USD 265-Clark Davidson Elementary

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 Goddard 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 !

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 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 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 !

To nominate a staff member for the 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 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.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

Lost & Found: Is your student missing their glasses? 👓

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!

The Roar of the Season: The Lion’s Pride Final Issue!

The Roar of the Season: The Lion’s Pride Final Issue! 🦁 The Roar of the Season: The Lion’s Pride Final Issue! 🦁 It’s time to celebrate, Lyrical Lions! T...

Family Fun Night was a Blast!
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!