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
REMINDER - There will be no school next week, March 16th - 20th, 2026 for spring break and all USD 265 school and district offices will be closed. We hope everyone gets a chance to rest and relax, and come back recharged on Monday, March 23rd. From our #265Family to yours, have a fantastic spring break!
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our students and community? Nominations are STILL OPEN for the #265Family Awards, presented by the Goddard Education Foundation in partnership with Lange Real Estate!
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!
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!
The Goddard USD 265 Board of Education is excited to announce the hiring of Cody Kohler as the new Principal of Goddard Middle School (GMS), to begin serving on July 1st, 2026.
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!
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!
We've been made aware by LINQ (vendor for USD 265 Nutrition Services) that the online school meal menu links are currently temporarily offline for some maintenance. Don't worry! You can always view (and even download/print) school meal menus, all throughout the school year! Just click the link below, or log into your LINQ account to view anytime.
https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/nutrition-services/school-menus/426171
https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/nutrition-services/school-menus/426171
“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” - Chinese Proverb
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 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.”
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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.”
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.”
Goddard Public Schools is proud to share the 2026 Legislative Platform, which is a document that outlines our priorities and advocacy goals for USD 265 students, staff, and families for this legislative session. This is just part of the work that is done to advance our heartfelt mission of educating ALL students for lifelong success.
Read in full here: https://5il.co/1qixz
Read in full here: https://5il.co/1qixz
Extending a heartfelt thanks to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to join us for the 2026 State of the District address Wednesday evening, an annual update on the direction and future focus of our school district. The event included remarks from USD 265 Board of Education President, Jenny Simmons, as well as from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Justin B. Henry. The staff, students, and families of Goddard Public Schools work hard to collectively advance the mission of educating all students for lifelong success. The presence of parents, staff, community members, business representatives, locally elected officials, and many others means that the future of public education is a priority in our community. It takes a village, and this district is fortunate to have invested community members that take an active role in supporting our students. Thanks to all of the partners and members of this incredible #265Family!
Today is Maintenance Appreciation Day, and what better time to give a BIG shoutout to the best crew around, best crew in town - USD 265 Facilities & Maintenance! From scraping sidewalks and parking lots after snow, to ensuring that HVAC units are keeping schools nice and cool on the first day back from summer - this team keeps our buildings safe, clean, and ready for student success. Thank you all for everything you do!
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!
A story of teamwork, heart, and hope! Get ready, #265Family, because you won't want to miss this.
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!
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!
This week we celebrate School Social Worker Week, and want to extend a sincere THANK YOU to each of the incredible social workers across USD 265! These dedicated professionals show up every day ready to support students, create and foster caring and positive educational environments, and provide the fundamental and foundational support for students to succeed in the best ways possible - truly meeting each individual right where they are. Don’t forget to thank your school’s social worker, this week and every week, for the amazing work they do!
Reminder! Following spring parent-teacher conferences, all schools and district offices will be closed on Friday, February 27th, 2026.
Ready. Set. Drive!
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!
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!
Don't forget! The Goddard Special Education Cooperative will be hosting the annual Transition Fair NEXT Thursday! This event is designed to help families connect with community organizations, get resources, and meet with vendors all in one place.
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!
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!
Catch up on everything happening in USD 265 - on your own schedule! The full catalog of #265Family News district newsletters are always available on our website. Stay in the loop and catch up on all things Goddard Public Schools, whenever it fits into your busy schedule. Click the link below to view them all!
https://www.goddardusd.com/documents/families/%23265familynews-(district-newsletter)/2025-26-school-year/24589575
https://www.goddardusd.com/documents/families/%23265familynews-(district-newsletter)/2025-26-school-year/24589575
Reminder! Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are THIS week!
Wednesday, February 25th: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 26th: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 27th: NO SCHOOL, All School & District Offices Closed
Don’t miss this chance to connect with your child's teachers, discuss progress, and partner in your child(ren)’s success!
Wednesday, February 25th: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 26th: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 27th: NO SCHOOL, All School & District Offices Closed
Don’t miss this chance to connect with your child's teachers, discuss progress, and partner in your child(ren)’s success!
Results from this weekend’s statewide BPA competition are in!
What an incredible weekend for BOTH of the USD 265 teams that took part in the annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) state tournament! Eisenhower High School (EHS) and Goddard High School (GHS) had outstanding performances, with a number of leaderboard candidates competing.
Led by staff sponsor Sharlo Rogers, the GHS BPA team had 19 students compete and brought home THREE individual State Championships. A huge shoutout to our State Champions (Connor Koonce, Anh Malakar, and Aydan Pham), along with the numerous other state placers who qualified for nationals.
Led by staff sponsor Kristin Salazar, EHS had a massive weekend, finishing as the 2nd Place Team overall. An incredible 47 different students placed in the top 10, earning a whopping 83 different awards! Congratulations to all the medalists, National Qualifiers, and our newly elected Kansas BPA State Officer, Tate Basham!
Taking part in extracurricular activities like BPA can help so much solidify the foundational mission of educating every student for lifelong success. Good luck to everyone heading to nationals later this spring in Nashville. Please join us in congratulating these talented students, and their supportive staff sponsors, who represented the entire community with #265Pride!
What an incredible weekend for BOTH of the USD 265 teams that took part in the annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) state tournament! Eisenhower High School (EHS) and Goddard High School (GHS) had outstanding performances, with a number of leaderboard candidates competing.
Led by staff sponsor Sharlo Rogers, the GHS BPA team had 19 students compete and brought home THREE individual State Championships. A huge shoutout to our State Champions (Connor Koonce, Anh Malakar, and Aydan Pham), along with the numerous other state placers who qualified for nationals.
Led by staff sponsor Kristin Salazar, EHS had a massive weekend, finishing as the 2nd Place Team overall. An incredible 47 different students placed in the top 10, earning a whopping 83 different awards! Congratulations to all the medalists, National Qualifiers, and our newly elected Kansas BPA State Officer, Tate Basham!
Taking part in extracurricular activities like BPA can help so much solidify the foundational mission of educating every student for lifelong success. Good luck to everyone heading to nationals later this spring in Nashville. Please join us in congratulating these talented students, and their supportive staff sponsors, who represented the entire community with #265Pride!
It’s time to celebrate our #265Family heroes! We all know a USD 265 staff member who goes above and beyond. Maybe it’s the teacher who goes the extra mile until they witness that ‘aha’ moment in a student’s eyes, the bus driver with a warm smile every morning, or the custodian who keeps a school building sparkling. Now is your chance to say THANK YOU!
The Goddard Education Foundation is accepting nominations for the #265Family Awards, presented in partnership with Lange Real Estate. This program is specifically designed to recognize the dedicated professionals who make our district exceptional.
15 outstanding staff members (one from each building/department) will be selected to receive a $100 cash prize. Even if your nominee isn't selected for the cash prize, EVERY nominee receives their nomination letter. Your words alone can make someone’s entire year!
Who is eligible? Everyone! Teachers, paras, administrators, food service, maintenance, and support staff. Let’s flood our staff with gratitude!
Nominate someone today: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/265family-award
The Goddard Education Foundation is accepting nominations for the #265Family Awards, presented in partnership with Lange Real Estate. This program is specifically designed to recognize the dedicated professionals who make our district exceptional.
15 outstanding staff members (one from each building/department) will be selected to receive a $100 cash prize. Even if your nominee isn't selected for the cash prize, EVERY nominee receives their nomination letter. Your words alone can make someone’s entire year!
Who is eligible? Everyone! Teachers, paras, administrators, food service, maintenance, and support staff. Let’s flood our staff with gratitude!
Nominate someone today: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/265family-award
