Derby Ridge Elementary School
| Type | Elementary School |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1925 |
| Principal | Michael Schooley |
| Address | 4000 Derby Ridge Dr. |
| Phone Number | 573-214-3270 |
| Website | N/A |
| Student Capacity | 686 |
| Students Enrolled | 679 |
| Number of Teachers | N/A |
| Number of Trailers | N/A |
| Enrolled in Lunch Program | 334 |
| White Population | 486 |
| Black Population | 171 |
| Hispanic Population | 11 |
| Asian Population | 18 |
| American Indian Population | 0 |
| MAP Score Math | N/A |
| MAP Score Communication Arts | N/A |
BY JAMES GIBBONS
news@columbiamissourian.com
Students at Derby Ridge Elementary School are learning how to give back to the community with a little help from the Golden K Kiwanis Club. Derby Ridge is the only school in Columbia to have its own K-Kids program, a student-led service organization sponsored by Kiwanis International for children ages 6 to 12. Many students have not had the opportunity to volunteer before, which is why Derby Ridge counselor Anne Cook said K-Kids is so important.
“It’s an opportunity for our kids to give back to the community,” she said.
The organization aims to foster student leadership and civic responsibility as more than 70 students meet once a month to volunteer. Students have made cat beds for Columbia Second Chance animal center, valentines for the Truman Veterans Hospital and have even helped clean school grounds.
“The activities we participate in are about learning to do things for others and not expect anything in return,” Cook said.
Any fourth- or fifth-grader can participate in K-Kids and may also run for officer positions.
The Golden K Kiwanis Club pays a registration fee to Kiwanis International, which gives every student the opportunity to join K-Kids.
