Across Dardenne Elementary, each grade level is working hard to track their lead measures in both math and reading. A lead measure is a daily practice we believe will directly support improved academic achievement for our students.

For example, in second grade, teachers are tracking student participation in math fluency warm-ups. In reading, they are monitoring whether students read independently for at least 10 minutes each day. These small, consistent actions help build strong habits that lead to long-term growth.

All grade levels display their progress on a bulletin board so students can see their efforts, celebrate successes, and stay motivated. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and hard work as they continue to grow in both reading and math.

Happy New Year! January is the perfect time to reset, reflect, and set new goals as we begin the second half of the school year. I’m excited to share updates and highlights from our school community as we continue learning and growing together.

This month, we will be reviewing our latest reading and math iReady data with students, families, and teachers. The data provides valuable insights into student growth and achievement, helping our teachers plan individual strategies to support every learner.

Looking ahead, our Valentine’s Day classroom parties will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, from 2:45–3:45 p.m. Please see the “Three Things to Know” section of this newsletter for details on how to attend.

We wish all of our Dardenne families a very happy new year and look forward to seeing all of the amazing things our Knights will accomplish in 2026!

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.

• Jan. 14 - Early Release Day
• Jan. 19 - NO SCHOOL - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan. 26 - 2nd Grade Musical Performance at WHS - 7:00 pm
• Feb. 4 - Early Release Day
• Feb. 5 - PTC Meeting at Dardenne - 6:00 pm
• Feb. 13 - Valentine's Day Classroom Parties
• Feb. 16 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
• Feb. 20 - DES Glow Dance (click the link for more information)

Our school celebrated the incredible achievements of our young scholars during the annual Spelling Bee on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

The path to the final competition began in our 4th and 5th-grade classrooms, where students first participated in classroom-level bees to determine our top contenders. This rigorous process led to 16 exceptional 4th and 5th graders earning a spot in the final school-wide competition.

The contestants demonstrated exceptional concentration and linguistic skill, carefully analyzing each word before confidently presenting their spelling.

After a thrilling and intense competition, we are proud to announce our winners:

1st Place Champion: Eleanor Burkemper

2nd Place: Reese Markulakis

3rd Place: Hashir Imran

Congratulations to Eleanor, Reese, and Hashir, and to all 16 students who participated for their hard work and dedication!

At Dardenne Elementary, our students are bringing math to life through the use of manipulatives. These hands-on tools help students turn abstract concepts into something they can see, touch, and explore, making learning more concrete and meaningful.

When students engage with manipulatives, they can physically move and organize objects to represent numbers, patterns, or problem-solving strategies. This active learning approach deepens understanding and helps concepts “stick,” giving students a strong foundation in math.

Teachers at DES are incorporating manipulatives across grade levels to support a variety of skills—from counting and place value to fractions and geometry. By allowing students to explore, experiment, and discuss their thinking, manipulatives not only improve comprehension but also make math engaging and fun.

At Dardenne Elementary, we are proud to see our students grow in confidence and understanding as they explore math hands-on!

At Dardenne Elementary, our Knights are learning the power of teamwork and the importance of finding solutions that help everyone succeed. Through Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, students are discovering how listening carefully to others’ ideas can make a big difference in problem-solving and collaboration.

By practicing this habit, students are learning to pause, ask thoughtful questions, and really hear their classmates before sharing their own thoughts. This approach strengthens communication and helps students work together to find solutions that benefit the entire group.

Our DES Knights are showing that when we listen first, we can create a stronger, more supportive learning community—and that’s a habit that will serve them well both inside and outside the classroom.

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