Faculty/Staff

I began my teaching career at DCS in 2004 as a Math and PE teacher. Over the years, I've taught many different subject areas in the middle school, but Math has always been a constant. In 2020, I accepted the role of Administrator, while still teaching 5th-8th Math and 7th/8th Social Studies. It's been an honor to work with our experienced staff to provide a quality Christian education. I cherish the relationships built with students, alumni, parents, and supporters of the school. It is exciting to see the great work that God is doing through our school.  

Hello!  My name is Brooke Henningfeld and I'm the 3-year-old preschool teacher at DCS.  My husband, Rick, and I have ten children. We have four biological boys, twin boys adopted from Ethiopia, a son adopted from China, and three daughters adopted from China. Seven of our ten children attended pre-school at DCS, so I was very familiar with the pre-school program before coming on board as one of DCS' two pre-school teachers in August of 2020.   I am passionate about teaching children and also about adoption, helping waiting children find forever families. In 2013, I became an official part-time waiting child advocate with Madison Adoption Associates, and I currently do part-time advocacy work in addition to part-time teaching and substitute teaching.   I love working at DCS!  The awesome staff, loving students, and involved families are truly one-of-a-kind!  One of my most favorite things about DCS is the family-like environment that is created among the students and families.  Watching the older children develop relationships with the younger children in the building is a special privilege. Seeing the growth in the pre-schoolers from most of their first days in a classroom until the last day is a blessing and honor. I am fortunate to be most of these children's first teachers and to have a front row seat to the transformations.  Working at DCS fills my cup!

I attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and earned my teaching degree in 1993. I moved, with my husband Tim, to the Delavan area and taught 3rd and 4th grade here at Delavan Christian School for 3 years. When I became pregnant with my first child, I chose to be a stay-at-home Mom. Our 3 girls are now "all grown up" and I am starting my 12th year of teaching Kindergarten here at DCS.  
I love teaching Kindergarten because kids at this age are so excited about everything and they are ready to learn!  It is an honor to get to be their teacher and introduce them to so many new things-reading, math concepts, science experiments, social studies lessons, and stories about Jesus!  
I love DCS because of the way it truly feels like a family here.  So many of our families have such a heart for DCS that they continue to support and be a part of our school long after all their kids have graduated.  It's neat to get to be a small part of that family!  

It’s hard to believe, but this is my 22nd year at DCS. Obviously, I wouldn’t have lasted so long if I didn’t love this school! We truly are like a big family! I love how parents are so invested in their children’s education and the fact that they  recognize the importance of putting God first. After all, He ultimately created everything we are learning about!
Teaching 3rd and 4th graders is rewarding and interesting. Every day is different, and for the most part, they are eager to learn. My favorite part of teaching is helping children recognize and develop their God-given abilities. It is a gift to be able to do that at DCS!

After teaching for 30 years in a public middle school and retiring, returning to teaching at DCS is like coming home. Smaller class sizes, God-based curriculum, and not being fearful of nurturing each child's gifts and talents is why I love coming to school every day. I especially love Thursdays and starting the day with chapel.  It's so moving to hear the students singing and praising God!  A child's school day has such a huge influence on their maturing lives.  DCS provides continuous reinforcement of biblical teaching and provides a safe environment for them to grow and work on their faith.  Delavan Chrisitan School is truly a family and a community. Christians are called to live out their faith in a community, and young Christians need to be surrounded by believers and God-like role models. That happens everyday at DCS! I am so honored to be part of this teaching staff and interacting with the students who attend here.

Someone recently asked what my favorite grade is to teach since I have first through eighth grade art students. I replied: "All of them!!" Really, how can you pick? I love all the children.  It's fun watching them improve from year to year and to see the look on their faces when they realize what they are capable of. Their enthusiasm is contagious. The students are introduced to a wide variety of art and creativity is strongly encouraged.  At the end of each year, they are given a list of ten questions about their time in the art room; such as "What was your favorite project?'' and " Your least favorite?" One question is "How can I improve as your teacher?"  Several students wrote: "Start each class with prayer."  They don't just want prayer in the morning , before lunch and at the end of the day! That's impressive and I am so proud of them! These DCS children inspire me with their love for Jesus!