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 “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 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 #265Family 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 #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/
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.
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 .
We have two pairs waiting in the front office to be claimed:
Pair 1: Black & neon green
Pair 2: Teal with silicone ear pieces
If these sound familiar, please contact the office or have your student check with us. Let’s get these back to their owners!
🏓 Pickleball for a Purpose! 🍗
Join us for a Clark Davidson Fundraiser Night at Chicken N Pickle! Come out for great food, friendly competition, and community fun. A portion of all proceeds will go directly toward supporting our students and programs.
When: May 5th
Time: 6-8 pm
Where: Chicken N Pickle 1240 N Greenwich Road, Wichita, KS 67206
Don't forget to mention Clark Davidson Elementary when you check in! We can't wait to see you on the courts!
We want to send a huge THANK YOU to all the families who came out for our Family Fun Night! It was a joy to see our community come together for an evening of food, games, and fun.
A special shout-out to our Staff volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. We couldn't do it without you!
🏓 Pickleball for a Purpose! 🍗
Join us for a Clark Davidson Fundraiser Night at Chicken N Pickle! Come out for great food, friendly competition, and community fun. A portion of all proceeds will go directly toward supporting our students and programs.
When: May 5th
Time: 6-8 pm
Where: Chicken N Pickle 1240 N Greenwich Road, Wichita, KS 67206
Don't forget to mention Clark Davidson Elementary when you check in! We can't wait to see you on the courts!
The moment you've been waiting for! Our Donuts with Grownups raffle winners have been drawn!
And the lucky winners are:
✨ Jax Thornburg
✨Ashley Zepeda-Encinas
✨ Zannah Liedl
These students hit the jackpot! Congrats to our winners and HUGE thanks to everyone who came out to munch donuts and grab great books! 📚🎉
Morning announcements with the winners: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G6nBIY-kvdk0y_qKb_fsBga4VBD39wWW/view?usp=sharing
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.
Clark Davidson Elementary School will receive 15% of fundraiser sales* during this fundraiser. Participate on April 29th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm by ordering digitally or at the physical Freddy's restaurant. To participate digitally, order on the Freddy's mobile app or website using the code GIVEBACK. To participate at the restaurant, tell the cashier of your participation (before payment) or show the fundraiser flyer below to the cashier (before payment).
Online waivers may also be signed online ahead of time to save time at check-in!
Breakfast and BOGO books? YES PLEASE!
Come hang out with your favorite student and enjoy some sweet treats, score great book deals, and enter your receipt to win a fabulous door prize!
Parents, grandparents, or other loved ones are all welcome to join the fun.
Registration has been EXTENDED through MONDAY! Sign up with the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5KsA9lNeqen5QkoDIVP3C6AMIPpFf8e_8zMHjkYpGoozw_Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111868461496717492460
Online waivers may also be signed online ahead of time to save time at check-in!
TODAY: Chick-fil-A Night Thursday, April 16th, from 3-10 pm
