She was nominated by a student, Peyton Delt, who wrote:

“She was one of the kindest teachers I had ever met. She also had a sense of humor and made our science projects fun. She would tell amazing stories and had amazing ways to teach.”

Why Crabtree became a teacher

“The Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 'For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' I became a teacher because I know my soul was created to do it. This is what God has called me to do with my life and what He has prepared me for beforehand.

"He has blessed me with the gift of teaching and a passion for Science and History. My greatest joy comes from finding unique ways to make learning fun, and watching students discover new knowledge. I love to learn new things myself, and love sharing that experience with my students.

“ 'Mistakes are how you learn, I hope you make a lot' is the motto of my classroom. I believe that learning, the ability to learn and ask questions, and the desire to grow and challenge yourself is the greatest gift I can pass onto the next generation. I love children, especially 5th graders and I couldn’t imagine spending my life doing anything else.

I became a teacher because I feel like children deserve teachers who are passionate about what they teach, and who they teach.”

From Peculiar Elementary School Principal Keri Collison

“Mrs. Crabtree builds relationships with her students and their families so that she can support them each year. She takes time to make personal phone calls for positive behaviors, as well as to seek support and parent input when a student in her room is struggling. Mrs. Crabtree finds innovative and engaging ways to deliver her lessons and get kids excited about Science and Social Studies topics. You will most often find students in groups working together on a project or assignment when you enter Mrs. Crabree’s classroom. 

"Building connections is a strength of Mrs. Crabtree’s. This includes not only students, but other staff members as well. She works with her 5th grade team and support staff at Peculiar to plan for and support students both academically and social-emotionally. She is also the lead 5th grade Science teacher for our district. Mrs. Crabtree brings her excitement and knowledge for her content to that team each week and facilitates their team collaboration meetings. Mrs. Crabtree is also on our building leadership team, and brings a positive attitude and outlook to those meetings as well.

"Mrs. Crabtree gets students excited about Science and Social Studies, and is an asset to our school family and 5th grade team!"

From the judges

Each finalist for Teacher of the Year had interviews with two judges: Lisa Cummings, Human Resources Consultant, and former Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Belton School District; and Anissa Gastin, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Lockton Affinity; and former Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Fort Osage R-1 School District.

The judges were impressed with all of the finalists and noted their passion for teaching and for the students. They said the all of the finalists are great representatives of the District.

In selecting Crabtree as the winner, the judges noted that she was very well-spoken when answering their questions. When asked what teachers need in order to experience success in the classroom, Crabtree said that teachers need "to be allowed to make the magic happen." Unless it is new instruction, Crabtree favors having students work in groups. "When kids are doing the talking, they are doing the learning," she told the judges. When asked what someone might see upon entering her classroom, she described it as "structured chaos," and added that she is comfortable in that setting. The judges also noted Crabtree's interest in curriculum and continuous learning.

Nomination

Warchola was nominated by Austin Noah, who works for the District’s BOOST (Best Out Of School Time). He attended Timber Creek when he was in elementary school.

He wrote: “Mrs. Colleen is amazing with the kids. She knows every kid by name and makes sure they know they are loved. She is so good at getting things done and always is willing to help and get involved in the school. She has helped with activities at the school.

“Mrs. Colleen is always whipping up something new in the kitchen for kids to try and is always asking the kids for their opinion on the food she cooks. She treats the kids like she is a teacher and is always making relationships with them and doing stuff to help them.”

How she makes a difference

“I take pride in my ability to be creative and bring smiles to staff and students. I have been told I make the best muffins in the district! Last fall, our department donated some of my muffins to a silent auction. 

“My goal as a manager is to be creative and bring joy to our students. Our position deals with more than food - we wear many hats. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I enjoy my conversations with students and watching them grow and mature. Our students are priceless; I love our interactions and listening to their wonderful stories.”

From Timber Creek Principal Dr. Lauren Gechter

"Her positive demeanor is infectious, creating an atmosphere of respect and hard work within her team. She possesses exceptional organizational skills, efficiently accomplishing tasks with time to spare. This proficiency has been a cornerstone of our cafeteria’s success.

“Colleen is not only a vital member of our school community, but also an active participant in the School Nutrition Association. Her dedication is evident through her regular attendance at local, state, and national conferences, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and staying abreast of industry developments.”

“What truly sets Colleen apart is her creative spirit and her ability to bring joy to both staff and students. The themed homemade muffins she crafts each month have become legendary in our buildings, earning her the well-deserved reputation of making the best muffins around.”

“Furthermore, Colleen is more than a cafeteria manager; she is a creative, joyful, and positive influence within our school community.”

From Katlyn Lanoue, Director of Child Nutrition

“Ms. Warchola possesses a unique combination of qualities that sets her apart, including her ability to connect with students, mentor other cafe managers, and an unmatched talent for creating the most delicious muffins.”

“She is able to mentor newer cafe managers and staff so they also can be successful in their roles”

“Ms. Warchola takes pride in getting to know each student by asking them about their day, hobbies, etc. In addition to her exceptional interpersonal skills, she is renowned for her culinary talents, particularly in the realm of muffin-making. She has a knack for creating an array of mouthwatering flavors that leave everyone eagerly anticipating her next creation.”

From the judges

Each finalist for the Support Staff Employee of the Year award had an interview with three judges: Melissa McConnell, Manager, Professional Development and Member Engagment, National School Public Relations Association; Lee Moore, Vice President for JE Dunn Construction; and Dr. Bob Poisal, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Support Services, Belton School District.

The judges were impressed with all of the finalists. They said they all have a heart for students and love their jobs and the direction in which the District is headed. The judges noted their professionalism and enthusiasm.

In selecting Warchola, they said they loved how passionate she was about interacting with students. She also told about interacting one-on-one with students at the register, and the importance to giving a smile or listening to a story. She loves to create relationships with students that span their entire time at the school.

She told the judges about her work as a manager of people, and how she strives to give her staff the autonomy to make decisions during the busy meal shifts. There is a strict time schedule for serving the meals, so the team must work well together. Warchola fosters her team’s relationship by allowing others to provide input and suggestions on ways to save time.

Warchola also works on her own development by researching leadership strategies and skills to become a “better me.” She told how she has learned to work through difficult situations, and that you “can’t be everyone’s best friend.”

The judges said that Warchola’s love of the students, her team, and the teachers and staff at Timber Creek was quite evident.

Warchola said, “I love what I do.”

Congratulations to these other teachers who were also nominated for Teacher of the Year:

• Shull Early Learning Center: Catie Spencer

• Bridle Ridge Elementary School: Pam Gonzales and Emily Pfaff

• Eagle Glen Elementary School: April Sanders

• Peculiar Elementary School: Erin Donovan, Michelle Claus

• Stonegate Elementary School: Lisa Carr, Meredith LaSala, and Helena Nunn

• Timber Creek Elementary School: Charity Bennett, Bethanie Cummings, and Gigi Outlaw

• Ray-Pec East Middle School: Elena Ferrara, Alexandrea Locher, Shea Twenter, and Dylan Ziegemeier

• Ray-Pec South Middle School: Ashleigh Dick, Dillon Jarrett, Kenneth Lineberry, Cathy Pittman, Michele Sherron, and Greg Watson

• Ray-Pec Academy: Chris Roller

• Ray-Pec High School: Melissa Darby, Jennifer Gingrich, Jayme Overstreet, John Plankers, Stephen Rew (past winner), and Haleigh Thompson

• VIPR: Andrea Becker, Mary Graf

Congratulations to these other employees who were also nominated for Support Staff Employee of the Year:

• BOOST (Best Out of School Time): Marlena Dearing, Ashley Ham

• Peculiar Elementary: Tracy Caskey

• Raymore Elementary: Karla Heinrich, Konni Noyes

• Shull Early Learning Center: Danielle Seward, Hether Skurdal

• Technology Department: Dan Fisher