Apollo Families,
A special member of our Goddard Public Schools Community, Mrs. Patry a 4th Grade Teacher at Explorer Elementary School, has recently been diagnosed with cancer and will be beginning treatment immediately. Mrs. Patry is an incredibly dedicated educator who cares deeply for her students, and this news has understandably been difficult. The entire Apollo Elementary family and our close friends at Explorer Elementary are surrounding her with love, encouragement, and support. We invite all Apollo students and staff to participate in a fundraiser this Thursday, February 5th. We will be hosting a Wear Your Favorite Team/Colors Spirit Day! We are asking for a $1 donation, but this is not required. Mrs. Patry is an avid Chiefs fan, so if your student does not have a favorite- red and/or yellow is a great choice! All proceeds go directly to Mrs. Patry.
Thank you for your support!!
Join us for a fun night of skating, music, and time together as a school community.
📅 Thursday, January 29th
⏰6:00pm-9:00pm
📍 Carousel Skate Center
✔️ The class with the highest attendance will win a pizza party during the skate night! And the teacher of the winning class will win a $20 amazon gift card!
All students and families are welcome, we hope to see you there!
THANK YOU, Goddard Public Schools Maintenance Team!
While most of the community was staying warm inside, this incredible maintenance team was outside doing the hard work that makes a safe return to school possible.
On Sunday, January 25th, and again early Monday morning, January 26th, the USD 265 Facilities, Maintenance & Operations staff were out across the district clearing snow from parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring school buildings are safe and accessible for students, staff, and families.
These moments from Clark Davidson Elementary School, Discovery Intermediate School, and Challenger Intermediate School are a snapshot of the pride, grit, and dedication behind the scenes. Snow storms do not stop this team from showing up, problem solving, and taking care of our schools.
Their work may happen before sunrise and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every student and staff member who walks through our doors. Thank you for going above and beyond for our #265Family!
Make sure you’re getting important updates as soon as they happen by downloading the Goddard Public Schools App. The app provides first notifications for weather-related school closings, delays, and other time-sensitive alerts...right to your phone. You can even set notifications to specifically for Apollo!
You’ll also find district news, events, and helpful resources all in one place, making it easy to stay up to date and connected throughout the school year.
We encourage all parents and families to download the app today so you never miss an important update!
Students will have the opportunity to shop at the PAW Shop and purchase fun items. Best of all, all purchases help support our PTO and the great things they do for our school! 🛍️💙
We celebrated one of our amazing 3rd grade teachers, Miss Bay, with a sweet little bridal shower as she counts down to her big day next week. It was filled with smiles, and lots of excitement as we celebrate this special chapter in her life.
Help us shower the future Mrs. Uhlig with love!! Drop your well wishes and congratulations in the comments as she gets ready to say “I do!” 💕✨💍
Check out our January Upcoming Events and be sure to check the upcoming events in your newsletter so nothing sneaks up on you this month!
Spring Picture Day will be held on Thursday, January 29th!
Students will have individual photos taken as well as class group pictures.
📌 Please note: There will be no retakes for these pictures.
🛒 Parents may order online, or picture order forms will be sent home next week.
Mark your calendars and get those smiles ready! 😊
Our next PTO Meeting is TOMORROW! January 14th.
Thinking about getting more involved but not sure where to start? This meeting is for you!
We’ll be planning our upcoming spring events, volunteer opportunities and sharing ideas. No pressure, no experience required! Just a chance to connect, listen, and help make great things happen for our students. Come see what Apollo PTO is all about, and how you can help 🐾💙
Monday, January 12th 5:00-9:00pm
7130 W. Maple
Mention Apollo Spirit Night when eating in or use code DONATEMCA at checkout if ordering online. 20% of sales come right back to support our Apollo PTO! 🐾💙
Love kids? Patient, kind, and ready to make an impact?
We’re hiring a Special Education Para to join our fun, supportive school community!
APPLY NOW!
https://www.applitrack.com/goddardusd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Special+Education+Support+Staff%2fParaprofessionals&subcategory=Paraprofessional+
We will be out Monday, December 22nd through Monday, January 5th, as we enjoy a well-deserved winter break.
We’ll be back, refreshed and ready to learn, on Tuesday, January 6th!
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful break filled with rest, fun, and warm memories. ❄️✨ See you in the new year! 🎉
Educator Spotlight Alert!
This month, we're thrilled to continue our Educator Spotlight series dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our district. As we celebrate them, you can show your gratitude to through the GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD Campaign.
Miss. Poorman’s story is just one chapter in a child’s 13-year journey through Goddard Public Schools. Your support, matched up to $25,000, helps write the next one. When you Give, you multiply Gratitude. You strengthen Goddard.
Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
Our Apollo Social Committee hosted a very merry door decorating contest this year, and wow!! Our staff did not hold back! From creative themes to eye-catching details, it was so much fun seeing everyone’s hard work and holiday spirit on full display. 🎄🚪✨
A HUGE thank you to The Rusted Bean Coffee Shop for sponsoring prizes .
A special shoutout to Mr. Meyer for 3D-printing our amazing trophies and participation ornaments, such a unique and thoughtful touch! 🏆
And an extra big thank you to our amazing PTO Board members for helping with the voting! We couldn’t have done it without you. 💙🙌
Congratulations to our winners!
1st Place - Mrs. Brown
2nd Place - Pre-K
3rd Place - Miss Taryn (Reading Para)
Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! We hope to make this an annual Apollo tradition. 💙🐾
It’s that time again, our Apollo Merch Shop is officially OPEN and packed with awesome spirit wear you’re going to love! From cozy favorites to new designs, there’s something for everyone to show off that Apollo pride.
🗓 Shop closes: January 10th
📦 Delivery around: February 1st
💙 All proceeds support the Apollo PTO!
Every purchase helps fund the funevents, activities, and extra goodies for our students! Check out all the options and place your order at the link below:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/apollo-online-merch-shop
Let’s kick off the new year looking fresh and repping Apollo!
🎉 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉
We are thrilled to announce that 30 Innovative Teacher Grants were awarded to dedicated USD 265 educators across the District on Friday, December 5th, 2025! Here is just a sneak peak of some of the grants awarded. Visit https://www.facebook.com/goddardef to see pictures of all the Educators who received this year's Innovative Teacher Grants.
These grants will fund innovative projects, purchase cutting-edge resources, and create inspiring learning experiences for our USD 265 students. From STEM equipment to enhanced literacy materials, our teachers are bringing innovation into the classroom!
The Innovative Teacher Grant program is a direct result of the support generated throughout the year. The GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD. campaign is one of the ways the GEF is able to raise funds that invest in the future of our students and the passion of our educators.
Let's celebrate these teachers and the amazing work they do every day!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Your generosity sparks innovation in classrooms just like this year's Innovative Teacher Grant Recipients. And right now, every gift to the Goddard Education Foundation is doubled thanks to a $25,000 matching opportunity.
There’s never been a more powerful moment to Give. Gratitude. Goddard.
➡️ Give today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools/?blm_aid=71680
On Monday, December 1st, head to Carlos O’Kelley’s and help support the Apollo Social Committee!
Enjoy your favorite meal, show the fundraiser graphic when you order, and 25% of your sale comes right back to support our staff.
The Apollo Social Committee helps celebrate and support our school family throughout the year, from staff appreciation and morale boosters to special events that keep our team feeling connected and cared for. 💙
It’s an easy way to give back!! Thank you for your support.
There will be NO SCHOOL November 24th–28th as we enjoy Fall Break. We hope our Apollo families have a safe, relaxing, and fun week!
We’ll see everyone back on Monday, December 1st. Enjoy the time with friends and family! 🍂✨
