Zitzman Elementary students had a wild learning experience during a visit from Serengeti Steve!

Students learned fascinating facts about reptiles and even had the opportunity to safely hold several animals as they explored the world of wildlife up close.

Smiles, excitement, and curiosity filled the room throughout the presentation. 🤗

#MVNation
1 day ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Smiling student stands in a school gym while a lizard rests on top of their baseball cap during a live animal presentation.
Student reacts with surprise while carefully holding a large bug during a hands-on animal presentation in the school gym.
A group of students stands in a line, smiling and helping hold a large albino python during an educational animal program.
Zitzman Elementary students explored ""The Most Magnificent Thing"" and discussed how engineers use creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance to bring ideas to life. 📚

After reading, students stepped into the role of engineers and designed their own magnificent marble runs. As they built, they tested their designs, made adjustments, and tried again when things didn’t go as planned.

Through the process, students discovered that mistakes are an important part of engineering and that persistence can lead to truly impressive creations.

#MVNation
3 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Two young students work together at a classroom table, arranging colorful straw pieces and tape on a tray during a hands-on STEM activity.
Two smiling students proudly display a tray featuring a handmade marble maze built with straws, tape, and cardboard during a classroom STEM project.
Zitzman Elementary 3rd grade Summer Discovery students explored the animal kingdom. 🐾

By researching an animal, creating a Google Slides presentation, and sharing their findings with classmates, these students crushed their research, presentation, and speaking and listening goals!

#MVNation
5 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Student smiles in front of a classroom presentation about bearded dragons, with photos and illustrations of the reptile displayed on a large screen.
Student holds a printed project while standing in front of a classroom presentation about puppies, featuring multiple photos of young dogs on a large screen.
After 30 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Catherine Snyder, Kindergarten Teacher at Zitzman Elementary. 💟

Catherine's caring approach and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on countless families throughout the years.

Please join us in congratulating Catherine on her retirement and wishing her all the best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
6 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
MVR-III honors 2026 retiree Catherine Snyder, kindergarten teacher at Zitzman Elementary, for 30 years of service, with a portrait and congratulatory message.
Center time at Zitzman Elementary has been filled with learning, discovery, and fun. 🚀

Students have been strengthening their math skills, building number sense, exploring letters and words, creating with pattern blocks, solving puzzles, and collaborating with classmates.

We are having a great summer learning, exploring, and growing together!

#MVNation
9 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Children work with pattern blocks and shape activities at a classroom table while classmates engage in learning stations around the room.
Two young students play a math game with worksheets and dice on a cushioned bench while classmates build and explore nearby.
Zitzman Elementary students kicked off the first week of summer school with a hands-on challenge, building Play-Doh structures and bridges! 😁

#MVNation
11 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Young student smiles proudly beside a handmade bridge built from craft sticks and buttons during a classroom STEM activity.
Student grins while presenting a craft-stick bridge decorated with colorful buttons, displayed between two classroom tables
Student stands behind a completed craft-stick bridge, showcasing a classroom engineering project made with buttons and wooden sticks.
Zitzman Elementary Drama Club students have been hard at work preparing for their upcoming performance of "Camp Sunshine Chaos." 🙌

Through rehearsals, they have been learning their lines, building confidence, and developing their acting skills. Their hard work will soon take center stage as they perform for all of our summer school classes!

#MVNation
13 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Four students stand in a classroom beside a large hand-drawn mural of a forest, cabin, and dinosaur tracks, proudly displaying their artwork.
Elementary students line up across a classroom in colorful outfits and props, participating in a class activity while posing for a group photo.
After 28 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Angela Herbst, Kindergarten Teacher at Zitzman Elementary. 🌟

Angela has welcomed young learners into the classroom, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the joy of learning.

Please join us in congratulating Angela on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
15 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Angela Herbst, kindergarten teacher at Zitzman Elementary, recognized as a 2026 retiree after 28 years of service. Congratulations.
Learning and fun go hand in hand in Zitzman Elementary’s Summer Discovery Kindergarten program. Students have been building letter recognition skills, strengthening fine motor development, exploring number sense concepts, and learning through play each day. ☀️

#MVNation
18 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Students working on craft projects in a school classroom.
Students working on craft projects in a school classroom.
Students working on craft projects in a school classroom.
After 14 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Sally Brooks, Lead Custodian at Zitzman Elementary. 🥳

Throughout her years of service, Sally has helped create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and families.

Please join us in congratulating Sally on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
20 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
2026 Retiree, Sally Brooks, 14 years of service.
Students at Zitzman Elementary recently put their science skills to work with the Lysol MiniLab Kit. They explored the world of microbes, learned about the role of microbiologists, discussed germs and healthy habits, and discovered how science impacts our everyday lives. 🔬

To wrap up the lesson, students created their own microbe cards and built 3D microbe models, bringing their learning to life in a fun and creative way.

#MVNation
21 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Various student artwork laying on a school desk.
Student artwork laying on a school desk.
After 27 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Debbie Dunn, Kindergarten Teacher at Zitzman Elementary. 👏

Throughout her years in the classroom, Debbie has helped generations of students by creating a welcoming environment where young learners could grow and explore.

Please join us in congratulating Debbie on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
22 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
2026 Retiree, Debbie Dunn, 27 years of service.
Looking for a career where you can have a positive impact on students and schools?

MVR-III has openings for School Age Childcare (S.A.C.C.) assistants, daytime custodians, part-time evening custodians, and an instructional technology integration specialist. 🤗

Join the MVR-III family today by applying at bit.ly/JOINMVR3.

#MVNation
23 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
We're hiring multiple positions listed with MVR-III logo.
After 12 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Tina Erikson, Title I Reading Teacher at Zitzman Elementary. 🎉

Throughout her years of supporting students, Tina has truly made an impact by helping our young readers.

Please join us in congratulating Tina on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
24 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
2026 Retiree, Tina Erikson, 12 years of service.
After 28 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Jerri Anding, Kindergarten Teacher at Zitzman Elementary. 💜

Jerri has helped shape the foundation of learning for countless young students through her commitment to education. Her impact on the Zitzman Elementary community will be remembered for years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Jerri on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
27 days ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Jerri Anding Retiree, 28 years of service.
After 21 years of service, we are celebrating the retirement of Cynthia Debold, Cook at Zitzman Elementary. 💜

Her care and commitment to the Zitzman Elementary community will be greatly missed.

Please join us in congratulating Cynthia on her retirement and wishing her the very best in this next chapter.

#MVNation
29 days ago, Becca Ploch
Recognition honoring Cynthia Debold for 21 years of service as a cook at Zitzman Elementary, featuring her portrait and a congratulatory message.
The Meramec Valley R-III School District and several of its schools have earned 2026 Promising Practice recognition from Character.org for initiatives that support character development, leadership, and student success! 🎉

Within MVR-III, Pacific High School earned three recognitions, Coleman Elementary School earned one National Promising Practice recognition, Zitzman Elementary School earned one recognition, and the district earned an overall recognition for its “Bridging the Future” practice.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/mvr3news

#MVNation
about 1 month ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Character National Recognition.
Reminder: Free summer meals start Monday! 🤗

All community children ages 18 and under, as well as students attending summer school and SACC, are welcome to enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost. Meals must be eaten on-site.

Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, Zitzman Elementary, and Pacific High School will serve meals Monday through Friday from June 1 through August 7. (These locations will be closed June 19 and July 1-3).

➡️ Breakfast: 7:00 to 7:30am at Pacific High School

➡️ Breakfast: 8:00 to 8:30am at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, and Zitzman Elementary

➡️ Lunch: 11:30am to 12:00pm at Pacific High School

➡️ Lunch: 12:00 to 12:30pm at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, and Zitzman Elementary

Pacific Intermediate and Riverbend Middle School will serve meals Monday through Friday, June 1-30. (These locations will be closed June 19).

➡️ Breakfast: 7:00 to 7:30am
➡️ Lunch: 11:30am to 12:00pm

We look forward to seeing our students and community members starting tomorrow! ☀️

#MVNation
about 1 month ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
Free Summer Meals Begin June 1
Free summer meals will be available for all community children ages 18 and under, as well as students attending summer school and SACC! 🍎

Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, Zitzman Elementary, and Pacific High School will serve meals Monday through Friday from June 1 through August 7. (These locations will be closed June 19 and July 1-3).

➡️ Breakfast: 7:00 to 7:30am at Pacific High School

➡️ Breakfast: 8:00 to 8:30am at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, and Zitzman Elementary

➡️ Lunch: 11:30am to 12:00pm at Pacific High School

➡️ Lunch: 12:00 to 12:30pm at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, Coleman Elementary, Nike Elementary, and Zitzman Elementary

Pacific Intermediate and Riverbend Middle School will serve meals Monday through Friday, June 1-30. (These locations will be closed June 19).

➡️ Breakfast: 7:00 to 7:30am
➡️ Lunch: 11:30am to 12:00pm

Meals must be eaten on site. We look forward to supporting our students and community this summer! ☀️

#MVNation
about 1 month ago, Becca Ploch
Purple “Free Summer Meals” design surrounded by colorful fruits and vegetables, with text offering meals for children age 18 and younger.
The pathway to kindergarten begins with registration, which is now open for families! 🎉

✅ Full-day learning experience
✅ Tuition-free program
✅ Must be five years old before August 1 to enroll

Register online today at bit.ly/MVR3REG.

#MVNation
about 1 month ago, Meramec Valley R-III School District
2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration Now Open with students and staff photo.