"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!
What better way to start a Friday than with locally sourced coffee & donuts?! The District leadership team provided just that for the USD 265 Maintenance crew last Friday, showing appreciation for all they do to keep our schools running each and every day. THANK YOU to all the members of the Maintenance team that keep Goddard facilities, grounds, and building clean, safe, and secure for students and staff throughout the year! #265Family #Grateful
Did you know that November is Scholarship Month?! Post-secondary resources and information on options are always available to students through each high school counseling department. Start the discussion now with your child(ren) about what life after high school might look like for them, and don’t hesitate to start looking into scholarship options and applications. Not sure where to start? Schedule some time to visit your local library, have a discussion with your student, or call the school counseling department. It’s never too early to plan for the future! Help us in our mission to educate all students for lifelong success. Happy Scholarship Month to our #265Family!
Join us in celebrating the creative spirit of Halloween! We love seeing our students:
Learn about various seasonal traditions
Build community through engaging celebrations
Practice safety while enjoying festivities
Express their individuality through costumes and decorations
Build school spirit through positive activities
Wishing the entire #265Family a spooky and safe Halloween weekend!
Reminder! All schools and district offices will be closed tomorrow - Friday, November 1st, 2024.
As October comes to a close each year, communities across the country come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, which raises awareness about the dangers of drug use and abuse. Let’s embrace this opportunity to educate ourselves and engage in meaningful conversations today, paving the way for a brighter, safer, and drug-free tomorrow!
Launch your teaching career with USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools! Join us TONIGHT for a Teaching Job Fair, where you can explore opportunities to make a positive difference in a community that feels like home. We've added extra interview timeslots to start the discussion with dedicated educators to join our world class staff!
When: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Tuesday, October 29th, 2024
Where: Eisenhower Middle School (16152 W. Explorer St. Goddard, KS 67052)
Come meet our team and learn why educators choose Goddard Schools. Be part of something special - be part of our #265Family!
We'd like to say THANK YOU to all of the amazing Occupational Therapists that help our #265Family create a well-rounded educational experience for students throughout the year! By working together with families to develop students’ fine motor and sensory processing skills, you help produce a connected and caring learning environment, allowing us to educate the whole student. Thank you for your dedication, expertise, and the personalized attention you provide each of our school communities!
Happy School Bus Safety Week! In our country, millions of children ride the bus to and from school daily. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated drivers right here in Goddard, America for their commitment to the safety of our students on the roadways. From early morning bus routes, to late night trips home from away games, our Goddard Transportation team has what it takes to deliver students to and from their destinations safely and securely. It's a rewarding job that requires heart and diligence. THANK YOU to each and every member of our USD 265 Transportation staff!
How can you help? Take the time to show caution and care around school buses out and about. Remember to keep your eyes not just on the bus, but on the surrounding areas too. Understand school bus signaling and lights, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Have the discussion with your child(ren) about practicing caution when boarding a school bus. If they're new drivers learning the ways of the road, discuss the importance of attentiveness, care, and caution while driving near school buses.
This School Bus Safety Week, talk to your family and help keep our roads safe for school bus traffic. Slow down, stop and be observant, practice caution and patience, and avoid distractions while driving. From our #265Family, thank you!
Interested in a rewarding career in education? Come to the USD 265 Goddard Teaching Job Fair from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th, at Eisenhower Middle School (16152 W. Explorer St. Goddard, KS 67052). Discover why our district is a great place to teach! #265Family
It's the final countdown for the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Ticket-To-Ride raffle! The proceeds support GEF initiatives including annual innovative teacher grants, the ROAR on 54 magazine, appreciation events for our #265Family of educators, and much more. Plus, $10 from every ticket can be designated to the USD 265 school of your choice, maximizing the impact of your support right here in Goddard, America!
Click the link below to purchase your TICKET-TO-RIDE today! The first prize winner could choose from a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV ($50,470 MSRP), a $35,000 credit towards the purchase of any vehicle at Don Hattan, OR $25,000 cash! The deadline to purchase tickets is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Education is a shared responsibility. With the support of our alumni, friends, families, and businesses, we can transform our students' educational experience. Please help us reach our goal of selling 4,000 raffle tickets and positively impact the students of Goddard Public Schools!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2024gefraffle/event/2024gefraffle/?blm_aid=58123275
Reminder! All schools and district offices will be closed tomorrow - Friday, October 18th, 2024.
Reminder! The parent-teacher conference schedule for Goddard Public Schools is different from prior years. Tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 16th) and the next day (Thursday, Oct. 17th), all Goddard schools will host parent-teacher conferences from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. All schools and district offices will be closed this Friday, Oct. 18th.
"Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
Jeff Pacha, GHS Math Teacher, recieved the District Attitude Award. He was nominated by Dirk Ankerholz, Katie Barrientos, and Heather Aldrich.
Dirk Ankerholz said, “Jeff has been an excellent department chair. I have taught in multiple districts over my teaching career and Jeff is the best department chair I have had the pleasure of working with. He cares about his teachers and advocates for the betterment of not only the department but the school itself. He puts in extra time and is always willing to help with anything we need to make our lives, both professional and private, better. I am proud to call him my department chair, and I believe my life is better for having him in it.”
Katie Barrientos said, “Jeff emits positivity on a daily basis. His positivity glows out of him and into everyone who surrounds him. He is rarely seen without a smile on his face. He is quite the prankster and can lighten any mood. He also has a talent for reaching students on a personal level so they know they have someone in their corner. Jeff challenges me to be a better, more positive teacher every day! He is an incredible department head for the math department here at GHS and we are lucky to have him!”
Heather Aldrich said, “I am new to the district and have felt such a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Jeff. My first introduction to Jeff was before my interview, and he had a box with "something" inside to show the ladies in the front office. All they had to do was to open the lid. They fell for it, something popped out, and they jumped back in surprise. It was a fantastic introduction to this district where a relaxed and congenial demeanor seems to be the norm.
Jeff began welcoming me early on in the onboarding process and even invited me to a department get-together in May so I could meet some of my new colleagues. We ended up going to the same week of a Textron Aviation Externship in July and he was just so helpful in introducing me to the culture of the District and GHS. He answered my questions, requested my opinions, and asked what things I was concerned about so he could help make my transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Jeff continues to show this welcoming attitude as he frequently arranges lunches for us to attend during our prep week and other ways for people to connect. Couple all these efforts with his bright and cheery personality, and you have a winner as a colleague and a department head.”
“A positive attitude enables you to make a difference in the world around you because when you can see things in a positive light, you help to influence & shape other people’s attitude as well.” - Chris J. Gregas
Tiffany Spradling, Discovery Intermediate School Registrar, received the District Attitude Award from the Board of Education. Tiffany was nominated by Jeanette Nixon and Carney McElroy.
Jeanett Nixon wrote, “Tiffany is always happy and eager to help! When you go to the office, you are greeted with a sunny "hello," and, "how are you!" She remembers things you've told her and asks if everything is going well. If it isn't, she immediately asks what she can do to help. Her sunny and enthusiastic outlook is contagious. She has the best attitude!”
Carney McElroy wrote, “I would like to nominate Tiffany Spradling for the District Attitude Award. As one of the first people students and staff encounter when they enter the building, she has a significant daily impact on many. She consistently brings a sense of optimism and enthusiasm to our workplace, making it a more enjoyable and productive environment for everyone. No matter how challenging the day may be, Tiffany always greets students and colleagues with a smile, offers support when needed, and approaches every task with a can-do attitude. Her positivity and optimism are not just infectious but also inspiring, encouraging all of us to remain focused and motivated. Tiffany's unwavering commitment to maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of difficulties, makes her truly deserving of this recognition. Discovery would not be the same without her!”
Did you know that October is Bullying Prevention Month? This serves as a reminder to communities, organizations, and families to foster safe and supportive environments. The mission of Goddard Public Schools is to educate all students for lifelong success, and that includes instilling inclusivity in all aspects of education. Everyone has an important role in bullying prevention. Take the time with your family to have a conversation about the importance of showing kindness to others. We are proud of all the educators in our #265Family who work hard every day to help build a better future for all by promoting positivity, kindness, and respect both inside and outside of the classroom!
