November 7, 2024 - Bonner Springs Edwardsville USD 204

The 2025 KTOY team would like to thank Bonner Springs Edwardsville School District for showing its Hospitality on November 7, 2024. The team started off the day at the Fuel House, a coffee shop, restaurant, and local hang out spot. 

Next up was our Introduction to the USD204 transportation group where they took the team around to the different buildings in a super cool Braves Bus. The Braves bus took the team from the Fuel House up to the High School. We stopped to see the Band Room and the CNA program. Next everyone was able to watch the Veteran Day assembly (Thank You to all of you who have served and are currently serving). After the Assembly the Team went and toured the Schools FACS, Welding, Construction, Yearbook, Graphic Arts and other CTE departments. 

Next stop on our Tour was the District Preschool and Daycare. There is so much going on here it's hard to know what to say. WOW!!! Such a great facility and staff we are all amazed by the fabulous work the school is doing with these young children. Lunch was spent eating Italian Delight with the schools superintendent, 2 members of the school board and students in a class who are interning to be teachers. Mr. Moulin the superintendent is such a great guy and knows what a great lunch is all about.

After Lunch the team went and toured one of the 3 elementary schools the district has. The 5th grade classes were so much fun to see while they were all working. It was also fun to see their election results of which candy is better, Air Heads or Twix; we will let you figure out who you think won the election.  At the elementary school we also stopped in to see some of the special classes like music, art and library. Students at the school were all super respectful and kind.  

We finished up our day back at the Fuel House where we received goodie bags from the district. 

2025 KTOY team would like to say Thank You to Bonner Springs Edwardsville School District for showing us around your district and allowing us to to see the great things you are doing with the students in your area.

November 20, 2024 - Derby Public Schools USD 260

The Kansas Teacher of the Year team visited USD260 for a day filled with engaging activities and tours across various schools! It is obvious Derby Public Schools prioritizes their teacheres and their impact on their communities' students. 

The visit began with a morning meeting in Olivia’s class at Cooper Elementary, followed by a district overview, building tour, and Rotary Dictionary delivery with superintendent Heather Bohaty. It was great being able to see first hand the love Olivia has for her students. 

Our team explored Derby High School where they toured a range of programs including AFJROTC, FACS, the student-run bank branch, instrumental music, Panther Pals Coffee Shop, Panther Learning Center, and the Wood Shop! While at the Panther Pals Coffee Shop we were able to meet local celebrity, Boston who had recently been named the Homecoming King! 

At Tanglewood Elementary the team learned about district STEAM initiatives and observed third-grade innovative learning and collaboration projects. Our visit continued at Derby Middle School with a special Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) award announcement, alongside highlights from the vocal music program, advanced band, and robotics. 

The day concluded at Stone Creek Elementary, showcasing how the CPTED building design promotes both safety and creativity within the learning environment. It was a great day at Derby Public Schools!

December 3, 2024 - Wichita Public Schools USD 259

Our team had a great time visiting Wichita Public Schools! This district is the largest in the state and is the largest district stretching from Denver, CO all the way to St. Louis, MO, serving more than 46,000 students through 88 different attendance centers!

The visit started at the Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center (AMAC) that is housed within the former Wichita-Southeast High School building acting as the district headquarters. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld led our team and several of other district leaders in a relational capacity circle, celebrating the noble profession of education. 

Our team then visited Caldwell Elementary and the innovative campus of the Future Ready Center (FRC), across the street from Wichita-North High School. During our visit to Caldwell our team was able to observe captivating teaching practices for all students, including students that are hard of hearing or deaf and English as a second language learners. These teachers really know what they are doing! At the Future Ready Center, we had an opportunity to learn about the different machines and skills acquired while working with this campus. We were even greeted by the Wichita-North High School Marching Band! Erik is on their marching band staff as thier drill writer and visual choreographer. The FRC partnership with Wichita State University Tech is one to marvel at! 

We ended our day at Gordon Parks Academy where we were able to celebrate our very own, Erik Stone where he serves his school as a Band Director, Vocal Music Teacher, Digital Media and Marketing Teacher, and building leader! We had an opportunity to record part of the morning announcements in their recording studio, lead by one of the media art students. We closed the afternoon by celebrating the students of Gordon Parks Academy with an All-Achiever's Assembly where Mr. Stone's jazz band and third grade choir performed. 

Thank you Wichita Public Schools for celebrating educators and students with us on our visit. It is obvious that your work advocating for students, families, educators, and every district employee is paying off.  #wpsproud 

December 11, 2024 - Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308

Our last stop of 2024 brought our team to south central Kansas to visit Hutchinson Public Schools. We began our day with a breakfast at the administration center, hearing about the vision and goals of Hutchinson’s strategic plan, including their upcoming bond issue which would include a new middle school, expanded early childhood programming, and updates throughout the district elementary schools.

After breakfast we headed to Lincoln-McCandless Elementary school where principal Paul Carver welcomed us. While at LME, three fourth grade students shared with us the story of how they students researched and advocated for the new Lincoln-McCandless Elementary school name after two schools had been consolidated. This created a shared identify and sense of community among the two groups of students who came together under one roof.

Next we headed to the Lincoln Center where we learned more about the Lil’ Hawks Early Childhood program. We were able to tour their space and gain many new ideas about how to support the social-emotional needs of not only students, but staff as well.

Lunchtime brought us delicious soup prepared by the Hutchinson High School Birdfeeder students, a group of special education students who practice valuable life skills by preparing meals and taking orders for others across the district. HHS STUCO joined as to share what it means to be a Hutchinson Salthawk in their own words.

We wrapped up our day with a tour of Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Career Technical Education Academy where we learned about the 26 career pathways offered to USD 308 students. 

January 17, 2025 - McPherson Public Schools USD 418

The Kansas Teacher of the Year visit to McPherson Public Schools USD 418, was packed with so many incredible experiences! 

The day kicked off with a strong sense of community, thanks to the coffee bar and breakfast provided by one of our community members. The KTOY team experienced a true sense of the diverse, dynamic programs happening at Roosevelt Elementary, from the school wide morning meeting, then on to the morning greeting in Mrs. Stucky’s class to the SEL-focused band at RES. 

The high school visit, especially the robotics and CTE programs, were a real highlight of the visit! As well as visiting with high school students interested in the being future educators. Their high school gymnasium, proudly referred to as the Roundhouse, is a sign to see. Walking into this space felt like you were stepping foot into a modern-aged colosseum. 

And “Go Do It” day at McPherson Middle School, was an exciting mix of hands-on learning and creativity. The activities we witnessed spanned from rat dissection and vision boards! This event captured the spirit of engagement and exploration. 

The KTOY visit was a day experiencing the Greatness of McPherson Schools. 

January 22, 2025 - Shawnee Heights Public Schools USD 450

More to come... 

March 6, 2025 - Leavenworth Public Schools USD 453

More to come...