Goddard Education Foundation -

Goddard Public Schools Families, Goddard Public Schools will not be in school on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, due to ongoing hazardous driving conditions. City, County, and District crews are working tirelessly to clear roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks, and we offer our deepest appreciation to them for their dedicated efforts. Given the extent of snow/ice in neighborhoods across the District, additional time is needed to ensure a safe return to school. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Goddard community, the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) celebrated its 10th anniversary this year! This milestone represents a decade of dedication to supporting the students and educators of Goddard Public Schools. The GEF recently launched its end-of-year contribution campaign: 12 Days of Giving! With the help of an anonymous Goddard family, every dollar donated by Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family. You can help us reach this goal by making a tax-deductible gift by visiting https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to contribute directly online; mailing a check to 201 S. Main St., Goddard, KS 67052, or contacting Dane Baxa at 316-794-4013 to facilitate gifts of stocks, securities, or planned giving, and join in the mission of inspiring minds and expanding possibilities for the students of Goddard Public Schools! This is also a perfect opportunity to maximize your employer's matching donation program, as the GEF is a qualified 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.

The journey began for the Goddard Education Foundation similar to that for each child who becomes a student in Goddard Public Schools with Early Childhood Education. Goddard Public Schools offers Pre-K programs for at-risk 3 and 4-year-olds, special education services for 3 to 5-year-olds with Individualized Education Plans, and a Parents as Teacher program for families with children aged birth to 3-year-olds. However, the pathway for students and families to qualify and receive early learning services can be challenging. The GEF was formed by a group of community lleaders who shared the common vision to provide comprehensive early childhood education services for ALL students. When a community invests in early learning programs and eliminates barriers to participation, it reduces achievement gaps, increases graduation rates, and improves overall academic outcomes for students. The GEF received a planned gift from the late Mary Brosseau, a retired educator who shared this vision for early childhood education. As the Foundation continues to partner with the District, this gift will be utilized to inspire a capital campaign to make this vision a reality for Goddard Public Schools. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

On March 24, 2024, over 350 people, including business partners, community leaders, patrons, and volunteers, united at Oz, the Goddard Education Foundation’s spring Fundraiser. The event raised over $130,000 for our #265Family. A team of 45+ volunteers poured their passion and hard work into bringing Oz to life in the most enchanting way possible. The night was filled with Wizard of Oz-themed games, fantastic raffle prizes, and live auction items donated by individuals and local businesses. The Goddard Education Foundation is grateful to our partnering businesses and volunteers who made Oz possible, giving the GEF the opportunity to share the magic of Oz with our community and give back to Goddard Public Schools. Learn about Oz 2025 by visiting https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/oz-2024-fundraising-event Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

The 2nd edition of ROAR on 54 hit mailboxes in November! Discover what drives educational excellence and opportunities for student success in our ROAR feature stories as we highlight the achievements of our students and the valuable contributions of our dedicated educators and staff. Check out ROAR on 54 by clicking here, https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/roar-on-54 Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, 75 staff members began or increased their monthly contributions through payroll deduction to the GEF. The GEF is grateful to have over 325 Goddard Public Schools staff members' confidence in its mission to generate transformational resources for students and staff. Thank you, Goddard Public Schools staff members, for your continued support. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

The Goddard Education Foundation supports fundamental learning strategies that aid teachers in crucial aspects of their curriculum. At Explorer Elementary, Mrs. Vermillion and Ms. Graber’s Kindergarten classrooms now have access to hands-on manipulatives for their ELA program through the incorporation of new materials provided by an Innovative Teacher Grant. These two Kindergarten teachers explained, “Having these materials will impact our entire Kindergarten population.” The incorporation of these new materials and manipulatives will not only increase reading comprehension and literacy skills but will also enhance teamwork and critical thinking for these developing minds. Mrs. Vermillion and Ms. Graber are committed to the growth of their students’ minds both academically and socially, focusing on educating the whole child starting at the beginning of their academic career. As students start their journey with Goddard Public Schools as kindergarteners, learning ELA skills is vital to growth in the subject later in their lives. Access to these innovative ways to learn only enhances their skills. Mrs. Vermillion and Ms. Graber express: “Providing hands-on activities is crucial in the development of student learning.” Kindergarten is the foundation for the rest of a child’s development in education. These two kindergarten teachers are excited to see their student’s: “enthusiasm for learning letters, letter sounds, and becoming readers!” Innovative Teacher Grants give teachers the opportunity to develop their classroom style and productivity by expanding beyond the standard curriculum. The Goddard Education Foundation is dedicated to giving teachers the opportunity to grow in their teaching style to adapt to new young minds. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation and help support the Innovative Teacher Grant Program. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

Partnering with the GEF allows businesses to maximize their impact on the lives of USD 265 students and educators, opening the door to meaningful engagement opportunities where businesses can connect with educators, students, and families through unique and inspiring events and activities. Check out this re-cap video about how Lange Real Estate was able to impact USD 265 students and staff in 2024! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlL4r2AxoP0 “All USD 265 students truly benefit because of the amazing work of the GEF and partnering organizations who have contributed to this organization. This support is greatly appreciated.” - Dr. Justin Henry, Goddard Public Schools Superintendent. Check out this amazing video from Lange Real Estate, highlighting their journey of walking alongside the Goddard Education Foundation to positively impact our District. We are BETTER TOGETHER! Thank you, GEF partners, for your generous support. To learn more about how to become a partnering business, contact Dane Baxa at danebaxa@goddardusd.com or 316-794-4013. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

Thank you, Lange Real Estate and First National Bank, for partnering with the Goddard Education Foundation to help provide breakfast for ALL 1,200 staff members in Goddard Public Schools on our 2023-2024 staff appreciation “Bus Tour.” Each week, the infamous Blue and White Goddard Activity Bus made its way to every school and department in USD 265. District educators were greeted with warmth, kindness, and appreciation with a delicious breakfast from Chick-fil-A and piping hot coffee from Cofellow Coffee Parlor. The Goddard Education Foundation is grateful for your support! You can watch a short video about our 2023-2024 Staff Appreciation Bus Tour by visiting https://youtu.be/Kh_Zthdl5Hw?si=oqUqPK_NcNO1qtRB The GEF is grateful for partnering organizations that provide resources and opportunities for our #265 Family. Partnering with GEF allows you the opportunity to maximize your impact on the lives of students and educators and can open doors to meaningful engagement opportunities to connect with educators, students, and families in unique and inspiring events and activities. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today to help fund future staff appreciation events. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

On September 13, 2024 the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) was privileged to induct seven individuals into the Goddard Hall of Fame: Jeff Berblinger, Class of 1989; Dennis Cavalier, former educator and coach; Charlie Edmonds, former superintendent of Goddard Public Schools; Nancy Fredrickson, former educator; Chrystal Krier, Class of 1981; and Max (Class of 1968) and Deb (Salsgiver) Ogden (Class of 1971). These individuals, who are Goddard Public Schools alumni and retired staff, have achieved lifelong success and made a positive impact on the world. Their journeys intertwined and inspired by Goddard, America. Learn more about each of the Hall of Fame Inductees and previous years’ inductees by visiting https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame. The Goddard Education Foundation established the Goddard Hall of Fame in 2018 to celebrate, honor, and recognize the service, success, and achievements of Goddard Public Schools alumni and retired staff. The GEF recognizes the legacy of those who have gone ahead of us and, in part because of their Goddard education, have made a positive impact on the world. These stories continue to inspire the next generation of alumni and staff who will continue the legacy of excellence. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation and ‘give back’ to help celebrate the past and support the future of Goddard Public Schools. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

Darren Mullen’s journey through Goddard Public Schools marked a profound sense of community and belonging. From working at the Goddard Pool in the summer as a lifeguard to becoming a photographer on the high school yearbook staff, Mullen’s Goddard experience is deeply intertwined with the town’s fabric. “The school itself was more than just an academic institution; it was a family, where everyone knew and supported one another,” recalls Mullen. Mullen’s deep-rooted connection to Goddard Public Schools stems from his personal experiences and the enduring bonds he formed within the community. As he watched his own children navigate the same hallways he once walked, Mullen recognized the opportunity to give back to the place that had shaped him so profoundly. In his words, “Goddard is home, Goddard Schools is home, it always has been and always will be.” His decision to give back to his alma mater and his ongoing pursuit to capture Goddard memories for current students through photography reflects his commitment to preserving the legacy of Goddard Public Schools. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation and ‘give back’ to help celebrate the past and support the future of Goddard Public Schools. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family. Interested in joining the Goddard Public Schools Alumni Association (GPSAA)? Click https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/alumni to register today for FREE and stay informed about upcoming GPSAA events.

Each year the Goddard Education Foundation partners with local businesses, including First National Bank, Credit Union of America, Vrana Chiropractic, Goddard Public Library, CoFellow Coffee Parlor, Chick-fil-A, and Pathway Church Goddard to collect and provide USD 265 families in need with school supplies to help ensure each student has a successful start to the school year. Thank you, Goddard community and local businesses, for contributing to the 2024 School Supply Drive. Because of your efforts, over 300 students started the school year with the school supplies they needed. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation today. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

As the GEF celebrates our 10th anniversary, it’s inspiring to reflect on how far we’ve come and the incredible impact we’ve made together. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our community, this milestone represents a decade of dedication to supporting the students and educators of Goddard Public Schools. The GEF has become a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and passion to support our students. We hope you will join us for this 12 Days of Giving as we reflect on some highlights this past year and that together, we can continue to impact our #265Family in the years to come. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey in our first decade and for the decades to come. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the Goddard Education Foundation. With the help of an anonymous Goddard parent, every dollar donated by December 31, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your donation and its impact on our #265Family.

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." – Wade Boggs Congratulations to Mrs. Robin Perkins for receiving the District Attitude Award! Robin was nominated by Piper White and Dane Baxa. Piper White wrote, “The print shop is not an easy or stress-free environment especially when you get multiple orders each day from all around the district, but Robin does so with a smile on her face. At the beginning of the year (or her busiest time) she and her staff worked so hard to make sure all staff had the orders before the first day of school. On top of just getting us the orders she also wrote positive messages that always leave us smiling. Robin communicates effectively, and if there is ever a rush order needed, she is not afraid of the challenge. Robin is a rock star!” Dane Baxa wrote, “Robin Perkins stepped up to help the District in a big way after the sudden loss of Nancy Johnson. Robin is more than just a skilled Print Shop operator; she’s a problem-solver who brings positivity and energy to her work every day. She often anticipates the needs of teachers, administrators, and staff, frequently stepping in to assist with last-minute requests and high-volume projects without hesitation. Her reliability and willingness to do whatever it takes to support others have made her an invaluable resource. She developed a plan to visit every school during orientation, making a personal connection with as many staff members as possible, building positive relationships, and explaining the services she provides and the process for submitting print jobs. Beyond her exceptional technical abilities, Robin’s attitude exemplifies the values of our district. Her commitment to excellence and genuine kindness uplift everyone she works with. She is always quick to offer encouragement, inspiring our Community Relations Team and those around her.”

Hey #265Family! We are excited to partner with First National Bank on this exciting opportunity to support the Goddard Education Foundation's Ticket-to-Ride Campaign! You can purchase 1 ticket for $25, or a 5-pack of tickets for $100, for your chance to win a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV ($50,480 MSRP), $35,000 credit toward the vehicle of your choice at Don Hattan Dealerships, or $25,000 Cash. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/.../2024gefr.../event/2024gefraffle/ for the Official Rules and to purchase your Ticket-to-Ride today! Because of the generous support from our business partners and an anonymous benefactor, 100% of the proceeds stay in our community to impact ALL the students of USD 265-Goddard Public Schools! We are grateful for partners like First National Bank who give generously to help support our #265Family.

On September 13, 2024, the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) was privileged to induct seven individuals into the Goddard Hall of Fame: Jeff Berblinger, Class of 1989; Dennis Cavalier, former educator and coach; Charlie Edmonds, former superintendent of schools; Nancy Fredrickson, former educator; Chrystal Krier, Class of 1981; and Max (Class of 1969) & Deb (Salsgiver) Ogden (Class of 1971). These individuals, who are Goddard Public Schools alumni and retired staff, have achieved lifelong success and made a positive impact on the world. Their journeys intertwined and inspired by Goddard, America. The Hall of Fame Honorees were welcomed back ‘home’ to Goddard Public Schools, where they were celebrated in events throughout the day. Starting with school tours of what are now Challenger Intermediate, Discovery Intermediate, and Oak Street Elementary, visiting with students about the education they experience today, and comparing notes with the Honorees about what those hallways and classrooms were like decades ago. These tours re-ignite memories of colleagues, friends, former teachers, and the numerous school traditions that still exist today. Next, retired staff members were invited to a Legacy Brunch, where they were serenaded by the EHS Orchestra as they entered Pathway Church. They were provided a delicious meal prepared by Heart of Country Catering and served by Eisenhower High and Goddard High School students. As part of the Legacy Brunch program, Goddard Education Foundation President Jacque Grant welcomed all of the guests, and GEF Trustee and BOE Member Jerry Longabaugh thanked the Retired Staff Members present for instilling a legacy of excellence in the District and for their continued support and contributions to the Foundation. During the official Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, each Honoree was introduced, and their story was told through a video created by interviewing their closest colleagues, family members, and friends. After watching their video, each Honoree provided remarks, reflecting on how their time in Goddard Public Schools shaped their lives. Those videos and reflections will be available on the Goddard Education Foundation Facebook page over the next several weeks. The evening transformed into the Goddard Public Schools Alumni Association Tailgate Event on 'Mane Street' in Goddard High School, where the Classes of 2004 and 2014 partnered with the GEF to host their class reunions and were able to walk down memory lane, visiting with friends and teachers and looking through yearbooks that inspired fond memories and stories. The Hall of Fame Honorees were recognized at halftime during the #RoarOn54 (EHS vs.GHS) football game in front of thousands of GHS and EHS students, staff, and families. This well-deserved experience for the Honorees will last a lifetime. It was a day committed to celebrating the past and supporting the future of Goddard Public Schools. The Goddard Education Foundation established the Goddard Hall of Fame in 2018 to celebrate, honor, and recognize the service, success, and achievements of Goddard Public Schools alumni, staff, and friends who are making a difference. In 1884, Goddard Public Schools began its journey as a beacon of education, hope, opportunity, and enlightenment. A tradition of educational excellence, coupled with an inviting hometown atmosphere, continues to attract families, talented educators, and visionary leaders to Goddard Public Schools. The Goddard Hall of Fame helps shine a light on individuals honoring their past with a sense of pride and gratitude for all they have accomplished and contributed to the #265Family. Join us over the next several weeks as we share stories of each of the seven individuals and how their hard work, dedication, and commitment to a better future have left a legacy of excellence. These stories continue to inspire the next generation of alumni and staff, who strive to continue the work of those who have gone before.

This summer, the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) teamed up with Vrana Chiropractic & Acupuncture and The LightHouse Chiropractic & Acupuncture to help prepare our Goddard students for school athletics, completing hundreds of sports physicals for our #265 Family and raising $5,000 to support the Goddard Education Foundation. Read more by clicking the link below... https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/article/1771704

Welcome to the Goddard Education Foundation's Ticket-to-Ride Raffle Campaign! We’re thrilled to offer you a chance to support our students and win big! With each ticket you purchase—one ticket for $25 or a 5-pack of tickets for $100—you’re helping enhance education in our schools. Plus, $10 from every ticket can be designated to the USD 265 school of your choice, and 100% of the proceeds stay right here in our community. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2024gefraffle/event/2024gefraffle/ A minimum of 4,000 tickets must be sold by the GEF for the First Prize Winner to choose from a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV ($50,470 MSRP), a $35,000 credit toward the purchase of any vehicle at a Don Hattan Dealership, or $25,000 in cash! Tickets can be purchased between 10:00 a.m. on August 19th, 2024 and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, OR until all 8,000 tickets are sold. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase tickets. The raffle drawing will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24th, at 201 S. Main St. Goddard, KS 67052. Please CLICK HERE, for the Official Rules. The success of our students goes hand in hand with the success of our community. Whether you are a family member of a student in our classroom, a proud community member, an alumni who has benefitted from their education here in Goddard, or one of the 1200 educators dedicated to the success of each student here in Goddard Public Schools, we want to say thank you. We want to thank the Goddard Education Foundation Trustees, all of our benefactors and business partners including Credit Union of America, Hutton, First National Bank of Hutchinson, Building Control Systems, Higgins Group Inc., Equitable Advisors, Holle Homes, the LightHouse Chiropractic & Acupuncture , and Vrana Chiropractic. It's their vision to invest in the Foundation has made this campaign possible. A special thank you to Lange Real Estate's generous support. They will be walking alongside our PTO and Booster Clubs in support as this beautiful vehicle makes its way to events at schools all across the District. Finally, we want to thank our anonymous benefactor and friends at Don Hattan Dealerships, who answered the call for this 'opportunity of a lifetime' to make these prizes possible and positively impact our students. Education is a shared responsibility. With the support of our alumni, friends, families, and businesses, we can transform the educational experience of our students. Click on the link below to purchase your "Ticket-to-Ride" today and join us on this journey to educate ALL students for lifelong success! Good luck! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2024gefraffle/event/2024gefraffle/

2024-25 Class Rosters and Bus Schedules for your child(ren) are now available via Skyward Family Access. https://skyward-goddard.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedugoddardks/seplog01.w Please log in and click the 'Schedule' or 'Busing' tabs to view this information. We hope you have a fantastic start to your school year!

The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to introduce the Goddard Hall of Fame Class of 2024.https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame Goddard Education is privileged to introduce Max and Deb Ogden as Class of 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees. Both graduates of Goddard High School, graduating in 1969 (Max) and 1972 (Deb), their roots in the Goddard community run deep. Deb’s father opened a small decal stamping company in 1961. Today, the Goddard-based company, Contech USA, creates and services custom automation equipment for industries worldwide. Max and Deb own Contech USA. Under their caring, humble leadership, Contech USA continues to innovate and grow. The Ogdens’ deep appreciation for their staff is evident in their eagerness to credit their employees with the company’s success, exemplifying the unique and caring family atmosphere they continue to foster. Join us to help honor and celebrate Ogden’s amazing accomplishments in Goddard Public Schools on Friday, September 13, 2024, for the Class of 2024 Goddard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Tailgate. Learn more and purchase tickets by visiting https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame.