Derby Public Schools

10/28/2026

School may be out for students, but it was in for educators! Certified Staff participated in a district-wide professional development day, with a priority on strengthening academics and Needs Assessment focus areas. Sessions were tailored to grade levels, departments and specialized staff roles, with opportunities for collaboration, training and curriculum development. Some topics included Visible Learning, foundational literacy and reading comprehension, math instruction and intervention, science curriculum, instructional technology, student supports and social-emotional learning. Staff are also participating in specialized training related to dyslexia, Special Education evaluations, 504 plans, safety procedures and curriculum resources. Elementary, middle and high school teams engaged in sessions specific to their instructional areas, along with curriculum reviews, program training and more. A few examples:

Fundations training focused on foundational literacy skills, including letter recognition, letter sounds and decoding. Teachers practiced instructional strategies, such as echoing letters and words, and explored ways to use curriculum resources to support student learning.

Elementary teachers participated in a hands-on science activity exploring buoyancy and the factors that cause objects to sink or float. They tested everyday items, including soda, water, candy bars and aluminum foil, then worked in teams to experiment with changing the results and making objects sink or float in unexpected ways.

STEAM teachers also heard from Dr. Sheree Utash, WSU Tech President, who emphasized the importance of helping students develop vision, problem-solving and innovation skills. Her presentation connected to her Tech Tykes series and latest book, “The Tech Tykes and America’s Big Birthday”, highlighting ways to encourage students to cultivate and explore their own project ideas.

10/28/2026

During last night’s parent-teacher conferences, several Derby Middle School educators held conferences at Cooper Elementary, making it more accessible for families to connect with teachers from both schools in one convenient location. Spanish-speaking staff were also available to help remove language barriers and ensure families could fully participate. A great example of our schools working together to make meaningful connections for families. Thank you to DMS and Cooper staff for collaborating on this initiative to support our students!

10/28/2026

Thank you to the first responders who assist our schools in emergencies and to those who work in our schools on a regular basis. Thank you for everything you do! You make a difference.

10/27/2026

10/27/2026

Student voices matter, and today we had the opportunity to hear directly from students at Derby North Middle School. Representing all grade levels and a variety of activities and student organizations, students sat down with district leadership and Board of Education President Melanie Turner and Board Members James Hanford and Anne Phillips for an open conversation about their school experience.

From asking great questions to sharing what they love about Derby North and where they see opportunities for growth, students brought valuable perspectives to the table. District leaders also had the opportunity to listen, ask questions and gain insight from those who experience our schools every day.

Great conversations start with listening, and our students have a lot worth hearing! 💚

10/27/2026

Several schools are enjoying Fall parties this week and at Stone Creek Elementary, fifth-graders in Becky McBride’s class took the time to not only play celebratory games with their families, they also presented their original Spooky Stories. Before writing, students created a detailed plan outlining the characters, setting, problem and solution. They also wrote a summary. Then, students began writing their stories, using the key elements of fiction they learned about to craft an interesting and detailed narrative. Presenting their work was a great way to finish out the project, allowing students the opportunity to practice public speaking skills while sharing with their peers. Doing so while in costume made it even better, adding to the spooky atmosphere and creating excitement around writing.

10/27/2026

10/27/2026

10/27/2026

Earlier this month, the DHS Marching Band's 2026 show, Rorschach, received first place in the Black division as well as awards for outstanding visual, outstanding effect and outstanding music at the Shawnee Mission North Marching Invitational.

They also placed first overall in finals with an additional award for outstanding effect. The show consists of music from Caves by Cody Fry, Symphony No. 4 Mvt. 1 by Shostakovich, Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden and Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones.

Come support the band and see the show this Friday night during halftime at Panther Stadium. Green is Magic! 💚🤍💚🤍

10/27/2026

Families, friends and community members are invited to help us cheer on these student-athletes as they head to the 6A State Cross Country Championships!
Friday, October 30, 9AM (arrive by 8:50AM), Derby High School Athletic Entrance

Come out, show your Derby pride and help give these Panthers a great send-off. Go Panthers!