New Beginnings for John Diemer Elementary

The first day of the second semester was especially exciting for John Diemer Elementary students as they started classes in their newly opened building. Students smiled with delight as they toured the new spaces that have been designed just for them. 

“Being in a fun place like this, with all the colors and the seats outside, it will help me focus more when I’m in a comfy environment,” shared fifth grader Eli Schap.

The school was rebuilt using funds from the $264 million bond referendum approved by voters in January 2021. The two-story building features flexible learning spaces for student collaboration, outdoor classrooms, maker labs, and has been built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. 

The evening of Wednesday, January 4, students, staff, families, and community members were welcomed into the new building for an open house. 

Principal Britt Pumphrey was pleased with the impressive turnout that included neighbors, future John Diemer students, and many former John Diemer staff and students.

“Everybody is just excited to see something that will thrive for kids for a long time,” expressed Pumphrey.

John Diemer Elementary is the second rebuilt elementary school to open as a result of the bond. The other schools being rebuilt include Pawnee, Rushton, and Tomahawk Elementary. A newly built Westwood View Elementary opened in August 2022.

“We are grateful to our community members because none of the facility improvements going on in our school district would be able to happen without their support,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard shared.

Click here for information about elementary school rebuilds and other bond projects in the Shawnee Mission School District.