Highcroft Hotline

At Highcroft, we help learners grow in a safe, caring community where ALL are valued and supported to become leaders.

March

• 14 - 22: Spring Break
• 23 - 27: Penny Wars & Book Drive - See attached flyer
• 25: Late Start, School begins at 11:05 am
• 25: Spirit Day - Jersey Day
• 26: PSO Meeting, 7:00 pm
• 31: Special Olympics - Track & Field at South Tech
• 31: 3rd Grade Musical - Galanti, 11:55 am - 12:20 pm
• 31: 1st Grade Musical - Rudd, 2:30 pm - 2:55 pm
• 31: 2nd Grade Musical - Tilden, 3:30 pm - 3:55 pm

April

• 1: Book Fair, 8:50 am - 4:00 pm
• 1: Jog Jam
• 1: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 pm, 471 N. Woods Mill Road
  
• 2: Book Fair, 8:50 am - 4:00 pm
• 2: 4th Grade Field Trip to St. Charles, 9:15 am - 1:30 pm
• 2: 3rd Grade Musical - Fortmann, 11:55 am - 12:20 pm
• 2: 1st Grade Musical - Lang, 2:30 pm - 2:55 pm
• 2: 2nd Grade Musical - Cornell, 3:30 pm - 3:55 pm
• 2: Literacy Night, 'Camp Read-a-Lot', Highcroft Library, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• 3: Book Fair, 8:50 am - 2:00 pm
• 3: Kids Heart Challenge
• 3: Kdg Field Trip to St. Louis Zoo, 9:15 am - 1:30 pm
• 4: Trivia Night - doors open at 6:00 pm, JCC Chesterfield

Greetings,

"Knowledge is power, community is strength, and positive attitude is everything"- Lance Armstrong

I shared this quote with our staff Friday as we discussed what is to come during this unusual time. While uncertainty is stressful, I rest in the knowledge that our community is might. As long as we continue to educate ourselves with the facts, work together, not give in to fear, and remain positive, we will see one another through this time.

The following is a message sent to the community from Dr. Marty, which I wanted to ensure you had an opportunity to read:

Dear Parkway Community,

I am certain of one very important thing at this time. Parkway is a special place, and I’m confident we will each do our part to care for one another during this especially unusual time.

As we continue to plan and prepare for the days and weeks ahead, I want to update you on our next steps. We are diligently working to design plans for some continuity of education for our students in the event of short or long-term school closures. This would include an emergency eLearning model.

We do not take a decision to close schools lightly. Any short or long-term closure has a significant impact on students, staff, families and the region. As you likely know, we have many factors to consider including the education of our children; physical and emotional safety; child care and supervision; services for children; nutrition and food. We also recognize the pressures families would face as a result of school closure.

In the event of school closures, the goals of an emergency eLearning model would be to:

• Continue to provide education during a prolonged closure; and

• Provide some normalcy for students through engagement in learning activities and connection to teachers.
  
  

As a precaution, we are asking students who currently take their Chromebooks home to remember to bring them home over Spring Break. In the event that we need to close school following Spring Break, we would notify you as soon as possible with additional, detailed information on our plans.

We recognize not all students in Parkway have access to Chromebooks and/or a reliable home network. We are working on plans for access to technology and internet for all students, in the event eLearning is needed.

As we approach Spring Break, we know many of you will be traveling. Follow CDC travel guidelines for the latest updates which are rapidly changing. Travel to the following locations, which have experienced community spread of the COVID-19 infection, will result in a 14-day quarantine upon return to the area. This includes domestic U.S. travel to Seattle/King County, WA; Santa Clara County, CA; Westchester County, NY; and international travel to Europe, China, Japan, South Korea and Iran. The CDC also recently issued new guidelines specific to cruise ship travel. It is hard to predict if additional travel locations may be added to this list. Please plan your travel while taking this guidance into serious consideration. The CDC will provide guidance to individuals and families who may need to be screened or quarantined at home depending on the location of the travel. We will follow their guidance and notifications related to how travel might impact staff and students returning to work and school.

Parkway is a special place, so I’m confident we will each do our part to care for one another during this especially unusual time. Many things may feel uncertain. What I know for sure is the power of our community. Right now, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our strength by walking alongside our children, neighbors and families.

It may feel like we don’t have control over the events happening around us. What we can control is how we respond. We can listen to our children who are listening to the noise. We can reach out to our friends and neighbors for support. And we can take each day, one at a time, by focusing on care for ourselves and others. We will get through this together.

Our commitment to our children is always guaranteed. Thank you for your support.

Dr. Keith Marty
Superintendent
Parkway Schools

Whatever you are doing this Spring Break, I wish you and your family good health and time to rest and make beautiful memories with one another.

In partnership,

Cartelia Lucas

Principal

clucas@parkwayschools.net

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the amazing surprise celebration put on for me this past Friday. I was utterly surprised and honored to celebrate one of my greatest accomplishments with this awesome community. Four years to the day, my husband and I loss our son, DJ. Knowing this would be a hard day, I wanted to schedule my dissertation defense on Friday so I could alter the narrative of the day. I was unable to arrange the defense for this day and had to do it a week ago. Friday, I arrived at work and was surprised to find out the community was celebrating my accomplishment of earning my doctorate. I still can’t believe every amazing thing that happened on what was called “Dr. Lucas Day!” While it will always be the day we loss a part of our hearts, now it is wrapped in this joyous celebration that you all made possible and I like to think it happened this way for a reason. I am forever grateful for the love and support you all provided me! (insert purple heart emoji :0)

There are many factors considered in determining class placement and parent input is of great value. If you would like to share information about your child, you may do so by completing the Google form linked below; however, completion of this form is optional. For placement consideration, this form must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2020, at 4:30 pm. We are not able to consider contributions after this date and time. The completion of this form is for input purposes only and does not guarantee any aspect of placement.

REQUESTS FOR A SPECIFIC TEACHER WILL NOT BE HONORED.

Click here for placement form

Mrs. Banks & Mrs. Beeler, Counselors

Abilities Awareness 2020

All School Assembly - Lauren Murphy #murphysdontquit kicked off our week with an inspiring story of determination and perseverance after suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Kindergarten - We had two furry friends come visit from Duo Dogs. Duo Dogs trains and connects dogs to people with specific physical, emotional, and social needs.

1st Grade - The focus in first grade was communication and adaptive tools. We were fortunate to have Mrs. Gleason, our Speech Language Pathologist, who helped us learn about tools that can assist with communicating to others.

2nd Grade - Down Syndrome Association of Greater STL gave a presentation that brought awareness and education about Down Syndrome.

3rd Grade - Churchill presented on what a learning disability is and the tools a student may need to support learning.

4th Grade - Delta Gamma gave us a better understanding of the tools that can be used for vision impairments. The students were able to experience what it might be like to have various vision impairments.

5th Grade - Gina Nolan, a Special School District teacher, gave a presentation on Autism Awareness

Here are some highlights of the week:

Nurse Hubert, BSN, RN

Happy Spring,

With all the news and concern about the flu and Coronavirus, it’s best to remember a few basic things to help keep you and your family safe and protected from illnesses. Here are some reminders on how to control the spread of viruses and germs at home and school:

● Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

● Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

● Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. If you are worried about frequently touched surfaces outside your home, carry disinfectant wipes with you and use them on gasoline pump handles, door handles to stores, and public places.

● Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use

alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

All children need to have a primary care physician, someone who knows their health history and has records of their immunizations and illnesses.

Pediatricians keep same day appointments open for their sick patients and, for the most part, seeing your Primary Care Physician cost less than going to the Urgent Care or ER. Plus a PCP is someone you can call to get instructions over the phone for frequently asked questions for your child without having to always go in to see them, help is just a phone call away.

For a referral to a pediatrician you can call the Physician’s Referral Services at any of the area hospitals.

Mercy: 314-367-3627

St. Luke’s: 314-434-1500

Children’s: 314-454-5437

Cardinal Glennon: 1-866-776-3627

If you have any questions or concerns about anything health related for your child, please don’t hesitate to email or call me: chubert2@parkwayschools.net or 314-415-6410

Have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.

Mrs. Maxvill & Mr. Meinershagen

Kindergarten students have been busy working on net games, exercise stations, and continuing to work on their hand-eye coordination. Next month, these students will be working on cardio fun games, throwing games, and their jump rope unit. Kindergarten will have their Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, April 3.

First grade students have been busy working on net games and throwing activities involving volleyball nets. After Spring Break, these students will start back up jogging on the track, playing overhand throwing games, and their jump rope unit. First Grade students will have their Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, April 3.

Second graders have been busy playing net games and working on striking the ball over the net. . After Spring Break, these students will begin their jump rope unit, jogging the track, and overhand throwing activities. Second Grade students will have their Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, April 3.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders have just completed their volleyball unit. After Spring Break, these students will begin their hockey unit, jogging the track, jump rope unit, and begin fitness testing. All of our students will have their Kids Heart Challenge on Friday, April 3.

Email: clucas@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/Domain/16
Location: 15380 Highcroft Drive, Chesterfield, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-6400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighcroftRidge/
Twitter: @HighcroftRidge