Goddard Education Foundation

Goddard Education Foundation The Goddard Education Foundation was established in 2014 as an independent nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 )

No More Pressure: Harmonizing Music at Amelia Earhart ElementaryWhen most adults think about learning the recorder, they...
06/05/2026

No More Pressure: Harmonizing Music at Amelia Earhart Elementary

When most adults think about learning the recorder, they likely recall obnoxious, ear-piercing squeaks. For decades, mastering this instrument has been a challenge for developing elementary students who may not have the manipulative skills needed to cover the tiny open holes that prevent air leaks and the inevitable squeaks.

For 3rd and 4th-grade students at Amelia Earhart Elementary, who have been eagerly waiting for their chance to play a recorder, fine motor skill deficits can quickly crush that excitement. But thanks to the help of a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, Amelia Earhart Music Teacher Rochelle Mann is changing the “tune” by introducing Nuvo Recorder+ instruments to her classroom.

These recorders feature soft silicone flaps that seal completely with just a gentle press, an upgrade that allows students of all abilities to achieve the correct tone without the squeaks.

“After sampling the new recorder with a student in my music classroom, he immediately went home and exuberantly told his family how he would be playing the recorder just like all his other classmates,” shared Mrs. Mann.

The immediate emotional impact of this grant is undeniable, particularly for special education learners. By providing these upgraded and adaptive recorders for the entire class, music at Amelia Earhart continues to be an inclusive environment that ensures every student can find success with their instrument.

“Student success is the whole reason I wrote this grant,” explains Mrs. Mann. “I have watched first hand students who were frustrated from day one, who had given up ever playing recorders alongside their peers, instantly thrive when switched to the new recorders. With these recorders, every student can feel that joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment.”

These results won’t stop when students leave Amelia Earhart; elementary instrument success can help build that confidence and contribute to future participation in band or orchestra as they continue their journey through Goddard Public Schools.

Thank you, Goddard Education Foundation, for removing the pressure, allowing students to participate in music with minimal stress or fear of failure… and helping every instrument in our ring out clear and true!

The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our bu...
06/04/2026

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 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 Eisenhower High School: Blake Morgan

"He really brings passion to everything he does in the classroom. He also genuinely cares about his students health and mental wellness. He is willing to help out struggling students."
- Emmarie Barger, Student

"Mr. Morgan not only accepts his students with an insane amount of respect, but also with almost a belief in his responsibility for these kids. Rather than the typical teacher title, Mr. Morgan creates a familial feeling in his classroom. Teaching the sciences don't always leave the teacher as a student favorite, but he is the exception. So I nominate Blake Morgan (BMO)."
- Derek Hunsaker, Student

"He has been amazing with my son’s high school career and has been so helpful and kind at all times. He’s a fantastic teacher and a great asset to my son."
- Sara Parker, Parent of Student

"He is very inspirational and makes the classroom a fun environment that makes me want to learn."
- Sophia School, 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 Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mr. Morgan z for proving that we truly are !

To nominate a staff member for the 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 visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/

Multiplying Potential: The GHS Math ChallengeFor many young students, a high school building can feel intimidating. But ...
06/03/2026

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 Goddard 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 !

The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our bu...
06/02/2026

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 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 Clark Davidson Elementary: Ana Jimenez

"She always makes sure the kids are happy and is always positive around kids and staff."
- Jimena Saenz, 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 Heroes feel seen and valued.
In USD 265 we don’t just work together, we lift each other up. Congratulations Mrs. Jimenez for proving that we truly are !

To nominate a staff member for the 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 visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/

The Lion’s Pride: Giving Every Student a Voice Through ELA and JournalismAt Clark Davidson Elementary, the news is sprea...
06/01/2026

The Lion’s Pride: Giving Every Student a Voice Through ELA and Journalism

At Clark Davidson Elementary, the news is spreading fast… literally. Thanks to an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation, one 4th-grade teaching team is taking learning beyond the traditional textbook through an ambitious project: The Lion’s Pride Newspaper.

The project focuses on creating an inclusive educational environment that provides learners various and unique opportunities to demonstrate their understanding. Whether a student is a gifted writer, an English Language Learner, or someone navigating the challenges of dyslexia, these resources provide a platform where students can thrive.

"This grant allows us to meet the needs of all our learners in non-traditional ways," the 4th-grade team, Rachel Dodge and Shanae Riggs, shared. "It’s about breaking down barriers so students can demonstrate their understanding through multiple means of representation."

The GEF grant provided two critical components to make this possible:

* Professional Journalism Tools: Cameras and supplies for The Lion’s Pride Newspaper, an after school club, where students capture stories throughout the school day, conduct interviews, write features, and practice real-world STEM and literacy skills. The finished product… The CDS Lion’s Pride Newspaper.

* Specialized Literacy Resources: Specialized books designed for students with dyslexia remove reading barriers, ensuring that even those who struggle with traditional reading have the tools to build confidence and excel in ELA.
The impact of executing these two tools is already being felt in more than just test scores. It’s visible in the student who, once hesitant to read, now holds a physical book designed for their specific needs. It’s seen in the young reporter interviewing their peers, building communication skills that will last a lifetime.

"The effect of true inclusion in the classroom cannot be measured with exact data alone," says the team. "Success is shown in how our students interact with their school, their peers, and the world around them."

Your generosity to the Goddard Education Foundation ensures that programs like The Lion’s Pride Newspaper and Literary Resources can continue to grow. When you support GEF, you aren’t just funding a newspaper—you’re ensuring that every student has a sense of belonging and a way to share their story.

Growing Beyond the Classroom: How the GHS Pollinator Garden is Rooting Science in Real-World SuccessAt Goddard High Scho...
05/29/2026

Growing Beyond the Classroom: How the GHS Pollinator Garden is Rooting Science in Real-World Success

At Goddard High School, science education isn't just about reading text or memorizing formulas, it is about getting your hands dirty.

For decades, GHS has been the home of an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS), a mature, native grass and pond ecosystem. It is a beautiful space to look at, but for some students, just looking isn’t enough. As GHS Science Teacher Darcie Lowry notes, “Since the OWLS area is primarily established native perennials and grasses, it is more to look at than work with.” They need to build, tend, and discover the “fruits” of their labor.

With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant, Mrs. Lowry aims to cover the upfront funding to build a Pollinator Garden to expand the hands-on, outdoor tactile learning students can experience.

Every year, students at GHS have the opportunity to enroll in Ecology. For many of these students, this course is a practical choice for those eyeing a “career-over-college” pathway. These are students who thrive when learning is tactile and directly tied to real adult life. Unfortunately, meaningful hands-on learning often carries a high material cost. Mrs. Lowry explains, “Gardening of any type is a fantastic way to bridge classroom learning to real-life application. Most adults will eventually find themselves interested in gardening of some variety regardless of career.”

While the existing OWLS site offers an incredible ecosystem to observe, it is largely self-sustaining and doesn’t offer very many hands-on opportunities. To bridge this gap, Mrs. Lowry and the GHS science department envisioned a brand-new, highly interactive space located right in front of the school greenhouse. By establishing a dedicated, semi-maintained pollinator garden, science transitions from a passive lecture into an active workspace. To maximize the grant’s impact, the science department has already partnered with District Maintenance and Facilities to provide the topsoil, rock, and w**d barriers at no cost to the program.

Through this Innovative Teacher Grant, the GHS Pollinator Garden will introduce a structured, collaborative layout featuring a rear bed of native perennials and a front rock bed containing a raised garden bed for every lab table group of 2 to 4 students.

The beauty of the GHS Pollinator Garden lies in its long-term viability. While the upfront grant funding is critical to build the infrastructure, the garden is designed to be completely self-sustaining in the years to follow, requiring little to no additional funding as future classes handle the seasonal upkeep.

What starts as a specialized project for 50 Ecology students will blossom to impact nearly every student in the building. The garden will serve as a core resource for Biology classes, a required class for all GHS students, and will remain open to any class looking to take a restorative brain break or read in a vibrant, natural environment.

The garden is already contributing in big ways to the Goddard Community. GHS students helped propagate, cultivate, and grow plants that were used as part of the Goddard Plant Swap in conjunction with Neighbors United in April. This hands-on experience directly reinforces the real-world value of their hard work.

By funding the GHS Pollinator Garden, you are investing in a tangible, lasting resource that gives hardworking, career-minded students the practical skills, pride, and environmental stewardship they need to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Goddard Education Foundation is excited to introduce the Goddard Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!Establish...
05/28/2026

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.

Independence and Adaptive Tools for Mixed Abilities LearnersFor many K-4 students in the Mixed Abilities program at Oak ...
05/27/2026

Independence and Adaptive Tools for Mixed Abilities Learners

For many K-4 students in the Mixed Abilities program at Oak Street Elementary, the physical act of handwriting can be an exhausting roadblock; one that often can lead to deep frustration, sensory overload, and a desire to give up.

Thanks to a Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Innovative Teacher Grant, Oak Street Elementary Mixed Abilities Teacher, Mrs. Bally is tearing down those barriers and redefining what “writing” tools look like. With funding from the grant, her Mixed Abilities classroom introduced adaptive writing tools, specifically specialized letter and number stamps along with flexible, sensory-friendly seating.

By using stamps, students who struggle with fine motor skills can now independently spell words, construct sentences, and solve math problems with minimal staff support. The stamps aren’t replacing pencil and paper but instead, serve as a bridge that allows students to show what they know without being held back by a pencil grip.

Coupled with flexible seating that helps students stay calm, regulated, and in a “ready-to-learn” state, these tools are completely transforming the classroom environment. Best of all, these resources are entirely mobile, traveling with students as needed.

By taking the physical struggle out of the equation, Mrs. Bally is boosting classroom focus and giving students independence in learning.

Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping fund opportunities to bridge the gap for all types of learners in Goddard Public Schools.

The “magic” of USD 265 doesn’t just happen in one place, it happens in our classrooms, hallways, kitchens, and on our bu...
05/26/2026

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 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 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 !

To nominate a staff member for the 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 visit - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DCFEnmZU4/

From Spectators to Scientists: Shattering the Ceiling in Goddard Chemistry LabsFor many high school chemistry students, ...
05/22/2026

From Spectators to Scientists: Shattering the Ceiling in Goddard Chemistry Labs

For many high school chemistry students, advanced science can feel overwhelming. While Honors Chemistry students at Goddard High School are capable of grasping complex scientific concepts like intermolecular forces, thermal separation, and purification, their practical experience was hitting a ceiling due to the lack of professional-grade equipment.

With the help of a Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Innovative Teacher Grant, Goddard High School Chemistry teacher, Jerod Horsch sought to shatter the ceiling by adding professional-grade Liebig condensers to his Honors Chemistry classroom. This project allows him to introduce advanced, multi-step distillation and purification techniques, typically reserved for university-level chemistry courses.

With this equipment, students won’t just read about boiling points; they will actively manipulate them. By having multiple condensers available to students, this innovative grant moves the classroom away from teacher-led demonstrations to true, hands-on collaborative learning.

“This hands-on exposure fosters scientific thinking, strengthens laboratory technique, and bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application," shared Horsch.

Ultimately, this grant isn’t just purchasing glassware, it is investing in confidence. By exposing our Chemistry students to college-level techniques early, we are bridging the gap between high school theory and professional practice, giving them the exact skills and competitive edge they need to become the next generation of STEM innovators.

Thank you, Goddard Education Foundation for your continued investment and support for students and staff of Goddard Public Schools.

Address

201 S Main Street
Goddard, KS
67052

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+13167944000

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