STEM 

In 2013, Darnaby Elementary School, 7625 E. 87th St., was selected as one of 44 schools in the United States to pilot the newest science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program called Project Lead the Wat.

The program was designed and developed by Project Lead The Way, the nation’s leading provider of STEM education curricular programs for middle and high school students. By offering this new elementary STEM program to its students, Darnaby expanded its high-quality educational offerings for students. Studies show that students decide as early as second and third grade whether they like, and think they are good at, math and science. PLTW’s elementary program is designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. Through a series of topic-based modules, students will engage in design problems that encourage collaboration, analysis, problem solving, and computational thinking.

The 44 schools invited to participate in the pilot program tested STEM modules and played an integral role in the development of the final version of the curriculum by providing feedback on their experiences to PLTW.

Character Counts!

Character Counts! is a district-wide program from kindergarten through High School for students and staff. It gives us a common language and encourages outstanding character traits. A new character trait is introduced each month. The six traits that are emphasized are Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness and Citizenship.
Extended Day Program 

The Extended Day Program (EDP) provides safe, alternative educational child care, enhancing the child’s extended day. Recognizing the busy lifestyles of today’s family, the district attempts to work in partnership with home and parents by providing before and after school supervision at the school site.

Extracurricular Activities, Programs, Services

• Rangers and Co. - a show-stopping choir for 4th and 5th grade
• Student Council - to provide decision-making/leadership opportunities
• Safety Patrol - to provide safety and leadership opportunities
• Special Olympics - participate in local, district and state level
• Darnaby Publishing Co. - assists students in publishing their own books
• Reflections - to encourage participation in and the love of fine arts
• YouthArts! - to celebrate the fine arts in the Union district
• Serendipity Center - enclosed garden area for outside classroom use
• Recycling Program - emphasis on ecology
• Reading Buddies - older children team up to read with younger children
• Red Ribbon Week - helps keep Darnaby drug-free and drug-aware
• Junior Great Books - guided lunchtime reading program
• Computer Lab - for basic skills, skill reinforcement, keyboarding
• Science Lab - fully equipped for demonstrations/experiments
• Darnaby Carnival - PTA-sponsored cooperative fund raiser
• Canned Food Drive - shared with needy families/organizations
• Darnaby Spirit Day - each Friday students and staff show their pride by spirit shirts or school colors, red and black