Inside Parkway

People of Parkway - Mr. Ben

Mr. Ben has been a custodian for 17 years at Sorrento Springs Elementary. The following is a note that was submitted by a former parent:

"Mr. Ben was my friendly reset at the end of each hectic day. He greeted me warmly every afternoon for 6 years. My son attended after-school care. So every day when I picked him up, two hours after Sorrento dismissed, I was often frazzled from my day's work, guilty for not being able to get to pick him up sooner, and worried that I was doing everything wrong.

Before I walked into aftercare to pick up my son, he helped me to leave all that baggage at the door by being himself– by exuding positivity, kindness, and sincerity.

He always carefully cared for the school and the students, but he also took the time to warmly greet me and exchange a few niceties. I'm not sure I ever told him how much it meant to me to have him say Hello, pause to smile, and also call my son by name to have a good night.

Thank you to Mr. Ben for being such a kind, warm, person and such a wonderful role model for both my son and for me over the years. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and see me beyond the haggard, juggling parent I felt I always was at the end of the day.

Thank you for being the type of staff member that remembers your Sorrento kids and recognizes them years later."

Winter break reminders

District offices are closed December 24 - January 1. Parents, students or staff needing transcripts, student records, technology support, registration services or human resources should contact us before December 25 or after January 1.

All district technology services will be down for maintenance December 29-31. Gmail will continue to work but all other services will be unavailable during this time.

We are aware staff and students may be planning to travel outside the area over winter break. We care about your health and safety, as well as our students, so we recommend you consider reviewing the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) if you are traveling. Review CDC Travel Guidance here.

Parkway recognized for youth tennis support

The United States Tennis Association awarded Parkway the 2021 St. Louis District Member Organization of the Year. USTA put us above all other organizations for our support and success of our junior programs, providing tennis courts for USTA St. Louis Adult Leagues, and our community outreach promoting the sport of tennis with free use of our facilities.

Learn more.

Principal steps in

This is what being a principal is all about! Due to an ongoing substitute teacher shortage, South Middle Principal Toby McQuerrey filled in one day last week as music teacher. Toby began his career teaching social studies.

Learn more.

West High teacher wins award

Zachary Jodlowski of West High was recognized as one of five Special School District teachers to receive an Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Zach does remarkable work with students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Additionally, he collaborates with staff throughout the building to ensure accommodations for all students.

See his reaction

Do Good December

Do Good December gives us simple, short, achievable ways to "do good" for ourselves and others, as we finish the year.

Check out the calendar below for ways you can get involved in kindness this month. In addition, Adrienne Adkison, Parkway counselor, will be hosting a live mindfulness session via Zoom December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Adrienne is a certified yoga teacher and has training in mindfulness based stress reduction.

To join the session, click here. Bring a yoga mat, water and something to write on.

With so many helpful resources, our call is one you won’t miss

Answering the phone can be your first step to better health.

When your phone’s caller ID says “UnitedHealthcare,” it could be a nurse making sure you’re set with after-care instructions. Or letting you know about a program that can help you live with pre-diabetes. We’re reaching out with information and resources that could help make a difference in improving your health.

These are not sales calls; no one will try to sell you anything. We’re phoning members who may want a personal, confidential conversation with a nurse. Reasons include:

Welcome Home - A Care Coordination nurse may call after you return home from a hospital stay to make sure you have after-care instructions, medication or medical equipment.
Disease Management - Our nursing staff receives referrals for patients who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or coronary artery disease. You may get a call to help connect you to available resources to help you manage your condition.
Healthy Pregnancy - A nurse from our Healthy Pregnancy program may be calling to let you know about educational services and health resources.

If you miss one of our calls or have questions about your UnitedHealthcare coverage, please call the toll-free number on your health plan ID card.

Inside Parkway

December 9, 2021

Helping students succeed