Derby Education Foundation

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Molly McKenzie and Lisa Schroeder on being selected as this week's Derby Education Foundation Staff Showcase and receiving a $25 gift card, thanks to funding support from Meritrust Credit Union. They make us !

Molly McKenzie, a Special Education Teacher at Derby North Middle School, has been a wonderful addition to DNMS this year. She is polite, engaging and has made a consistent effort to not only build relationships with students but with parents as well. Molly has done a great job hitting the ground running.

Lisa Schroeder, a School Nurse at Stone Creek Elementary and Tanglewood Elementary School, is warm and caring to all of her patients. She is perfectly poised for any situation, always ready with a Band-Aid or EpiPen on hand. Lisa is a wonderful school nurse, and the district is so fortunate to have her.

If you would like to submit a staff member for a chance to be randomly drawn each week for a gift card, click here: https://bit.ly/3SElVBr.

09/30/2026

💯

09/30/2026

What a fun evening celebrating the newest additions to the Derby Education Foundation’s Panther Pride Paver Pathway!

A little rainy weather couldn’t dampen the celebration as we recognized the students, families, educators, alumni, businesses and community members whose names and stories are now permanently part of the pathway at Derby High School.

So grateful for everyone who joined us tonight and continues to support the Derby Education Foundation and our students! Derby Public Schools

09/29/2026

📍 WEATHER UPDATE: Panther Pride Paver Ceremony

We’re excited to see everyone today at 6:30 p.m. at Derby High School!

Our ceremony is currently scheduled to take place outside by the flag poles. If inclement weather moves in, the celebration will move inside to the Derby High School Commons.

Join us as we celebrate this year’s newly installed Panther Pride Pavers and the students, families, educators, alumni, businesses, and community members whose stories are forever connected to Derby.

Rain or shine, we’ll see you at 6:30 p.m.!

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Jonathan Hoffman and Beth Parker on being selected as this week's Derby Education Foundation Staff Showcase and receiving a $25 gift card, thanks to funding support from Meritrust Credit Union. They make us !

Jonathan Hoffman, a Bus Driver, works all year to build positive and purposeful relationships with the students who ride his bus. Every day, Jonathan stands outside his bus and scans students’ IDs, connecting one-on-one with each student. He laughs with his students and shows them he cares. He has even stopped before leaving the bus lane, asking a school administrator to make an all-call for a student who said they were going to a club when he knew the club was not meeting that day, to ensure the student had a ride home.

Beth Parker, a Special Education Teacher leading Project LIFE at DTEC Project LIFE, constantly seeks learning opportunities for student interns. When the recent Boil Water Advisory occurred, Beth turned lemons into lemonade. She decided to teach the interns about these advisories and how to problem-solve through such a situation. They will know exactly what to do next time because of her practical, comprehensive instruction and "go with the flow" attitude.

If you would like to submit a staff member for a chance to be randomly drawn each week for a gift card, click here: https://bit.ly/3SElVBr.

09/18/2026

💚

Our El Paso staff is showing off our “Kindness is Magic” shirts today!

A big thank you to Credit Union of America and the Derby Education Foundation for providing these shirts for staff across the district, featuring the winning student design by Enslee, a 5th grader at Wineteer Elementary.

We love the message and are proud to help spread a little kindness wherever we go!

09/17/2026

💚

09/11/2026

🚨 COME SEE US! 🎉 Third Thursday: Derby, KS
📍 Madison Avenue Central Park, Derby, KS
📅 Thursday, September 17th | 5 PM
And here’s the BIG NEWS… It’s YOUR chance to nominate your favorite teacher for a shot at one of TWO $100 Classroom Grants! 🍎✏️
👉 Stop by the Derby Education Foundation table, drop your nomination, and give your favorite teacher the chance to win.
Hope to see you! 💚

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Robert Shay and Amy Mundell on being selected as this week's Derby Education Foundation Staff Showcase and receiving a $25 gift card, thanks to funding support from Meritrust Credit Union. They make us !

Robert Shay, a Social Studies Teacher at Derby High School, has shown phenomenal passion for growing the Law, Corrections, Security and Public Safety pathway, and it didn’t slow down over the summer. He remained dedicated not only to expanding the pathway but also to supporting and mentoring the new teachers around him. His enthusiasm and "all-in" attitude are contagious and his passion is inspiring those around him. Mr. Shay is also a coach, supporting students outside of the classroom as well. The positive impact he makes on his colleagues and students shows that Robert truly embodies what Green is Magic is all about.

Amy Mundell, Human Resources Generalist and Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, is an incredibly hard worker who always thinks ahead and anticipates what needs to be done. Amy is positive, encouraging and uplifting to everyone around her. She notices when someone may not be having the best day. And she doesn't just ask once and move on. Amy follows up, offers encouragement, and does whatever she can to help. Amy carries a lot on her own plate, which makes it mean even more that she is consistently there for others, making them feel supported, valued and cared about.

If you would like to submit a staff member for a chance to be randomly drawn each week for a gift card, click here: https://bit.ly/3SElVBr.

08/27/2026