January Newsletter

As we begin the new year, I wanted to share an update on what’s been happening at Neil Dardis Elementary and what’s ahead.

December wrapped up with several meaningful activities for our students. Classrooms focused on generosity and giving, students participated in the Elderly Gift Drive through Eastern Plains Human Service Zone, and our second graders visited the Good Samaritan to spend time playing games with residents. We also had a strong turnout for our elementary concert on December 15, and on December 17, middle and high school students visited to sing carols with our elementary students.

As we move further into the second half of the school year, this is also a good time to continue encouraging responsibility and independence at home. Helping students manage their own belongings, take ownership of assignments, and work through small challenges builds confidence and supports growth in the classroom.

Looking ahead, please watch for upcoming no-school days, early releases, parent-teacher conferences, and spring events such as Bingo for Books!

Thank you for your continued partnership as we move into the remainder of the school year.

Go Raiders and Go Chargers!

Mr. Sam Preble
Principal, Neil Dardis Elementary School

Our 2nd Grade Partnered with the Good Samaritan to visit and play games with the Residents!

Students across the NDES classrooms worked together and learned about circuits!

3rd Grade hosted a wonderful parent event of making balloons with students!

Students from Neil Dardis Elementary and Lakota High School got together and sang Christmas Carols to celebrate the season!

Great Job to our Elementary Basketball Boys on a successful season! Thank you to all the coaches, parents, student-athletes, and helpers that made these games possible!

The classroom teacher is the backbone of the American educational system. No one person has a greater impact on the education of the child than the teacher who creates the primary learning and instructional environment. It is the mission of the State and National Teacher of the Year Programs to recognize and honor the contributions of the American classroom teacher. The Program is the oldest and most prestigious honors program to focus public attention on excellence in teaching.

Any educator who holds a teaching license, serves in a role that requires a teaching license, and spends more than 50% of their time working directly with students is eligible to be nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. The public nomination period for North Dakota 2026 County Teachers of the Year will close Feb. 8, 2026.

If you would like to nominate a teacher please follow the link!

Our front entry received a facelift courtesy of Nelson Electric with new lights to illuminate the way for NDES students and staff!

Click the link below to see what's on the menu!

We value strong communication between home and school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Regular updates will be shared through our class apps and newsletters, and we encourage you to stay connected.

Classdojo is a FREE app, if it asks for you to pay, don't!

We absolutely love seeing your children at school every day, but their health and well-being—and the health of our school community—are our top priorities.

As a friendly reminder, if your child has been sick, they must be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school. This helps ensure a full recovery and prevents the spread of illnesses to others.

We kindly ask for your vigilance in monitoring any symptoms your child may experience and encourage you to keep them home if they are unwell. Together, we can keep our classrooms happy and healthy for everyone!