Nominations are OPEN for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame!
Established in 2018, the Goddard Hall of Fame celebrates the service and success of those who have made a lasting impact on Goddard Public Schools. We are looking for individuals who embody the "Legacy of Excellence" that USD 265 is know for.
Do you know someone who deserves this honor? Please consider nominating a distinguished Goddard Alumni, Retired or Former Staff, or All-Americans (Student Group, Organization, Team, or Family). Click the link below to submit your nomination by March 30th and help us tell their story!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLMYuOL2ATkI0TYJIJ4TiGCTBYL5R_97E414K-EyWSObjo-Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawP4KDJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOdlRzSURkem83R09TRGVEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuOl9nD_BrHH5ikZzsCufMpL2iVVm5sDKl7gWUqyH3UdBiQCXBzAPHC2D9FI_aem_t6T0kZb_PwtFp9ZHj2JJnw
Established in 2018, the Goddard Hall of Fame celebrates the service and success of those who have made a lasting impact on Goddard Public Schools. We are looking for individuals who embody the "Legacy of Excellence" that USD 265 is know for.
Do you know someone who deserves this honor? Please consider nominating a distinguished Goddard Alumni, Retired or Former Staff, or All-Americans (Student Group, Organization, Team, or Family). Click the link below to submit your nomination by March 30th and help us tell their story!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLMYuOL2ATkI0TYJIJ4TiGCTBYL5R_97E414K-EyWSObjo-Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawP4KDJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOdlRzSURkem83R09TRGVEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuOl9nD_BrHH5ikZzsCufMpL2iVVm5sDKl7gWUqyH3UdBiQCXBzAPHC2D9FI_aem_t6T0kZb_PwtFp9ZHj2JJnw
SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 USD 265 C.A.T. (Community, Academics, Tradition) Kickoff Rally! Join us in the Goddard High School Gym on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 as we celebrate what makes our district special and prepare for the next school year together. This is your chance to connect with fellow community members, celebrate our phenomenal students and staff, and honor the traditions that make Goddard unique!
This FREE community engagement event has something for everyone and all ages, and is built to help families discover local resources and find fun solutions. Connect with local organizations, explore job opportunities, get athletics info, and more at this event that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Goddard families. We can’t wait to see you there!
Are you part of an organization that benefits USD 265 families? Click the link below to learn more and sign up today!
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/community-relations
Let's come together to show our #265Pride!
This FREE community engagement event has something for everyone and all ages, and is built to help families discover local resources and find fun solutions. Connect with local organizations, explore job opportunities, get athletics info, and more at this event that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Goddard families. We can’t wait to see you there!
Are you part of an organization that benefits USD 265 families? Click the link below to learn more and sign up today!
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/community-relations
Let's come together to show our #265Pride!
Reminder! All schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, February 9th, 2026.
Reminder! There will be no school tomorrow (Friday, February 6th, 2026) as USD 265 Staff will be having a Professional Development Day.
Goddard Public Schools has an administrative opening available, and we want YOU to be a part of our #265Family! Come join a community that promotes positive growth and professional development, with competitive salary and benefits. Goddard Public Schools is truly a family, and when you're here, you'll feel right at home. As the 17th largest school district in the state, immediately adjacent to Wichita, you can enjoy both the amenities of a suburban community, with a small town feel. USD 265 seeks administrators with a commitment to high achievement for all students, and the ability to build a stimulating, supportive, and caring educational environment. Goddard educators work hard each day to educate ALL students for lifelong success! Are you ready to inspire students, support teachers, guide families, and be part of a community that thrives on connection? Join our #265Family!
To learn more, contact Nick Grummert at ngrummert@goddardusd.com, call 316-794-4000 today, or click the link below!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administration
To learn more, contact Nick Grummert at ngrummert@goddardusd.com, call 316-794-4000 today, or click the link below!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administration
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!
