February 2nd is the 100th Day of School, and our Rockets are celebrating with a challenge that counts! 💥 Each grade level is on a mission to collect 100 non-perishable food items to support Operation Backpack, a program that provides weekend food to children in our community.

👀 Kindergarten has issued the challenge—can the other grades rise to the occasion? On the 100th day, Kindergarten classes will count each grade level’s donations (math + kindness = win!). SHARE Club will help sort and pack all donations for delivery.

🗓 WHEN: January 14 – February 2
🥫 WHAT: Send 1 or MORE kid-friendly, non-perishable food items
📍 WHERE: Place donations outside your classroom door

Let’s prove Rocket Pride can count past 100! 🔥
Ready… set… DONATE! 🚀💙

With this VERY cold weather settling in, we hope everyone is staying cozy and enjoying some extra family time indoors. This is the perfect excuse to turn the living room into a movie theater 🍿, curl up with a good book 📚, break out a favorite board game 🎲, or get a little crafty ✂️🎨.

Thank you for keeping our Rockets safe, warm, and well cared for—nothing beats quality time together on chilly days like these. 💙🚀

On our early release day, January 14, students across grades K–5 came together for Family Time. Every Rock Creek student belongs to a small “family” group made up of students from multiple grade levels. These groups meet monthly and stay together over time, helping build strong relationships across the building.

This is our first year implementing Family Time, and students are already looking forward to these special moments together. Our goal is to create a strong system of connection and belonging for every Rocket. During this first year, families are focusing on getting to know one another and building trust.

This month, families enjoyed playing a fun board game and completed their Family Quilts, which are now proudly displayed around the building—beautiful reminders that at Rock Creek, we belong together. 🚀💙

Rock Creek Elementary is proud to honor Nickole Beseau, 4th Grade Teacher and Grade Level Chair, as our 2025–2026 Educator of the Year! This prestigious award recognizes educators who go above and beyond, demonstrating leadership, care, and a lasting impact on students, families, and colleagues.

Nickole exemplifies all the qualities we look for in this award: she is an effective and caring educator, a collaborative team member, and a leader who inspires those around her. Her commitment to student success, innovative teaching, and dedication to our school community make her a standout professional.

What her colleagues and families had to say:

“Nickole is an amazing 4th grade educator. Not only does she excel at her teaching, but she goes above and beyond to support her teammates. She has mentored two new educators this year with grace and is always willing to lend a hand. Her leadership and kindness shine every day!”

“Mrs. Beseau has gone above and beyond to assist me in getting my daughter extra math support. She arranged tutoring and consistently supports students’ needs, showing true care for their success. She is responsive, helpful, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring every child is future ready.”

“Nickole is a gifted and dynamic teacher whose classroom is a model of high-quality learning. She empowers her students, encourages them to take ownership of their learning, and pushes them to be their best. Beyond her own classroom, she strengthens the 4th-grade team as a mentor and leader. Her positivity, professionalism, and problem-solving skills positively impact the entire school.”

Nickole’s leadership, dedication, and ability to foster meaningful relationships make Rock Creek Elementary a better place for students, families, and staff. We are incredibly grateful for her passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Nickole Beseau, a true leader and inspiration in our Rock Creek community!

Rock Creek Elementary is proud to honor Beth Jaggie, Paraprofessional in Essential Skills, as our 2025–2026 Employee of the Year! This award recognizes staff members who go above and beyond, demonstrating dedication, integrity, and a positive impact on students, families, and colleagues.

Beth embodies everything we look for in this honor. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, loyalty, and excellence in every aspect of her role. Her dedication to students goes far beyond her daily responsibilities—she builds meaningful, lasting relationships with each child, creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their goals. Families and colleagues alike praise Beth for her compassion, fairness, and unwavering commitment to student success.

But Beth’s impact doesn’t stop there—she brings joy, warmth, and inclusivity to Rock Creek every single day. Students are drawn to her positive energy and trust her guidance, while staff admire her approachable nature and willingness to support others. She is a natural role model, demonstrating how kindness, patience, and high expectations can coexist to help students flourish. Her presence lifts the whole school community, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and inspired.

As one nomination shared, “Beth develops strong relationships with the students she works with that carry over from year to year. Students know they can trust Beth, and through her strength, they blossom and reach their potential. Her strengths are a role model for other staff members to follow. Her years of experience make her irreplaceable and leave an everlasting impression on students and staff alike.”

Beth’s dedication, professionalism, and joyful spirit make Rock Creek Elementary a brighter, stronger place. We are incredibly grateful for all she does and are proud to celebrate her as a shining example of excellence and heart in our school community!

Both Nickole Beseau and Beth Jaggie will be honored at a district-wide banquet at the end of the year, where they will also be considered for the District Educator and Employee of the Year awards. Whether they take home the district title or not, we know we are incredibly lucky to have the best crew of employees around right here at Rock Creek!

We are thrilled to celebrate Julie Tuggle, our amazing Office Clerk, who was honored by the Fort Zumwalt District Office for January! Each month, the superintendent recognizes staff making a profound difference, reflecting the district mission to “Educate, Empower, and Equip all students to Excel.”

Julie is the heart of our front office—dedicated, dependable, and always ready to help. From MTSS interventions to lunch and recess supervision, supporting custodial needs, and keeping our school running smoothly behind the scenes, she does it all with professionalism, positivity, and care. Her proactive, self-starting approach ensures that students, staff, and families are always supported.

We are so grateful for Julie’s dedication and heart—Rock Creek is stronger because of her!

Congratulations to Jennifer Dreyer, our amazing Reading Specialist, who has been selected by Rock Creek staff as our Staff Leader of the Month! 🎉

This new monthly award recognizes a staff member who exemplifies our 7 Habits and shows outstanding leadership. Jennifer goes above and beyond every day—reaching all students, pushing them to grow as strong leaders, and advocating for their success. 💡💪 She has a huge heart, actively problem-solves, and is always ready to support classroom teachers, making a positive impact throughout the school. ❤️📚

Thank you, Mrs. Dreyer, for your dedication, leadership, and the countless ways you make Rock Creek a better place every day! 🌟👏

A big CONGRATS to our January Leaders of the Month! 🏅✨ These amazing students were chosen for living our Habits and showing true leadership in their classrooms. 💡💪 From helping friends 🤝 to setting a positive example, they inspire everyone around them every day!

Way to go, leaders—keep shining and making Rock Creek awesome! 🌟🎈👏

Our grade-level teams have been analyzing mid-year iReady Math data, celebrating student growth and planning targeted interventions to push all learners forward. 💡🤝

Check out our 4th grade team in action, collaborating to make data-driven decisions that help every student succeed! 📈👏

A BIG CONGRATS to our 5th grade students who recently graduated from the D.A.R.E. program with our amazing D.A.R.E. Officer Jessica Misuraca! 👮‍♀️✨ The students completed this important program, which teaches decision-making, resisting peer pressure, and making safe and responsible choices—skills that help them grow into confident, responsible leaders. 💡💪

The graduates were celebrated in style, walking across the stage to shake hands with the Mayor of O’Fallon, a City Council Member, a Captain of the O’Fallon Police Department, and our Superintendent! 🌟

A special shout-out to Ivy Brown, who was chosen by her class to read her essay—a heartfelt letter to her future self—and was also selected by the City Council to read at an upcoming City Council meeting! 📝🎤

Also, congratulations to Mrs. Flynn’s homeroom for bringing in the most can tabs, supporting the Ronald McDonald House! ♻️🏠

We are so proud of all our D.A.R.E. graduates for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to making positive choices. Way to go! 🎉👏

Our 5th grade students recently attended an important transition information session with the 6th grade Assistant Principal and Counselor. 🎒📚

During the session, students began learning about what to expect in middle school next year, including new routines, opportunities, and ways to be successful. This early introduction helps our students feel confident, prepared, and excited for the next step in their learning journey. 💡✨

Way to go, 5th graders—your middle school adventure is just beginning! 🚀

Our kindergartners had a fun and important lesson in Technology class today! They practiced identifying real pictures from fake pictures, learning that people can sometimes change images online. 🌐🤖

Students became digital detectives, sharpening their skills to spot what’s real and what’s not. This early practice in critical thinking and digital literacy helps them become responsible and savvy technology users. 🕵️‍♀️🔍😊

Way to go, kindergartners—our future tech detectives! 🖥️✨

A HUGE congratulations to Finn Arroyo, a 5th grader in Mr. Everett’s homeroom, for representing Rock Creek at the district-wide Fort Zumwalt Spelling Bee! 🐝✨ Finn competed against the 14 other elementary school winners from across the district and made it impressively far.

We are so proud of how Finn represented Rock Creek with determination, confidence, and school spirit! 💪📚 We are also thrilled to have Finn join our Rock Creek family this year—he, along with all our students, continues to shine in so many ways.

Way to go, Finn—you make our school community proud! 🌟👏🎉

• Sign-Up for the TRIVIA NIGHT on January 30th!  See BELOW!
• Bring in Non-Perishable Items BY February 5th for the 100th Day Food Drive!  Which grade will win!?! 
• Participate in the Kids Heart Challenge!  Will Rock Creek win this year?!  Join Coach Sissom for the fun!  More information below...  

Rock Creek Elementary is thrilled to be part of the Kids Heart Challenge Lifesavers League through the American Heart Association! This school-wide event helps students learn life-saving skills, build healthy habits, and support a cause that truly matters.

🎯 Our Big Goal:
If 200 students sign up, we earn $500 in FREE PE equipment for our school. Let’s make it happen, Rock Creek!

📱 How to Participate:
Families can join our online league by clicking the link below, downloading the Kids Heart Challenge app, or scanning the QR code.
👉 Sign up here: http://www2.heart.org/goto/rockcreek.fz
⏰ All donations are made online
📅 Donations are due by February 6

🎉 Awesome Student Incentives (St. Louis Metro):
*Complete Finn’s Mission and earn a pass to Urban Air plus a Victor collector keychain
*Raise $50 and receive 1 ticket to the St. Louis Ambush game on March 27
*Raise $100 and earn a pass to Sky Zone

💪 Why Families Love Finn’s Mission:
✔ Learn life-saving skills together
✔ Earn fun rewards
✔ Promote healthy habits
✔ Support heart health and education

💙 Rock Creek Students Need YOU!
Your participation helps our school, our students, and a great cause. Let’s join together, have fun, and show some Rock Creek heart!

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition! Rock Creek Elementary invites families to join us for Family Trivia Night, sponsored by Student Council and PPI Club.

📅 Friday, January 30, 2026
📍 Rock Creek Elementary Gym
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🧠 Trivia rounds begin at 6:30 PM

Teams will consist of up to 8 players per table, making it a perfect opportunity to team up with friends—or meet new Rock Creek families!

💲 Cost: $3.00 per person
(Cash or check payable to Alicia Soller)

A small snack and drink will be provided, and families may bring additional snacks for their table. Please note: NO adult beverages.

All proceeds will go toward snacks, drinks, and prizes for the event.

📄 RSVP Information:
Please complete the bottom portion of the flyer and return it to school by Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Families may request to share a table with another family or ask to be paired with another RCE family.

We hope you’ll join us for a night of fun, community, and trivia—Rock Creek style! 🧠🚀

Capture the memories, friendships, and milestones from the 2025–2026 school year—Rock Creek Elementary yearbooks are now available to order! 🎉

Deadline to order: 03/25/2026
Starting at: $12.25
Order online: Rock Creek Yearbook Store

Purchasing a yearbook gives your student a keepsake to treasure for years to come and also supports our school’s programs and events. Don’t miss out on this special way to celebrate another amazing year at Rock Creek! 📸💛

Snowy days are a great chance to slow down, warm up, and do something meaningful as a family! Missouri students are invited to participate in a special student letter-writing opportunity as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Students are encouraged to write a letter responding to one of the following prompts:

“I am proud to be an American because…”

“I love America because…”

This is a wonderful at-home activity that builds writing skills, reflection, and civic pride — all from the comfort of the couch (hot cocoa optional ☕).

🎉 Why participate?
~Letters are reviewed statewide
~Ten students will receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism
~One letter will be selected as the Lieutenant Governor’s Choice and proudly displayed in his office
~Selected students will be invited to a recognition ceremony this summer

📏 Letter length by grade level:
~Grades K–3: 50 words
~Grades 4–6: 100 words
~Grades 7–12: 200 words

📬 Letters are due by March 1, 2026, making snowy days the perfect time to get started.

This is a meaningful way for students to share their voice, practice writing, and reflect on what makes our country special — all while the snow falls outside.

So bundle up, grab some paper, and let those thoughts shine. ❄️

You can turn letters into the Elementary Office! 

Do you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next school year? Or do you have a friend or neighbor in the area with a little one ready to blast off into learning? It’s time to start preparing for the 2026-2027 school year!

Step 1: The Kindergarten Screener

Before the busy registration season begins, we ask all incoming families to schedule a Kindergarten Screening. This is a vital first step that helps our team get to know your child and ensures we can provide the best possible start to their elementary journey.

Action Item: Please sign up for a screening slot today! DIRECT LINK TO SIGN-UP:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EA4A923AAF49-51807754-fzsd#/

Step 2: Save the Date for Registration

Official registration opens in March. We offer two convenient ways to get your Rocket signed up with more details to come soon:

~💻 Online Registration: Complete the process from the comfort of your home starting in March.
~🏫 In-Person Registration: Join us at Rock Creek Elementary on starting on Wednesday, March 4th from 8-4pm daily. Our staff will be on-site to help with paperwork, answer questions, and welcome you to the family!

Spread the Word!

Help us reach every future Rocket in our community. Please share this information with your neighbors and friends. We can’t wait to meet our newest students!

Questions? Stay tuned for more info to come, or contact the front office. Go Rockets! 💙🚀

Rock Creek Elementary values the partnership we share with our families, and we invite parents and guardians to take part in our class placement process for the upcoming school year.

This form is an opportunity to share helpful information about your child as we begin building balanced, supportive classrooms. The placement process includes all building teachers, and this document may be shared with every certified staff member who works with your child at RCE.

📝 Important Details:
~Please complete one form for each child currently in grades K–4 at Rock Creek Elementary.
~Forms must be completed by February 27, 2026.
~Forms submitted after this date will not be accepted.

🚫 Teacher Requests:
We do not accept specific teacher requests. Please do not include any staff or teacher names in your responses. Any comments that reference specific staff members will be removed.

Thank you for your time, thoughtful input, and continued partnership. We truly appreciate your support as we work to create the best possible learning environment for every Rock Creek student! 💙

Thank you for your interest in becoming a chaperone for our school field trips. It is a very important role as a volunteer to accompany our students while they are off campus. Instructions are linked below for becoming a screened volunteer.  

At Rock Creek, we see our students as leaders every day. But leadership doesn’t stop when the school bell rings! The Leader in Me framework is designed to help students develop the self-reliance and "soft skills" they need to thrive in the real world.

By practicing the 7 Habits at home, you aren’t just getting help with chores—you are teaching your child how to take initiative, set goals, and solve problems independently. This builds the confidence they need to tackle challenges in the classroom and beyond.

💡 Real Ideas for Leadership at Home

Here are a few simple ways to bring the habits to life this week:

Habit 1: Be Proactive (The "I’m in Charge" Habit) * The Launchpad: Create a designated "launchpad" by the front door. Instead of you packing their bag, have your child take charge of placing their backpack, shoes, and water bottle there every night.

The Morning Checklist: Create a simple visual list (Brush teeth, Get dressed, Make bed). Let them check off the items themselves rather than following verbal reminders.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind (The "Plan Ahead" Habit) * Weekly Goal Setting: During Sunday dinner, ask everyone to share one "Big Rock" (a major goal) for the week. It could be "Practice math for 10 minutes a day" or "Be kind to my sibling." Write them on the fridge!

Habit 3: Put First Things First (The "Work Before Play" Habit) * The Timer Challenge: Use a kitchen timer for "must-do" tasks like homework or tidying up. Tell them, "Once the timer goes off and this is done, it's officially your 'choice time' to play or relax."

Habit 6: Synergize (The "Together is Better" Habit) * Meal Planning: Invite your child to help plan one family meal a week. Let them "lead" the kitchen by washing vegetables or setting the table. Synergizing makes the work go faster and is much more fun!

Why It Matters

When we allow children to take the lead on small tasks at home, we are sending a powerful message: "I trust you, and you are capable." These small moments of independence are the building blocks for a lifetime of leadership.

• Monday, January 26 - E Day

  • Kids Heart Challenge Officially Starts 
  • Bring in Items for Food Drive (100th Day Celebration for a Good Cause)

• Tuesday, January 27 - A Day

• Wednesday, January 28 - B Day

• Thursday, January 29 - C Day

  • JET Day
  • PTO dine out night- Red Robin Ofallon 

• Friday, January 30 - D Day 

  • Leader in Me League from West High at Lunches 

  • RCE Trivia Night at 6pm (Must Have Turned Form Into Prior to Event)
• Saturday, January 31
• Sunday, February 1

• Monday, February 2 - E Day

  • 100th Day of School!  Dress 100 Years Old!
  • 5th Grade Transition Night at West Middle School at 5:45pm

• Tuesday, February 3 - A Day

• Wednesday, February 4 - B Day

  • Early Release Day - Release at 1:10pm 

• Thursday, February 5 - C Day

• Friday, February 6 - D Day 

  • Wear Red for Kids Heart Challenge or dress like a PE teacher!
• Saturday, February 7 
  • Certified Hiring Fair
• Sunday, February 8

Fort Zumwalt's district, school and activities websites connect you to Student Nutrition Menus, events and celebrations across the district.

Download our app, which is free for Apple and for Android.This app connects you with your school and the district. Click Menu, then Dining to see options for this week, next week or all that are entered. Use the Events feature to download items to your personal calendar. Enable notifications so you are connected to inclement weather notifications. Keep up with your school’s achievements, celebrations and important deadlines for everything from yearbook purchases to finals schedules or community events. Take a quick tour in this video.

FZ App video transcript

Rock Creek Menu

⏰ Early Release Days (Wednesdays)

1:10 PM Dismissal ✂️

• February 4

• March 4

• April 1

• May 6

May 21: Tentative Last Day 🎓

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!

Rock Creek Elementary - Office Hours 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Phone - 636-980-1800

Email Dr. Wayne Dierker, Principal

Email Bridget McCoy, Assistant Principal

• 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.