New teachers and administrators will be welcomed to Derby and USD 260 on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

A tradition for several years, the Derby Chamber of Commerce’s new teacher luncheon is a way to show support for the contribution of teachers to USD 260.

“We partner with USD 260 in many items throughout the year, and know the importance of each teacher to our community,” Tara Whitt, Derby Chamber of Commerce, said.

“As the city’s largest employer, the chamber recognizes and appreciates the economic impact USD 260 employees contribute to the community,” Rhonda Cott, Derby Chamber of Commerce, said. “The luncheon has been a tradition of the chamber for several years as a show of support for their contribution.” 

The chamber is currently asking local businesses and organizations for help with the event.

“Chamber businesses are an integral part of making this event a reality,” Cott said.

At the luncheon there will be opportunity for each new teacher and administrator to receive a welcome bag filled with items provided by various chamber businesses and teachers may then take this bag to the booths that will be set up to collect more information about the community.

“All booths will be chamber businesses that would like to introduce themselves to the newcomers,” Whitt said.

Following there will be a lunch and a program for the teachers to enjoy.

To conclude there will be door prize drawings for various items.

At this year’s luncheon, the presenting partners are Credit Union of America and Wichita State University South Campus. 

“This event is like a mini business expo to educate newcomers to the district about all that Derby has to offer,” Cott said. 

The event will begin around 11:30 a.m. followed by a catered lunch and “official welcome from the chamber and presenting partners,” Cott said.

This year the luncheon will be held at the Derby High School Commons. 

“This is a new location from previous years, and we are excited for the extra space and perfect layout,” Whitt said.

Everyone is invited to attend this luncheon, chamber members and the public alike.
“We would love to have as many people there as possible to give the new teachers and administrators a genuine warm welcome,” Whitt said.

The chamber asks, however, that anyone who plans to attend will let them know in advance by calling 788-3421, so they may order enough food for everyone. 
Tickets are $12 per person.

“This cost helps to  underwrite the lunches of the new teachers and administrators that will be receiving lunch for free,” Whitt said.

Derby businesses are also encouraged to sign up quickly to reserve a spot for this event.

“It’s a popular event and booth space sells out quickly,’ Cott said.  

For more information, please contact the Derby Chamber of Commerce at 788-3421.

“This event is a great way to support the educators that are new to our city,” Whitt said. “We can take a moment to thank them for all of their hard work to come.

“We have had many new teachers and administrators who are very thankful that we take the time to welcome them to their new city. The businesses who attend for support have informed us that they like to attend because they later see these new teachers and administrators in the community and can cultivate relationships.