After each unit in our new English Language Arts resource, students culminate their learning through creative, hands-on projects that allow them to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. These culminating activities promote critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the content.

Recently, our 5th graders wrapped up a unit focused on food webs and environments by building animals of their choice and then researching them in greater depth. Using their understanding of ecosystems, habitats, and interdependence, students thoughtfully constructed their animals and gathered information to share their learning with others.

It was exciting to see students bring their learning to life and demonstrate their understanding in such creative and engaging ways.

It is hard to believe we are already nearing the midpoint of the third quarter. We have so much to celebrate after reviewing our i-Ready Benchmark 2 data in reading and math.

In math, Dardenne’s median percent progress toward Typical Growth is 55%, meaning that, on average, students have completed 55% of the academic growth expected for this point in the school year. In reading, our median percent progress toward Typical Growth is 65%, which means students, on average, have completed 65% of the expected academic growth so far this year.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of both our students and staff. Teachers have met in collaborative teams to review this data and have already begun planning strategies to continue moving our students toward proficiency.

This month, we also celebrated our Educator of the Year, Mrs. Kim Tappmeyer, kindergarten teacher at Dardenne, and our Employee of the Year, Mrs. Dorothy Crecelius, paraprofessional at Dardenne. We truly have so much to celebrate, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure our students feel supported and believe in their potential.

Sincerely,
Dr. Beth Allen
Principal

1. Share some kindness! Submit a Blue Note to a DES staff member today and brighten their day.

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

3. If you plan to attend the Valentine's Day Parties on Friday, Feb. 13, please email your child's teacher, complete the Google RSVP Form, and submit a paper Volunteer Request Form no later than Friday, Feb. 6.

• Feb. 4 - Early Release Day
• Feb. 5 - PTC Meeting at Dardenne - 6:00 pm
• Feb. 10 - 3rd Quarter Midpoint
• Feb. 13 - Valentine's Day Classroom Parties
• Feb. 16 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
• Feb. 20 - DES Glow Dance (click the link for more information)
• March 4 - Kindergarten Registration
• March 4 - Early Release Day
• March 5 - PTC Meeting at Dardenne - 6:00 pm
• March 12 - Spring Pictures
• March 19 - End of 3rd Quarter
• March 20 - NO SCHOOL - Records Day
• March 23-27 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

Congratulations to Mrs. Emma Bailey and Mrs. Jill Schroeder, our reading specialists, on earning the Triple E Impact Award. Dr. St. Pierre stopped by to personally congratulate these outstanding educators.

Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Schroeder go above and beyond to support students in developing strong foundational reading skills. Through their dedication and commitment, they ensure our Knights build a solid foundation as readers while also forming meaningful relationships with students.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated educators at Dardenne.

Congratulations to Mrs. Kim Tappmeyer, Dardenne’s Educator of the Year!
Mrs. Tappmeyer is a kindergarten teacher with a strong passion for supporting students’ academic growth and social-emotional development. She is highly skilled at identifying and meeting individual student needs, ensuring that every child receives the support necessary for success. Kim consistently encourages her students while providing clear expectations that help them grow into amazing leaders.

Congratulations to Mrs. Dorothy Crecelius, Dardenne’s Employee of the Year!
As a paraprofessional, Mrs. Crecelius gives her full effort every single day, no matter what the day brings. She can always be counted on to step in, support students, and do whatever is needed without hesitation. Her dedication and willingness to help make a meaningful difference throughout our building.

At Dardenne Elementary, our Knights are learning the power of creative cooperation, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This approach emphasizes valuing differences, working as a team, and finding new solutions together.

Through Habit 6: Synergize, students are discovering that synergy isn’t about compromise—it’s about leveraging different perspectives to achieve stronger results through mutual trust and creative problem-solving. 

Our Knights are showing they can listen to one another and stay open-minded. They also collaborate to brainstorm creative solutions to challenging problems. We are Knight Strong!

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