USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

Launch your teaching career with USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools! Join us TONIGHT for a Teaching Job Fair, where you can explore opportunities to make a positive difference in a community that feels like home. We've added extra interview timeslots to start the discussion with dedicated educators to join our world class staff! When: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 Where: Eisenhower Middle School (16152 W. Explorer St. Goddard, KS 67052) Come meet our team and learn why educators choose Goddard Schools. Be part of something special - be part of our #265Family!

We'd like to say THANK YOU to all of the amazing Occupational Therapists that help our #265Family create a well-rounded educational experience for students throughout the year! By working together with families to develop students’ fine motor and sensory processing skills, you help produce a connected and caring learning environment, allowing us to educate the whole student. Thank you for your dedication, expertise, and the personalized attention you provide each of our school communities!

Happy School Bus Safety Week! In our country, millions of children ride the bus to and from school daily. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated drivers right here in Goddard, America for their commitment to the safety of our students on the roadways. From early morning bus routes, to late night trips home from away games, our Goddard Transportation team has what it takes to deliver students to and from their destinations safely and securely. It's a rewarding job that requires heart and diligence. THANK YOU to each and every member of our USD 265 Transportation staff! How can you help? Take the time to show caution and care around school buses out and about. Remember to keep your eyes not just on the bus, but on the surrounding areas too. Understand school bus signaling and lights, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Have the discussion with your child(ren) about practicing caution when boarding a school bus. If they're new drivers learning the ways of the road, discuss the importance of attentiveness, care, and caution while driving near school buses. This School Bus Safety Week, talk to your family and help keep our roads safe for school bus traffic. Slow down, stop and be observant, practice caution and patience, and avoid distractions while driving. From our #265Family, thank you!

Interested in a rewarding career in education? Come to the USD 265 Goddard Teaching Job Fair from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th, at Eisenhower Middle School (16152 W. Explorer St. Goddard, KS 67052). Discover why our district is a great place to teach! #265Family

It's the final countdown for the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Ticket-To-Ride raffle! The proceeds support GEF initiatives including annual innovative teacher grants, the ROAR on 54 magazine, appreciation events for our #265Family of educators, and much more. Plus, $10 from every ticket can be designated to the USD 265 school of your choice, maximizing the impact of your support right here in Goddard, America! Click the link below to purchase your TICKET-TO-RIDE today! The first prize winner could choose from a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV ($50,470 MSRP), a $35,000 credit towards the purchase of any vehicle at Don Hattan, OR $25,000 cash! The deadline to purchase tickets is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Education is a shared responsibility. With the support of our alumni, friends, families, and businesses, we can transform our students' educational experience. Please help us reach our goal of selling 4,000 raffle tickets and positively impact the students of Goddard Public Schools! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2024gefraffle/event/2024gefraffle/?blm_aid=58123275

Reminder! All schools and district offices will be closed tomorrow - Friday, October 18th, 2024.

Reminder! The parent-teacher conference schedule for Goddard Public Schools is different from prior years. Tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 16th) and the next day (Thursday, Oct. 17th), all Goddard schools will host parent-teacher conferences from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. All schools and district offices will be closed this Friday, Oct. 18th.

"Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela Jeff Pacha, GHS Math Teacher, recieved the District Attitude Award. He was nominated by Dirk Ankerholz, Katie Barrientos, and Heather Aldrich. Dirk Ankerholz said, “Jeff has been an excellent department chair. I have taught in multiple districts over my teaching career and Jeff is the best department chair I have had the pleasure of working with. He cares about his teachers and advocates for the betterment of not only the department but the school itself. He puts in extra time and is always willing to help with anything we need to make our lives, both professional and private, better. I am proud to call him my department chair, and I believe my life is better for having him in it.” Katie Barrientos said, “Jeff emits positivity on a daily basis. His positivity glows out of him and into everyone who surrounds him. He is rarely seen without a smile on his face. He is quite the prankster and can lighten any mood. He also has a talent for reaching students on a personal level so they know they have someone in their corner. Jeff challenges me to be a better, more positive teacher every day! He is an incredible department head for the math department here at GHS and we are lucky to have him!” Heather Aldrich said, “I am new to the district and have felt such a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Jeff. My first introduction to Jeff was before my interview, and he had a box with "something" inside to show the ladies in the front office. All they had to do was to open the lid. They fell for it, something popped out, and they jumped back in surprise. It was a fantastic introduction to this district where a relaxed and congenial demeanor seems to be the norm. Jeff began welcoming me early on in the onboarding process and even invited me to a department get-together in May so I could meet some of my new colleagues. We ended up going to the same week of a Textron Aviation Externship in July and he was just so helpful in introducing me to the culture of the District and GHS. He answered my questions, requested my opinions, and asked what things I was concerned about so he could help make my transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Jeff continues to show this welcoming attitude as he frequently arranges lunches for us to attend during our prep week and other ways for people to connect. Couple all these efforts with his bright and cheery personality, and you have a winner as a colleague and a department head.”

“A positive attitude enables you to make a difference in the world around you because when you can see things in a positive light, you help to influence & shape other people’s attitude as well.” - Chris J. Gregas Tiffany Spradling, Discovery Intermediate School Registrar, received the District Attitude Award from the Board of Education. Tiffany was nominated by Jeanette Nixon and Carney McElroy. Jeanett Nixon wrote, “Tiffany is always happy and eager to help! When you go to the office, you are greeted with a sunny "hello," and, "how are you!" She remembers things you've told her and asks if everything is going well. If it isn't, she immediately asks what she can do to help. Her sunny and enthusiastic outlook is contagious. She has the best attitude!” Carney McElroy wrote, “I would like to nominate Tiffany Spradling for the District Attitude Award. As one of the first people students and staff encounter when they enter the building, she has a significant daily impact on many. She consistently brings a sense of optimism and enthusiasm to our workplace, making it a more enjoyable and productive environment for everyone. No matter how challenging the day may be, Tiffany always greets students and colleagues with a smile, offers support when needed, and approaches every task with a can-do attitude. Her positivity and optimism are not just infectious but also inspiring, encouraging all of us to remain focused and motivated. Tiffany's unwavering commitment to maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of difficulties, makes her truly deserving of this recognition. Discovery would not be the same without her!”

Did you know that October is Bullying Prevention Month? This serves as a reminder to communities, organizations, and families to foster safe and supportive environments. The mission of Goddard Public Schools is to educate all students for lifelong success, and that includes instilling inclusivity in all aspects of education. Everyone has an important role in bullying prevention. Take the time with your family to have a conversation about the importance of showing kindness to others. We are proud of all the educators in our #265Family who work hard every day to help build a better future for all by promoting positivity, kindness, and respect both inside and outside of the classroom!

Considering a future in education? Mark your calendars for the USD 265 Teaching Job Fair! Come see us between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th, at Eisenhower Middle School to learn about the amazing teaching opportunities right here in our #265Family!

On behalf of the entire #265Family, THANK YOU to each and every coach who helps USD 265 students achieve success, athletically and academically, throughout the year! Coaches dedicate countless hours guiding those in their charge towards progress, both in and out of the classroom. Their unwavering support helps make a difference in the lives of our athletes and scholars, and creates a positive impact in every part of our community. Happy Coaches Day to all those who dedicate their drive and knowledge to create valuable contributions to their local community, and to this #265Family, every day!

Congratulations to Tyler Kohlman, Second Grade Teacher at Amelia Earhart Elementary School, one of the two 2025 Kansas Horizon Award District Nominees for Goddard Public Schools. This award recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who have made a significant impact on their students' lives and school communities. Teachers like Kohlman, who is in his second year of teaching, humanize what it means to be an exceptional educator. See for yourself - keep reading! “Trust your circle and surround yourself with as many different teachers and staff members,” shared Kohlman. “Every adult in your building is there to support the best interest so of you and your students. Engaging with them will help you add valuable tolls to your toolbox, in this ever-changing profession.” Kohlman was nominated with the full support of his peers and the Amelia Earhart school community, including Alex Phillips, First Grade Teacher at Earhart, who said “When you enter his classroom, it is clear that there is mutual respect, trust, and understanding reflected from Mr. Kohlman and his students.” Marney Hay, Principal at Earhart, shared her endorsement of Kohlman for this award as well. “First and foremost, he builds a positive relationship with each student who enters his classroom,” shared Hay. “He greets each student every day at the door, taking a pulse of whether they are ready for the day or need some extra support to be successful. His students trust him because he earns it. The connections he makes inspire a lifelong love of learning in his students. I am looking forward to watching him grow in his career.” The positive impact that Kohlman embodies in his classroom extends well past the walls of Amelia Earhart, directly to our #265Family. Lindsey Clark, Earhart Parent, shared about her experience having Kohlman as her daughter’s teacher. “She would come home talking every day about all the fun things they learned about and what she was looking forward to the next day,” shared Clark. “As a parent, you always hope for a teacher that makes learning fun for your child.” Elizabeth Jenkins, another Earhart Parent who endorsed Kohlman for this award, commented, “Beyond his impressive teaching skills, Mr. Kohlman fosters a sense of community and belonging among students. He encourages collaboration and respect, teaching our children not just academic skills but also important values that will serve them throughout their lives.” Jenkins continued to say, “I have seen my child flourish under Mr. Kohlman’s guidance, gaining confidence and a passion for knowledge that I believe will alst a lifetime. He has a gift for connecting with students, making learning both fun and impactful.” Congratulations to Tyler Kohlman, and thank you for elevating excellence in education and representing our #265Family with pride, positivity, and enthusiasm!

Congratulations to Hannah Reynolds, Science Teacher at Eisenhower High School, and one of the two 2025 Kansas Horizon Award Nominees representing Goddard Public Schools. This statewide award recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who have made a significant impact on their students' lives and school communities. Educators like Reynolds, who is in her second year of teaching, personify what it means to be excellent in education. Don’t just take our word for it - keep reading! “I am intentional about building relationships with students,” shared Reynolds. “Each student has a unique story, which gives me a roadmap for connecting the lessons to their individual journey, making them relatable to their individual needs. My ‘why’ drives my instructional strategies. When my students know that I care about them…I know they are learning for lifelong success!” Reynolds’ nomination was with the full support of her EHS peers and school community, including Shelby Allee, EHS Science Teacher, who said “She creates a warm and welcoming environment that allows each student to feel safe and valued. She goes above and beyond…students are always so excited to come to her class and I believe ethos is because of her ability to build meaningful relationships.” Travis Rink, EHS Assistant Principal & Activities Director, shared, “Hannah has a natural ability to break down difficult concepts and make them understandable for her students. She continuously develops creative and effective lessons, challenging herself and her students to explore new ways of learning.” Todd Hague, EHS Principal, commented, “What distinguishes Hannah is her ability to inspire, connect, and empower students in her classes every day. When you meet Hannah, the first thing you’ll notice is her infectious smile and energy. She creates a classroom environment where all students feel welcome, respected, and empowered to share their voices.” Her positive impact extends past the walls of EHS, directly to parents and students in our #265Family. Braylie Murrey, EHS Senior, shared about her experience in Reynolds’ classroom, “Ms. Reynolds is one of the reasons I want to pursue a degree in STEM. (She) always encouraged me to never give up and to keep reaching towards my goals. Countless times, she has reminded me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to.” Christine Geisler, EHS Parent, shared about the positivity of Reynolds’ classroom environment, “When they first place your child in your arms, it is like they are handing you the whole world. You pray that everyone who enters their life from that moment on will care for and impart wisdom upon them. Teachers like Ms. Reynolds are the answers to those prayers.” Another EHS Senior, Bailey Stevens, recognized the excellent work of Reynolds, “Ms. Reynolds always makes the classroom an exciting and safe place. I walk into class knowing that she will make it fun but also very educational.” Congratulations to Hannah Reynolds, and thank you for elevating excellence in education and representing our #265Family with pride, positivity, and enthusiasm!

Today is Custodian Appreciation Day, and we’d like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to each and every member of the USD 265-Facilities & Maintenance team that serves our buildings, keeping them clean and safe for students, staff, and visitors throughout the year. Because of the dedicated efforts of this driven team, Goddard Public School facilities are safe, secure, caring, and connected learning environment for students. Head Building Engineers often work behind the scenes, but their work is what keeps this District running smoothly each and every day! If you see any of these hard-working people this week, please stop and thank them for all they do. We are lucky to have such phenomenal, beloved cleaning crews! Today and every day your efforts are noticed and appreciated. Thanks for everything you do to help produce pride, growth, and excellence for our #265Family! USD 265-Eisenhower High School Kim Devoll (Head), Ennis Mayshack, Milan Jenkins, Jacob Busbee, Matt Huffman, and a crew of one EHS student that is employed by USD 265 part-time to help the cleaning crew in the evenings! USD 265-Goddard High School Chris Kinney (Head), Mabel Pfannenstiel, Doris Asuncion, Perry King, Patrick Ybarra, Olivia Craig and a crew of four GHS students that are employed by USD 265 part-time to help the cleaning crew in the evenings! USD 265-Goddard Academy & USD 265-Goddard Virtual School Andrew Wallace USD 265-Eisenhower Middle School Ken Krom (Head), Alanna King Purcell, and Adam Whitmore USD 265-Goddard Middle School Ron March (Head), Chris Statton, Deb Cline, and Rick Dewitt USD 265-Challenger Intermediate School Del Dreyer (Head), Felix Silva, Anthony Ediger, Tom Nixon, and Christina Richards USD 265-Discovery Intermediate School Justin Lieurance (Head), Elivira De La Rosa, and Audrey Mclemore USD 265-Apollo Elementary Elizabeth Velazquez (Head), Albert Ramey, and Marlaena Pham USD 265-Amelia Earhart Elementary Mike Beavers (Head), Mary Verbeck,, and Alex Neuway-White USD 265-Clark Davidson Elementary Kelly Mueller (Head), Mark Lett, and Levi Mann USD 265-Explorer Elementary Sandra Carbajal (Head), Andy Rodriguez, and Jayden Devoll USD 265-Oak Street Elementary Fawna Hahn (Head), Deanna Potterton, and Dane Edmiston Central Office of USD 265 - Goddard Public Schools Vanessa Stockemer Floating Building Engineer Tristan Holtry

"Excellence in education is when we do everything we can to make sure they become everything they can." - Carol Ann Tomlinson October is Principal Appreciation Month, and in honor of that, we'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the world-class leaders that guide each of our schools! Principals are more than just administrators; they are mentors and advocates to staff and students alike. They arrive early, leave late, answer questions, provide support and resources, and are the biggest champions for our #265Family. Goddard is truly fortunate to have such committed and compassionate principals and assistant principals leading our school communities. Your positive energy and efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for everything you do to educate all students for lifelong success! #GoddardPublicSchools #USD265 #265Family #265Pride

Happy Teaching Assistants' Day! Every classroom should have a positive, balanced atmosphere and that starts with support, collaboration, and care. In part, those are provided by teaching assistants - such as paraprofessionals, student aides, or even specialized staff (such as physical therapists, speech language pathologists, or occupational therapists). Everyone chips in to make our classrooms amazing places to learn each and every day! THANK YOU to our #265Family of educators, for all that you do to educate each student for lifelong success!

You’ve heard from our team directly - come be a part of our #265Family today! Our USD 265 Transportation team works diligently each and every day to ensure the safe delivery of students all across the district. By becoming a school bus driver, you can earn a $500 bonus, $20-per-hour wage, and paid training to obtain your Commercial Driving License (CDL). Learn more about the difference you can make! Ready to start the conversation? Follow the link below to directly connect with our team of dedicated transportation professionals, and take the next step toward creating a positive impact each and every day! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIGgOCjTqCLapI3gK6Q_zsci6sBDCjnq4KWp5xfOLXKIjciA/viewform?usp=sf_link Learn more about what it's like to be a part of this team by watching this video: https://youtu.be/UeYq2S0TxHA

Are you tuned in and ready to tackle another fun and busy fall season? Be sure to download the USD 265 mobile app to keep up on the latest and greatest here in Goddard, America. This handy and helpful little resource has everything you need, all in the palm of your hand! From upcoming events and sports schedules, and even what’s on the menu for lunch at school tomorrow. Be sure to turn ON notifications, AND select your child(ren)’s school, in order to be first on the list for announcements and reminders from your school community! Make sure you have the correct schools selected for this school year, and have your mobile app updated to stay in the know. Visit your Apple App Store or Google Play Store today to download! Android/Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.goddardschoolsks&hl=en_US&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2Xd3HjfHyu3bzwMqcSYvKovQAAeyNrm3HoOnVbAZdKwS_a4mAEynukFhM_aem_puiAgaolsiQxkAGfJlpROg Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/usd-265-goddard-public-schools/id6448068713

Interested in learning more about post-secondary opportunities for your student?! ALL members of our #265Family are welcome to join from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 in the foyer at Eisenhower High School for a post-secondary success fair that highlights and showcases all the options for high school students following graduation. There will be two-year schools, trade schools, traditional four-year colleges and universities, as well as military and other career opportunities available providing resources and information for students and families. Since this event takes place during parent-teacher conferences, and is open to all students, parents are encouraged to attend alongside their child(ren) to engage and learn more about these exciting post-secondary opportunities. Questions? Call 316-794-4155 to learn more today!