Who inspires you in USD 265?

The legacy of Goddard Public Schools is built by the incredible people who have walked our halls. Since 2018, the Goddard Education Foundation has been proud to honor those who have shaped our community through the Goddard Hall of Fame.

Whether they are a standout Alumnus, a dedicated staff member, or a devoted friend of the District, we want to recognize those who are making a difference and inspiring the next generation of Tigers and Lions!

Help us celebrate excellence. Nominate someone for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame today! Click the link below to submit your nomination and help us tell their story!
Click the link below to submit your nomination and help us tell their story!
6 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Hall of Fame Graphic
The "magic" of USD 265 happens everywhere; from the classroom to the cafeteria, the bus stop to the front office. It’s time to celebrate our #265Family Heroes!

Nominations for the #265Family Award are officially OPEN. Whether they are a teacher, custodian, driver, or para, we want to hear their story. Your words of appreciation are often the most meaningful gift an educator or staff member can receive. Every nominee will receive their nomination letter, and 15 heroes (one person from each school and USD department) will win $100 cash!

Who has made a difference in your life this year? Nominate them today below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
7 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
#265Family Award Graphic
Nominations are OPEN for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame!

Established in 2018, the Goddard Hall of Fame celebrates the service and success of those who have made a lasting impact on Goddard Public Schools. We are looking for individuals who embody the "Legacy of Excellence" that USD 265 is know for.

Do you know someone who deserves this honor? Please consider nominating a distinguished Goddard Alumni, Retired or Former Staff, or All-Americans (Student Group, Organization, Team, or Family). Click the link below to submit your nomination by March 30th and help us tell their story!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLMYuOL2ATkI0TYJIJ4TiGCTBYL5R_97E414K-EyWSObjo-Q/formResponse
7 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Hall of Fame Graphic

Save the Date: A Night in Oz with the GEF!

Mark your calendars for March 28, 2026!

The GEF is bringing the Land of Oz to Goddard, and you’re invited to be part of the magic. We are embarking on a journey to support our #265Family, and we need your "heart, brains, and courage" to make it a success.

Impact: Supporting 6,400 Goddard students.
Availability: Only 300 total tickets are being sold.
Options: Individual tickets or Table Sponsorships (10 seats).
How you can help: We are currently seeking community partners and in-kind donations for our event Live Auction and Game Prizes. If your business would like to sponsor a specific portion of the evening or if you wish to make a direct charitable donation to the GEF, please reach out. Every contribution directly fuels the dreams of our Goddard students. Please contact Dane Baxa at danebaxa@goddardusd.com with questions or donation opportunities.

There’s no place like our community, and with your support, every student can feel the warmth and encouragement they deserve.

Click Below to Purchase Tickets & Tables

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/oz2026/

7 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Oz Save the Date Graphic
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025
Oz 2025

THANK YOU, Goddard Public Schools Maintenance Team!

While most of the community was staying warm inside, this incredible maintenance team was outside doing the hard work that makes a safe return to school possible.

On Sunday, January 25th, and again early Monday morning, January 26th, the USD 265 Facilities, Maintenance & Operations staff were out across the district clearing snow from parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring school buildings are safe and accessible for students, staff, and families.

These moments from Clark Davidson Elementary School, Discovery Intermediate School, and Challenger Intermediate School are a snapshot of the pride, grit, and dedication behind the scenes. Snow storms do not stop this team from showing up, problem solving, and taking care of our schools.

Their work may happen before sunrise and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student and staff member who walks through our doors. Thank you for going above and beyond for our #265Family!

7 months ago, Goddard Public Schools
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Snow
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snow
Tractor
Miller
Snow
Snow
We are filled with GRATITUDE for your commitment to GIVE to GODDARD.

Thanks to this community's incredible generosity during our year-end campaign, we didn't just reach our goal, we made history by securing our full matching gift and raising $85,000 that will go to impact students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.

Your impact is already in motion: These funds are headed directly into USD 265 classrooms to fuel creativity. This past December, the GEF awarded 30 Innovative Teacher Grants, providing everything from high-tech science equipment to hands-on learning tools for our 6,400 students. Stay connected with GEF in the coming months to see these Innovative Teacher Grants in action!

Whether you donated, shared our posts, or cheered us on, you are the reason Goddard remains a premier place to learn. Thank you for your continued confidence in our mission to Inspire Minds and Expand Possibilities.

Let's ROAR into 2026!
7 months ago, Amanda Leivian
G-Campaign Thank You Graphic
This is it—our final Educator Spotlight Alert for the year! We are so proud of the caliber of educators we've been able to feature, and this final spotlight is a true testament to the heart and soul of our schools. Don't miss this opportunity to read about our last amazing educator. As the campaign year draws to a close, please make your final gesture of appreciation count by participating in the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign today.

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
8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- April Karber
Educator Spotlight- April Karber
Educator Spotlight- April Karber
The spirit of excellence continues to shine bright in our schools! We are honored to continue our Educator Spotlight series, a celebration dedicated to those selfless individuals who pour their hearts into shaping the future of our students. Each spotlight gives us a chance to pause, recognize, and publicly thank the inspiring teachers, staff, and leaders whose passion forms the very foundation of our strong community.

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
8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- Kirsten Hickey
Educator Spotlight- Kirsten Hickey
Educator Spotlight- Kirsten Hickey
We're shining a light on the Dynamic Duo responsible for building musical excellence and inspiring hundreds of young musicians across Challenger Intermediate, Goddard Middle School, and Goddard High School.

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
8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- Micha Bolton
Educator Spotlight- Joseph Richey
Educator Spotlight- Micha Bolton
Educator Spotlight- Joseph Richey
Educator Spotlight- Micha Bolton
Educator Spotlight- Joseph Richey

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

8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- Julia Poorman
Educator Spotlight- Julia Poorman
Educator Spotlight- Julia Poorman
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.

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
8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- Tyler Kohlman
Educator Spotlight- Tyler Kohlman
Educator Spotlight- Tyler Kohlman

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

8 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Leah Whelan Educator Spotlight
Leah Whelan Educator Spotlight
Leah Whelan Educator Spotlight

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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Bailey Harris Educator Spotlight
Bailey Harris Educator Spotlight
Bailey Harris Educator Spotlight

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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Educator Spotlight- Brandy Lane
Educator Spotlight- Brandy Lane
Educator Spotlight- Brandy Lane

🎉 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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit
Teacher Grant Visit

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

9 months ago, Amanda Leivian
ROAR on 54 Magazine Cover
GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. Page from ROAR

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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Abbie Griffith- Educator Spotlight
Abbie Griffith- Educator Spotlight
Abbie Griffith- Educator Spotlight

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/

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025
G-Day 2025

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

9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
Parents As Teacher Check Presentation
GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. It's Giving Tuesday!

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
9 months ago, Goddard Education Foundation
Giving Tuesday Post #1