Goddard High School and Eisenhower High School face off TONIGHT in one of the biggest nights of the season — but at the end of the day, we all bleed blue, as members of the #265Family.
Place: USD 265 District Stadium
Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Halftime: Hall of Fame Presentation
Whatever shade of blue you come in, we’re all cheering for the same thing: our kids. These student-athletes give everything they have on the field, in the classroom, and in our community, and tonight we celebrate ALL of them, Lions and Tigers alike. Please join us in extending gratitude to the coaching staff, trainers, and administrators on both sidelines who pour their time and heart into these students every single day.
This kind of night brings packed stands, friendly rivalry, and a whole community showing up for its kids. And is exactly what the USD 265 Strategic Plan calls for: "a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child academically, physically, and socially." Friday night football is more than a game. It's connection. It's community. It brings you HOME. It's #265Family.
None of this happens without each of you. Thank you to the parents, PTO members, Booster Clubs, community sponsors, and the school communities of both Goddard and Eisenhower for making nights like this possible.
We're also honored to recognize the Goddard Hall of Fame Class of 2026, who will be celebrated at halftime tonight, presented by the Goddard Education Foundation:
Dan Buchanan
Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle) '86
Jerry Longabaugh
Dr. Christopher Warren '92
Dr. Michael Vivion '62 (posthumously)
Congratulations and sincere thanks to each of you for the lasting impact you've made on Goddard Public Schools! Join us tonight to celebrate Lions, Tigers, legacy, and a community filled with pride on both sides!
Today, more than 25 volunteers came together to put the finishing touches on a very special day for Goddard Public Schools.
Students, Hall of Fame Planning Committee members, Goddard Education Foundation Trustees, Community Relations staff and interns, and other volunteers worked side-by-side to create the beautiful spaces and experiences that will welcome our Goddard Hall of Fame, Class of 2026 honorees, their families, friends, and guests tomorrow at Pathway Church.
From setting tables and preparing programs to arranging displays and working through all of the final details, so many hands have helped make this celebration possible. Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time and talents to help us honor the people and stories that have shaped Goddard Public Schools.
But today was also a reminder of why we do this.
During a break for lunch, our volunteers had the opportunity to get a first look at the Hall of Fame honoree videos that will be shared during tomorrow's celebration. Among those watching were current Goddard High School students and our Community Relations interns, young people who are just beginning to imagine where their own lives might take them.
That is an important part of the purpose of the Goddard Hall of Fame. We celebrate the accomplishments of generations who came before us, but we also share their stories to inspire the generations who will come next.
We want today's students to see themselves in these stories. Our honorees once sat in Goddard classrooms, walked these same hallways, learned from Goddard educators, and wondered what their futures might hold. Their journeys remind our students that where they begin does not define how far they can go, and that someday, their stories may inspire the generation that follows them.
And now, we are ready!
Tomorrow, Friday, September 18, we will celebrate the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
Dan Buchanan
Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle)
Jerry Longabaugh
Dr. Michael Vivion
Dr. Christopher Warren
HALL OF FAME BRUNCH & INDUCTION CEREMONY
Pathway Church of Goddard
Brunch & Registration: 10:00 a.m.
Induction Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by Heart of Country Catering and served by Goddard and Eisenhower High School students as we share the stories, accomplishments, and lasting impact of our 2026 honorees.
HALL OF FAME TAILGATE
Goddard High School
5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Join us for Chick-fil-A, snacks, beverages, memorabilia, and an opportunity to reconnect with alumni, retired staff, friends, and members of our #265Family before the Goddard and Eisenhower #ROARon54 football game.
EISENHOWER VS. GODDARD FOOTBALL GAME
District Stadium
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Hall of Fame Recognition: Beginning of halftime, approximately 7:45 to 8:00 p.m.
For 142 years, generations of students, educators, families, and community members have helped write the story of Goddard Public Schools. Tomorrow, we have the privilege of celebrating five remarkable people whose lives and service have become part of that story.
The Hall of Fame is more than a recognition of accomplishment. It is an opportunity to honor our past, reconnect generations of our #265Family, and, perhaps most importantly, show the next generation of USD 265-Goddard Public Schools graduates what is possible.
There is still time to join us! Come celebrate these remarkable honorees and the legacy and future of Goddard Public Schools with us tomorrow.
Purchase tickets for the Hall of Fame at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/20haofam/event/2026halloffameevent/
From storytime at the Goddard Public Library to the dedicated teachers and librarians guiding students every day in our classrooms, literacy grows through the people who make it a priority. We're grateful for every educator, parent, and community partner who helps instill a love of reading in our #265Family.
How is your family celebrating reading this month? Whether it's a nightly read-aloud, a trip to the library, or journaling together, every bit counts toward building strong readers and writers. Goddard Public Schools is proud to grow lifelong learners together. Happy Literacy Month!
Congratulations to Tate Basham (Junior, Eisenhower High School), Tessa Carson (Senior, Eisenhower High School), and Riley Schoen (Senior, Goddard High School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! All three were nominated by Dane Baxa, who shared the following, “I am incredibly proud to nominate Riley Schoen, Tessa Carson, and Tate Basham, our three Community Relations Interns, for an Attitude Award. These three students stepped into what can only be described as an opportunity of a lifetime, and within the first few weeks of school, they have approached it exactly that way.
From day one, Riley, Tessa, and Tate have demonstrated an eagerness to learn, a willingness to step outside their comfort zones, and an attitude that sees challenges as opportunities. They have already begun learning photography, interviewing, story writing, campaign development, event planning, and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities involved in telling the story of Goddard Public Schools and the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF). They are contributing to major initiatives including the Goddard Hall of Fame, ROAR on 54 magazine, recruitment and retention campaigns, and other signature projects serving our students, staff, families, and community.
Imagine being a high school student walking into a school or bus barn for the first time with a camera and notebook and being asked to interview an adult you have never met about why they love serving Goddard Public Schools. That takes courage. Yet these students have discovered something pretty special along the way: when you ask members of the #265Family about the work they do for students, the stories often begin to tell themselves.
What has impressed me most is not simply what Riley, Tessa, and Tate have accomplished already, but their attitude in how they approach the work. They ask questions. They listen. They accept feedback. They try things they have never done before. They step up when an opportunity presents itself, and they genuinely want their work to make a positive difference for others.
They are also beginning to understand the bigger picture of the District and the GEF. Behind every photograph, article, event, publication, or campaign is an opportunity to celebrate someone, strengthen a relationship, connect a family with a resource, recognize excellence, or remind our community why public schools matter.
Over the course of this school year, each of these students will develop a signature project designed to leave a lasting legacy of impact. I cannot wait to see where their creativity, talents, and experiences take them.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give Riley, Tessa, and Tate is that their attitudes already give those of us who work alongside them tremendous confidence and hope in the future. They remind us that our students are not simply preparing someday to make a difference. They are empowered and achieving lifelong success right now.
Riley, Tessa, and Tate have embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm, courage, curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others. In only a few short weeks, they have already made our Community Relations team and Goddard Public Schools better.
For that, I am incredibly proud to recommend Riley Schoen, Tessa Carson, and Tate Basham for an Attitude Award.”
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and problem-solving superpowers. Our #265Family can always count on things running smoothly because of your dedication!
This week, we also want to say thank you to the incredible educators who make that possible:
- To our music teachers, who help students find their voice.
- To our visual art teachers, who turn blank pages into windows of imagination.
- To our theater and drama teachers, who build confidence one performance at a time.
- To our dance teachers, who teach expression through movement.
- To our media and digital arts teachers, who help students tell stories in bold, new ways.
You don't just teach technique. You teach students that their perspective is worth sharing. Thank you for nurturing creativity, curiosity, and courage in every classroom.
Happy Arts in Education Week!
Twenty-five years ago, our nation watched history change in an instant. Today, on this solemn anniversary, our #265Family pauses to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11th, 2001. We remember the countless first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who ran toward danger to protect others. Their courage and sacrifice remind us what it means to serve something greater than ourselves.
In that same spirit of gratitude, tonight we are proud to honor the first responders and members of our military who continue to serve and protect our communities and our country. All first responders and military personnel, with their ID, will receive FREE admission to tonight’s Goddard High School football game at 7:00 p.m. at the District Stadium, as a small gesture of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Public education has always been one of America's foundational pillars, built on the belief that an informed, engaged citizenry is essential to a free society. Just as those we honor today gave of themselves for the country, USD 265 teachers and staff show up every day to shape the next generation of citizens, leaders, and neighbors who will carry that legacy forward.
Today, we teach our students not just history, but hope for the future; that unity, resilience, and love of country can rise above even our darkest days. It’s with perseverance and a strong sense of gratitude that we look back to reflect, and look forward with resilient hope for a brighter tomorrow and unity ahead.
Fall sports season is officially here, #265Family!
The new 2026 Fall Sports Guide is officially out in this week’s edition of The Times-Sentinel Newspaper, and you're going to want to grab a copy before they fly off the stands!
Whether you are cheering for Eisenhower and Goddard, we’ve got your Friday nights, match days, and meet days completely covered. Inside this week's Fall Sports Guide special edition, you'll find:
Full season schedules so you never miss a game
- Official team photos and complete rosters
- In-depth preview stories for football, volleyball, cross country, girls tennis, girls golf, and boys soccer
- Let’s pack the stands, cheer loud, and show up for every single one of our incredible student-athletes across both Eisenhower High and Goddard High Schools as they kick off an amazing season!
Grab your FULL copy TODAY at Kwik Shop, Walmart (Goddard), Dillons (135th & Maple), or subscribe to the Times-Sentinel Newspaper by visiting https://publisher1.etype.services/Times-Sentinel
A Great Start, and We’re Just Getting Started
The first days of a new school year are about so much more than schedules, classrooms, and learning new routines. They are about building positive relationships. Across Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff have worked intentionally to make sure students feel welcomed, supported and excited to be back at school. At Challenger Intermediate School, that has meant everything from music, fist bumps, and big greetings during morning drop-off to hands-on science experiments, classroom activities, and older students stepping up to help younger classmates. Those moments matter. When students know there are adults who care about them and classmates who support them, it creates the sense of belonging that helps them learn, grow and succeed. As a new school year kicks off, a few members of the Challenger team shared about their first-day-of-school experience and what they're looking forward to most this year.
Darrin San Romani, Principal
A new school year means new beginnings, and Principal Darrin San Romani has been proud to see students and staff making connections from day one at Challenger. One of his favorite moments has been watching sixth graders step up to welcome and help incoming fifth graders. Those leadership opportunities are helping create a strong sense of community throughout the building. Creating a welcoming environment is a priority from the moment students arrive. From music playing in the morning to big greetings and fist bumps, Challenger staff prioritizes every student’s sense of belonging.
“Welcome!” That simple message has been on display all week, especially as students who arrived nervous on the first day quickly became excited to jump out of the car and head into school. And there’s plenty more ahead, with student leadership, robotics, family activities, and more giving students and families opportunities to connect throughout the year.
Jaden Wiley, 5th Grade Teacher (1st Year Teaching)
For first-year teacher Jaden Wiley, building relationships was the focus during the first week of school. His fifth graders played games, learned more about their new teacher and had opportunities to share about themselves with their classmates. Those early conversations are already helping build a classroom community where students feel comfortable being themselves. “I am hoping to create a sense of family here in my classroom,” Wiley shared. It’s clear that one of the highlights of the week was seeing students look out for one another, checking on classmates and helping pick each other up when they needed it.
Doug Mann, 5th Grade PLTW Science Teacher
What better way to start the school year than by getting hands-on with science? Fifth-grade science teacher Doug Mann jumped right into STEAM activities and hands-on projects during the first week at Challenger. One favorite was the “Fred the Gummy Worm” challenge, where students worked together to rescue Fred from his plastic cup boat. For Mann, activities like these are about more than having fun, they’re about helping students discover a love for science early on. He’s looking forward to a year filled with STEAM projects, including robotics activities later in the year.
His goal? “Hooking kids to science” and hopefully inspiring them to keep exploring it long after they leave his classroom.
Megan Alexander, School Counselor
The first week of school is full of new faces, new routines and, for some students, a few nerves. School Counselor Megan Alexander has been excited to see those nerves turn into confidence as students settle into Challenger.
Alexander shared that several parents reached out before the first day with concerns about their children feeling nervous. But when she checked in with those students afterward, she heard a very different story, they were doing great and thriving. Seeing staff help students feel comfortable and at home has been especially rewarding.
As the year continues, she is looking forward to watching students build strong connections with their teachers and staff. Alexander shared, “I’m excited to see students continue to make connections with staff.”
Building Connections All Year Long
Excitement and opportunities at Challenger mirror what happens all throughout Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff creating environments where students know they are welcomed, valued, and cared for. Thanks is owed to all teachers, support staff, administrators, and families for making the beginning of this school year such a positive one! And we're just getting started. As the #265Family moves beyond the excitement of the first days, we encourage families to stay connected. It takes all of us working together to create an incredible school year for students. Here's to a year filled with relationships, opportunities, discovery, and continuing to build the #265Family!
Story and pictures contributed by Tessa Carson, USD 265 Intern.
For 12 years, Kelly has been one of the people working behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly. As a Head Building Engineer at Clark Davidson Elementary School, Kelly takes care of the little things that can make a big difference—fixing a broken desk, making sure a new student has a desk waiting in their classroom, solving problems, and helping create a safe, welcoming environment where students and staff can focus on learning.
But when we asked Kelly what keeps him coming back every day, his answer went far beyond maintenance, “I love seeing teachers and others happy. I want to do my job so others have a good flow and they are able to do their job with little hiccups.”
When Kelly talks about working for Goddard Public Schools, one thing stands out: he feels like part of the team, “Our maintenance team is one big unit, not several different crews. We are all always working together to help one another out.”
Kelly says that same sense of belonging extends throughout the district, “Goddard has always treated me as a person and never just ‘the help.’" That sense of teamwork, respect, and purpose is part of what makes our schools special—not only for the students and staff we serve, but also for the people who make our schools work every day. We’re proud to have people like Kelly on our team. His work may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact can be seen throughout the school - in classrooms that are ready for students, in teachers who have what they need, and in a building where students, staff, and families feel welcomed and supported.
Find Your Place at Goddard Public Schools!
It takes people with many different skills and talents working together to create an exceptional experience for our students. Across Goddard Public Schools, there are opportunities to make a difference every day—including building engineers who, like Kelly, help create schools where students can learn and educators can thrive. If you’re looking for a career where your work has purpose, your teammates have your back, and you have an opportunity to positively impact students, staff, and families, there may be a place for you at Goddard Public Schools.
Come be part of our team. Explore current opportunities and apply today:
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/GoddardUSD265
Story and Pictures contributed by Riley Schoen, USD 265 Community Relations Intern
And be sure to tune in to KSN Channel 3 tonight! KSN joined us today to capture the excitement of the first day of school in Goddard. Watch for the feature during the 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. newscasts! To our students, families, teachers, staff, and community, thank you for making day one such a special one.
Here’s to an incredible year!
Pre-K - 6th Grade Open House will be held from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
7th - 12th Grade Open House will be held from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Meet your child(ren)’s principal and teachers, and get materials and resources that will help your family start the school year off right!
This is your FINAL opportunity to donate school supplies before the bus rolls out! Our GHS & EHS cheer squads are teaming up with Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize to fill the bus for local students — and YOU can help!
📍 Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize (10515 W. 21st St. W)
🕙 TODAY, August 4 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Bring a school supply donation → walk away with a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich. It's that simple!
Every item collected will be distributed to classrooms across the District to help fill in needs throughout the first semester — your donation goes straight back to local teachers and students. 💙
Most needed:
✏️ Backpacks
✏️ #2 pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils
✏️ Glue sticks & block erasers
✏️ Folders, notebooks, rulers
✏️ Scissors, highlighters, dry-erase markers
Come see our cheerleaders in action and help send local classrooms into the semester fully stocked. Don't miss this last chance to make a difference! 🙌
Goddard Public Schools is excited to introduce ParentSquare, our new primary two-way communication platform for staff, families, and students. Whether you prefer email, text message, the mobile app, or a web browser, ParentSquare makes staying connected simple and seamless. Implementing ParentSquare aligns with our ongoing commitment to student safety and meets the requirements of Kansas House Bill 2299, ensuring two-way, school-related communications between staff and students remain secure, transparent, and accessible.
For families that wish to access class schedules & rosters through Skyward Family Access instead, those will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. tonight. As a reminder, bus route information will only be available through the StopFinder mobile app.
Three Quick Steps to Take Today
1. Download the App or Register Online
Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parentsquare.psapp
Apple App Store (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parentsquare/id908126679
Web Sign-In: https://www.parentsquare.com/signin
2. Verify Your Account Details
Log in to confirm your contact details and student information. If updates are needed, please make those changes via Skyward Family Access.
3. Set Your Notification Preferences
Customize how and when you receive updates so communication fits your family schedule and needs.
Class schedules and teacher assignments will be available TODAY at 4:00 p.m. via ParentSquare. Downloading the free mobile app now is the fastest way to view your student's schedule as soon as it releases. You can also log in anytime at www.parentsquare.com. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue working together to educate ALL students for lifelong success!
How to Donate:
Drop off new, unused school supplies at designated collection bins around the district and local community centers.
Most Needed Items:
- Pencils and Pens
- Crayons and Markers
- Notebooks and Loose-Leaf Paper
- Folders and Binders
- Backpacks
- Glue Sticks and Scissors
- Tissues and Sanitizing Wipes
Shop the Amazon Wish List & Show Your Support from Anywhere:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UB3X40CYCF7R
Become a $265 Supplies Champion & Donate Direct Funds Here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ygp4i5/
Every donation, big or small, makes a huge impact on a child's learning journey. Thank you for supporting our Goddard students and schools!
If your family is in need of school supplies, the #265 Supplies pick-up event is Monday, August 3rd, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (or while supplies last) at Pathway Church Goddard. PLEASE NOTE: Student(s) MUST be present to receive supplies.
At USD 265, our staff community is the heart of everything we do. We have intentionally built a culture where educators do not just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down Main Street, at a Friday night game, under the stage lights, and in our classrooms every single day.
What sets Goddard Public Schools apart?
We Grow Our Own: With an impressive staff retention rate and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there is a reason people choose Goddard and stay in Goddard.
Grow Roots & Bring Your Family: Our unique Staff Choice Enrollment means even if you live outside the district, your children can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship That Means Something: Experienced Goddard teachers guide our newcomers with real-world experience and genuine care.
A Culture You Can Feel: Enjoy the "sweet spot" of a suburban district - not too big, not too small. Get the tight-knit family feel alongside competitive pay, top-tier resources, and professional growth opportunities.
Support That Actually Supports: Confidential Staff Guidance and Parent Guidance platforms ensure you and your family have the resources you need, when you need them.
Competitive Pay: Enjoy one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area because we know your true worth.
Ready to join our #265Family or explore new career opportunities within the district? We have transitioned to a new platform for all job postings and application processing. Click the link below to check out our updated careers page to view open positions, substitute opportunities, and instructions on how to apply today!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/GoddardUSD265
https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new
Want more information? Visit the USD 265 Nutrition Services webpage today to learn more!
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/nutrition-services
