Behind every confident student is a school counselor who believed in them. This School Counselors Week, we recognize the dedicated professionals who help our students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential. Please join us in celebrating our incredible school counselors who guide, support, and inspire our students every single day. THANK YOU all for being champions of mental health, academic success, and personal growth!
January is when we, as a community, get the chance to recognize our USD 265 - Goddard Board of Education members, for Kansas School Board Appreciation Month. We want to take a moment to thank the seven dedicated community members who serve on the Board of Education for Goddard Public Schools: President Jenny Simmons, Vice President Amanda Gish, Shane Ewing, Nicole Hawkins-McWhorter, Jerry Longabaugh, Lindsay White, and Ruth Wood.
Our school board members volunteer countless hours to ensure every student in Goddard Public Schools has access to quality education and ample opportunities to thrive. They plan for our district's future and advocate tirelessly for our students, staff, and families - all while balancing their own careers and families. They give of their time and talents to shape the future of our #265Family.
These people are your neighbors. They’re parents, former educators, and most of all - they are deeply invested in the positive progress of our public schools here in Goddard. We’d like to extend a heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ for the unwavering commitment to our schools, the thoughtful leadership, and the dedication to making USD 265 an exceptional place to learn and grow. Their service now makes a lasting difference and positive impact in the lives of our students and families for years to come!
Our school board members volunteer countless hours to ensure every student in Goddard Public Schools has access to quality education and ample opportunities to thrive. They plan for our district's future and advocate tirelessly for our students, staff, and families - all while balancing their own careers and families. They give of their time and talents to shape the future of our #265Family.
These people are your neighbors. They’re parents, former educators, and most of all - they are deeply invested in the positive progress of our public schools here in Goddard. We’d like to extend a heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ for the unwavering commitment to our schools, the thoughtful leadership, and the dedication to making USD 265 an exceptional place to learn and grow. Their service now makes a lasting difference and positive impact in the lives of our students and families for years to come!
On this day in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state, embracing the motto "Ad Astra Per Aspera" - to the stars through difficulty.
Just as our state was built on perseverance and determination, USD 265 is committed to pursuing excellence by overcoming challenges. We continue to provide connected and advanced learning opportunities for ALL students, ensuring every student has access to world-class education that prepares them for lifelong success.
Here's to the character of Kansas, being homegrown with Goddard grit, and reaching for the stars together!
Just as our state was built on perseverance and determination, USD 265 is committed to pursuing excellence by overcoming challenges. We continue to provide connected and advanced learning opportunities for ALL students, ensuring every student has access to world-class education that prepares them for lifelong success.
Here's to the character of Kansas, being homegrown with Goddard grit, and reaching for the stars together!
Spotlight on USD 265 Parents As Teachers!
We're excited to have Charity Warden leading our Parents As Teachers (PAT) program, with the help of Michelle Convirs! These dedicated professionals bring innovation and drive to supporting families with children from birth through kindergarten entry.
The PAT program offers:
FREE home visits focused on child development
Parent education and support
Developmental screenings
Connection to community resources
Group activities and family events
Have a little one at home? We're here to support you! Learn more & enroll:
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/parents-as-teachers-pat
“Teach the way that they learn.” - Ignacio Estrada
Congratulations to Ashley Zimmerman (Special Education Teacher, Amelia Earhart Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Zimmerman was nominated by fellow Earhart teacher, Abby Archer, who shared the following, “Ashley was new to our Kindergarten team this year and completely jumped in and immediately became a part of our team! She is such a team player and is always willing to go above and beyond to help in any way that she can without hesitation! She is the first to volunteer to help and support the needs of ALL of our students, as well as our classroom teachers! She has been an amazing addition to our Kindergarten team and truly deserves recognition for all that she does for our team! We are so thankful for her and her room of amazing teachers!”
Congratulations to Ashley Zimmerman (Special Education Teacher, Amelia Earhart Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Zimmerman was nominated by fellow Earhart teacher, Abby Archer, who shared the following, “Ashley was new to our Kindergarten team this year and completely jumped in and immediately became a part of our team! She is such a team player and is always willing to go above and beyond to help in any way that she can without hesitation! She is the first to volunteer to help and support the needs of ALL of our students, as well as our classroom teachers! She has been an amazing addition to our Kindergarten team and truly deserves recognition for all that she does for our team! We are so thankful for her and her room of amazing teachers!”
“Be the person you needed when you were younger.” - Melissa Ponzio
Congratulations to Tyler Priddle (USD 265 Police Officer) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Priddle was nominated by Tiffany Spradling, Registrar & Attendance Secretary at Discovery Intermediate School, who shared the following, “Officer Priddle is a huge asset to the Goddard Public Schools police force. He always goes above and beyond when we call for assistance. I appreciate his leadership in various situations at school, always prioritizing the safety of the students and staff involved but making sure everything is handled appropriately. As a parent, I am so grateful for the time he puts in connecting with the students at Goddard High School. His involvement in various activities, being in the hallways between classes and at lunch, and being so visible during football games makes such a difference. Seeing him on the track, interacting with the cheerleaders, dance team, color guard and student section makes him seem so much more accessible to the students, which is so important when students need to come to him with problems.”
“Every student can learn, just not always on the same day, or in the same way.” - George Evans
Congratulations to Rachel Dodge (Special Education Teacher, Clark Davidson Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Dodge was nominated by colleague and fellow CDS Special Education Teacher Kayla Nush, who shared the following, “Mrs. Dodge is more than just a great teacher. She is a phenomenal leader, mentor, and teammate. She takes on so many roles as an advocate for students and staff. As a first year IS teacher, she has gone above and beyond to answer every question, provide support when it was needed the most, and model how to be a great leader. Mrs. Dodge never fails to put others first, whether students or staff, and is a daily example of how impactful a teacher can be. Her desire to learn more and share best practices is the embodiment of what a natural leader does. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with her both as a parent and as a co-worker, and the impact that I have seen her have on my own child as well as other students is a huge part of why I wanted to be part of the USD 265 team. CDS and the Goddard school district benefit daily from the love, devotion, and unparalleled support that she pours into every day. I am beyond thankful for her guidance, and the impact that she has had on the success of my own child in the district as well as the many others that she continues to impact every day. Thank you Mrs. Dodge for showing up every day and pouring your heart into teaching!”
Congratulations to Rachel Dodge (Special Education Teacher, Clark Davidson Elementary School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Dodge was nominated by colleague and fellow CDS Special Education Teacher Kayla Nush, who shared the following, “Mrs. Dodge is more than just a great teacher. She is a phenomenal leader, mentor, and teammate. She takes on so many roles as an advocate for students and staff. As a first year IS teacher, she has gone above and beyond to answer every question, provide support when it was needed the most, and model how to be a great leader. Mrs. Dodge never fails to put others first, whether students or staff, and is a daily example of how impactful a teacher can be. Her desire to learn more and share best practices is the embodiment of what a natural leader does. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with her both as a parent and as a co-worker, and the impact that I have seen her have on my own child as well as other students is a huge part of why I wanted to be part of the USD 265 team. CDS and the Goddard school district benefit daily from the love, devotion, and unparalleled support that she pours into every day. I am beyond thankful for her guidance, and the impact that she has had on the success of my own child in the district as well as the many others that she continues to impact every day. Thank you Mrs. Dodge for showing up every day and pouring your heart into teaching!”
THANK YOU, Goddard Public Schools Maintenance Team!
While most of the community was staying warm inside, this incredible maintenance team was outside doing the hard work that makes a safe return to school possible.
On Sunday, January 25th, and again early Monday morning, January 26th, the USD 265 Facilities, Maintenance & Operations staff were out across the district clearing snow from parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring school buildings are safe and accessible for students, staff, and families.
These moments from Clark Davidson Elementary School, Discovery Intermediate School, and Challenger Intermediate School are a snapshot of the pride, grit, and dedication behind the scenes. Snow storms do not stop this team from showing up, problem solving, and taking care of our schools.
Their work may happen before sunrise and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student and staff member who walks through our doors. Thank you for going above and beyond for our #265Family!
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, there will be no school for Goddard Public Schools on Monday, January 26, 2026. We hope you stay warm and safe.
Why Goddard? Because you deserve more than just a job!
At USD 265, our staff community is truly special - they’re the heart of it all. We’ve collectively created a place where educators don't just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down main street, you can feel it at a Friday night game, you can feel it under the stage lights during a performance, and you can see it in our classrooms every day. You can trust that our culture is built intentionally, brick by brick, to attract and retain world-class, talented educators that welcome opportunities to grow and thrive on connection.
What places Goddard Public Schools apart from the rest?
We grow our own. With an impressive staff retention rate, and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there's a reason people choose Goddard and STAY in Goddard.
Goddard Public Schools is a place where you can grow roots and bring the whole family. Staff choice enrollment is a unique advantage for employees because it means that, even if they reside out of the district, their child(ren) can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship that means something. Our mentor educators (longtime Goddard teachers themselves) guide the program diligently to help mentors welcome newcomers with real experience and genuine care.
A culture you can feel. The distinct advantage of suburban school districts is the “sweet spot” feeling, not too big or too small. Just the right size to maintain a family feel, strong community connections, and meaningful relationships that make coming to work something to look forward to - while maintaining the resources, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay that will keep you and your future secure.
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 that reflects your worth. With one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area, we’ve positioned ourselves competitively to show how much we value strong educators and realize the positive impact they can make. Not just on our students and families, but on the entire community.
Ready to join our #265Family? Click the link below to start exploring opportunities today!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/
At USD 265, our staff community is truly special - they’re the heart of it all. We’ve collectively created a place where educators don't just work - they thrive, grow, and stay. You can feel it driving down main street, you can feel it at a Friday night game, you can feel it under the stage lights during a performance, and you can see it in our classrooms every day. You can trust that our culture is built intentionally, brick by brick, to attract and retain world-class, talented educators that welcome opportunities to grow and thrive on connection.
What places Goddard Public Schools apart from the rest?
We grow our own. With an impressive staff retention rate, and a district full of homegrown USD 265 alumni-turned-educators, there's a reason people choose Goddard and STAY in Goddard.
Goddard Public Schools is a place where you can grow roots and bring the whole family. Staff choice enrollment is a unique advantage for employees because it means that, even if they reside out of the district, their child(ren) can attend USD 265 schools.
Mentorship that means something. Our mentor educators (longtime Goddard teachers themselves) guide the program diligently to help mentors welcome newcomers with real experience and genuine care.
A culture you can feel. The distinct advantage of suburban school districts is the “sweet spot” feeling, not too big or too small. Just the right size to maintain a family feel, strong community connections, and meaningful relationships that make coming to work something to look forward to - while maintaining the resources, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay that will keep you and your future secure.
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 that reflects your worth. With one of the highest teacher base pay rates in the Wichita metro area, we’ve positioned ourselves competitively to show how much we value strong educators and realize the positive impact they can make. Not just on our students and families, but on the entire community.
Ready to join our #265Family? Click the link below to start exploring opportunities today!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/
Dare to dream! In Goddard Public Schools the focus is constantly on the future, and how our teams of educators can expand possibilities for all students and capitalize on opportunities to educate the whole child - academically, physically, and socially. Without barriers, with bright futures in mind, you can count on us to always continue to work towards our mission to educate all students for lifelong success.
As a reminder, there will be no school today (Monday, Jan. 19th, 2026) in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
As a reminder, there will be no school today (Monday, Jan. 19th, 2026) in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
REMINDER: There will be no school on MONDAY, January 19th, 2026.
Thanks to this community's incredible generosity during the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF)'s year-end campaign, GEF didn't just reach their goal, they made history by securing the full matching gift and raising $85,000 that will go to impact students and staff all across the district. Your impact is already in motion: These funds are headed directly into USD 265 classrooms to fuel creativity. This past December, the GEF awarded 30 Innovative Teacher Grants, providing everything from high-tech science equipment to hands-on learning tools for our 6,400 students. Whether you donated, shared our posts, or cheered us on, you are the reason Goddard remains a premier place to learn. Thank you for your continued confidence in our mission to Inspire Minds and Expand Possibilities!
Follow the GEF on Facebook to see the positive impacts made throughout the year!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef/
Follow the GEF on Facebook to see the positive impacts made throughout the year!
https://www.facebook.com/goddardef/
Last Thursday, our district welcomed aspiring educators in for a Prospective Teacher Open House that included shadowing current teachers, learning from faculty and administrators, as well as a panel discussion by USD 265’s Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) nominees - Brandy Lane, and Leah Whelan; and Kansas Horizon Award nominees - Abbie Griffith, Kirsten Hickey.
A huge THANK YOU to all who made this event such a success:
- To our administrators who shared their valuable expertise and insights,
- To the dedicated educators who opened their classrooms and offices to have attendees shadow and observe for a half day, and
- To all of the attendees who came to learn just what our #265Family is all about.
The future of education is bright when we invest in motivated future teaching staff!
A huge THANK YOU to all who made this event such a success:
- To our administrators who shared their valuable expertise and insights,
- To the dedicated educators who opened their classrooms and offices to have attendees shadow and observe for a half day, and
- To all of the attendees who came to learn just what our #265Family is all about.
The future of education is bright when we invest in motivated future teaching staff!
As we embark into 2026, USD 265 remains committed to our strategic vision of excellence in education. Kansas's motto reminds us, "Ad Astra Per Aspera" – to the stars through difficulty. With this in mind, it’s easier to remember that every challenge we face is an opportunity to rise higher. Every student we serve deserves our unwavering dedication. The mission of Goddard Public Schools is to educate all students for lifelong success, and the USD 265 Strategic Plan encompasses how to do that by following five main pillars:
- All students can learn and must have access to resources, which maximize their opportunities for post-secondary and career success.
- Education is a shared responsibility. Students, parents, community members, and the district must be active partners in the process.
- Status quo is not acceptable. We must pursue excellence in providing connected and advanced opportunities for all students.
- We must continue to recruit, develop, and retain world-class staff members throughout the district.
- The district must provide a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child academically, physically, and socially.
Together, we're reaching for the stars!
- All students can learn and must have access to resources, which maximize their opportunities for post-secondary and career success.
- Education is a shared responsibility. Students, parents, community members, and the district must be active partners in the process.
- Status quo is not acceptable. We must pursue excellence in providing connected and advanced opportunities for all students.
- We must continue to recruit, develop, and retain world-class staff members throughout the district.
- The district must provide a safe, caring, and connected learning environment to educate the whole child academically, physically, and socially.
Together, we're reaching for the stars!
Please join us in congratulating Abigail Griffith, Science Teacher at Goddard High School, for being recognized with the Kansas Horizon Award! The Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, took time to individually call each recipient, inform them and congratulate them. Abbie is one of only 32 educators in the state to win this award for excellence in their first year of teaching. According to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the Horizon Award "identifies and recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state."
This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional first-year teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and make meaningful contributions to their school communities. Abbie has proven to be a remarkable addition to our #265Family and is a fantastic representation of the excellent educators that call Goddard Public Schools home.
The entire district is so proud of this tremendous honor! Our community is so fortunate to have educators like you, Abbie, and indebted forever for all you do to make USD 265 an environment of excellence for students, staff and families. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, and thank you for representing our district with #265Pride!
This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional first-year teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and make meaningful contributions to their school communities. Abbie has proven to be a remarkable addition to our #265Family and is a fantastic representation of the excellent educators that call Goddard Public Schools home.
The entire district is so proud of this tremendous honor! Our community is so fortunate to have educators like you, Abbie, and indebted forever for all you do to make USD 265 an environment of excellence for students, staff and families. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, and thank you for representing our district with #265Pride!
DID YOU KNOW? You can stay up-to-date on all USD 265 events through the website or mobile app. Check out the 'Events' section on our district website homepage (or any school website) AND download the USD 265 mobile app!
You can even subscribe to your school's calendar or add individual events to your iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar. Never miss a game, concert, conference, or celebration again!
https://www.goddardusd.com/events
You can even subscribe to your school's calendar or add individual events to your iCal, Google, or Outlook calendar. Never miss a game, concert, conference, or celebration again!
https://www.goddardusd.com/events
Last call for future teachers in the area!
Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
Are you looking for a rewarding career teaching in one of the premier districts in the state of Kansas? Consider attending our Prospective Teacher Recruitment Event! This will also include the opportunity to spend half of the day shadowing a current USD 265 educator, and the other half gaining valuable professional development from our world-class staff.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8th, 2026
USD 265 District Conference Center
315 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052
Click the link below to sign up for an on-site interview!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B49A5A722A6FF2-60104719-prospective
We can’t wait to welcome back our whole #265Family tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 6th, for the first day of the second semester! Drop your favorite pictures in the comments of what made winter break fun for you and your family.
A new year, a new semester, and new opportunities await. We're thrilled to see our students and staff back in the halls, ready to make the spring semester incredible. Here's to learning, growing, and achieving great things in 2026!
A new year, a new semester, and new opportunities await. We're thrilled to see our students and staff back in the halls, ready to make the spring semester incredible. Here's to learning, growing, and achieving great things in 2026!
REMINDER: There will be no school on MONDAY, January 5th, 2026! Following winter break, USD 265 faculty and staff will be returning to work for a Teacher Work Day. Our incredible educators will be hard at work preparing for an outstanding spring semester!
See you back in class on Tuesday, January 6th!
See you back in class on Tuesday, January 6th!
