Our last Wind Surge PTO fundraiser is coming up on Sunday, September 7th. We are still needing a few more volunteers to help work the concession stand. Scan the QR code on the attachment to sign up. No experience necessary. Anyone can help. Must be 16 or older to work. Any questions email aparks@goddardusd.com or apowers@goddardusd.com or call the office at (316) 794-4040.
Reminders:
No School Monday, September 1, 2025
Enjoy a meal and give back to Challenger PTO
View the flyer for Freddy's
Have a great Monday!
No School Monday, September 1, 2025
Enjoy a meal and give back to Challenger PTO
View the flyer for Freddy's
Have a great Monday!
Program Overview:
What: TGA After-School Golf Enrichment 🏌️
When: Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:10 pm (Starts September 10th)
Where: Here at Challenger
Who: Ages 8-15
Cost: $128.00/ 8-weeks
8% discount when you sign up for 2 sessions
16% discount when you sign up for 3 sessions
10% Sibling discount (SIBDIS)
Register: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/challenger-intermediate-after-school-golf-2025-2026-school-year
We focus on skill-building, character development, and making golf fun and accessible to every child — no experience or equipment needed!
What: TGA After-School Golf Enrichment 🏌️
When: Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:10 pm (Starts September 10th)
Where: Here at Challenger
Who: Ages 8-15
Cost: $128.00/ 8-weeks
8% discount when you sign up for 2 sessions
16% discount when you sign up for 3 sessions
10% Sibling discount (SIBDIS)
Register: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/challenger-intermediate-after-school-golf-2025-2026-school-year
We focus on skill-building, character development, and making golf fun and accessible to every child — no experience or equipment needed!
We NEED your help!! We have 2 dates left to work the Wind Surge Game at the pizza concession stand to earn money for our PTO. Use the QR code to sign up.
Reminder of things going on this week at Challenger.
Iron Nutrition Principal Games is going on this week August 25- August 29th. Order the SanRomani to help Challenger earn money for our PTO. Delivery available on Tuesday and Thursday.
Chick Fil A Community Community Spirit Night
Tuesday, September 9th 3-10pm
Maple & Ridge.
Organization Code: community (case sensitive)
Challenger Math Apparel Store is now open:
https://messengerclothing.chipply.com/31683/?action=viewall
Store will be open until September 14th
Click the link above for more information and to order.
Iron Nutrition Principal Games is going on this week August 25- August 29th. Order the SanRomani to help Challenger earn money for our PTO. Delivery available on Tuesday and Thursday.
Chick Fil A Community Community Spirit Night
Tuesday, September 9th 3-10pm
Maple & Ridge.
Organization Code: community (case sensitive)
Challenger Math Apparel Store is now open:
https://messengerclothing.chipply.com/31683/?action=viewall
Store will be open until September 14th
Click the link above for more information and to order.
Skate Night TONIGHT!! 6pm - 9pm @ Carousel Skate Center
🏌️ Program Overview:
What: TGA After-School Golf Enrichment 🏌️
When: Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:10 pm (Starts September 10th)
Where: Here at Challenger
Who: Ages 8-15
Cost: $128.00/ 8-weeks
8% discount when you sign up for 2 sessions
16% discount when you sign up for 3 sessions
10% Sibling discount (SIBDIS)
Register: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/challenger-intermediate-after-school-golf-2025-2026-school-year
We focus on skill-building, character development, and making golf fun and accessible to every child — no experience or equipment needed!
What: TGA After-School Golf Enrichment 🏌️
When: Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:10 pm (Starts September 10th)
Where: Here at Challenger
Who: Ages 8-15
Cost: $128.00/ 8-weeks
8% discount when you sign up for 2 sessions
16% discount when you sign up for 3 sessions
10% Sibling discount (SIBDIS)
Register: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/challenger-intermediate-after-school-golf-2025-2026-school-year
We focus on skill-building, character development, and making golf fun and accessible to every child — no experience or equipment needed!
Pictures are tomorrow!!! August 19th see attached for code to order online.
Thanks,
Anita Parks
Thanks,
Anita Parks
Hello 5th grade families.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week, your student has had the opportunity to try out instruments for band and orchestra. If they are interested in signing up for band and orchestra, please follow the instructions on the attached PDF.
Students who decide to sign up need to procure their own instruments. We are having an instrument rental night at Challenger on August 19th from 4-7 PM. Your student can rent or purchase an instrument from one of three music stores that we have invited out.
Also, please fill out the form once you have decided what instrument your student will play.
For band students interested in playing percussion, we have 10 spots that students can audition for. This will take place on Monday, August 18th during the school day. They must get permission from the directors to play percussion.
Please reach out to the instrumental music directors with any questions you may have.
Band- Micah Bolton & Joseph Richey (mbolton@goddardusd.com & jrichey@goddardusd.com)
Orchestra- Christopher Lovell (clovell@goddardusd.com
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week, your student has had the opportunity to try out instruments for band and orchestra. If they are interested in signing up for band and orchestra, please follow the instructions on the attached PDF.
Students who decide to sign up need to procure their own instruments. We are having an instrument rental night at Challenger on August 19th from 4-7 PM. Your student can rent or purchase an instrument from one of three music stores that we have invited out.
Also, please fill out the form once you have decided what instrument your student will play.
For band students interested in playing percussion, we have 10 spots that students can audition for. This will take place on Monday, August 18th during the school day. They must get permission from the directors to play percussion.
Please reach out to the instrumental music directors with any questions you may have.
Band- Micah Bolton & Joseph Richey (mbolton@goddardusd.com & jrichey@goddardusd.com)
Orchestra- Christopher Lovell (clovell@goddardusd.com
Please join us at our Open House!!! Thursday, August 7th from 4:30pm -6:30pm.
Taking learning to new heights at Challenger Intermediate!
Congratulations to Kylie Rush, a gifted facilitator who was awarded an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation.
Her groundbreaking project will introduce a cutting-edge educational drone program to her gifted students - the next step in their multi-year coding journey! As Mrs. Rush explains, “Typically my students learn to code with Sphero Indi in 1st grade, and by 5th and 6th grades, they’re utilizing various code resources to learn HTML, CSS, and Python.” This project allows her students to put their coding skills to the ultimate, real-world test!
This drone program isn’t just about flying; it’s a dynamic, hands-on experience that bridges physics, engineering, and computer science. Gifted students, who thrive on logical application of skills, will connect classroom learning to real-life industries like agriculture, filmmaking, search and rescue, and construction.
Mrs. Rush hopes to empower her students to:
-Understand drone technology and its real-world applications.
-Develop data analysis, spatial, and motor skills.
-Learn ethical and responsible use of technology.
“Introducing education drones is about making learning tangible and showing students the real world impact of their code,” shared Mrs. Rush. “It helps students be current on the latest technology and industry standards and opens doors for future careers. In addition, I believe drones may also apply to targeting the fine arts side for students, including creative pursuits such as aerial filmmaking, photography, or even drone-based art installations.”
The beauty of this program is its ability to take learning outside the confines of the classroom, providing instant feedback on their code! This grant impacts Rush’s 32+ current students, as well as future classes.
Thank you Mrs. Rush for taking your students' learning to new heights!
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 Public Schools 5th and 6th Graders Building Bright Futures with D.A.R.E.!
We’re excited to share an inspiring initiative that took place during Summer Learning with our incoming 5th-6th grade students: the return and expansion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program!
“This being our first year re-introducing the D.A.R.E. program, we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. But it exceeded our expectations! Watching students grow in confidence, learn how to make positive choices, and truly engage in conversations about peer pressure, responsibility, and leadership was inspiring,” shared Officer Lamar, a Goddard District Police Officer.
During the 2 week program, 48 students participated in the D.A.R.E “Keepin It Real” curriculum, learning how to Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate various challenging situations. This included practicing crucial skills like:
Making informed decisions
Managing stress
Communicating with confidence
Active listening
Understanding and addressing bullying
Helping others
What makes this program truly special? It was taught by two of our dedicated Goddard USD 265 Police Officers, Officer Lamar and Officer Heath! This unique approach fosters positive relationships between law enforcement, students, and the community.
“For both Officer Heath and I the best part was building relationships with these students and watching them proudly graduate from the program,” Officer Lamar shared. “We had a few students who were hesitant to engage at the beginning, but by the end of the course they were active participants in the group, one even winning an award at our D.A.R.E graduation.”
Thanks to the amazing support from a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, this program is bringing vital life skills and positive decision-making strategies to Goddard students. This year, the grant specifically helped create a special way to recognize our graduating D.A.R.E students with official D.A.R.E. shirts!
A huge thank you to Officer Heath and Officer Lamar for their dedication and truly investing in the future of Goddard Public Schools students! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this invaluable program.
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
We’re excited to share an inspiring initiative that took place during Summer Learning with our incoming 5th-6th grade students: the return and expansion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program!
“This being our first year re-introducing the D.A.R.E. program, we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. But it exceeded our expectations! Watching students grow in confidence, learn how to make positive choices, and truly engage in conversations about peer pressure, responsibility, and leadership was inspiring,” shared Officer Lamar, a Goddard District Police Officer.
During the 2 week program, 48 students participated in the D.A.R.E “Keepin It Real” curriculum, learning how to Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate various challenging situations. This included practicing crucial skills like:
Making informed decisions
Managing stress
Communicating with confidence
Active listening
Understanding and addressing bullying
Helping others
What makes this program truly special? It was taught by two of our dedicated Goddard USD 265 Police Officers, Officer Lamar and Officer Heath! This unique approach fosters positive relationships between law enforcement, students, and the community.
“For both Officer Heath and I the best part was building relationships with these students and watching them proudly graduate from the program,” Officer Lamar shared. “We had a few students who were hesitant to engage at the beginning, but by the end of the course they were active participants in the group, one even winning an award at our D.A.R.E graduation.”
Thanks to the amazing support from a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant, this program is bringing vital life skills and positive decision-making strategies to Goddard students. This year, the grant specifically helped create a special way to recognize our graduating D.A.R.E students with official D.A.R.E. shirts!
A huge thank you to Officer Heath and Officer Lamar for their dedication and truly investing in the future of Goddard Public Schools students! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this invaluable program.
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
With a growing concern for students mental health and behavior needs, Mrs. Fox, a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Teacher at Challenger Intermediate, applied for a Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher grant to help supply her classroom with regulation tools for Challenger students.
When we empower our most vulnerable students with the tools they need to find calm, we are not just helping them; we are fostering a more focused and positive learning environment. Mrs. Fox shares, “as the PBS teacher at Challenger, I have been working with teachers and other faculty members to bring awareness of techniques and tools to work directly with students with trauma and behavior dysregulation issues. Access to the proper tools will help students return to a ready to learn state, positively impacting all students.”
With a growing need to support student mental health, Mrs. Fox's project will provide research-based sensory tools to help students regulate their emotions, de-escalate anxiety, and return to a ready-to-learn state. From visual times, alternative seating, fidgets, sensory items, and much more, there are a number of different kinds of tools geared to meet each student's regulation needs. This isn't just about helping a few kids; it's about building a more supportive and positive environment for EVERY student at Challenger. Thank you Mrs. Fox for your proactive and compassionate approach to helping our #265Family succeed!
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
This year, the Goddard Education Foundation, alongside our Legacy Partners, Lange Real Estate, were thrilled to present the #265Family Award to 15 outstanding educators and staff members from across the district, from nominations submitted by grateful families, dedicated students, and fellow staff members, all eager to shine a light on the incredible work being done every day in Goddard Public Schools. The #265Family Award, honors these finalists who not only embody the spirit of our #265Family but also consistently demonstrate a significant, positive impact on our students, staff, or the entire USD 265 school community.
The Challenger Intermediate School winner was Del Dreyer, Head Building Engineer, who had multiple nominations including one by Piper White, a colleague and Challenger Intermediate Teacher. Mrs. White wrote, "Del is the heart of Challenger! I have never met anyone as hardworking, kind and humble as Del Dreyer. He is the definition of selfless. Del plays many roles within our building. He is our locker jam whisperer, snow/ice melter, heater fixer, comedic relief in the hallway, bus facilitator and so much more. Del wears each hat with a smile on his face. If he knew I was nominating him he would not be happy with me as he hates the spotlight, but he is truly Challenger and the Maintenance team hero! "
Congratulations again Del, for all you do make Goddard Public Schools a family!
To nominate a staff member for the #265Family Award visit - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=header
To learn more about how Lange Real Estate serves our #265Family visit
https://langere.com/2025/03/14/lange-real-estate-a-proud-legacy-sponsor-of-goddard-public-schools/
Having a blast at the WindSurge concession stand! Nothing beats earning money for Challenger PTO while chatting with amazing parents, teachers, and staff. Great snacks, better conversations, and all for a good cause! Come say hi at the next game! Click the link below to signup!⚾ #ChallengerPTO #WindSurge #CommunityFun
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9AB2EA1FAC16-55917582-windsurge
Just wrapped up another fun shift at the Wichita WindSurge concession stand! 🏟️ Nothing beats the energy of game day while raising funds for our Challenger PTO. Every slice of pizza and soft serve ice cream sold helps support our amazing staff and students. Click the link below to see all the dates we need help, and to sign up. Thanks to everyone who helped out and stopped by - see you at the next game! Questions email: apark@goddardusd.com ⚾️ #WindSurge #ChallengerPTO #CommunitySupport #BaseballFun
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9AB2EA1FAC16-55917582-windsurge
We need your help!!
Do you like to watch baseball? Here is your chance to go to a Windsurge ball game and work at the pizza concession stands.
Enter on the 300 S. Sycamore on the west side of the stadium
If you are available please sign up on the dates that you are able to volunteer. If something comes up and you are unable to work the day that you have chosen, please go back in and delete your response.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9AB2EA1FAC16-55917582-windsurge
Challenger Robotics Team Alpha at the VEX World Tournament! The competition schedule for tomorrow included for those who are able to watch online.
Please make note that our lunch menu will be switched due to switching field day to Friday.
Thank you
Today we celebrate the healthcare heroes who keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn! School nurses do it all—from bandaging scraped knees to managing complex medical conditions, all with a reassuring smile. Thank you Nurse Heather and Nurse Holly for being a vital part of our education community!
