Great start to the day at the Goddard Community Education Retreat 2023!
Great day of learning at Goddard Community Retreat #goddardpublicschools
Stop by Eisenhower High School at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29th, for the Convoy of Hope School Supplies Pick-up event, brought to you by The Alter Church. At this drive-through style event, families in need can pick up FREE Groceries, Backpacks (child must be present), school supplies, Prizes, and Fun for the Whole Family!
Goddard Public Schools launched a new mobile app to help students, parents, and community members know what is happening on campus from their phones. Most families use their phones as a primary means of communication, so we've created an app that is custom-built for your child's school for smartphones. The app lets you read the latest announcements, locate staff contact information, review upcoming events, and find important documents. The Goddard Public Schools App is available to download for FREE from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today!
Come check out the USD #265 Job Fair on Thursday, July 20th, at Eisenhower High School to learn more about the amazing career opportunities here at Goddard Public Schools. We can't wait to see you there!
The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) provides qualifying parents and guardians $1,000 per eligible child to pay for a variety of educational goods and services that promote learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities. https://www.keep.ks.gov/
Congratulations Goddard High, Eisenhower High, and Goddard Academy Class of 2023! Check out the Goddard Education Foundation's Facebook page for hundreds of pictures of all the graduation ceremonies! #Classof2023
https://facebook.com/goddardef
That's a wrap for the 2022-2023 school year! Goddard Public Schools had a fantastic last week of school, here's a glimpse of some of the fun across our district. Have a safe summer #265Family! Check out the full album of the End-of-the-Year Celebrations at https://www.facebook.com/GoddardPublicSchoolsUSD265/posts/pfbid03uggSUVXi6pVoYMpG5HPWSZoPCfzFEkTeZnhmufZB84RvUdvhcViN4n1UFgfy1JQl
When Emma Casebolt was asked what makes the Academy a great place to be, she came up with three words, transformation, strive, and determination. “My relationship with my teachers is what makes my learning so much easier. I know that I am loved and cared for in this building and that they want me to succeed.”
Goddard Academy is an alternative high school for students who need a non-tradional learning environment. They have a personalized education plan and complete their course requirements with Imagine Learning.
Academy Principal, Brian Gee, said, “If they want to follow a career in the Auto Industry, it is our job to figure out a curriculum that matched that and prepares them. How can they get their math and science credits? It’s specialized and personalized for their success.”
It’s another opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Goddard Academy dedicates staff and resources to give students a plan and encouragement they need to succeed. They may not go to a four-year secondary school. They may want to jump right into the work force, so their goal is to finish early, so they can get to work.
“To provide an alternative education, to meet the needs of todays students. It’s an alternative way to educate students for lifelong success.”
“Who’s Next?”
Mr. Gee said “Our goal is to get our students across the stage to receive their diplomas. Every student has a unique journey to get there, and I’m proud of how our staff engages with students to build relationships and give them the confidence to finish. Our goal is to empower students. It’s amazing to see their positive attitude and self-determination to improve their grades, finish each course, and ultimately graduate. Each graduation is a moment of celebration. Their success story becomes the motivation for the next student to finish.”
“The high school just wasn’t the right environment for me to learn. Here, I am able to learn at my own pace, meaning I can finish some of my courses quickly with no issues, but also take the time on subjects that I really struggle with and get extra help,” said Emmri Roberts, Academy student.
Consistency is the key to successfully impacting students. Teachers help hold students accountable and push consistency in their academics. Tommy Beason, the Academy science teacher, says, “I make sure to be a consistent face and voice. You build a relationship over time. That relationship is the key. Students are more motivated to learn if they have respect and a relationship with their teacher.”
Students also have consistency by having a homeroom teacher they see everyday. They have a mentor and are able to make friends within this class. This gives students the opportunity to take part in class activities during the holidays and special occasions. During our visit, Mrs. Weber’s homeroom was celebrating December birthdays with a pancake breakfast. Brian, had this to say about the staff. “I am fortunate enough to be the principal, but the staff is doing all the work. They are absolutely amazing. I hope to create a culture and environment that allows our educators to build relationships with the students.”
The Academy is also home to the Goddard Public Schools Virtual School. The program has been active for over a decade, but has just recently been deemed an official school by KSDE. Brenda Sharp, the virtual schools Lead teacher, describes the program as, “Another opportunity for education. Whether a student is experiencing illness, anxiety, or have unusual circumstances, they have the opportunity and resources to finish their education.”
A common concern for students who take online courses is that they will struggle to cultivate relationships with their teachers and feel isolated. This is combated with a weekly check-in phone call tailored to each student to discuss their education plan as well as inform them of opportunities to be involved with their peers.
Students also have the choice to go back to the high school for certain classes that they want more hands-on support. They are also able to take part in sports and different clubs, as long as they are enrolled in one class through the high school they compete with. “They are not on an island. We understand it is easy to feel isolated when you don’t physically see your teachers and peers. We keep them as engaged as possible and are constantly checking their progress with their course work.” Brenda Sharp.
The students definitely notice the effort put in by both teachers Brenda Sharp and Kim Huntley.
“It shows that our teachers are there. They are genuinely watching and they care about my progress. I appreciate all the work they put in to help us succeed.” Juliana Hernandez, Academy student.
Goddard Virtual offers a course called Social Emotional Learning, and is the first school in the district to offer it. This course has classes for healthy mental health practices, life prep, and what to expect after graduation. Kayelyn Unruh told us how she has benefited from these courses, stating, “They make me think of me and my mental health. It's almost like counseling. I have learned how to plan for after graduation and better understand the cost of being an adult.”
Both the Academy and Virtual teachers go the extra mile to help students succeed. Weekly parent teachers conferences aid in keeping the parents informed on their student’s progress and accountability. Kim Huntley said, “We try to provide detailed feedback and videos and we always reach out with a phone call. We always tell them if they need help to come in. We are happy to help.”
The Academy and Goddard Virtual School are places for students to find an alternative setting for their education. It’s more than a school, it’s a family that helps students be the best version of themselves. Our #265Family is so proud of the work being done to aid the students on their journey to lifelong success!
The Leadership Council at Goddard Academy wanted an opportunity to give back to the community who has given so much to them. Neighbors United was that opportunity!! The students who were led by Mrs. Marla Weber and Mrs. Drenda Joslyn met with Chamber and City officials throughout the year to plan, organize and run-off the event. The students got to experience asking for volunteers, calling businesses for donations, working with restaurants to have food donated and delivered on the morning of the event. Leadership, gratitude, organization and public speaking skills were some of the many life skills these students learned during this event. Over 150 people volunteered their time on April 29th to give back to the Goddard Community!!
Good afternoon from Goddard Public Schools!
