Multiplying Potential: The GHS Math Challenge
For many young students, a high school building can feel intimidating. But for a group of third through eighth-grade USD 265 students, math teacher at Goddard High School Joel Burgeson’s innovative GHS Math Challenge is creating an avenue for excitement, belonging, and highlighting academic success.
The idea sparked after the GHS Math Club competed in regional college math relays during the 2024-2025 school year. Seeing how much his high schoolers benefited from the STEM-focused environment, Mr. Burgeson, with the help of his Math Club students, designed a localized event to “spark and maintain interest in mathematics” for younger USD 265 students, giving them an opportunity to experience their own math competition.
During the half-day event on May 7th , 161 top-performing math students (approximately 20 students from each K-8th school) got to take part in a brief math lesson, tackled problems aligned with Kansas Math Standards, completed group mathematical activities, and toured Project Lead the Way labs and math classrooms at Goddard High School; finishing off their field trip with lunch alongside GHS Math Club high schoolers. Elementary teachers praised the event, noting “it was so nice to have an extra incentive that motivated students at the end of the school year and celebrated our top math performers with a fun challenge.”
Beyond test scores, this program builds mathematical confidence in our younger USD 265 students. In fact, freshmen who previously experienced the challenge shared that being in the building made them feel “ more confident that they were prepared to make the transition from middle school to high school.”
“Improving student participation in math and other STEM disciplines was the focus of the GHS Math Challenge,” shares Mr. Burgeson. “Increased effort and math achievement will be the immediate measure that students are learning. Looking forward, this Innovative Teacher Grant provides a powerful investment to expand the program to host even more students from across the District in the future. What do you call that kind of District-Wide dedication to STEM? As Mr. Burgeson puts it: “Answer = SUCCESS!”
Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping multiply potential for our #265Family!
The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to introduce the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
Established in 2018, the Hall of Fame celebrates, honors, and recognizes the extraordinary service, success, and achievements of our alumni, retired staff, and dedicated friends of education.
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026:
* Dan Buchanan, Former Educator & Coach
* Dr. Mary Cohen (Shinogle), Goddard High School Class of 1986
* Jerry Longabaugh, Former Educator, Administrator, and Current USD 265 Board of Education Representative
* Dr. Christopher Warren, Goddard High School Class of 1992
* Dr. Michael Vivion, Goddard High School Class of 1962
Save the Date!
Please join us on September 18, 2026, to celebrate the Class of 2026.
Keep an eye out for event details, registration opens in July.
Stay tuned as we highlight each of our individual inductees in the coming weeks. Let's join together to celebrate the past and inspire the future of Goddard Public Schools.
Learn more about the Goddard Hall of Fame and read about past Honorees HERE or https://www.goddardef.org/o/gef/page/hall-of-fame .
The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our buses. The Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners at Lange Real Estate, was thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding staff members who embody the spirit of our District and lead with heart every single day.
Today, we are proud to recognize our winner from Apollo Elementary: Amy Kalinich
My daughter Cora is in Mrs. Kalinich’s 1st grade class this year. My husband and Cora’s dad, Kyle, has been away at pilot training for the Air Force for the whole school year. His birthday was at the beginning of February. I had made a simple Facebook post asking friends and family to send him a card in order to try and make his birthday special, even though he couldn’t be home. Mrs. Kalinich saw my post and decided to incorporate card making into her lesson plans. She let Cora tell the class about her dad and what he was doing, and each student made him a birthday card. Mrs. Kalinich shipped the package of cards to Kyle, and he was so grateful when he opened it and saw a handmade card from each and every student in her class. She went above and beyond not only to help make Kyle’s day special, but to acknowledge what challenges our family has gone through this year. In what has been a tough year with her dad out of town, Cora could not have been more excited to get to share about him with her class and to watch him open and read every card she and her classmates made for him.
- Kaci Kozik, Parent of Student
This celebration is made possible by Lange Real Estate. Their commitment to recognizing the vital role our staff plays in creating a thriving learning environment ensures our #265Family Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mrs. Kalinich for proving that we truly are #BetterTogether!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqBYiNp1_fBQ0Mhx_qC5-usWNmkBSCI5eF9Lgui-2ipsJxdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/
Toot the Flute that Makes You Tap Your Boot!
For many elementary students, learning to play the recorder in 3rd and 4th grade is their very first introduction to reading music and playing an instrument. But traditional recorders come with a hidden challenge; they require precise finger dexterity to completely seal the tone-holes. For young beginners or students with fine motor challenges, this can quickly turn a fun music lesson into a frustrating experience.
Thanks to a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, Apollo Elementary Music Teacher Sarah Ashcraft is changing the game.
With her grant funding, Mrs. Ashcraft purchased innovative Nuvo Recorders. These special instruments feature rubber finger flaps that help small hands easily seal the holes, guaranteeing immediate success for all beginners.
“These will be great beginning instruments for not only learning the recorder in elementary school, but also future instrumental programs as they progress through Goddard Public Schools," shares Ashcraft.
What makes this project truly special is its inclusivity. Because every student uses the same beginner instrument, students in the Special Education program who need a little extra physical support blend right in with their peers, no one stands out, and everyone succeeds together. As an added bonus, the instruments perfectly match the Apollo Panthers and Eisenhower Tigers school colors!
By removing the physical barriers to making music, Mrs. Ashcraft is not only helping 3rd and 4th graders at Apollo Elementary build academic reading and rhythm skills, she’s also paving the way for the next generation of USD 265 band students
From bandaging scraped knees to offering a calm, caring presence on even the toughest days, she does so much more than care for our students’ health....she cares for their hearts, too. Her kindness, patience, and genuine love for every child who walks through her door make a lasting impact on our Apollo family.
Our students adore her, and it’s easy to see why. She has a special way of making everyone feel safe, seen, and cared for. We are beyond grateful for the compassion and dedication she brings to Apollo each and every day.
Thank you, Nurse Kelie, for being such an important part of our team and for loving our students so well. We appreciate you more than words can say! 🩺
TOMORROW!
Tuesday, April 28th, 3pm-10pm
Dear Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families,
Neighbors United Goddard is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, 2026, and we would love for you to be part of this incredible day of service and community connection.
We are still looking for volunteers to join us. Registration will take place at the Goddard District Stadium from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., and there are still plenty of project sites available for individuals and families to serve together. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1499152881939945
Volunteers can expect a meaningful and fun experience, along with a free event t-shirt, breakfast, and lunch. Whether you come on your own or bring the whole family, this is a great opportunity to give back while spending time together in service to our community.
In addition to volunteer projects, there are two special opportunities taking place at the Goddard Linear Park Pavilion, 108 N. Main Street:
Plant and Seed Swap Event, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring a piece of your garden to share, such as plant cuttings, divided perennials, seeds, or small garden items. Participants can drop off items as early as 8:00 a.m. and then “shop” beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is a fun and simple way to trade plants and grow something new while connecting with others in the community. In addition, students from the Goddard High School Ecology and Biology programs, under the leadership of teacher Darcie Lowry, have cultivated 100 indoor houseplant starter kits that will be given away to community members who stop by. This work is an extension of a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, bringing classroom learning to life while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. CLICK HERE for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1784640216043365
Sports Equipment Donation and Pickup
Drop off gently used sports equipment between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Families in need are invited to pick up equipment from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All remaining donated items will go back into our community through local junior league programs, helping ensure every child has access to the equipment they need to participate. A special thank you to the Summer Ball Showdown for coordinating this opportunity. Click below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2189421978525736
We encourage everyone to follow the Neighbors United Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsUnitedGoddard for updates. In the event of severe or dangerous weather, any cancellation will be announced by 7:00 a.m. If the event has already begun and conditions change, volunteers will be safely dismissed and further communication will be provided.
Thank you for continuing to make Goddard Public Schools such a strong and caring community.
At Apollo, we know that when relationships come first, AMAZING things follow, and this recognition proves it!
For the 7th year in a row, we’re honored to be recognized as a 2025–2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase School, a distinction that celebrates districts committed to building strong relationships and a positive culture for students and staff. This achievement belongs to our entire district community. Thank you to our educators, students, and families for helping make our district a place where everyone can thrive 💙 #CKHNSS
At Apollo, we live this out every single day!! Building connections, lifting each other up, and creating a place where every student feels seen, valued, and loved. That’s the Panther way!
Behind every smooth school day is a whole lot of behind-the-scenes magic… and at Apollo, that magic comes from Ms. Tristan & Mrs. Elizabeth 💙
From greeting parents & families, helping students, supporting staff, answering all the questions, and keeping things running, they are the go to ladies for ALL things Apollo!
We are so thankful that they are the faces you see, the voices you hear, and the ones helping hold it all together every single day. 🐾
Thank you for all you do!
Eloise, with the help of a friend or two, created posters to hang around the school. These posters are to remind us all to keep our school clean 💙🐾
We LOVE to see this kind of leadership at Apollo!
Can you believe we’re already wrapping up the year?!
Join us tomorrow, April 15th at 5:30 PM in the library for our final PTO meeting of the school year! We’ll be chatting all things end-of-year fun, including plans for Teacher Appreciation Week 🍎 and other PTO-sponsored events.
Whether you’ve been to every meeting or this is your first one, we’d LOVE to have you there! Your ideas, support, and energy help make it all happen. 💙
Let’s finish the year strong together!
👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/598080161
Our Panthers are getting ready to take the stage and we are SO excited for our very first talent show!
If your child is interested in participating, be sure to check your email for all the details and sign-up information 📧
Please note: Audience members will be limited to family of performers only to help us keep things organized and enjoyable for everyone.
Event Details:
Goddard High School (GHS)
Monday, April 13th
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Goddard High School Parking Lot
Eisenhower High School (EHS)
Thursday, April 16th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Eisenhower High School Parking Lot
During these times, community members in the area may notice a significant presence of emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and other first responders, with active lights and sirens. This activity is part of a planned simulation and training exercise.
We want to reassure our community that these events are fully coordinated, controlled, and focused on student education. There is no active emergency, and students and staff are not in any danger. We’d like to additionally take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of the agencies involved in bringing this experience to our school communities:
D.U.I Victims Center of Kansas
Garden Plain Police Department
Kansas Highway Patrol
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department
Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Wichita Fire Department
Wichita State University Police
USD 265 School Police
USD 265 Transportation
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together with our community partners to provide meaningful learning experiences that help keep our students safe. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being of our students and schools!
📣 Incoming Kindergarten Families – Enrollment Night Reminder!
We’re excited to welcome our newest Apollo Panthers! 🐾
✨ NEW this year: You can complete enrollment right from your phone!
To make things quick and easy tomorrow night, we recommend having these ready to upload from your phone:
✔️ Proof of residency (REQUIRED)
✔️ Birth certificate
✔️ Immunization records
📄 Bringing paper copies? No problem!
We will have two laptops available, but please be prepared to wait if they are in use.
💻 Enrollment Info:
• NEW families – Create a New Student Enrollment
• RETURNING families – Log into Skyward and Add a Student to your existing account
We can’t wait to meet you and your future kindergartener! 🎉
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help!
Join us for Apollo’s Kindergarten Enrollment Night on Thursday, April 9th from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Apollo Cafeteria! This is a great opportunity to learn more about Apollo and what kindergarten will look like for your child, while also getting your student enrolled for the upcoming school year.
What to expect:
•Meet our staff and learn about the kindergarten experience
•Get help completing enrollment on-site
•Ask questions and feel confident about your child’s next step
Enrollment Details:
•Returning families: Log in to Skyward and add your new student
•New families: Create a Skyward account to complete enrollment
•We will upload documents such as birth certificates and immunization records during the process
•Required to complete enrollment: Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or house contract with guardian name)
Please note:
•Current Pre-K families do not need to attend, as enrollment will be verified at a later time. However, you are always welcome to join us for information and to learn more!
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Apollo Panthers! 🐾
These are the real MVPs of our building. Supporting students, jumping in wherever needed, and doing it all with patience, heart, and a whole lot of love. We truly couldn’t do what we do without them!
If a para has made a difference in your child’s day (or your family’s life), we’d love for you to show them some love!! Drop a comment below and help us celebrate these incredible humans!
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with students, supporting families, and staff while managing a variety of responsibilities. From daily front office tasks, and student enrollment, to event support and social media communication. This position requires someone who is organized, flexible, and ready to wear many hats.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Apollo family, we encourage you to apply 🐾🩵
https://bit.ly/ApolloJobOpenings
#265Family, we’re hard at work gearing up for the 2026–2027 school year, and we can’t do it without YOU! Mark your calendars for these upcoming, new student enrollment events: Tag your neighbors and friends who are moving or have just moved into Goddard Public Schools to join us!
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT EVENTS
- Thursday, April 9th, 2026
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- At each individual elementary school
For families with incoming Kindergarteners - meet the staff, explore the building, and get your little learner ready for their big adventure! Not sure which school your address falls under? Check district boundaries at the link in our bio!
PRE-K PRE-ENROLLMENT EVENT
- Thursday, April 16th, 2026
- 4:30–7:30 p.m. (Come & Go)
- Challenger Intermediate School
Is your child turning 3 or 4 years old on or before August 31st, 2026, and living within GPS boundaries? Come learn about our incredible Pre-K programs!
Sign up, register, or learn more: https://www.goddardusd.com/o/gps/page/enrollment-26-27
