Students in grades 3–5 recently participated in a wheelchair basketball unit during PE. During this short unit, students used sport wheelchairs loaned out from Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA) and learned basic wheelchair skills, teamwork, and some rules of the game. Vocabulary such as disabled athlete and able-bodied athlete was introduced to help students better understand how athletes may compete in different ways.

This activity was designed to promote empathy. Students experienced the challenges and discovered the strengths of DASA athletes. It was a great lesson on Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. We even had staff members join in alongside students, making it a fun and meaningful learning experience for everyone. Be sure to check out the attached photos highlighting our students (and staff) in action.

Our second quarter at Twin Chimneys Elementary School was filled with learning, celebration, and community. We were proud to honor our veterans during the annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly, and we thank Beans and Brews for generously providing fresh coffee for our guests. Our Junior Lighthouse worked hard to prepare and host this event. 

Students enjoyed many special events including Pioneer Days, the Food Drive, the 2nd Grade Musical, the Spelling Bee, Family BINGO, the Holiday Sing-a-Long, and classroom Winter Parties. A heartfelt thank you to our parent volunteers who helped make Pioneer Days, Winter Parties, and BINGO such memorable experiences for our students.

We are grateful to our PTO for supporting the installation of vinyl window film at the front and rear entrances, improving security and privacy while adding school spirit. Students and staff also look forward to the morning announcements, which are creatively shared each day by our Media Club.

Officer Taylor Bradley is our D.A.R.E. Officer this year. While only 5th graders participate in the D.A.R.E. program, Officer Bradley has been very active at TCE when she's here. She visits other grade levels at lunch and recess and even fills in as a caring adult for students in need when she is available. She has been a very helpful addition this school year! 

The 2026-2027 school year calendar is now available using our school calendar on our website. Classes begin Aug. 25.

Fort Zumwalt School District recommends that all age-eligible children have a developmental screening, yearly, to assess progress in all areas of growth and development, including problem solving, communication, personal development, motor skills, health, vision and hearing. You can make your appointment now for students ages 3-years to Kindergarten to help them be ready for school. Learn more on the Early Childhood website. Sign up for a screening

The TCE Spelling Bee was Dec. 11. Our 1st place winner was Raaga Lalisetti. She'll be going to the District Spelling Bee on Jan. 22. Our 2nd place winner was Mihira Potineni and 3rd place went to Dhruv Potineni. 

TCE Received the Academic Honor Roll Recognition through Leader in Me for 2025. 

Our November and December Triple E Award winners were Mrs. Callahan and Mrs. Baker.

Some of our Student Shout-Outs went to Ava Montgomery, Quentin Biegler, Michael Scott, Quinten Enke, Blake Brown, Amelia Burney, Avery Crisp, Aria Kavanaugh, Alec Horstmann, Holden Osburn, Rowen Liliensick, Lily Hueneke, and Bristol Smith.

Our 4th Grade classes all hosted Shark Tanks for students to present their inventions! This was a culminating activity to wrap up a unit in our ELA Curriculum on inventors. Thanks to all of the parents and staff members that made time to come in and be a judge. 

Our Junior Lighthouse practiced Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood - while greeting, hosting, and honoring our local veterans during the annual celebration on Nov. 11. 

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!

Twin Chimneys Elementary - Office Hours 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone - 636-240-0093

Email Mrs. Tara Goerss, Principal

Email Candace Kluba, 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.