Congratulations to Dirk Ankerholz (Math Teacher, Goddard High School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Ankerholz was nominated anonymously by a district colleague, who shared the following, “It is my privilege to nominate Dirk Ankerholz for this award in the Goddard School District. As a math teacher at Goddard High School, Dirk represents the very best of what it means to be an educator.
Dirk thrives in the trenches of the classroom and takes great pride in the daily work of teaching and supporting students. He never looks for shortcuts — instead, he invests the time, energy, and effort necessary to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. His commitment to doing things the right way has earned him tremendous respect from his students and colleagues alike.
What truly sets Dirk apart is the enthusiasm and energy he brings to his classroom each day. He celebrates student growth and achievement with genuine excitement, creating an environment where hard work is valued and success is shared. Students know he cares, and that connection motivates them to push themselves further.
Dirk’s pride in his profession, his relentless work ethic, and his positive impact on students make him exceptionally deserving of this recognition. Our district is stronger because of educators like him, and I am honored to nominate him.”
Registration for Summer 2026 Driver Ed will open at 8:00 a.m. next Tuesday, March 3rd! Spots fill up in a flash, so mark your calendars!
Registration Opens: Tuesday, March 3rd @ 8:00 AM
Age Requirement: Must be 14 by May 18th, 2026
Enroll Here: https://bit.ly/USD265-DE2026
Make sure to check out the attached flyer for full program details!
ENROLLMENT CONFERENCES
WED. FEB. 25 & THUR. FEB 26
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Meet with PRIDE teachers for enrollment
email to make appointments through Skyward
COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR, WED., 5:00-8:00 P.M.
Conferences suspended during
teacher meal times: 11:00-11:45 a.m. & 4:00-4:45 p.m.
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!
Mrs. Jamie Oettle named Kansas Thespians Region 5 Teacher of the Year.
This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding theatre educators across Kansas who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students and programs. Mrs. Oettle's commitment to inspiring young artists and cultivating a vibrant theatre program at Goddard High School Thespian Troupe 1840 has had a profound and lasting impact on countless students. This award is especially meaningful as recipients are nominated and selected by their fellow Kansas theatre educators within each region.
Abbie teaches Science at GHS, and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to her students by building positive relationships and an engaging learning environment. She is known as, not only an outstanding educator, but also as a personal support for students and fellow teachers. That awareness speaks volumes about the impact of her relationships.
Congratulations on this much deserved award Abbie.
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
Senior Editor in Chief Athena Mah placed third for her Football Sports Feature Photo.
Senior Kinsley Ballard and Junior Kaytlin Johnston-Johnson took second for their Spread Design on the fears high school students face.
Congratulations!
🎉 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
Thurs. Dec. 18
7:30-1:20
Finals for hours 1, 2, 6, & 7
Fri. Dec. 19
7:30-11:40
Finals for hours 3, 4, & 5
Lunch available until 12:10
Busses Leaving at 1:25
Jazz Band 6:30 pm, Mane Street.
Choirs, Orchestras, and Bands, 7:00 p.m. , Auditorium.
GHS Tri-M will be selling cookies and hot chocolate!
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
