Today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and we want to give a massive shout-out to the heart and soul of our classrooms. 🍎
From providing one-on-one support to being the ultimate "extra set of hands," our paras show up every day with patience, kindness, and dedication. You don't just help our students learn—you help them thrive. Thank you for the endless energy and heart you pour into our school community. We truly couldn't do it without you! 💙
Out of 32 teams that qualified across the state, 9 of those teams were from Challenger Intermediate!
Team November, one of our 5th grade teams, earned the State Design Award, qualifying them for Worlds. Team Hotel, one of our 6th grade teams, brought home the Teamwork Champions Award, also earning a spot at Worlds. Team Hotel also won the State Judges Award and the State Skills Champion Award.
That makes a total of 4 state championships this season. We are beyond proud of the hard work, creativity, teamwork, and dedication these students have shown all year long. Congratulations to all of our Robotics teams on an amazing season, and good luck to Team November and Team Hotel as they head to Worlds.
A special thank you goes to our coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Cole, for their time, leadership, and dedication to our students. Your support and hard work helped make this success possible.
#challengerproud #staterobotics #worldsrobotics #usd265
#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
It takes a village... and our village is the best.
Behind every great student is a dedicated team of teachers, drivers, custodians, and support staff. They are more than just employees; they are the heart of the #265Family.
Is there someone who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life this year? Whether they provide a safe ride to school or a word of encouragement in the hallway, we want to hear about it!
Nominate them for the #265Family Award today. A few minutes of your time could lead to a $100 surprise for a well-deserving staff member!
Let’s celebrate them! Nominate your hero for the #265Family Award. It’s a quick way to say "thank you" and gives them a chance to win a $100 cash prize!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsMNl3z277aZNiN859FaFgJAPZq79zwU47Oi1uH8pqqESvPg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112499309207359684117
Congratulations to Diana Van Horn (6th Grade Teacher, Challenger Intermediate School) for receiving the District Attitude Award from the USD 265 Board of Education! Van Horn was nominated anonymously by a district colleague, who shared the following, “It is my honor to nominate Diana Van Horn for this award in the Goddard School District. Diana’s decades of dedication to students, staff, and the district have made an immeasurable impact that reaches far beyond her classroom.
Throughout her career, she has continuously stepped into leadership roles — serving as a department head, contributing to numerous committees, supporting multiple sports and activities, and always being willing to take on whatever is needed to make our schools better. She leads with energy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students.
What truly sets Diana apart is the way she lifts the people around her. She brings humor and positivity to every room, brightening even the most challenging days. As a mentor, she has guided and inspired countless colleagues, and her influence can be seen in the strength and success of the educators she has supported.
Diana’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and heart. When she eventually decides to call it a career, she will be deeply missed and impossible to replace. Our district is better because of her, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
https://goddardusd265.edurooms.com/engage/challenger-intermediate-school/newsletters/february-mission-report
💙✨ Challenger Pride in Action! ✨💙
Yesterday, students at Challenger Intermediate came together to support one of our own in a BIG way! Jaylah has an exciting opportunity ahead — she’s heading to the Super Bowl to cheer on her dad, who plays for the New England Patriots! 🏈
As a special surprise, students filled the cafeteria with handmade signs and heartfelt words of encouragement just for her. Jaylah walked in to see a sea of signs raised high, all created to send love, support, and excitement with her on this unforgettable journey.
Have the best time, Jaylah! We’re all cheering for you and wishing your dad the best of luck at the Super Bowl! 💙✨
#challengerproud #superbowl #newenglandpatriots #goddardkansas
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/challengerintermediateschool2
REMINDER!!! No School on Friday, February 6th.
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!
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
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxUwnB5IDNGyxxW7ZpKVLCqobKhAbtSjkG_FJLnZemCo3KGw/viewform?usp=sharing
🎉 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