Community isn’t just a word - it’s how we show up for each other. And our community continues to do that year after year. From our school traditions, partnerships with community organizations, and engagement with families, our students are able to shine bright because of the strength of our community. This time of year is full of reminders that we’re more than just neighbors; we’re a family. With gratitude in our hearts, warmest wishes from our #265Family to each of you!
Attention aspiring teachers! Take the first step towards a career in educational excellence by visiting the Goddard Public Schools 2025 Teaching Recruitment Event! This event is designed especially for college juniors considering where their teaching careers will start, and will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10th, 2025 at the District Conference Center (201 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052). Join us to learn what being a part of our #265Family is all about!
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/4ewuehza.
REMINDER - All schools and district offices will be closed for the next two weeks for winter break: Monday, Dec. 23rd, 2024 - Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2025. Additionally, Monday, Jan. 6th, 2025 will serve as a teacher work day, so there will be no classes. We look forward to welcoming our school communities back on Tuesday, Jan. 7th, 2025. Wishing everyone peace and joy this winter break, from our #265Family to yours!
Are you looking for a gateway into your journey as an educator? Take the first step by visiting the Goddard Public Schools 2025 Teaching Recruitment Event! This event is specifically crafted for college juniors looking to explore the start of their teaching careers, and will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10th, 2025 at the District Conference Center (201 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052). Come join us and learn what being a part of our #265Family is all about!
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/4ewuehza.
Did you know that Goddard Public Schools has a STRATEGIC PLAN that outlines the vision and goals for advancing educational excellence for our students, staff, and families? The Strategic Plan outlines core belief statements, our mission, and a breakdown of methods for how to overcome obstacles, advocate loudly, and achieve success. Interested in learning more? Visit the USD 265 website, or simply click the link below!
https://5il.co/1qiy5
“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.
