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 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 .
Independence and Adaptive Tools for Mixed Abilities Learners
For many K-4 students in the Mixed Abilities program at Oak Street Elementary, the physical act of handwriting can be an exhausting roadblock; one that often can lead to deep frustration, sensory overload, and a desire to give up.
Thanks to a Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) Innovative Teacher Grant, Oak Street Elementary Mixed Abilities Teacher, Mrs. Bally is tearing down those barriers and redefining what “writing” tools look like. With funding from the grant, her Mixed Abilities classroom introduced adaptive writing tools, specifically specialized letter and number stamps along with flexible, sensory-friendly seating.
By using stamps, students who struggle with fine motor skills can now independently spell words, construct sentences, and solve math problems with minimal staff support. The stamps aren’t replacing pencil and paper but instead, serve as a bridge that allows students to show what they know without being held back by a pencil grip.
Coupled with flexible seating that helps students stay calm, regulated, and in a “ready-to-learn” state, these tools are completely transforming the classroom environment. Best of all, these resources are entirely mobile, traveling with students as needed.
By taking the physical struggle out of the equation, Mrs. Bally is boosting classroom focus and giving students independence in learning.
Thank you Goddard Education Foundation for helping fund opportunities to bridge the gap for all types of learners in Goddard Public Schools.
“Scooting to Inclusion”
At Oak Street Elementary, the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF) exists for one reason: to generate transformational impact for students like Asher.
Asher is a student at Oak Street Elementary with diverse learning needs who, like any other child, simply wants to participate alongside his peers. One afternoon in the gym, his adaptive P.E. teacher, Carolyn McDaneld, watched as Asher looked on while his classmates raced across the floor on scooters. The desire in his eyes was clear, he wanted to join them.
Mrs. McDaneld knew that “good enough” wasn’t enough for Asher. After researching equipment, she submitted an Innovative Teacher Grant to the GEF for a specialized adaptive scooter. This tool is specifically designed to bridge the gap between a physical barrier and total independence for students like Asher.
“As an Adaptive PE teacher we do our best to modify and adapt activities so our students are socially included and to help build confidence as they interact with their peers,” shares Mrs. McDaneld. This program will provide adaptive scooters for students in Life Skills and Mixed Abilities classrooms across the USD 265 District.”
Because of the generosity of our Staff Givers and community partners, that dream became a reality.
When the scooter finally arrived, the atmosphere in the gym was electric. As Mrs. McDaneld and a team of educators helped Asher settle into his new ride, the anticipation was visible. And then, in a moment that no one in that room will ever forget, Asher was off. He was scooting.
The joy was immediate. The independence was undeniable. There were tears in the gym that day as a team of educators, who had partnered so closely with Asher’s family, watched a barrier vanish. What any parent would define as "success" for their child came to life in that moment of belonging.
To learn more about the Adaptive Scooter, check out this short video!
When you give to the Goddard Education Foundation, these are the moments you create. You aren't just funding a grant; you are removing a barrier for students like Asher and many more who will benefit from the Adaptive Scooter. You are ensuring that ALL students, regardless of their needs, have the opportunity to fully engage, thrive, and succeed.
End of Year Updates! - Corrected
