Deerfield School
On any spring day, you're likely to find softball teams practicing or neighborhood children walking by.
But in the 1960s, the area was still fairly rural. Deer and other wildlife were not an uncommon sight.
For that reason, the name Deerfield School was suggested for the large elementary school that opened in 1968 at 101 Lawrence Ave. in northwestern Lawrence.
Socioeconomic mix
Deerfield is the city's heavyweight in terms of entrollment. It has more students than any other elementary school building in the city, with 572 in November 2004.
The Kansas State Board of Education Report Card includes the socioeconomic mix of all schools. It shows that 19.13 percent of Deerfield's students are economically disadvantaged.
Here is the building's ethnicity breakdown: white, 79.23 percent; African American, 8.93 percent; Hispanic, 3.46 percent; other, 8.38 percent.
Reading and math
According to the state's latest Report Card for Deerfield, fifth-grade students showed a increase in reading and fourth-graders improved in math over the previous year. They also scored higher than their peers in the district and across the state in both reading and math.
The number of the school's fifth-graders who were "proficient," "advanced," or "exemplary" in reading went from 92.2 percent in 2003 to 93.3 percent in 2004 on the state test, winning the school a "Standard of Excellence" rating from the state.
The Lawrence district's overall reading score for fifth-graders showed that 74.8 percent were either proficent, advanced or exemplary in reading. The overall state score was 72.1 percent for those categories.
Deerfield's fourth-graders tested in math showed an increase from 82.4 percent to 96.9 percent between 2003 and 2004 for students scoring either proficient, advanced or exemplary. That won the school a Standard of Excellence rating in math from the state.
That compared with 81.0 percent for the entire districts and 80.3 percent for the state.
Hours and staff
The school's hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school has an after-school care program with the Boys & Girls Club, 841-6854. that runs from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m.
The school's staff includes a total of 54 teachers and support staff.
Karen Warner, a second-grade teacher at Deerfield, in May 2004 received the 37th annual Legacy Award from the Lawrence Education Assn. and KU Credit Union. Warner has taught in the district since 1984.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Warner has worked to create a language arts program for fourth-graders that will meet state standards.
In 1990, a former teacher, Tom Christie (who is now an administrator), was named Master Teacher and Teacher of the Year.
Deerfield's principal is Suzie Soyster, who has been principal since 1992.
To arrange a visit, call 785-832-5660.
 Deerfield Elementary School 101 Lawrence Ave. Lawrence, KS 66049-1846 Phone number: 785-832-5660 School Web site: schools.usd497.org/ deerfield Find homes in this school district 360 Photo: Art classroom |