Transition Night for TCE 5th Grade
When : Tuesday, February 3rd
Where: West Middle School
Times and order: Each group will go through in about half an hour starting with RCE at 5:45, TCE at 6:15 and FPE at 6:45
Twin Chimneys Pioneers
DISCOVER THE LEADER IN YOU! LOVE, LEARN, LEAD!
Wheelchair Basketball
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.
A Note from the Principals
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!
Remember to:
Write the name inside student jackets and coats to help get items to their owners.
Be prepared for inclement weather days.
Keep up with events and clubs using our online calendar
Spread the word ...
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
Upcoming Events
Jan. 12-16 - Grades K-5 will complete the ELA iReady Benchmark Assessment online
Jan. 14 - Early Release Day
Jan. 19 - MLK Day No School
Jan. 20-23 - Grades K-5 will complete the offline Literacy Tasks for the iReady Benchmark
Jan. 22 - District Wide Spelling Bee at South High School
Feb. 4 - Early Release Day
Feb. 16 - Presidents Day No School
Celebrations
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.
Classroom Spotlight
Mrs. Picinich's Class
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.
Leader in Me -
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
JAN. 5 we welcome our HIGH SCHOOL students back to class. It is an A Day.
Jan. 6 ECC, EL and MS students return. It is a B Day at EL & MS.
Sync calendars at go.FZSD.us/SyncMyCalendar
From the faculty and staff at TCE we wish you a safe and amazing winter break
Students will return from Winter Break on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
It will be a B Day .
Enjoy your break!
Here’s the wish list by grade level:
Kindergarten: Mashed potatoes, gravy
1st Grade: Corn, green beans, or any canned vegetables
2nd Grade: Cake mix, brownie mix, pie mix, or other dessert mixes
3rd Grade: Stuffing or cornbread mix
4th Grade: Mac & cheese or canned pumpkin
5th Grade: Sweet potatoes or cranberry sauce
If you’re able to donate, we would be greatly appreciative of your support in helping families in our community this holiday season. This runs from 11/11/25 - 12/1/25
Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
— Twin Chimneys Share Club
The students of Twin Chimneys Elementary participated in a wonderful pumpkin decorating contest! 🎨🎃 Mrs. Stecko and Mrs. Prater transformed the library into a festive gallery, displaying pumpkins inspired by the students’ favorite books. In total, there were 56 creative entries—each one a unique tribute to reading and imagination!
There isn’t enough space to showcase them all here, but here are a few of our amazing creations...
Mr. Schuetz and Mr. Windler help celebrate the Navy's birthday by saying the pledge with Mrs. Vitale's 4th grade class.
First up is our Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest.
Check out the flyer for all the details.
We can't wait to see all the amazing and creative entries!
