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
The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to induct Chrystal Krier, Goddard High School Class of 1981, into the Goddard Hall of Fame. Through her time at Goddard, Chrystal was involved in multiple clubs and organizations, utilizing every opportunity to make her educational journey successful.
Following graduation, Chrystal attended Wichita State University for her undergraduate degree. She then moved to Topeka, Kansas, where she obtained a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University. She eventually landed back in Wichita, starting her career working for the Sedgwick County Public Defender’s office. In 2015, Chrystal got an opportunity to work in the Federal Public Defender’s office before launching her own private practice.
In 2021, Chrystal received a call from Governor Laura Kelly appointing her as District Court Judge. Judge Krier’s love and trust in the legal system have contributed to her reputation as a judge who listens to understand, considers all aspects of a case, and is fair, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Join us to help honor and celebrate Chrystal Krier’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 events. Learn more and purchase tickets by visiting https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame.
Thank you, Holle Homes, for helping collect School Supplies at your Educator Appreciation Night at Blast Off Bay. These supplies will help students in our #265 Family get the supplies they need to be ready for their first day of school.
There is still time to purchase supplies for the Goddard School Supply Drive. You can purchase supplies from the list attached, and deliver them at any participating location listed BY Friday, August 2, 2024.
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
The GEF is thrilled to announce that Nancy Fredrickson will be inducted into the Goddard Hall of Fame this fall. Ms. Fred, as she was referred to by her students, served as an educator and coach for over 40 years in Goddard Public Schools. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and building relationships has profoundly impacted the lives of countless students, colleagues, and community members.
Ms. Fred is remembered as a “no-nonsense educator who commanded respect from her students while also allowing the freedom to be creative and imaginative in her art classes,” shared Darren Mullen, a former student. To this day, you can find Ms. Fred attending countless class reunions, still embracing the deep relationships she formed with her students.
Join us to help honor and celebrate Nancy Fredrickson’s legacy 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.
There's still time to purchase school supplies to help ensure our #265 students are ready for their first day of school. Purchase your supplies and drop them off at one of our partnering businesses OR help us 'Stuff the Bus' at the Goddard Walmart this weekend. A Goddard Public Schools bus will be accepting donated supplies parked in front of Walmart on Friday from 2-6 p.m. and both Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.
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
Charles Edmonds, former Superintendent of Goddard Public Schools, will be inducted into the Goddard Hall of Fame Class of 2024 this fall. Mr. Edmonds dedicated 45 years to Kansas public schools, both in the classroom and administration, and served the last 20 years of his career as Superintendent of USD 265.
During his tenure, Goddard Public Schools experienced exponential growth. As a result, and under the leadership of Mr. Edmonds, the District passed four successful bond issues, resulting in the construction of eight schools and remodeling of the existing facilities. Charle’s thoughtful and engaging planning helped contribute to the success and future of Goddard Public Schools.
Join us to help honor and celebrate Charles Edmond’s legacy 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.
The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to introduce the Goddard Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
The Goddard Education Foundation is privileged to induct Dennis Cavalier posthumously into the Goddard Hall of Fame. Dennis Cavalier, a former Goddard High School football coach, was the first coach to take Goddard to the state playoffs. The ‘Fight Song’ introduced during Coach Cavalier’s time at Goddard can still be heard at football games today, an over 50-year tradition.
Although Coach Cavalier’s time in Goddard was a short three years, the impact he made on the athletes who had him as a coach is still present today. Brent Rotha, a Goddard Alumni and former athlete, shares, “His tough love took a 17-year-old to ‘1st Team All-League' player. He loved us enough to change the trajectory of my life completely.” There are numerous stories similar to Rotha’s that are echoed by athletes who played for Cavalier, leaving an admiration for a Coach who left a remarkable legacy in Goddard, America.
Coach Cavalier passed away in 2003, but an estimated 10,000 people, including former Goddard football athletes, attended his funeral at a football stadium in Pampa, Texas.
Join us to help honor and celebrate Dennis Cavalier’s amazing legacy 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.
The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to introduce the Goddard Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Our first introduction is Jeff Berblinger, a 1989 graduate of Goddard High School. In 1989, Jeff helped lead the Goddard Lions to the first State baseball tournament appearance in Goddard High School history, earning Jeff an All-State 5A Baseball title that year. Following high school, Jeff went on to play NCAA Division I baseball for the University of Kansas. Berblinger made an immediate impact on the program and, in 1993, helped lead the Jayhawks to the College World Series.
Following college, Jeff was drafted in the 7th round by the St. Louis Cardinals minor league affiliates. After a few years, he was called up to the Major Leagues for the Cardinals in 1997, becoming the first product of Goddard schools to play baseball at the Major League level. Jeff went on to have a 10-year career in professional baseball, playing in several organizations.
Jeff now resides in the Wichita area and continues to spread his love of baseball to the next generation.
Join us to help honor and celebrate Jeff Berblinger’s amazing accomplishments on Friday, September 13, 2024, for the Class of 2024 Goddard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Tailgate. Learn more about the Class of 2024 Honorees and purchase tickets by visiting https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame.
The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to announce a 5-Year ‘All Blue’ Partnership with Credit Union of America (CUA). As students journey through Goddard Public Schools, partnerships with local businesses help enhance the educational experience for both students and educators. Each year, Credit Union of America provides grants that help support educators' classroom needs, gifts, prizes, and swag (like the backpack featured in the video) for USD 265 staff, as well as countless meals for staff throughout the year to show their appreciation.
Watch a short video and read more about how Credit Union of America is impacting Goddard Public Schools by clicking the link below.
https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/article/1674312
You can help support the families of Goddard Public School by participating in the Summer School Supply Drive. Purchase school supplies and drop them off at local participating businesses between July 22 and August 2, 2024.
It's Sports and School Physical season. Vrana Chiropractic and The Lighthouse are teaming up to offer $25 Sports Physicals through August 9, 2024. All proceeds will be donated to the Goddard Education Foundation.
Because of the generous support from our Business Partners, including Credit Union of America, Chick-fil-A, First National Bank, Hutton Construction, Lange Real Estate, and Don Hattan, the GEF was able to award over $10,000 (total) in prize drawings to educators who are actively contributing to the GEF through payroll deduction.
These business partners were invited to participate as guests of the GEF to distribute SWAG, donuts, and other gifts to all in attendance. A special thank you to Jacque Grant and Gail Jamison, President and Vice President of the GEF, for volunteering to welcome staff and handing one FREE Chick-fil-A Gift Card as they entered the event.
Thank you, Business Partners, for helping us celebrate the end of a fantastic 2023-2024 School Year! Let's continue to ROAR in 2024!!
Goddard Public Schools Nonresident Student Application Now Open, June 1 - June 30, 2024.
The number of open seats available to nonresident students in the USD 265 Goddard Public School District for the 2024-25 school year is as follows:
Kindergarten = 24
1st Grade = 42
2nd Grade = 12
4th Grade = 4
7th Grade = 20
2024-25 Nonresident Student Application Form: https://forms.gle/M5t78Lo2RnK2b6q8A
Please complete the above application and have all requested information submitted in its entirety by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2024, to the USD 265 Administration Center, 201 S. Main St., Goddard, KS, or electronically by emailing enrollment@goddardusd.com for the application to be considered complete. Families who have completed a nonresident student application will receive communication about acceptance or non-acceptance on or before Monday, July 15, 2024.
For questions, please call 316-794-4000, or email enrollment@goddardusd.com
Pickleball is a sport that has rapidly gained popularity both nationally and locally in our community. At Discovery Intermediate, Madeline Cole, the PE teacher, has implemented teaching Pickleball to her 5th and 6th-grade students. With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant provided by the Goddard Education Foundation, Mrs. Cole was able to purchase new Pickleball equipment, growing her ability to utilize class time and allow every student in class to participate together.
“Pickleball is a lifetime sport. My goal is to develop life-long students of fitness and health. Pickleball is not just for athletes; it's a sport for all ages and at different fitness levels,” shared Cole. The Pickleball unit enhances a student's level of physical activity and fitness, all while having fun. As students “play,” the goal is that students will begin to recognize the value of physical activity for health. For the 500 students at Discovery Intermediate, having new equipment only increases their excitement for learning the sport of Pickleball, and many practice what they learn outside of school at local Pickleball facilities.
The Goddard Education Foundation is grateful for the support that helps fund Innovative Teacher Grants across USD 265. Innovative Teacher Grants provide opportunities for educators to ‘dream big’ for their classrooms, providing unique learning experiences that inspire minds and expand possibilities for our #265 Family.
Innovation looks a little different in Mr. Archer’s Mixed Abilities class at Eisenhower High School. The Mixed Abilities Special Education Program prepares its students for life after high school, including, but not limited to, employment and independent living. With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Mr. Archer was able to purchase tools that will teach his students how to use tools appropriately in a variety of real-life situations.
“At EHS, we have a designated space for students to work on functional tasks but are looking to expand the activities that students are able to perform and work on during the school day. Students of all ability levels benefit from learning independent living skills. The addition of household tools helps students with fine motor skills, executive functioning, and motor planning skills, and also provides opportunities for Mixed Abilities teachers to demonstrate how functional skills and academics come together in real life,” shared Mr. Archer.
For the 32 current students of Mr. Archer's mixed abilities class and future incoming students, success comes in the form of gaining knowledge, conquering a new skill, and growing independence that will help contribute to life after high school.
Supporting the Goddard Education Foundation helps provide innovative opportunities to implement real-life skills for Goddard Public Schools students, like those in Mr. Archer’s Mixed Abilities class. Thank you, USD 265 educators, for inspiring minds and expanding possibilities for our #265 Family.
Now is your chance to get your Sports Physicals completed for the 2024 - 2025 school year! Vrana Chiropractic and Lighthouse Chiropractic are teaming up to offer $25 Sports and School Physicals May 1 - 31, 2024, and July 15 - August 9, 2024. All proceeds will be donated to the Goddard Education Foundation! Thank you, Vrana Chiropractic and Light House Chiropractic, for ensuring our USD 265 athletes are ready for another school year and partnering with the GEF to help expand opportunities for our #265 Family!
Innovative Teacher Grants help Goddard Public Schools educators think outside the box, or in this case, outside the school, to inspire minds for our #265 Family. The Roaring Reading Mentor Program is an innovative collaboration between two Goddard schools, Goddard Middle School and Amelia Earhart Elementary. Mr. Zoglmann and Ms. Aragon, both reading teachers from Goddard Middle School, wanted a fun way to promote fluent reading in their students as well as create positive academic role models for elementary students.
With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, the Roaring Reading Mentor Program was born. The program targets students K-4 at Amelia Earhart Elementary, as well as 7th-grade reading students and 7th/8th IS reading classes at GMS. Each semester the middle school students visit Amelia Earhart classrooms equipped with picture books to read to their younger peers. Each elementary student is paired with a GMS buddy. The buddy starts by reading the collaborative story out loud and then helps “coach” the younger peer as they read it back to them, creating an authentic experience.
Traxtyn, a 7th-grader at GMS, shared, “I get a little nervous before going to read with our buddies. I want to be a good role model for them and know they look up to us.”
Not only does the Roaring Reading Mentor Program impact students academically, but it also helps provide Social-Emotional skills for both buddies as they navigate reading together. “The Roaring Reading program gives students an opportunity to develop empathy for working with other age groups and develop an interest in reading based on authentic reading experiences,” shared Mr. Zoglmann.
Supporting the Goddard Education Foundation creates innovative opportunities for both students and staff of Goddard Public Schools. Thank you, Mr. Zoglmann and Ms. Aragon, for all you do to inspire minds and expand possibilities for GMS students.
Have you ever had a problem and needed someone to solve it? At Explorer Elementary, “The Fixers” are at your service! With the help of an innovative teacher grant, Mrs. Haney, Project Lead the Way teacher at Explorer, created the Fix It Club. “Whether it is a simple problem of needing batteries for your remote or computer mouse, needing a better way to organize cords in your classroom, or building classroom furniture, the Fix It Club is at your service. If there is building or engineering involved, then the Fix It Club will investigate and research ways to solve the problem together. My hope is that students never stop with the answer we can’t solve it, but rather it might be ‘we can’t solve it yet’,” shared Haney.
Following suit with Project Lead The Way Curriculum, which encourages students to work together to solve real-world problems, the Fix It Club gives students hands-on experience with solving everyday issues that arise in their own school. Students are able to work together to troubleshoot the problem, research ways to solve the problem, and create solutions. Trindon, a 4th-grade student at Explorer, said this about the Fix-It Club, “There are always opportunities to learn and challenges to overcome and face. I have always liked fixing things, now I get to learn and help fix things for others at school.”
Problem solvers with a sense of community involvement. The Fix It Club not only empowers students to learn, grow, and utilize hands-on experience with troubleshooting, but it also allows students an opportunity to give back and to feel the pride and ownership of being able to help their teachers and school. “Everything we do in Project Lead The Way is about connecting to the world and helping students solve real-world problems; Fix It Club helps provide a project where students can use those skills to solve real problems in their world,” shared Mrs. Haney.
The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to fund Innovative Teacher Grants like Mrs. Haney’s Fix It Club, which expand opportunities for our #265 Family. Thank you to our generous donors and partners who give to the GEF each year. Your support provides endless opportunities and resources for the students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.
“Art is a hands-on activity that helps students gain motor skills and learn how to follow directions,” Mrs. Conner, an Innovative Teacher Grant winner, states. The Goddard Education Foundation provides opportunities for connection across the elementary and high school levels to foster student creativity.
Mrs. Conner, the art teacher, and National Art Honors Society (NAHS) sponsor at Eisenhower High School, saw the need for art projects across all levels of education. With her Innovative Teacher Grant, her NAHS students create art kits for elementary students at Explorer and Apollo Elementary. Mrs. Conner explains: “This activity will impact 450 elementary students and 30 students in the National Art Honor Society.” These students will get to share their love of art with the younger generation and learn how to express themselves creatively.
High school students can share their love for art, and these students ignite a passion for creativity in young minds at the elementary level. The lessons created by NAHS students are designed to benefit elementary students and teachers. The NAHS students create PowerPoints for elementary teachers to use in their classrooms to help younger students learn how to follow instructions and use creativity to create their own unique art projects.
Implementing these art kits in elementary classrooms helps students build motor skills and learn how to think outside the box. The kits created by high school students also drive student’s passion for artistic expression and creative thinking. The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to support budding artists across the Goddard Public School District through Mrs. Conner’s art kit initiative.
“Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind. Friendships matter,” shares Sandra Lahar, Paraeducator at Challenger Intermediate School. The halls of Challenger Intermediate echo those statements with artwork used to help bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts themes to life. Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) aims to strengthen students’ connectedness to others by enhancing healthy bonds with teachers and helping build a school culture founded on relationships.
For the past several years, Mrs. Lahar has created art projects for the 5th and 6th grade students at Challenger that connect to the Capturing Kids’ Hearts theme each month. Teamwork, Respect, Kindness, Courage, and Perseverance are some traits celebrated throughout the school year. “Creating art, using your creativity, and taking time to think about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts traits helps get the spirit of the message across,” shared Lahar.
Each month, Mrs. Lahar purchases, prepares, and delivers art projects with instructions to Challenger teachers so they can complete them with their class. Mrs. Lahar also partners with Challenger Librarian Elizabeth Ewing to select a book that will tie in with the project/theme each month. “I get the privilege of reading the book selection to all of my classes. This helps begin a discussion about what they will see in the hallway to make it more meaningful. I love it because it allows me the opportunity to collaborate more with the classrooms and student work,” shared Mrs. Ewing.
The final artwork is then showcased in a seasonal display near the cafeteria, where all students and staff walk by daily. “Thankful leaves, snowflakes with goals, and hearts with affirmations, each CKH theme comes to life and fills our halls with color. I like to see the students walk down the hall to lunch, find their art, and read others' affirmations and goals. We all need a little encouragement and reminder to embrace some of the traits taught through Capturing Kids’ Hearts,” shared Lahar.
“The Art Walls truly show Mrs. Lahar going above and beyond for our students, which is what we all strive for to create a community here at Challenger Intermediate.” Mrs. Ewing exclaimed. The Goddard Education Foundation is privileged to provide Innovative Teacher Grants that help impact educators like Mrs. Lahar, who have innovative ideas that help expand the learning experience for USD 265 students.
“Incorporating sensory integration not only has a profound effect on academic scores but also on behavior,” explains Mrs. Riggs, a 4th-grade teacher at Clark Davidson Elementary and Innovative Teacher Grant recipient. The Goddard Education Foundation strives to assist teachers in implementing creative solutions to engage and educate students across Goddard Public Schools.
Mrs. Riggs states, “A simple shift in a child’s brain could change their landscape of learning for a lifetime.” In her classroom, sensory and stress relief tools are used to help student engagement, which empowers excitement for lifelong learning. Through the incorporation of flexible seating, stress relief toys, and stimulating activities, students learn the importance of managing their social-emotional well-being. This prepares students for active learning and participation in daily classwork.
Mrs. Riggs explains the lifelong benefits of learning healthy stress management practices at an early age, “Students learn de-escalation strategies, how to achieve a calm and safe learning environment, and how to tackle different learning styles.” These tactics will help students engage in their schoolwork and teach them how to handle stressful situations in the future.
Innovative Teacher Grants propel students to future greatness by encouraging positive learning habits. The Goddard Education Foundation strives to support academic and social success for students across the Goddard Public School District by giving opportunities to innovative teachers like Mrs. Riggs.
