Goddard Education Foundation

Jerry Longabaugh's legacy in Goddard Public Schools is measured not only by excellence in education, but by the countless lives he has touched through leadership, mentorship, and service. During his 25-year career in USD 265, he helped open both Goddard Middle School and Eisenhower Middle School, serving as principal and creating a culture centered on high expectations, strong relationships, and doing what was best for students. Under his leadership, Eisenhower Middle School became one of Kansas' highest-performing schools, earning numerous recognitions for educational excellence.

Following retirement, Jerry continued his commitment to the district through service on the Goddard Education Foundation and election to the Goddard Board of Education. His influence extends far beyond buildings and programs, reaching generations of students, teachers, and administrators whom he has mentored and encouraged. Colleagues consistently describe him as a servant leader who sees potential in others and helps them achieve more than they thought possible. His impact remains woven into the culture and success of USD 265, where his love for students, staff, and families continues to inspire all who know him.

Join us in celebrating Jerry Longabaugh's legacy! Get your tickets for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame Ceremony and Events!
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Tickets: $15 Early Bird Price (before August 14th) | $20 Regular
Details & Ticket Purchase: Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/20haofam/event/2026halloffameevent/

🚌📚 LAST CHANCE! Fill the Bus is happening TODAY! 🐄

This is your FINAL opportunity to donate school supplies before the bus rolls out! Our GHS & EHS cheer squads are teaming up with Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize to fill the bus for local students — and YOU can help!

📍 Chick-fil-A 21st & Maize (10515 W. 21st St. W)
🕙 TODAY, August 4 | 10 AM – 2 PM

Bring a school supply donation → walk away with a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich. It's that simple!

Every item collected will be distributed to classrooms across the District to help fill in needs throughout the first semester — your donation goes straight back to local teachers and students. 💙

Most needed:
✏️ Backpacks
✏️ #2 pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils
✏️ Glue sticks & block erasers
✏️ Folders, notebooks, rulers
✏️ Scissors, highlighters, dry-erase markers

Come see our cheerleaders in action and help send local classrooms into the semester fully stocked. Don't miss this last chance to make a difference! 🙌

Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inductee Highlight: Dr. Mary Cohen

Dr. Mary Cohen, a member of the Goddard High School Class of 1986, has transformed lives through the power of music, education, and human connection. Her musical talents were evident during her years in Goddard, where she served as accompanist for the choir, jazz band, and countless student performers.

After earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in music education from the University of Kansas, she spent a decade teaching music before joining the faculty of the University of Iowa, where she is now a Professor of Music Education. Dr. Cohen has gained international recognition for her groundbreaking work using music to build community and foster healing within correctional facilities. Her research, publications, and presentations have reached audiences across the United States and around the world, including Germany, Canada, Portugal, and England.

Through projects such as the Oakdale Community Choir and her book Music-Making in U.S. Prisons: Listening to Incarcerated Voices, she has amplified voices that are often unheard. What began with a kindergartener reaching out to a lonely seatmate has become a lifelong mission of building bridges where walls once stood and reminding others of their shared humanity.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Mary Cohen's legacy!
Get your tickets for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame Ceremony and Events!
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Tickets: $15 Early Bird Price (before August 14th) | $20 Regular
Details & Ticket Purchase: Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/20haofam/event/2026halloffameevent/

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 Goddard Academy: Sara Read

"Mrs. Read helped/helps my boys in many ways. She believes in them, encourages them and pushes them to do the best they can. She has been with my boy's through the struggles and success of them completing school. I love how involved she is with the students and does whatever she can yo help them out even through there struggles. She is very easy to speak to and I think she is one of the best teachers and mentors there is. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be in my boys life. "
- Angela Palacios, Parent of 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. Read 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/

Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inductee Highlight: Dan Buchanan

For more than a quarter century, Dan Buchanan shaped the lives of Goddard students as a teacher, coach, mentor, and role model.

Joining Goddard High School in 1987, he taught business education while coaching basketball, football, and tennis, earning a reputation for excellence both in the classroom and in competition. His basketball teams captured league and sub-state championships while maintaining an extraordinary commitment to academic achievement, and his tennis teams earned regional titles and state recognition.

Yet those who know Coach Buchanan best point not to his wins and awards, but to his investment in people. Former students credit him with inspiring careers in education and coaching, while others remember his steady guidance during difficult times, including his leadership of the tennis program following the passing of Hall of Fame Coach John Markham.

Coach Buchanan emphasized character, accountability, perseverance, and academic success, always placing student development above athletic accomplishments. Through decades of service, Coach Buchanan helped generations of Lions become successful students, athletes, leaders, and citizens.

Join us in celebrating Coach Buchanan's legacy! Get your tickets for the 2026 Goddard Hall of Fame Ceremony and Events!
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Tickets: $15 Early Bird Price (before August 14th) | $20 Regular
Details & Tickets: Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/20haofam/event/2026halloffameevent/

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 Amelia Earhart Elementary: Randi Ornelas

"Mrs. Randi goes above and beyond to make Kory feel comfortable during this therapy appointments reach week. Randi worked hard and continues to work hard with Kory to improve his speech which I’ve seen an improvement already! I appreciate her tailoring Kory’s speech appointments to his specific needs and her willingness to create flash cards for home practice. I also appreciate the thoughtful give her and Kory created as a Christmas present to our family with his hand prints. Kory enjoys and is excited for therapy with Mrs. Randi and we appreciate her very very much!"
- Alyssa Hardwell, Parent of 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. Ornelas 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/

Playing For a Legacy: In Memory of Amber Brunswig

We are filled with gratitude following the conclusion of the memorial softball game held this spring in honor of Amber Brunswig, Discovery Teacher and Eisenhower High School softball coach. It was a day defined by the very values Amber championed: teamwork, leadership and an unwavering love for the sport.

The game's true impact goes beyond the final score. We are proud to announce that the proceeds from this fundraiser will directly benefit the Eisenhower High School softball program. Thank you to everyone who bought a T-shirt, cheered from the stands, and helped celebrate a life that truly made us all Better Together.

Amber’s love for softball began at an early age, and from the very beginning, it was clear this game was more than just a sport to her. It was a place where she learned teamwork, resilience, and leadership, values she carried with her throughout her life and passed on to countless others.

Thirty years ago, in 1996 at Ark City, Amber was part of a state championship team that made history. That season was filled with talent, determination, and heart, but those who knew Amber know that the qualities she showed then were the same ones she brought to everything she did afterward. She didn’t just play the game well, she honored it.

As a coach and teacher, Amber gave back to the sport she loved so deeply. She believed in her players, often before they believed in themselves. She taught lessons that went far beyond the field, about confidence, commitment, kindness, and showing up for one another. Her impact can still be felt in dugouts, classrooms, and communities today.

This game was played in her memory, but her legacy lives on in every young athlete who steps onto the field with passion, in every teammate who lifts another up, and in every person who learned from her example what it means to lead with heart.

We are also proud to honor Amber by raising money for the Eisenhower High School softball team, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to grow, compete, and fall in love with this game, just as she did.

Amber may no longer be with us in person, but she is forever part of this field, this team, and this community. Today, we played for her. We remembered her. And we celebrated a life that made all of us better.

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 Goddard Middle School: Patty Butherus

"Mrs. B's class has always been Titus's favorite class. He loves science, but even more-so he loves the warm, relaxed environment that she has intentionally created for her students. He performs well for her, and I think a lot of that is due to the connection she has made with him.

Mrs. Butherus is also the StuCo sponsor for GMS. Titus has never pursued a leadership opportunity before in any fashion, but decided to run for StuCo in 6th grade. Through her encouragement, being a leader has now become part of Titus's identity. He sees himself differently now; as a servant, as a leader, and as one who has the ability to set the bar for expectations of the peers around him. He values himself more now and he believes more in his ability to impact the world around him. I credit this newfound view of himself almost entirely to Mrs. B's encouragement.

Professionally, I have admired Mrs. B for a long time. I teach science at GHS and came to observe Mrs. Butherus's classroom last year as we were considering adopting the curriculum that GMS already had in place. I enjoyed watching her interact with this new curriculum, but what really caught my attention was how she related with her students. She had a knack for engaging the most disengaged. I watched her with one specific student who struggled significantly both emotionally and socially. I noticed her specific methods of connection with this student and when he showed up in my high school class the following fall, I copied her methods with him. And guess what. Instant connection.

I know a lot of kids flow in and out of her doors, but she somehow manages to treat them all individually and like they are her own. She doesn't play favorites, but instead welcomes them all and cares for them in the way that they respond to best. I'm so thankful she's been a part of Titus's school family!"
- Abbie Griffith, GHS Staff and Parent of 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. Butherus 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 “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 Goddard High School: Misti Carmichael

"Greetings, my name is Courtney Luong and I am speaking on behalf of Mrs. Carmichael, a #265 Family Hero Nominee. I first met Mrs. Carmichael in my junior year of high school, and I would have never guessed the strong impact she would have on my life.

I would describe a hero, in the #265 community, as someone who I can always look up to and someone who chooses to be a positive impact for the people around them. Fortunately for me, I am very blessed to be able to say that Mrs. Carmichael is my hero.

If I were to describe Mrs. Carmichael in one word, it would be “radiant.” She can light up any classroom she enters, and her bright personality is one that is hard to forget. Mrs. Carmichael has this type of polarizing energy that you can always feel when she’s around. Her positivity spreads to all of our lives; thus, bringing us all together and creating a family.

As a student, I feel like some of my effort can go unnoticed. With so many students at Goddard High School, it is hard to remember every student and account them for what they have accomplished. Mrs. Carmichael shines a spotlight on all of us, not forgetting a single student. She greets every student with their name and asks for updates about things we have told her prior. It amazes me how she is able to remember each and every one of our faces and names and connects us to our own stories. This just shows how deeply Mrs. Carmichael values her connections. It is so easy to just disregard people, especially on a wide scale, but Mrs. Carmichael takes the time to listen and understand each and every one of us and our stories.

A hero doesn’t need a cape. They don’t need a pseudonym. They just need to have a heart. A heart that looks out for everyone, a heart that cares for everyone, a heart that loves endlessly. Mrs. Carmichael has the biggest heart, and is the strongest hero I know. "
- Courtney Luong, GHS Student

"Mrs. Carmichael does all she can to make the students feel cared about and at ease. This makes it easier for them to go to get when they need extra help. My son was having a rough day with a topic in history. Mrs. Carmichael recognized it. She took him aside, gave him a chance to explain and cry a bit, calmed him down and reassured him it would all be OK. She then called me to make me aware of the situation so I could be ready if he was upset when coming home. She's a rockstar!"
- Judith Gutierrez, Parent of 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. Carmichael 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/

Introducing the #265 Supplies Drive!

Every student deserves to walk into their classroom on day one feeling confident, equipped, and ready to succeed. That's why we're launching a community-wide mission to make sure every child in USD 265-Goddard Public Schools has the school supplies they need this year!

Thanks to the generosity of our local businesses, community partners, and neighbors, we can eliminate barriers to learning, together.

Here's how YOU can help:
✏️ Donate Supplies — Drop off a pack of pencils or other core school supplies at one of our partnering organizations or upcoming events.

🛒 Shop Our Amazon Wish List — Support from anywhere!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UB3X40CYCF7R?ref_=wl_share

💛 Become a $265 Supplies Champion — Make a financial contribution here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ygp4i5/
No contribution is too small — every bit helps set our students up for a great year! Thank you for supporting Goddard's students and families.

📋 PS — School supply lists are here! Find your student's list at:
https://www.goddardusd.com/page/school-supply-lists