Dardenne Knights

Dardenne Knights

 

Dardenne Update - March 30th

Decorative Celebrating Our Shining Knights
 
5th Grade Musical - students on stage at West High
 

Dardenne Students Find Their Voice Through the Arts

At Dardenne, we are excited to provide students with opportunities to find their voice and express themselves creatively. Each year, our music program gives 2nd and 5th graders the chance to participate in a school musical. These productions include speaking parts, dancing, and singing, allowing students to explore a wide range of talents and build confidence on stage.

Participation in these musicals also gives students the opportunity to discover a passion for the arts. By 5th grade, some students are inspired to continue pursuing music, drama, visual arts or dance in middle school and beyond. In addition, our Art Club plays an important role in supporting these productions, helping to design stage props and scenes that bring each story to life.

The arts are essential for students because they foster creativity, collaboration, self-expression, and problem-solving skills. At Dardenne, we love helping our students explore these opportunities, celebrate their talents, and grow both academically and personally.

We are proud of our students for their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for the arts. Their performances are a true highlight of the school year and a testament to the vibrant and supportive community at Dardenne.

 
Decorative A note form Dr. Allen
 

April Updates

We are beginning the final quarter of the 2025-26 school year. During fourth quarter, there are many events and celebrations that will help us end the year strong. Coming up this week is our Walk-A-Thon. During the month of March, our students raised more than $20,000 to support playground improvements and our PTC-sponsored events. We are so grateful to our Dardenne school community for supporting us. On Wednesday, April 1, students will celebrate their hard work by participating in the Walk-A-Thon.

We are also very proud of our students in grades 1-5 for completing their final math benchmark in iReady. In math, Dardenne's median percent progress toward Typical Growth is 88%, meaning that, on average, students have completed 88% of the academic growth expected for this point in the school year. In April, we will complete our final reading benchmark in iReady. In addition, we will be gearing up for the MAP Assessment in grades 3-5. More information will be shared in April.

As we move into the final quarter, we encourage all students to continue giving their best effort and celebrating their achievements. We look forward to a strong finish to the year, full of learning, growth, and memorable experiences. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!

Sincerely,
Dr. Beth Allen
Principal

Decorative Three Things to Know
 
  1. K-12 enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open.
    If you know a Fort Zumwalt resident who will be 5 years old on or before July 31, it’s time to get ready for Kindergarten. Prep for online enrollment to open! Schedule a Kindergarten screening! It all starts at go.FZSD.us/Kindergarten Get enrolled so you don't miss your invitation to our special Kindergarten Event.
  2. Share some kindness! Submit a Blue Note to a DES staff member today and brighten their day.

  3. Email us at DESAttendance@fz.k12.mo.us to report your student's absence.

Decorative Spread the Word

 

Patrons have been asking questions regarding the potential impact of Proposition RT on the April 7 ballot. Visit the Fact Sheet on our website.

Election Day is April 7. Meet the Fort Zumwalt Board of Education Candidates on our website.

Upcoming Events

 

  • April 2 - PTC Meeting at Dardenne - 6:00 pm
  • April 6 - NO SCHOOL
  • April 7 - NO SCHOOL - FZSD PD Day
  • April 22 and 23 - DES Book Fair and Art Show
  • April 30 - DARE Graduation, West High School
  • May 4-8 - Staff Appreciation Week
  • May 6 - Early Release Day
  • May 7 - PTC Meeting - 6:00 pm
  • May 21 - Field Day
  • May 21 - Early Release Day
  • May 21 - Last Day of School
  • May 21 - 5th Grade Clap Out
Triple E Impact Award winner

Celebrations

Congratulations to Mrs. Sweeso, our technology teacher, on earning the Triple E Impact Award! FZ Superintendent Dr. St. Pierre stopped by to personally congratulate this outstanding educator.

Mrs. Sweeso goes above and beyond to support our students, helping them understand how to be responsible digital citizens and how to create and use technology effectively. She also provides invaluable support to our staff, answering questions about computers, software, interactive TVs, document cameras, iPads, and other technology tools.

Her knowledge and dedication make a tremendous difference in our school community, and we would be lost without her expertise. Thank you, Mrs. Sweeso, for all that you do to inspire and support both students and staff!

Prize cart for Walk A Thon.

A Step in the Right Direction: Walk-A-Thon Success

Our school community came together in an incredible way for this year’s Walk-A-Thon, making it a huge success. Thanks to the generosity and support of our students, families, and staff, we raised an outstanding $20,777 for our school.

Students showed great enthusiasm and school spirit as they participated, demonstrating both perseverance and pride in supporting their school. This event was a wonderful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together toward a common goal.

We are truly grateful for the continued support of our school community. The funds raised will go toward playground improvements and support PTC-sponsored events, enhancing experiences for all of our students.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success. We are proud of our students and thankful for a community that continues to show up in meaningful ways.

 
1st Grade working with West High Drama Club

Habit Focus for April

For the month of April, we will continue to focus on Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw. At Dardenne Elementary, our Knights are learning the importance of taking care of themselves so they can be their best each day. Students are discovering that healthy habits—such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and getting plenty of rest—help them stay focused and ready to learn.

During our March assembly, our first graders had the opportunity to work with the Drama Club from West High School. Experiences like this help students explore new interests and find activities they love, whether it’s sports, dance, acting, swimming, or other hobbies. Staying active and involved in activities supports both physical and emotional well-being, as well as a strong connection to our school community.

We encourage you to talk with your child about their interests. What are some of the activities that make your child feel energized, creative, or proud? Supporting these passions helps them continue to “sharpen the saw” every day.

DecorativeL Knights Believe, Achieve and Lead the Way!
2nd Grade Math
 
2nd Grade Math
 
Kindergarten Math
2nd Grade Centers
 
Kindergarten Math
 
Walk-A-Thon
Deocrative image DES Staff
DES Staff on O'Fallon fire truck
 
DES Staff on the bleachers beneath the purple jaguar eyes in the West High gym

Find the cafeteria menu on our website or in the free FZ app, along with our calendars for information on Letter Days and Events. You can sync them to your calendar!

Dardenne Elementary - Office Hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone - 636-978-4001

Email Dr. Beth Allen, Principal

Email Jaci Hofman, Assistant Principal

Quick links to help you keep up with FZSD

  • go.FZSD.us/QuickCalendar (or the Quick Calendar button on any of our websites) connects you with the school year at a glance.
  • go.FZSD.us/SyncMyCalendar allows visitors to sync our website, Elementary Letter Days and Middle School Letter Days calendars to their own.
  • go.FZSD.us/AMIDays is updated annually with information on inclement weather schedules and procedures.
  • go.FZSD.us/Kindergarten connects families with information for Kindergarten Enrollment.
  • go.FZSD.us/CSIP provides updates on and access to our Continuous School Improvement Plan.