If Mrs. Karber's story moved you, imagine the impact we can make together. Your donation—matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000—empowers educators like Mrs. Karber and elevates student learning across the district.
This is Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Donate now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Behind every extraordinary GODDARD classroom moment is a teacher like Mrs. Hickey's with passion, and a community that chooses to GIVE. Your matched gift multiplies our GRATITUDE and strengthens the future of Goddard Public Schools.
Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
Teachers like Mr. Bolton and Mr. Richey, pour their hearts into every student’s success. Today, your generosity can pour right back into their classrooms, twice as strong, thanks to a $25,000 matching challenge.
Give with purpose. Give with Gratitude. Give for Goddard.
Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Educator Spotlight Alert!
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
Miss. Poorman’s story is just one chapter in a child’s 13-year journey through Goddard Public Schools. Your support, matched up to $25,000, helps write the next one. When you Give, you multiply Gratitude. You strengthen Goddard.
Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
Behind every extraordinary GODDARD classroom moment is a teacher like Mr. Kohlman with passion, and a community that chooses to GIVE. Your matched gift multiplies our GRATITUDE and strengthens the future of Goddard Public Schools.
Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Educator Spotlight Alert!
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
This educator’s story reflects what makes Goddard a family: heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to students. Your year-end gift, matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000, fuels more teachers’ stories just like Mrs. Whelan's
Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Donate now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Here's to another amazing Educator Spotlight!
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
If Mrs. Harris' story moved you, imagine the impact we can make together. Your donation—matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000—empowers educators like Mrs. Harris and elevates student learning across the district.
This is Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Donate now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
It's Time for another Educator Spotlight!
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
This educator’s story reflects what makes Goddard a family: heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to students. Your year-end gift, matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000, fuels more teachers’ stories just like Mrs. Lane's.
Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
Donate now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
🎉 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉
We are thrilled to announce that 30 Innovative Teacher Grants were awarded to dedicated USD 265 educators across the District on Friday, December 5th, 2025! Here is just a sneak peak of some of the grants awarded. Visit https://www.facebook.com/goddardef to see pictures of all the Educators who received this year's Innovative Teacher Grants.
These grants will fund innovative projects, purchase cutting-edge resources, and create inspiring learning experiences for our USD 265 students. From STEM equipment to enhanced literacy materials, our teachers are bringing innovation into the classroom!
The Innovative Teacher Grant program is a direct result of the support generated throughout the year. The GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. campaign is one of the ways the GEF is able to raise funds that invest in the future of our students and the passion of our educators.
Let's celebrate these teachers and the amazing work they do every day!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Your generosity sparks innovation in classrooms just like this year's Innovative Teacher Grant Recipients. And right now, every gift to the Goddard Education Foundation is doubled thanks to a $25,000 matching opportunity.
There’s never been a more powerful moment to Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
➡️ Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Did You Get Your copy of ROAR on 54 magazine?
The latest edition of ROAR on 54 Magazine has been in mailboxes for two weeks, and we are so excited to see the stories, photos, and achievements of our #265Family being celebrated!
You can read this year's 2025 edition of ROAR on 54 Magazine here: https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/roar-on-54
Page 11 features an important invitation to join our mission: GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD.
This holiday season, we have a heartfelt opportunity to say thank you to the incredible educators and staff who make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every single day.
Key Ways to Make a Difference TODAY:
*DOUBLE Your Impact: Thanks to generous community champions, all gifts made before December 31st will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000!
*Unlock the Full Match: Help us reach the $25,000 match by December 31st to ensure Goddard Public Schools remains a community where students thrive and possibilities grow.
*The Goal: Your gift supports innovative learning opportunities, classroom resources, and programs that help ALL students achieve lifelong success.
“This isn’t just giving; it’s gratitude in action.”
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to support the teachers who inspire, innovate, and make a difference!
Click here to GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. and have your gift matched: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
It's Time to Shine a Spotlight on our Goddard Educators!
This month, we're thrilled to launch a special Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district.
At the Goddard Education Foundation, we know our mission to inspire minds and expand possibilities is brought to life by the extraordinary dedication of our staff and the teachers. Follow along as we share their unique stories, celebrate their innovation, and recognize the profound impact they have on the #265Family.
As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
When you Give, our educators feel it, and our students live it. In this Season of GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD, every dollar you contribute is matched up to $25,000, doubling the impact for Goddard classrooms like Mrs. Griffiths.
Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD.
Last month, we celebrated community connection with our inaugural "G" Day, featuring twenty amazing "G-Friends" (Grandparents, Golden-Agers, and community volunteers) in our elementary schools!
This day was a key launch for our GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD campaign, and the feedback was heartwarming:
Warm Welcomes: G-Friends helped greet students off the bus! Nancy Abin shared, “Each student was greeted with such kindness. The importance of a great morning makes such a big difference in a great day of school.”
Active Learning: Volunteers rotated through classrooms to see teaching in action. Terri Zubke loved seeing "how our students are learning and the different ways our amazing teachers are teaching them."
Shared Meal: Connections were built over lunch with Kindergarteners! Terri added, "Lunch was so much fun. The students were so fun and shared my thoughts of dessert first."
To read more about G-Day or how you can become a G-Friend visit, https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/g-day
We invite you to turn that gratitude into action…
Our GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD campaign is running through December 31st. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, we have a $25,000 match challenge in place! Every dollar you donate is DOUBLED! Your donation helps us GROW, ensuring more students and teachers benefit from enhanced educational opportunities and resources.
Please consider making an end-of-year gift to the Goddard Education Foundation today so we can continue growing gratitude and support for USD 265 in the new year.
GIVE & DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/
GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. Celebrating Community Commitment to Our Youngest Learners
This week, we are celebrating a wonderful, long-standing tradition of community support and literacy!
A massive thank you to the incredible Goddard Woman's Club for their commitment to our youngest learners. For years, this dedicated group has ensured that the foundation of education starts strong by donating $150 annually to the Parents As Teachers (PAT) program. This year, the check was awarded during one of the Goddard Woman's Club Puppet Theatre Productions, another way this group helps inspire the next generation in a fun way.
This donation is specifically used to purchase new books, guaranteeing that every child participating in the PAT program receives a brand-new book at their event on December 9th!
This action perfectly reflects the principles of GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD.—where community support (GIVE) fuels crucial programs, generating widespread appreciation (GRATITUDE) throughout the Goddard school district.
Charity Warden, Parents As Teachers Program Coordinator, shared:
"Thank you Goddard Woman's Club for continuing to support the small children in our program and your dedication to increasing literacy in the homes of our families."
Their commitment ensures our future leaders start school with a love for reading. Thank you, Woman's Club, for being such a vital partner in the #265Family!
This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in nurturing more moments just like this.
Your gift to the Give. Gratitude. Goddard. campaign helps fund classroom initiatives, creative projects, teacher grants, and innovative learning opportunities that allow students across all of Goddard Public Schools to discover their potential and impact their community.
In the spirit of gratitude and community, we invite you to make a gift today and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities throughout Goddard Public Schools at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
Today, we officially launch The "G" Campaign, GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. Your gift means double the support for the dedicated staff and inspiring teachers of our #265Family.
We have a massive goal: to raise $25,000 to fuel innovation and expand possibilities for our students. The best part?
EVERY DOLLAR YOU GIVE IS MATCHED!
A generous anonymous benefactor has provided a $25,000 Match, meaning your donation today has TWICE THE IMPACT on Goddard's future.
Your gift is a profound "thank you" to the tireless individuals who inspire our students every day. It transforms our strategic vision into a tangible reality, funding crucial initiatives across the district.
➡️ GOAL: Raise $25,000 total (meaning we need to raise $12,500 from donors to hit the full $25k match!)
➡️ IMPACT: Double your investment in funding Innovative Teacher Grants, expanding resources for students, and classroom innovation.
Don't wait! Give now and double your impact—this match won't last forever!
Click here to GIVE: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
#GivingTuesday #GIVEGRATITUDEGODDARD #GCampaign2025
Friendsgiving at Amelia Earhart Elementary: A Celebration of Gratitude, Community, and One Extraordinary Letter
Friendsgiving at Amelia Earhart Elementary: A Celebration of Gratitude, Community, and One Extraordinary Letter
The 3rd grade students at Amelia Earhart Elementary School celebrated their annual Friendsgiving Day with food, family, and an attitude of gratitude that filled the entire building. Families were invited into classrooms to share home-cooked dishes, ‘secret’ family recipes, and long-cherished traditions. Students tried Thanksgiving favorites, many for the very first time, and sat together as one class family, celebrating the joy of being part of a caring school community.
In the lead-up to Friendsgiving, one 3rd grade teacher, Kristin Ohnmeis, launched a heartfelt class project: writing personal letters to local businesses expressing gratitude for the work they do in the community. Students learned how to structure a letter, use proper punctuation, address an envelope, and mail it themselves—real-world skills paired with a lesson in empathy and appreciation. The teacher shared, “They got to choose their favorite business. They learned how to address the letter, how to send it in the mail, and most importantly, how communication helps people feel heard and valued. Writing personalized letters builds empathy and the skills we hope they carry with them the rest of their lives.”
One of those letters, hand-written by student Quincy Ulmen, made its way to the newly opened Raising Cane’s on Ridge Road. Quincy wrote about how much he loved their chicken and fries, even taking photos and describing his favorite meal in vivid detail. That simple act of kindness made a profound impact. Jerry Navarro, the general manager, shared, “We got a letter from Quincy, and we were so moved because so few people take time to hand write a letter. He took time to write, to take a picture, and to describe the meal with so much detail. It meant the world to our team and how welcome it made us feel in our community.”
In a gesture of gratitude, Jerry coordinated a catered Raising Cane’s lunch for the entire 3rd grade class as part of their Friendsgiving celebration. He personally delivered the food, only to be surprised by a giant student-made poster, covered in signatures and messages of thanks. The moment moved him deeply. “I shared the poster with all my staff. It inspired our whole team seeing the impact we’re making in our community,” he said.
Parents felt that same sense of pride and gratitude. Quincy’s mother, Tegan Perkins, reflected, “I’m just so proud of my son. Watching him progress to write in such a way that he generated this kind of response is inspiring. I’m thankful for his teacher and the community at Amelia Earhart for giving students this real-world experience. It’s beyond my expectations.” Quincy himself summed up the experience with pure joy: “Raising Cane’s is the best restaurant. It made me so happy to learn that my letter made a difference. It was fun to meet the general manager, and he helped us understand why writing to people is important. I’m so grateful my class got to enjoy this wonderful meal together.”
GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. A Thanksgiving Appeal
Stories like this—where gratitude sparks connection, courage, and unforgettable real-world learning—are why the Goddard Education Foundation exists. When students are empowered to explore, to communicate, to lead, and to dream, extraordinary things happen. A single handwritten letter from a third grader brought joy to an entire business, inspired an entire staff, and created a memory those students will carry for the rest of their lives.
This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in nurturing more moments just like this.
Your gift to the Give. Gratitude. Goddard. campaign helps fund classroom initiatives, creative projects, teacher grants, and innovative learning opportunities that allow students across all of Goddard Public Schools to discover their potential and impact their community.
Every contribution—big or small—supports the next Quincy, the next inspiring teacher-led project, and the next student’s dream waiting to take flight.
In the spirit of gratitude and community, we invite you to make a gift today and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities throughout Goddard Public Schools at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
The Oak Street Family Feast: A Legacy of Gratitude and Leadership
This week, the halls of Oak Street Elementary are bursting with the true spirit of Thanksgiving as students and staff prepare to host their annual Feast—a tradition that perfectly embodies our commitment to GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD.
This tradition is entirely student-led and serves as a powerful leadership lesson. Students bake delicious pumpkin bread and then become ambassadors of goodwill, personally delivering the bread to neighbors around Oak Street and inviting them to share in the meal. Every grade level contributes, from peeling potatoes to creating placemats of gratitude.
The lasting impact of this tradition is clear. Current Goddard High School seniors Sadie Mullen and Charlotte Hickey still remember it vividly:
"We remember making crafts for the tables, preparing the food (learning how to peel potatoes), and sitting alongside our friends and community," they said. "In 4th grade, we got to be helpers and serve the food or help get water for guests. It was a fun way to show leadership at a young age."
Bringing the community through the doors creates profound connections. Neighbor of Oak Street Elementary, Eric Brazil, who has lived next to the school for over 38 years, cherishes the students' outreach:
"The students bring me pumpkin bread during Feast week; I look forward to it every year and know the students work hard to make that, and they give back to us as neighbors. These kids are our future, the staff and faculty here at Oak Street work hard every day and strive to make this a great atmosphere for students that's evident when they step out into the community."
By the time the doors close, the Feast serves upwards of 600 meals. It is up to all of us to support this incredible atmosphere and give these students the resources they need to continue growing into gracious community leaders.
Thank you, Oak Street Elementary, for demonstrating the true meaning of the Oak Street Family and inspiring the next generation! Happy Thanksgiving, Goddard!
Give. Gratitude. Goddard. — A Thanksgiving Appeal
Stories like this—where gratitude sparks connection, courage, and unforgettable real-world learning—are why the Goddard Education Foundation exists. When students are empowered to explore, to communicate, to lead, and to dream, extraordinary things happen. A simple loaf of pumpkin bread, made with love by students at Oak Street Elementary was able to spark a 30+ year friendship and rally community support for Goddard Schools.
This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in nurturing more moments just like this.
Your gift to the Give. Gratitude. Goddard. campaign helps fund classroom initiatives, creative projects, teacher grants, and innovative learning opportunities that allow students across all of Goddard Public Schools to discover their potential and impact their community.
Every contribution—big or small—supports the next generation, the next inspiring teacher-led project, and the next student’s dream waiting to take flight.
In the spirit of gratitude and community, we invite you to make a gift today and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities throughout Goddard Public Schools at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools
The Goddard Education Foundation established the Goddard Hall of Fame in 2018. Its purpose, to celebrate, honor, and recognize the service, success, and achievements of Goddard Public Schools alumni, staff, and friends of USD 265 who are making a difference. These honorees provide inspiration for the next generations who will continue the legacy of excellence.
Nominate an individual by clicking the link below...
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLMYuOL2ATkI0TYJIJ4TiGCTBYL5R_97E414K-EyWSObjo-Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
Drs. Joey and Devin Vrana, along with their dedicated staff, teamed up to host a Sports Physical drive. They made it especially convenient for families, offering physicals at both their offices through the summer and at Goddard Public Schools' Inaugural C.A.T. Kickoff event on July 7, 2025, making the event a true one-stop, back-to-school celebration!
This generous effort not only helped prepare our students for the school athletic season but also raised funds that will go directly back into creating innovative opportunities for the students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.
Thank you, Vrana Chiropractic and The Light House Chiropractic, for supporting our #265Family!
The Goddard Education Foundation is looking for all the “G’s” out there for our inaugural G-Day event!
This event is for all the “G’s” in our community: Grandparents, Golden-Agers, or anyone who is simply a Grand and Generous person who wants to give back to the next generation of students. We invite you to join us for a morning dedicated to remembering and experiencing all the amazing things that happen in elementary classrooms. This is more than just a volunteer event; it’s a celebration of generations and a chance to forge new relationships.
Goddard Public Schools will be featuring two of our Elementary Schools, Explorer Elementary and Amelia Earhart Elementary, for these Inaugural G-Day events. The dates are:
- Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 from 8:15 am - 12:00 pm at Explorer Elementary School
- Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 from 8:15 am - 12:00 pm at Amelia Earhart Elementary School
Please share this with a Grandparent, Neighbor, Community Patron, or friend who might enjoy learning more about Goddard Public Schools.
To Register:
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, with that in mind, there are only 20 available G-Day participant spots (10 for each elementary school). Interested G-Day participants can complete the application form by clicking the link below by the end of the day on Monday, October 13, 2025, and a representative from the Goddard Education Foundation will be in touch with you. Any interested G-Day representative must meet all the eligibility requirements (listed in the registration form) to be considered for G-Day.
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUnhhEx28OQ9YJCj3dmcF4BHpPzV9sDTw6dTjWr6lsk4dKlw/viewform?usp=header
We hope you'll help us celebrate and honor the many "G's" who make our community strong. Thank you for supporting Goddard Public Schools. We look forward to welcoming our guests at G-Day!
A massive thank you to our incredible businesses and partnering organizations who went above and beyond to contribute. Thank you Holle Homes, First National Bank, Chick-fil-A, and Vince Oliver, a proud Goddard High School Alumni (Class of 1996) and owner of Sports Memorabilia. Also, a big Thank You to USD 265 staff members who brought supplies to the all staff District Orientation this year, contributing to support their own #265Family! Your efforts contributed in a big way to the number of families and students we were able to impact.
A special thank you to Pathway Church Goddard and Megan Alexander for organizing the space and volunteers for the Backpack-to-School Packing and Pick Up event. Their efforts were an empowering display of our community coming together to help students kick-off the school year in a positive way.
We are so proud to be a part of a community that rallies together for its students! Your support made all the difference in our #265Family!
