Dear DRE Families,

Over the next few days, the photo packages from picture day should go home with your student. Here are some instructions on what to do with those packages.

If you wish to keep the photos that you received, you can turn in your payment to the office. There is also an option to pay online if you are not paying with cash or check.

If you do not want the photos, please return them to the office. If you would only like to keep certain photos, you can return the ones that you do not want and your payment for the ones you keep to the front office.

Payments and portraits should be returned to the front office by April 24th. Please contact Ms. Kaya at the front office if you have any questions!

about 1 month ago, Delaware Ridge Elementary
Today, the BSHS Class of 2026 walked the halls of Clark Middle School and our elementary schools for the last time as USD 204 students!

Catch the Graduation Livestream tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at bravesbroadcast.live!
about 3 hours ago, USD 204
A group of people in a hallway, some in caps and gowns, posing for a photo.
A group of people in graduation gowns walk down a hallway with graffiti on a wall.
Graduates in caps and gowns walking through hallway. Audience seated on one side.
Graduates wearing gowns and caps are lined up in a hallway, some with sashes and others holding papers.
A group of people, including two in graduation gowns, walk through a colorful hallway with children gathered.
A woman in a graduation gown stands with a paper and cap, facing others in similar gowns near an open door.
Two men in graduation gowns and caps walk between others. A person in a tan shirt reaches out to touch them.
A man in a graduation gown and cap walks with others. Colorful squares decorate the wall behind him.
Three students in caps and gowns walk through an open door into a room; another student stands in the background.
A group of people walk in a hallway, a man in a graduation gown leads, others follow, and a cabinet with bottles is in the background.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Addison Vogel - Valedictorian:

Addison Vogel plans to attend St. Cloud State University, where she will continue her athletic career in track and field. Throughout high school, she has been deeply involved in a wide range of activities, including volleyball, wrestling, powerlifting, soccer, track, National Honor Society, Diversity Ambassadors, Kay Club, and serving as Student Council President and an Orange Crush Chieftain.

Reflecting on her journey, Addison shares, “I want to thank my mom and Coach Mays for always encouraging me to be confident in myself and pushing me to become better.”
about 7 hours ago, USD 204
A young woman with short hair poses on a red rock. Text reads "Addison Vogel" and details her athletic achievements and plans to attend a university.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Karbe Barber - Valedictorian:

Karbe Barber plans to attend the University of Arkansas, where she will major in Exercise Science and minor in Nutrition while pursuing either the Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-Physician Assistant track. During high school, she has been actively involved in varsity track, varsity tennis, and the Spanish National Honor Society.

Reflecting on those who supported her journey, Karbe shares, “I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for supporting me along the way, Ms. Madlock for pushing me academically and beginning my interest in my future career path, and Mrs. Mills for showing up every day with a smile on her face and her love of teaching Spanish to her students.”
1 day ago, USD 204
An individual stands in a natural setting with trees. Text reads "Valedictorian" and "Karbe Barber." The background is a forest.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Margaret Haigh - Valedictorian:

Margaret Haigh plans to attend the University of Arkansas, where she will major in Public Health on the Pre-Med track with the goal of becoming a physician. She hopes to specialize in dermatology or OB-GYN and plans to join a sorority at the university.

Throughout high school, Margaret has been actively involved in varsity soccer, varsity cheerleading, KAY Club, Student Council, Mayor’s Youth Council as a representative, Prom Committee, National Honor Society, and has also served as a volunteer camp counselor.

Reflecting on those who have supported her journey, Margaret shares, “I would like to give thanks to my dad for motivating me to accomplish my dreams, Ms. Madlock for helping me discover my passion for women’s health, my cheer coaches, and my sister.”
2 days ago, USD 204
A black-and-white portrait of a woman with long hair in a black top and skirt. Orange and white text overlays the image.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Cora Dow - Valedictorian:

Cora Dow plans to attend the Air Force Academy, where she will pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. During high school, she has been actively involved in Student Council, cross country, track, cheerleading, powerlifting, and KAY Club.

Reflecting on those who have supported her along the way, Cora shares, “Sending a big thank you to my loving family, devoted coaches, and incredible educators.”
3 days ago, USD 204
A smiling woman in a red and white jacket, standing on a bench. Text reads "Cora Dow plans to attend the Air Force Academy."
Congratulations to Debbie Elmer, Transportation Director, who was named the Bonner Springs Edwardsville Area Chamber of Commerce Staff Member of the Month at yesterday's luncheon!

Each month, the Chamber recognizes a teacher for their outstanding service, but this month, they recognized an integral part of our school district - our Transportation Director, Debbie Elmer.

Mrs. Elmer has demonstrated a passion for the students and the district she serves for the last 41 years!

Over the last 41 years, Mrs. Debbie Elmer has exemplified excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our school district as a bus driver and then eventually as Director of Transportation. Through changing times and numerous challenges, her leadership has ensured the safe and reliable transportation of literally GENERATIONS of students.

Debbie’s professionalism, knowledge of all things transportation, and tireless dedication to USD 204 has set a high standard - not only for our district, but for the profession itself! It’s no exaggeration to say she’s been the best at what she does, and we are incredibly fortunate to have benefitted from her dedication for so many years.

Mrs. Elmer will be retiring at the end of June, and we want to wish her all the best. Congratulations, Debbie Elmer, USD 204 Transportation Director, on being recognized as the May Chamber of Commerce School Staff Member of the Month!
3 days ago, USD 204
Two women stand on a wooden floor, one holding a certificate. They are in a room with stairs and a glass door.
Delaware Ridge Elementary kindergarten classes have been working on their "KinderGarden" - they planted green beans, peas, tomatoes, and pumpkins!
4 days ago, USD 204
Five children in a school garden. One is leaning over a wire mesh fence to plant.
Two children crouch in a garden bed, using tools to dig into the soil.
A child sits on grass near a metal support, planting seedlings. A green bag of soil is nearby.
A group of children in a school garden, with raised beds, tools, and a building in the background.
Five children pose in a garden area, with raised beds, red hoops, and a building in the background.
Four children stand in a vegetable garden with raised beds. Behind them, a building and trees are visible.
Four children stand in a garden with plants, raised beds, and a building in the background.
Five children in a garden with raised beds, a school building behind them, and a sunny day.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Chasitee Sambol - Valedictorian:

Chasitee Sambol plans to attend college, where she will continue her athletic career in basketball, though she is still undecided on her specific path. Throughout high school, she has been actively involved in volleyball, basketball, track and field, National Honor Society, Orange Crush, Diversity, KAY Club, Prom Committee, and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Reflecting on her journey, Chasitee shares, “I want to thank my family, of course, Madilock, and myself for keeping my expectations high.”
4 days ago, USD 204
A page shows a woman standing on grass, wearing a white tank top and blue jeans. The background features a sunset. Text reads: "Chasitee Sambol plans to attend college."
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Addyson Thompson - Valedictorian:

Addyson Thompson plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, where she will continue her athletic career in track and field. During high school, she has been actively involved in volleyball, basketball, track and field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Orange Crush, and Youth Lead KC.

Reflecting on those who have supported her journey, Addyson shares, “I want to thank both of my parents and all the teachers that have taught me throughout the years.”
5 days ago, USD 204
Text: "Valedictorian" with an image of a smiling woman in a field. She has blonde hair and wears a white dress.
6 days ago, USD 204
Document with "BOARD BEAT" and "USD 204" logo. It has a meeting date of May 4, 2026, and notes the approval of meeting minutes and reports.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Tori Timmons - Valedictorian:

Victoria Timmons plans to attend Fort Hays State University, where she will major in Health and Human Performance with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. She also plans to try out for the cheer team in the fall.

During high school, Victoria has been involved in cheerleading, served as a baseball manager, and was a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.

Reflecting on those who have supported her journey, Victoria shares, “I want to thank my family for pushing me to truly be the best version of myself. I would like to thank my mom for not only being an amazing role model but an amazing teacher and showing me the true meaning of hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank Ms. Madlock—her love and passion for teaching truly inspired me and influenced my decision to pursue a career in sports medicine.”
6 days ago, USD 204
An image of a young woman smiling, standing in a grassy field. The caption reads "Tori Timmons" and describes her plans for college and her experiences.
As we count down to graduation, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our valedictorians and salutatorian in the days ahead! Join us as we celebrate their achievements, dedication, and hard work leading up to this special milestone!

Congratulations to Sophia Schwartzkopf - Valedictorian:

Sophia plans to attend a four-year college, where she will major in either biochemistry, pathology, or chemical engineering, though she is still deciding on her final path. During high school, she has been actively involved in volleyball, track and field, bowling, and tennis.

Reflecting on those who have supported her journey, Sophia shares, “I would like to thank my family for providing such a strong support system for me. I'm forever grateful for their support. Also, I have a huge thanks to my friends for always being there for me and having my best interest in mind. Finally, thank you to all the teachers who have encouraged me along the way.”
7 days ago, USD 204
A photograph of a woman in shorts and a sleeveless top sits on a rock. Text describes her plans for the future.

Dear DRE Families,

If you would like to purchase Class Group Photos, we have extras in the front office. Group Photos are $10 and are available for purchase!

7 days ago, Delaware Ridge Elementary
Attention DRE Community!

Join us TONIGHT at Chipotle at the Tanger Legends Chipotle from 4pm-8pm! 25% of event sales will be donated to PTO which helps organized fun things for our DRE Community to enjoy! If you don't have any dinner plans, come on out to support and have a good time!

We hope to see you there!
7 days ago, Delaware Ridge Elementary
Flyer for a Chipotle fundraiser featuring a foil-wrapped burrito and the headline “Do Good with Chipotle.” It announces a fundraiser for Delaware Ridge Elementary PTO on Monday, May 4th from 4–8 PM at 1813 Village West Pkwy Ste Q101, Kansas City, KS. The flyer notes that 25% of event sales will be donated and provides an online order code (K986TAF) or option to show the flyer in person.

Dear DRE Families,

Check out the PTO April Newsletter!

April 2026 Newsletter

18 days ago, Delaware Ridge Elementary

The April 20 Board Beat is now available on our website!

20 days ago, USD 204
A flyer features a group of students standing in a room with a director and singers.

Need help buying food for your children when school is out for summer?

Learn how the Kansas SUN Bucks program can help you!​

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

Applications are now being accepted for SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026. Benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. Some households may be automatically eligible and will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility. Other households can create a DCF Self-Service Portal​ account or use your existing login to apply before 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.

24 days ago, USD 204
sun bucks logo
The USD 204 Preschool Information Night will take place tomorrow night, Thursday, April 16th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Delaware Ridge Elementary, Head Start, and McDanield Learning Center! If you have a child who is 4 years of age on or before August 31, 2026, you may want him/her to attend one of our three preschool programs!

If you don't know which preschool your child will attend, check out our Preschool Information page on our website: https://www.usd204.net/page/204pre-k or call one of our schools at:

USD 204 PRESCHOOL - 913-441-2126
Tuition-based preschool hosted at DRE

PRESCHOOL AT MCDANIELD - 913-422-7970
No-fee preschool

PRESCHOOL AT HEAD START - 913-441-2828
No-fee preschool

Join us on Thursday, April 16th to learn about the preschool program at the building your child will attend! Bring your student to visit the classrooms and meet the staff!

We hope to see you there!
26 days ago, USD 204
Flyer with heading "USD 204 Preschool Information Night" and date "April 16th, 2026". It lists locations and times.

Hello 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade DRE Families,

The deadline to register for our school Variety Show is getting close. Registration ends on Friday, April 17th at 4:00 PM. This registration can be found in grade level Newsletters, the Rooms App, or through this link. Right now, we are very low on participants and need MANY more for the show to be able to go on. Let Mrs. Timmons in the Music Room know if you have any questions.

Thank You!

28 days ago, Delaware Ridge Elementary