Today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and we want to send a huge shoutout to the amazing paras across USD 265! Paraprofessionals are so core to a successful classroom environment. They provide essential support, patience, and care to staff and students every single day. We truly couldn't do it without you.
Summer is quickly approaching! Have you reserved your student's spot in one of the USD 265 summer learning programs? Enrollment for the following programs opened today, March 30th, 2026!
D.A.R.E. (4th & 5th Graders)
Goddard Kids Rock (3rd & 4th Graders)
STEM Academy (1st - 4th Graders)
These programs fill quickly, so be sure to snag your spot now. Click the link below to register now!
https://bit.ly/265SummerLearning2026
To learn more about all USD 265 summer programs offered, please visit: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/summer-learning-yearly.
#265Family, we’re hard at work gearing up for the 2026–2027 school year, and we can’t do it without YOU! Mark your calendars for these upcoming, new student enrollment events: Tag your neighbors and friends who are moving or have just moved into Goddard Public Schools to join us!
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT EVENTS
- Thursday, April 9th, 2026
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- At each individual elementary school
For families with incoming Kindergarteners - meet the staff, explore the building, and get your little learner ready for their big adventure! Not sure which school your address falls under? Check district boundaries at the link in our bio!
PRE-K PRE-ENROLLMENT EVENT
- Thursday, April 16th, 2026
- 4:30–7:30 p.m. (Come & Go)
- Challenger Intermediate School
Is your child turning 3 or 4 years old on or before August 31st, 2026, and living within GPS boundaries? Come learn about our incredible Pre-K programs!
Sign up, register, or learn more: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/enrollment-26-27
It takes a village... and our village is the best.
Behind every great student is a dedicated team of teachers, drivers, custodians, and support staff. They are more than just employees; they are the heart of the #265Family.
Is there someone who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life this year? Whether they provide a safe ride to school or a word of encouragement in the hallway, we want to hear about it!
Nominate them for the #265Family Award today. A few minutes of your time could lead to a $100 surprise for a well-deserving staff member!
Let’s celebrate them! Nominate your hero for the #265Family Award. It’s a quick way to say "thank you" and gives them a chance to win a $100 cash prize!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117
Nominate a teacher, staff member, volunteer, or community partner who makes a difference every day. It’s a simple way to show your appreciation and give them a shot at a $100 cash prize!
Submit your nomination through the Goddard Education Foundation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawQSwtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPVWY5SlJEUjg2UXU1NlNnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn-VlibVzKbY1yGj-1MqJFWPK8WGLpWDi2kek1tzjRbc0AM8s3CF23n4rn9Y_aem_Hr3R4cbHfELWd1UXqFOUeQ. Don’t wait, nominations close April 3rd!
Kohler received his Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 2016. He earned his Master's of Education in Educational Leadership in 2021 from Fort Hays State University. He has taught in USD 265 at Goddard High School (GHS) since the fall of 2016. He taught Social Studies including World History, Government, Psychology and other Social Studies Electives. He has been in administration at GHS since 2020.
Kohler also has extensive experience coaching at GHS. He coached football for six years, boys' basketball for four years and boys' golf for three years. He was a part of leading some incredible student-athletes to successful student experiences that create life-long relationships and memories.
Kohler shared, "I am grateful for the love and support from my wife, Molly. We are blessed with three wonderful children: Archie (4), Teddy (2), and Izzy (1 month). Outside of my professional duties, I can be found spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time with our large extended family attending sporting events and visiting our family farms. I am both humbled and excited to take on the role of GMS Principal. I look forward to serving our students, families, staff, and community members and working together to build on the strong foundation already in place. Together, we will continue to create a supportive environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.”
Please help us welcome Mr. Kohler to his new role in Goddard Public Schools!
https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/nutrition-services/school-menus/426171
Congratulations to Diana Van Horn (6th Grade Teacher, Challenger Intermediate School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Van Horn was nominated anonymously by a district colleague, who shared the following, “It is my honor to nominate Diana Van Horn for this award in the Goddard School District. Diana’s decades of dedication to students, staff, and the district have made an immeasurable impact that reaches far beyond her classroom.
Throughout her career, she has continuously stepped into leadership roles — serving as a department head, contributing to numerous committees, supporting multiple sports and activities, and always being willing to take on whatever is needed to make our schools better. She leads with energy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students.
What truly sets Diana apart is the way she lifts the people around her. She brings humor and positivity to every room, brightening even the most challenging days. As a mentor, she has guided and inspired countless colleagues, and her influence can be seen in the strength and success of the educators she has supported.
Diana’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and heart. When she eventually decides to call it a career, she will be deeply missed and impossible to replace. Our district is better because of her, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations to Dirk Ankerholz (Math Teacher, Goddard High School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Ankerholz was nominated anonymously by a district colleague, who shared the following, “It is my privilege to nominate Dirk Ankerholz for this award in the Goddard School District. As a math teacher at Goddard High School, Dirk represents the very best of what it means to be an educator.
Dirk thrives in the trenches of the classroom and takes great pride in the daily work of teaching and supporting students. He never looks for shortcuts — instead, he invests the time, energy, and effort necessary to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. His commitment to doing things the right way has earned him tremendous respect from his students and colleagues alike.
What truly sets Dirk apart is the enthusiasm and energy he brings to his classroom each day. He celebrates student growth and achievement with genuine excitement, creating an environment where hard work is valued and success is shared. Students know he cares, and that connection motivates them to push themselves further.
Dirk’s pride in his profession, his relentless work ethic, and his positive impact on students make him exceptionally deserving of this recognition. Our district is stronger because of educators like him, and I am honored to nominate him.”
Read in full here: https://5il.co/1qixz
Don’t forget! The annual Goddard Special Education Cooperative’s Transition Fair is TOMORROW (Thursday, March 5th) from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Eisenhower High School’s cafeteria. Stop by to explore the amazing resources available for students with diverse learning needs, and their families. We hope to see you there!
KSN News recently visited Eisenhower High School (EHS) to shine a light on the amazing journey of James Rohleder, and all of the incredible athletes and staff that make up the EHS Unified Basketball program. It’s one of those special stories that gives us all so much hope for the future.
Tune in to KSN - Channel 3 TONIGHT at 10:00 p.m. to watch the full feature! If that’s a little late to tune in, no worries. It’ll air again tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 6:45 a.m. Best part? The excitement doesn't stop there!
EHS is also proud to host the Tri-County area basketball tournament, throughout the day, this Thursday, March 5th. We'd love for our community to come out, show your support, and celebrate these amazing athletes. This is exactly what having #265Pride looks like, and we are so fortunate to have incredible opportunities like this!
Registration for Summer 2026 Driver Ed will open at 8:00 a.m. next Tuesday, March 3rd! Spots fill up in a flash, so mark your calendars!
Registration Opens: Tuesday, March 3rd @ 8:00 AM
Age Requirement: Must be 14 by May 18th, 2026
Enroll Here: https://bit.ly/USD265-DE2026
Make sure to check out the attached flyer for full program details!
Join staff from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at Eisenhower High School in the cafeteria. Whether you are looking for employment providers, day programs, housing assistance, or general resources, this is the perfect opportunity to explore your options! This event is free and open to the public, and even includes FREE Chick-Fil-A sandwiches (while supplies last), and prize raffles for attendees. Get information and resources for your student and family, while having fun and finding out what the community has to offer for families of students with diverse learning needs. This is what being part of our #265Family is all about!
https://www.goddardusd.com/documents/families/%23265familynews-(district-newsletter)/2025-26-school-year/24589575
