Goddard Education Foundation -

The yellow brick road led straight to an evening of enchantment and generosity at the Goddard Education Foundation’s Oz event on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Distillery 244 was transformed into a vibrant, whimsical world, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz met the heart of our community. From the moment guests stepped through the doors, they were greeted by dazzling Oz-inspired decorations, a testament to the hard work and creativity of our dedicated volunteers. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as volunteers, many dressed in spectacular costumes, and attendees mingled for an evening of fun and philanthropy. The night unfolded with Live Music provided by The 99 band, a delicious buffet meal by Heart of Country Catering, and desserts provided by Butter Babes Bakery. The generosity of our community was truly inspiring, as attendees participated in the Haunted Forest games, and limited chance games, bid on unique items during the Live Auction, and made direct donations to support Goddard Public Schools students and staff. This year’s Oz event was particularly special, as it highlighted the GEF’s commitment to the Innovative Teacher Grant Program, a program that helps fund Goddard educator’s most innovative and hands-on learning projects for their classrooms. We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding business partners, individual benefactors, and community leaders whose generous support continues to inspire the work we do. We also want to thank our tireless volunteers. Your dedication and passion were instrumental in creating such a memorable evening. The success of Oz is a testament to the power of community. We are incredibly proud to be part of a community that values education and invests in the future of our #265Family!

Theatre classes at Goddard High School offer students more than just theatrical experiences. They also provide opportunities to work in a hands-on environment. The Technical Theatre & Stagecraft class offers students hands-on stage design and costuming, necessary elements for GHS Theatre Productions. Goddard High School Theatre teacher, Jamie Oettle, saw an opportunity to expand her students' skills and address a need for more hands-on learning. She created a costume-making and alterations project, allowing students to create, customize, and alter costumes for upcoming productions. “Working with costumes reaches students in a non-traditional way because of the hands-on approach to measurement, math, angles, understanding and following directions, working with new machinery, and teamwork,” Mrs. Oettle shared. “This is an opportunity for students to add to their skill set that will aid them in possible career opportunities and teach them skills they can use for the rest of their lives.” With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Oettle was able to purchase both a sewing machine and a serger sewing machine, mannequins, and additional fabric and sewing supplies that will open doors for GHS Theatre students for years to come. Mrs. Oettle’s theatre students were excited to utilize the new equipment as they prepared for their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “Students gain a sense of pride when they see actors in one of our productions wearing their costumes or fitted altered costumes,” explained Oettle. Avreya, a GHS Senior and technical theatre student, shared, “I enjoy sewing costumes and learning new tricks with costume design, it’s fun to help the show come to life.” For each production, it takes the entire theatre department coming together, and with the additional resources provided through the Innovative Teacher Grant, the GHS theatre department is able to expand possibilities for the growing program. With the district growing and resource needs increasing, Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants help bridge the gap, ensuring USD 265 educators have what they need to expand opportunities for the #265Family. Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants

Imagine starting your day with a warm Chick-fil-A breakfast, delicious Cofellow coffee, and a heartfelt "thank you." That's exactly what's happening for the dedicated employees of USD 265 in Goddard. The Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), alongside generous local businesses, is visiting every school to serve breakfast to the entire staff. The Staff Appreciation Tour is a tangible thank you for their dedication to students. Lange Real Estate, Credit Union of America, Hutton Construction, First National Bank of Hutchinson, and Equitable Advisors are all pitching in, proving that in Goddard, supporting education is a community-wide effort. Thank you, GEF business partners for your commitment to education and hard work to help encourage and inspire our #265Family!

Challenger Intermediate School's VEX Robotics Team, comprised of 5th and 6th graders, is thriving in its third year. This extracurricular program provides valuable hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) experience. However, the high cost of quality VEX robotics kits presents a significant financial challenge. To overcome this, team coach and Project Lead the Way teacher, Mr. Mann, applied for and received an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation. "These VEX Robotics Generation 2 Kits will be transformative for our students," Mr. Mann explained. "They'll prepare them for state and potentially national competitions, while also cultivating crucial career skills like problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and coding." The funding directly enhances students' learning and provides the tools they need to succeed. The team's success is remarkable. Of Challenger Intermediate's eight teams, four have qualified for the state competition, earning four of the 24 available elementary-level spots. They hope to finish in the top three and advance to the World Robotics Competition in Dallas, Texas this spring. But the program's impact goes beyond competition. The students' enthusiasm and collaborative spirit as they design and build their robots clearly demonstrate its positive effect on their education. Team Charlie, one of Challenger's robotics teams, shared what the program means to them: "I like seeing all our hard work come together." - Gabby "Being on the team and helping build, seeing how we can all work together to make something great." - Annabelle "I like building the robot because it reminds me of building Legos, and I love it!" - Finley "I like seeing that we can do hard things." - Isabel Thanks to the Goddard Education Foundation, innovative programs like the VEX Robotics Competition are possible at Challenger Intermediate. To learn how you or your business can support programs like VEX Robotics at Challenger Intermediate, visit https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/partners. See VEX Robotics in action at Challenger Intermediate https://www.facebook.com/profile/100068121284933/search/?q=vex%20robotics

Many kindergarteners arrive at school with vastly different experiences. As Amelia Earhart kindergarten teacher Mrs. Wollard explained, "Some students don't have bikes or trikes at home and have never learned to ride." To address this, Mrs. Wollard secured an Innovative Teacher Grant to provide scooters, tricycles, and balance bikes for all Amelia Earhart kindergarteners to use during recess. Developing gross motor skills like riding is crucial for young children. Access to this equipment helps improve coordination, balance, and sensory awareness. "Kids need to be active and burn energy to succeed and focus in the classroom," Mrs. Wollard emphasized. "These bikes, trikes, and scooters will not only teach our 100+ kindergarteners how to ride but also how to follow rules and take turns, fostering important social growth." The joy on the kindergarteners' faces as they tried out the new equipment was undeniable. Goddard Public Schools is committed to providing learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day, and GEF Innovative Teacher Grants help educators make these opportunities a reality for all students. From early childhood to graduation, we are #265Family! Thank you for being part of the journey to educate all students for lifelong success. The Goddard Education would like to invite you to attend Oz, a night of philanthropy where we come together to support the #265Family and the Innovative Teacher Grant Program. Learn more about Oz 2025 by clicking this link: https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/oz-2025-fundraising-event

Goddard School District kindergarten teachers received a welcome surprise in February: a school supply refresh! ISG Technology and Twin Valley, both partners of the Goddard Education Foundation, organized a company-wide school supply drive and delivered the donations during a teacher in-service day on February 10th. The timing was perfect, as the delivery came after winter break when classroom supplies are often running low. ISG and Twin Valley recognized this need and their employees stepped up to help in a big way, donating over $2,500 worth of supplies. Kindergarten teachers across the district were both surprised and grateful for the support from this local business. Beyond simply collecting and delivering supplies, ISG/Twin Valley representatives even helped sort and package them for each USD 265 elementary school kindergarten team. The Goddard Education Foundation deeply appreciates the support of business partners like ISG Technology and Twin Valley, who walk alongside our educators to make a difference for our #265Family. If you have a business and are interested in partnering with the Goddard Education Foundation in 2025 please contact Dane Baxa at danebaxa@goddardusd.com or visit https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/partners.

Gaga ball and handball are hugely popular games in Goddard District PE classes. At Challenger Intermediate, however, Stephanie Ryan's PE classes lacked the equipment to make these games truly accessible. Thanks to an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation, Mrs. Ryan was able to purchase a Gaga ball pit and multi-purpose goals for handball, soccer, and other activities. "It's always better to have the right equipment," Mrs. Ryan explained. "Teachers are creative with what they have, but having the correct tools is crucial for effectively and safely teaching skills." Challenger Intermediate students are thrilled with the new additions, giving them the chance to learn new techniques, build confidence, and participate more fully. With the district growing and resource needs increasing, Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants help bridge the gap, ensuring USD 265 educators have what they need to expand opportunities for the #265Family. Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at: https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants

Goddard High School's ceramics class allows students to explore their creativity by learning to mold clay into art. Sophomore Matthew Mason says, "Ceramics is harder than I thought. You strive for perfection, but clay isn't perfect. I like that you can work at your own pace and learn new techniques and tools to improve your work." Ceramics teacher Mrs. Northcutt envisions a fully equipped studio that would make Goddard's program one of the best in the state, offering resources for all skill levels. A Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant helped Mrs. Northcutt purchase banding wheels for every student. These wheels provide a 360-degree view for molding and sculpting, improving design and promoting correct hand-building techniques. The grant also funded an artwork photo booth so students can photograph their finished pieces. "Students need to photograph their work for portfolios and learn good composition," explains Mrs. Northcutt. "The photo booth gives them the tools to do that." The Goddard Education Foundation is proud to support Innovative Teacher Grants, providing resources that expand learning opportunities like those in Mrs. Northcutt's ceramics class. To learn about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can partner with the Goddard Education Foundation to fund future grants, visit https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants.

Goddard Public Schools Family, Every day, incredible #265Family Heroes within the Goddard School District go above and beyond to inspire, support, and positively impact our USD 265 students. The Goddard Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the #265Family Award, which gives you an opportunity to recognize the outstanding educators and USD 265 employees who are making a profound difference within our #265Family and give them a chance to win $100 cash. Our community recognizes the vital role each and every USD 265 staff plays in creating a thriving and supportive learning environment for students. Whether they are a teacher, bus driver, para-educator, administrator, support staff, custodian, or any other valued member of our dedicated team, they are ALL eligible for this award. We invite you to nominate an individual who has demonstrated a significant, positive impact on the students, staff, or the USD 265 school community as a whole. For example, nominations could recognize USD 265 staff members who: Inspire a love of learning in their student(s) Provide exceptional support to student(s) Create a positive, caring school environment Go above and beyond their duties to serve others and/or, exemplifies professionalism and dedication to our #265 Family. All nominations received will be packaged and sent to the respective individual(s). Please nominate your #265Family Hero Today! Complete the Nomination Form (Click the Link Below) by providing the nominee's name, school, position, and a story of why you believe they are deserving of this award. #265Family Award Nomination Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPtmyI7N56mExQrZnHMavjhh-d3ADYfav3udLPpQSLkMDI0w/viewform?usp=sf_link All #265Family Award recipients will be recognized with a special certificate with your nomination letter, and one nominee from each USD 265 school and department (Transportation, Maintenance, and General Support) will have a chance to receive a $100 prize (15 Total, $100 cash prize awards) provided by the Goddard Education Foundation. Let’s celebrate and show appreciation for the amazing work and dedication of our USD 265 employees. We are better together!

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.