Qdp802yp44pgR4eic1O5vtDxpH_MnrFrQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Mr. Gee has taken Goddard Academy to new heights. The culture of Goddard Academy has become so positive in the five years while he has been the Principal. The students are proud of their school. Mr. Gee encourages the students to be respectful and successful in and out of school. Any new student will experience Mr. Gee introduce himself and let them know that he's there for them if they need anything. He greets all students every morning as they walk into the building.
The perception of a Goddard Academy student has also changed. Through some of the ideas Mr. Gee has implemented, such as Student Council, Neighbors United and Career Days, Goddard community members are seeing firsthand what fantastic students we have at Goddard Academy. The staff at Goddard Academy, Successful Dreams Goddard and Goddard Virtual School appreciate his willingness to always be there for us. It's not always easy managing three different entities, but he handles it daily. Goddard Academy, Successful Dreams Goddard and Goddard Virtual School would like to recognize Mr. Gee for his quality leadership.
Tami Maynard
Registrar
Goddard Academy
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou
Congratulations to Bailey Carter, part of the USD 265 Maintenance team, one of the four October 2023 Attitude Award winners for Goddard Public Schools! The Attitude Awards recognize individuals that go above and beyond with a positive attitude that will helps continue to shape the future of our students and staff. To nominate a Goddard Public Schools student, staff member, volunteer, or supporter for the District Attitude Award, please utilize the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkaNfHU4_lF4JX0Qdp802yp44pgR4eic1O5vtDxpH_MnrFrQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Bailey constantly has a positive attitude around the district. She is quick to respond and fix any issues that come up, she can be seen on a lawn mower, or other equipment helping out in other areas around. She wishes others 'good morning' on the radio and is always so happy to be here to serve. Bailey is truly an asset to the district and brings a positive, caring, kind, and helpful attitude every day. Recently when a student situation arose outside of the building during the school day, Bailey was helpful to staff in keeping the student safe and out of harm's way.
Capt. Carrie Phelps
USD 265 Police Department
Bailey has such a great attitude and energy that's contagious! Just to be around her, you feel better. She would do anything for anyone, and do so just because it's the right thing to do. She has seen great heartache and still is a beacon of light and kindness to all she passes. There are so many things that make her such an incredible person!
Matthew Huffman
USD 265 Maintenance
