Denkmann Elementary School

Denkmann Elementary School's mission/vision is to provide a safe & diverse environment where all students will grow academically, socially, and emotionally as positive leaders. The building serves students in Kindergarten through grade 6. There are 2-3 classrooms per grade level.  

Denkmann Elementary is proud to be recognized as a Stephen Covey The Leader In Me School and earned Lighthouse status in 2024! Its one of the highest honors a Leader in Me School can receive. As a Leader in Me School, students discover and practice a set of leadership and life skills from Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The Leader in Me schools receive national recognition for their emphasis on developing leadership in young children. Incorporating The Leader in Me practices within our school’s environment and curriculum will help students become even more ready to succeed in the 21st Century, with critical skills and characteristics such as: trustworthiness, a strong work ethic, motivation, problem-solving skills, goal setting, effective interpersonal skills, a sense of teamwork, academic achievement and valuing diversity in a global market.

Patrick Versluis

Principal, Denkmann Elementary School, Rock Island, IL

Patrick Versluis became the principal of Denkmann Elementary in July 2019. He has been an educator since 1999, beginning his career in the East Moline School District. During his time there, he served in a variety of roles, including math teacher, basketball coach, dean of students, elementary principal, and pre-kindergarten coordinator.

Mr. Versluis earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University in December 1999, with endorsements in Middle School Math and Reading. He continued his education at Western Illinois University, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2007.

A proud graduate of Rock Island High School (Class of 1993), Mr. Versluis also attended Audubon (Kindergarten), Eugene Field, and Washington Junior High School. Deeply rooted in the community, he is passionate about building strong relationships and supporting the growth and success of young people. He takes great pride in leading Denkmann with a focus on student empowerment, using the Leader in Me framework as a foundation to develop leadership skills in students.

Outside of school, Mr. Versluis enjoys spending time with his family. He is married with two sons, along with a dog and two cats. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he especially enjoys basketball and baseball. As a true Chicago sports fan, he proudly supports the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. In his free time, he enjoys exercising and reading about leadership and personal development.