Deerfield Schools eagerly welcomed the distinguished Kansas Teachers of the Year from the Western Kansas Region 1, sparking excitement among students and staff alike. Anticipation filled the air as the esteemed educators arrived, greeted by cheers from the school's enthusiastic cheerleading squad and uplifting melodies from the band, setting the tone for a warm reception.
After the warm welcome, the teachers embarked on a comprehensive tour, beginning with a visit to the 3rd-5th grade career museum. The team was impressed with the time and effort of the students and their teachers in putting together the museum experience. They went around and visited with many of the students and got to ask them questions about the careers they researched and learned about.
The tour continued with an exploration of the school's recent infrastructure enhancements, made possible by a recently passed bond. From updated classrooms to renovated facilities aimed at enriching student experiences, the teachers were visibly impressed by the commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for every child. Their enthusiasm mirrored that of the Deerfield community, proud of the strides being made in education.
During the high school and middle school tour, the teachers explored the STEAM classroom, marveling at the innovative projects being created with 3D printers. They learned about the welding program at DHS and were touched by the heartfelt gifts presented by welding students.
A delightful lunch, courtesy of the exceptional food service department at USD 216, provided an opportunity for the teachers to engage with the students. Amidst conversations and laughter, the middle school students behind the monthly Spartan Journal conducted insightful interviews, further enriching the exchange of ideas.
During their visit, the Teachers of the Year had the chance to observe DES classrooms in action, witnessing firsthand the dynamic interactions between teachers and students. They also met Mrs. Jana Miller, the esteemed 2025 USD 216 Teacher of the Year, and were touched by the thoughtful gesture of receiving keychains crafted by students using the 3D printer. The day culminated with the teachers contributing to the recording of the daily Spartan News that gets shared daily with the district and community.
As the day came to a close, the teachers were welcomed by Mrs. Kinlee Scheer, the SEL Counselor, who shared treats from the Sunshine Cart, embodying the spirit of kindness and positivity within the school community. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception and enriching experiences, the teachers departed Deerfield Schools with renewed inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of dedicated educators.
Quote From: Mrs. Wieberg
I was excited to showcase all the wonderful things we have happening in our district at all levels. Being able to highlight our staff and students is one of the best parts of going from school to school and sharing what we love most about where we are. The one thing I hope that the KTOY Region 1 team saw is that we are small but we are mighty and we have miles and miles of heart! It was a great day to be Spartan!