“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - Willam Butler Yeats
Additionally, at last night’s Board of Education meeting, four teachers were honored for their outstanding efforts in providing excellence in education to the students of Goddard Public Schools. Shanda Busby and Catherine LaFever were recognized as this year’s district nominees for Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY), and Tyler Kohlman and Hannah Reynolds were recognized as this year’s district nominees for the Kansas Horizon Award. Please help us applaud these outstanding educators for continuing to represent our #265Family with pride!
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
Congratulations to Emma Holle, 6th Grader at Challenger Intermediate School, and Brycen Mikos, 7th Grader at Goddard Middle School, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education!
Holle was nominated by Darrin SanRomani (Principal at Challenger), as well as others. One nominator shared, “For this year’s annual food drive at Challenger Intermediate, Emma brought 557 items, which is more than any individual class in the entire school district! Her kindness and compassion for helping others are second to none, and she represents the best of who we aspire to be in the Goddard school district and community!”
Mr. SanRomani wrote, “Emma is an example of positivity and responsibility at Challenger and in our school district. Her kindness and genuine concern for others make her a natural role model for her peers and an inspiration to her teachers. Emma has the kind of attitude that uplifts those around her. Whether it's offering a helping hand to a classmate in need or encouraging her friends to persevere through difficulties, Emma's actions show her commitment to maintaining a positive school environment. Her actions and dedication to her education demonstrate that she truly deserves the school district's Attitude Award.”
Among others, Mikos was nominated by Lisa Hogarth (Principal at GMS). One nominator wrote, “Brycen's consistent demonstration of a positive attitude and his ability to uplift his peers at Goddard Middle School make him a prime candidate for the Attitude Award. This award, which celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their duties and display an exceptional attitude, aligns with Brycen's contributions to the school community. Brycen's recognition with this award would not only celebrate his efforts but also serve as an inspiration for his peers to emulate his commendable attitude.”
Mrs. Hogarth shared, “Brycen is a kind and respectful student. He is always willing to help others, which is something we see not only in the classroom but in many settings at GMS. His teachers report that Brycen will often choose to work with peers that others don't quickly pair up with during group work which they appreciate and feel is reflective of the kind and empathetic person that Brycen is to others. Even on days when the work is more challenging, Brycen keeps a positive attitude and continues to do his best. We are proud of Brycen and consider him a positive role model at GMS!”
“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” - Kofi Annan
Congratulations to Debbie McVay, Clerical Substitute for Goddard Public Schools, for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Debbie was nominated by Paige Hill (Principal at Explorer Elementary School) and Britt Ferris (USD 265 HR Secretary). Hill shared, “Debbie is always well organized and her attention to detail is impeccable. Her ability to connect with both students and staff makes a significant difference in our daily operations. Navigating the unique challenges of an elementary school environment is no small feat, yet she handles everything with grace and professionalism. Her warm demeanor creates a welcoming atmosphere that resonates throughout the halls, and for that, Explorer is truly thankful!”
Ferris echoed the positive sentiment of Hill, writing, “Debbie's adaptability, efficiency, and positive attitude have made a significant difference for me at the building and district levels. Debbie handles everything with professionalism and organization, and we truly appreciate her hard work and willingness to step into any situation. We are grateful to have had her in this role!”
Have you downloaded the USD 265 mobile app yet?! It’s filled with all kinds of helpful information including upcoming events, lunch menu information, staff directories and more. Click the link below to download the app today!
https://uqr.to/1jds2
Shining a spotlight on some of the strongest heroes in our schools: Special Education Instructors! Your patience, creativity, and unwavering commitment transform lives every single day. Goddard Special Education Cooperative instructors adapt constantly to help students reach their highest potential. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of students each and every day!
Many are familiar with the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and that stands as true as ever. Our schools are individual caring communities that connect students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Pair that with the kindness and constant care provided by educators, familes, volunteers and supporters across our district, and you have a recipe for success. Goddard Public Schools is fortunate to have a robust collection of people, organizations, and businesses who band together to meet each student where they are to provide a whole, well-rounded education. We couldn’t be more proud and grateful to each and every member of this #265Family - thank YOU! #Gratitude #265Pride
Eisenhower Middle School 8th Grader Ty Clark isn’t just scoring touchdowns, he and his teammates are inspiring our community. Tune in to KSN for tonight’s Positive Connections story, which gives viewers a glimpse into what makes Ty such a joy to be around and why his peers rally around him to share these special moments. Thank you to Malley Jones-KSN for helping shine a light on this story, and thanks to Ty and his family for sharing this heartwarming experience. This must-watch moment will inspire hope and is the perfect example of what makes this #265Family such a remarkable place to call home.
Happy Substitute Teacher Day! Please join us in recognizing the incredible educators who step in at a moment's notice to support our students and schools. Substitute teachers are versatile professionals who ensure continuous learning, creating a dynamic bridge in educational continuity.
To all our subs: THANK YOU for your adaptability and commitment to ensuring excellence in education. Your impact is immeasurable!
REMINDER - All schools and district offices will be closed next week: Monday, Nov. 25th - Friday, Nov. 29th, 2024. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy fall break, from our #265Family to yours!
Today, we celebrate ALL of the incredible Education Support Professionals who are the heartbeat of our #265Family! From bus drivers and custodians to paraprofessionals, lunchroom crews, and front office staff, these unsung heroes support the success of our students every single day. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work make a profound difference in the lives of school communities across the District year-round. THANK YOU for all you do!
This is American Education Week! We’d like to take this chance to collectively recognize the investment of hard work and dedication of ALL educators, staff, and students that make this #265Family truly exceptional.
Our staff go above and beyond every day to inspire learning, foster growth, and prepare our students for lifelong success. Let's show our appreciation for their impactful work, this week and always!
Congratulations to Catie LaFever, Science Teacher at Eisenhower High School (EHS), and one of the two Kansas Teacher Of The Year (KTOY) district nominees for Goddard Public Schools. This award recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state of Kansas. The mission of this Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.
Travis Rink, Assistant Principal & Activities Director at EHS, shared his endorsement for LaFever for KTOY, “Catherine consistently demonstrates an infectious positive attitude, which radiates through her interactions with students, staff, and families. She has a natural talent for connecting with her students and creating a positive, inclusive learning environment that is student-centered. Her commitment to creative and relevant instructional activities ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed.” Rink continued, “Beyond the classroom, Catherine is a true team player. She collaborates seamlessly with staff and administrators, contributing her ideas and working hand-in-hand with the entire school community. Her problem-solving abilities and willingness to embraces challenges are qualities that make her an asset not only to our school, but to the entire education profession.”
“Students genuinely look forward to her class, treat her with great respect, and even ask her to attend their school events,” shared Rachelle Blue, English Language Arts Teacher at EHS and EHS parent. “My respect goes beyond that of simply a colleague, as my children were lucky enough Mrs. LaFever in class together! As twins, they each have totally different learning styles, different needs, and vastly different interests when it came to high school chemistry. Luckily, Mrs. LaFever was able to capture the attention and meet the needs of both…simultaneously! She uses an animated style of lecture, supplements with current technology, provides hands-on experiments, facilitates small-group discussion, and much more!”
Thank you, Mrs. LaFever, for all you have done and will do to continue to educate our #265Family for lifelong success!
Congratulations to Shanda Busby, Sixth Grade Teacher at Challenger Intermediate School, and one of the two Kansas Teacher Of The Year (KTOY) district nominees for Goddard Public Schools. This award recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state of Kansas. The mission of this Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.
“Mrs. Busby is an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and commitment to educational excellence have made her a valued member of our school community and an inspiration to colleagues and students,” shared Darrin SanRomani, Challenger Principal. “Her classroom is a welcoming space where every child feels valued and motivated to achieve their best. Shanda is known for her innovative lesson planning, always integrating hands-on activities, real-world application and use of technology to make learning engaging and meaningful for her students. One of Busby’s greatest strengths is her ability to foster a positive and supportive classroom environment. She actively collaborates with other teachers and her willingness to mentor new teachers, share resources, and offer guidance has made a lasting impact on our faculty, improving instructional practices.”
Pamela Cole, 5th & 6th Grade STEM Teacher at Challenger, shared her experience working alongside Busby at the school. “Mrs. Busby has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, as well as an innovative approach to teaching that inspires and empowers her students daily. Her dedication to student growth and well-being has made a profound impact on our school community,” said Cole. “Busby’s creativity and dedication to experiential learning have transformed her classroom into an active space of engagement and exploration. She consistently introduces new ideas and project-based learning experiences that bring social studies to life.”
Thank you, Mrs. Busby, for all you have done and will do to continue to educate our #265Family for lifelong success!
Be on the lookout for your copy of ROAR on 54, the Goddard Education Foundation’s annual printed publication, which will be hitting mailboxes soon! Packed with inspiring stories that showcase the best of our school communities, this year’s edition is one you won’t want to miss. The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to provide this 28-page, full-color magazine for the community to stay connected to Goddard staff and students. ROAR is mailed to every household and business within the USD 265 school district boundaries, and all those who signed up to receive a copy.
Discover what drives educational excellence and opportunities for student success right here in Goddard. Keep an eye out for your very own 2024 issue, and ROAR with us on this journey to inspire minds and expand possibilities for the 1,200+ educators and 6,300+ students of Goddard Public Schools!
Happy School Psychology Week! This week we celebrate the incredible work of school psychologists who support the mental health and well-being of each member of the #265Family! Their dedication helps create safe, caring, and connected learning environments where every child can thrive. Please join us in thanking these professionals for all they do to help support our school communities, today and every day.
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." – William Arthur Ward
Congratulations to Lisa Dwornicki, Oak Street Long-term Substitute, for receiving the District Attitude Award. Lisa was nominated by Shae Enegren and Kelsie Burr. Shae Enegren wrote, “I am thrilled to nominate Ms. Lisa Dwornicki for the District Attitude Award. This year, Lisa is acting as a long-term substitute for one of our first-grade team members on maternity leave. Watching Lisa take on this role has been inspiring. She consistently puts students and staff before herself, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone around her. Her outlook and charisma are truly contagious. Lisa brings a positive attitude every single day, making everyone around her feel welcome and included. Whether it’s by offering extra help to struggling students and staff or collaborating with teachers to enhance learning, her commitment to our school community is truly inspiring. She always has a smile on her face, even on challenging days, reminding us all of the importance of resilience and positivity. Lisa is a remarkable role model, and I believe she deserves this recognition for her unwavering support and uplifting spirit.”
Kelsie Burr wrote, “Lisa embraces any role that she must step into. Lisa has stepped into this role as Mrs. Moses' maternity leave sub flawlessly. Not only has she kept consistency and structure for the kids, but she has been an amazing teammate for us. One example is after being swamped with extra meetings last week Lisa took it upon herself to make my copies for our fun activities for Johnny Appleseed Day to help me out. She is thinking about others before herself continuously. She puts students and staff above herself without any hesitation. If there is a job to be done, you know that Lisa is always willing to do it, and it will be done well. I also get the privilege to stand next to her in the mornings while she welcomes students in the door. Every single child, in both Mrs. Moses' class and mine, gets greeted with hugs, high fives, and the warmest smile and they know that they are abundantly loved by Mrs. Dwornicki. We are extremely lucky to have Lisa as part of our Oak Street family, and this is now the second time that I have worked with her closely, as she was the long-term sub in the class that I took over when I was hired. In both experiences where I worked with her closely, she encouraged me and took the time to truly affirm me and make the workplace feel like a family environment. I think Lisa should be highly considered for the District Attitude Award because she embodies what a positive attitude and heart look like, and those around her feel her enthusiasm and passion every day. We are seriously so lucky to get to experience her love!”
"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." – Wade Boggs
Congratulations to Mrs. Robin Perkins for receiving the District Attitude Award! Robin was nominated by Piper White and Dane Baxa. Piper White wrote, “The print shop is not an easy or stress-free environment especially when you get multiple orders each day from all around the district, but Robin does so with a smile on her face. At the beginning of the year (or her busiest time) she and her staff worked so hard to make sure all staff had the orders before the first day of school. On top of just getting us the orders she also wrote positive messages that always leave us smiling. Robin communicates effectively, and if there is ever a rush order needed, she is not afraid of the challenge. Robin is a rock star!”
Dane Baxa wrote, “Robin Perkins stepped up to help the District in a big way after the sudden loss of Nancy Johnson. Robin is more than just a skilled Print Shop operator; she’s a problem-solver who brings positivity and energy to her work every day. She often anticipates the needs of teachers, administrators, and staff, frequently stepping in to assist with last-minute requests and high-volume projects without hesitation. Her reliability and willingness to do whatever it takes to support others have made her an invaluable resource.
She developed a plan to visit every school during orientation, making a personal connection with as many staff members as possible, building positive relationships, and explaining the services she provides and the process for submitting print jobs.
Beyond her exceptional technical abilities, Robin’s attitude exemplifies the values of our district. Her commitment to excellence and genuine kindness uplift everyone she works with. She is always quick to offer encouragement, inspiring our Community Relations Team and those around her.”
From our #265Family to yours, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, first responders, and members of the armed services. Your sacrifices and service ensure our freedom and safety, both at home and abroad. We honor your courage and dedication, today and every day. Thank you for your service!
Did you know that the benefits of early childhood education span far past prepping your child for Kindergarten? The positive advantages of engaging young children in early learning opportunities sets them up for lifelong success, in their academic careers and beyond! Learn more about how USD 265 Parents As Teachers (PAT) can help your growing family today by visiting: https://www.goddardusd.com/page/parents-as-teachers-pat.
This program provides no-cost, parental education that helps provide support for families throughout pregnancy until age four by communicating information on early brain development advice, techniques, and guidance with visits, parent group connection sessions and play group sessions, screenings, and a network of resources. As we celebrate Parent As Teachers (PAT) Day, we’d like to thank all of our PAT staff for everything you do to help educate Goddard’s youngest students!
Let’s celebrate STEM Day! An elevated sense of curiosity positively impacts educational growth, which is exactly why Goddard educators create engaging and transformative classroom projects, experiences, and activities for students of all ages through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) coursework. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (or, STEM) is at the foundation of PLTW curriculum and allows students to bring abstract concepts to life through exciting, real-world applications by incorporating problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Happy STEM Day to all the members of our #265Family with that drive to continue discovering!
