08/27/2026
A Great Start, and We’re Just Getting Started
The first days of a new school year are about so much more than schedules, classrooms, and learning new routines. They are about building positive relationships.
Across Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff have worked intentionally to make sure students feel welcomed, supported and excited to be back at school. At Challenger Intermediate School, that has meant everything from music, fist bumps, and big greetings during morning drop-off to hands-on science experiments, classroom activities, and older students stepping up to help younger classmates.
Those moments matter. When students know there are adults who care about them and classmates who support them, it creates the sense of belonging that helps them learn, grow and succeed. As a new school year kicks off, a few members of the Challenger team shared about their first-day-of-school experience and what they're looking forward to most this year.
Darrin San Romani, Principal
A new school year means new beginnings, and Principal Darrin San Romani has been proud to see students and staff making connections from day one at Challenger. One of his favorite moments has been watching sixth graders step up to welcome and help incoming fifth graders. Those leadership opportunities are helping create a strong sense of community throughout the building.
Creating a welcoming environment is a priority from the moment students arrive. From music playing in the morning to big greetings and fist bumps, Challenger staff prioritizes every student’s sense of belonging.
“Welcome!” That simple message has been on display all week, especially as students who arrived nervous on the first day quickly became excited to jump out of the car and head into school. And there’s plenty more ahead, with student leadership, robotics, family activities, and more giving students and families opportunities to connect throughout the year.
Jaden Wiley, 5th Grade Teacher (1st Year Teaching)
For first-year teacher Jaden Wiley, building relationships was the focus during the first week of school. His fifth graders played games, learned more about their new teacher and had opportunities to share about themselves with their classmates. Those early conversations are already helping build a classroom community where students feel comfortable being themselves.
“I am hoping to create a sense of family here in my classroom,” Wiley shared. It’s clear that one of the highlights of the week was seeing students look out for one another, checking on classmates and helping pick each other up when they needed it.
Doug Mann, 5th Grade PLTW Science Teacher
What better way to start the school year than by getting hands-on with science? Fifth-grade science teacher Doug Mann jumped right into STEAM activities and hands-on projects during the first week at Challenger. One favorite was the “Fred the Gummy Worm” challenge, where students worked together to rescue Fred from his plastic cup boat.
For Mann, activities like these are about more than having fun, they’re about helping students discover a love for science early on. He’s looking forward to a year filled with STEAM projects, including robotics activities later in the year.
His goal? “Hooking kids to science” and hopefully inspiring them to keep exploring it long after they leave his classroom.
Megan Alexander, School Counselor
The first week of school is full of new faces, new routines and, for some students, a few nerves. School Counselor Megan Alexander has been excited to see those nerves turn into confidence as students settle into Challenger.
Alexander shared that several parents reached out before the first day with concerns about their children feeling nervous. But when she checked in with those students afterward, she heard a very different story, they were doing great and thriving. Seeing staff help students feel comfortable and at home has been especially rewarding.
As the year continues, she is looking forward to watching students build strong connections with their teachers and staff. Alexander shared, “I’m excited to see students continue to make connections with staff.”
Building Connections All Year Long
Excitement and opportunities at Challenger mirror what happens all throughout Goddard Public Schools, educators and staff creating environments where students know they are welcomed, valued, and cared for. Thanks is owed to all teachers, support staff, administrators, and families for making the beginning of this school year such a positive one!
And we're just getting started. As the moves beyond the excitement of the first days, we encourage families to stay connected. Attend school activities. Volunteer when you’re able. Read the newsletters and communications from your child(ren)’s school. Ask your student about their day. Introduce yourself to their teachers. Cheer them on at an event. Find the opportunities that work for your family and be part of the school community.
It takes all of us working together to create an incredible school year for students. Here's to a year filled with relationships, opportunities, discovery, and continuing to build the !
Story and pictures contributed by Tessa Carson, USD 265 Intern.
