Henry Happenings

We look forward to seeing your children tomorrow. It would be greatly appreciated if you could please help your children remember to bring their Chromebooks back to school.

It will be important for everyone to remember patience as they drive on our parking lot during arrival and dismissal as snow is still packed on the drive, on sidewalks, etc. We want to ensure the safety of all and will alter our procedures as needed to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your help with this in advance!

Have you registered for the PTO Trivia Night? Keep reading below to get registered! It's coming up on February 1!

Make sure to keep reading below for more information on: Dreambox Challenge, Henry Harmonizers at Ambush Game, PTO Trivia Night, and more!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jodi Oliver

January 14 - Wonderful World of Kindergarten Virtual Event (incoming KDG students)

January 15 - PTO Papa Johns Night 4 PM to 8 PM

January 16 - Half Day, Dismissal at Henry 1:05 PM

January 17 - No School (Records Day)

January 20 - No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 28 - Reader in Me Online Submission Deadline

January 29 - Early Release, Dismissal at Henry 2:05 PM

January 30 - Early Childhood Visit Your Elementary 9:30 AM (Registration Required)

January 30 - PTO Meeting 7 PM

January 31 - Reader in Me Prize Distribution

February 1 - PTO Auction and Trivia Night

February 4 - PTO Tab Top Collection Day

February 13 - Early Release, Dismissal at Henry 2:05 PM

February 14 - No School (Professional Development)

February 17 - No School (Presidents Day)

The menu for Monday, 1/13/2025, will now be Teriyaki Chicken with Rice and Veggies. The online menus will be updated to reflect this, but we wanted to inform parents of this change since it was made due to recent weather activity.

We will administer social-emotional surveys to students in grades 3-5 and staff as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student success. These surveys gather valuable student feedback on school safety, sense of belonging, relationships, and more.

Students will take the surveys between January 13 and 24. They take about 15 minutes and are the same as those administered in the fall. They will allow us to identify areas of growth.

For more details, visit the FAQ page.

Join us in the Dreambox Challenge January 6th to January 31st.

As a school, we continue to work to increase the number of lessons students complete on Dreambox each week. One way we can do this is to play Dreambox at home or outside of school to help grow students’ math knowledge and problem-solving skills.

With your child, set a goal for how many days during the month of January he or she will play Dreambox outside of school hours. Write your goal in the box at the top of the calendar. Color in the box of each date to show your plays. Return your completed form to your teacher by Friday, February 7. If 50% of the Henry students play Dreambox outside of school at least 10 times during the month of January, we will have a surprise celebration!

Your child can login to Dreambox at home through Clever by using his or her login information or Clever badge. Once you log into Clever, your child can access Dreambox. See the flyer and calendar below for more information.

Attention Parents of Henry 5th Graders!

We need your help! Each year, we feature a special “THROWBACK” section for our fifth-grade

class in the yearbook. Please help us by submitting 2 photos of your child to be featured in the

“Then and Now” section.

Please see the flyer below for guidance on how to submit photos.

Our “Henry Harmonizers” (our voluntary 5th grade choir that meets before school on Monday mornings) will be singing “God Bless America” at an Ambush game at the Family Arena on Saturday, February 8 at 6 PM.

Please see the pictured flyer for details about the event and a QR code that directs to the Henry Elementary ticket link. Our ticket price (per person, including each singer - anyone over the age of 2) is $25.75.

Important Notes:

• All performers and supporters (family, friends, teachers, etc.) must purchase their tickets through this specific link to ensure you receive the group rate and are seated together.
• The ticket link will close on February 5th, so we encourage everyone to secure their tickets early. Please note the clear bag policies when attending.
• When you purchase your tickets, please send Mrs. Plesia a quick email to let me know your family is coming.

Students - get ready to tell us about your dream to learn! Write something that will inspire us and tell us why your dream is important to you.

Parkway Alumni Association sponsors Dream Grants (up to $250) to help pay for extracurricular learning experiences and materials, or for free community resources, such as a job shadowing opportunity. Students are encouraged to submit requests that will help them expand their skills, gain knowledge or experience, or participate in school-related or community activities.

The Granting Dreams Program, sponsored by Parkway Alumni Association, offers three grant opportunities for Parkway students who have a dream to learn outside their regular classroom. Please see the flyer below for more information and make sure to read the 2024 Granting Dreams Application for more information on eligibility, deadlines, grant amounts and other important information.

The Granting Dreams application period ends on Feb. 14th.

Entries for the Missouri National Education Association Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. contest are due to Mrs. Herrmann by 1/15.

The theme this year is "Youth for Change: Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Students are asked to reflect on “Dr. King's vision of equality, justice, and peace and how you can contribute to advancing his vision and promoting a more just and peaceful future.”

Students in grades K-2 and 3-5 can compete with a written essay with a poster. Please see the flyer below for submission requirements. Click here to access the 2025 Contest Materials and Entry Form.

Winter weather in the St. Louis area can be unpredictable. As snow, ice, and frigid temperatures become more likely, Parkway leaders closely monitor forecasts and make decisions with the safety of students and staff as the top priority. Here’s what to expect and how to stay prepared for winter weather and possible school closures.

What to expect during severe weather:

• Our calendar allows for three snow days. If we need more than three snow days this year, we will have virtual learning days.
• Late start and/or early dismissal: We have the option to start two hours late or dismiss early if needed.
• No Before or After School Care: If schools close or dismiss early due to inclement weather, before and after school care will not be available.
• Cancellations: When schools are closed, most events, practices, and student activities are canceled, and district buildings are closed. Coaches and schools will communicate specific updates.
• More Information: For details on school closures, click here.

How We Will Contact You

If there is a school closure or schedule change, we will notify staff and parents via:

• Phone call, text, and email
• Local TV and radio broadcasts
• Parkway’s website and social media channels

How to Prepare

Please know we closely monitor weather conditions. Our decisions are always based on the safety of your children.

• Have a family plan to prepare for a potential closing or a schedule change.
• Update your contact info. If you need to update your contact information, log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or update your settings in the Infinite Campus Parent app.

Cold Weather Preparation

• Warm Buses: Parkway buses are connected to heaters overnight to ensure they are warm and ready for your children.
• Warm Clothing: Please remind your children to wear appropriate winter clothing.
• Arrange Ride for Walkers: If your child usually walks, consider arranging a ride on extremely cold days.

Wind Chill and School Closures

Parkway uses the National Weather Service's wind chill chart as a guide when deciding to close schools or adjust outdoor activities.

• Schools may close if wind chill temperatures reach levels that could cause frostbite on exposed skin.
• Outdoor recess time is adjusted or canceled based on daily temperature conditions.
• The wind chill chart is a helpful guide, but we consider all factors to make the best decision for students and staff.

We can navigate winter weather safely and effectively by working together and staying informed.

Papa Johns Restaurant night Wednesday, 1/15, from 4-8 PM! Carry-out or delivery. In-store or online. No code needed. Valley Park store only (21 Stonegate Center, Valley Park, 63088). 10% of all net sales from the evening come back to Henry PTO.

The PTO is excited about another great Auction and Trivia Night. Below is important information regarding the auction, which opens for bidding and purchases on January 18th at 6 PM, but you can create and sign in to your account now.

Anyone who logs in and registers with the new 2025 auction by the end of January 18th will be entered into a raffle with 1 winner. The raffle will include a 1.5 hour Sky Zone pass, 2 coupons for a Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade or Hand-Spun Milkshake, Massage Luxe 15 minute HydroLuXe Massage and 5oz of Yogurt Pretzels from Smoothie King (A $50 value).

WHEN: Saturday, February 1st Doors open at 6PM and Trivia begins at 7PM

WHERE: Trinity Lutheran Church - 14088 Clayton Rd. 63017

WHAT: Theme is TV Sitcoms - We encourage you to get creative by dressing the theme! You can bring your own drinks and food; plan for your table or just bring your own. Trivia questions will be both written and audio. Heads or Tails (an individual game) tickets will be available for purchase the night of the event.

WHY: The proceeds from Henry’s PTO Annual Trivia & Auction Night enhance our school by

providing funding for programs and improvements such as: library renovations, school

beautification, Teacher Grants, Teacher/Staff/Student appreciation, leadership/character.

programs, recess equipment, STEAM/Multicultural/ Trunk or Treat Nights, classroom parties and

so much more!

Registration is required to attend. This is an adults-only event. Trivia Night sells out quickly every year, so don't miss out, register here!

Having trouble connecting to the Buzz Book and other information via the helpful red buttons at the bottom of this newsletter? At the top of the email, please click "View in browser". This will make the red buttons at the bottom of the newsletter clickable again.

You can also access the links here while SMORE works to update this feature.

• Bulldog Brags for Teachers/Staff, Click Here to Nominate!
• Buzz Book (Password Henry2024)
• Henry School Handbook
• Henry Staff Directory
• How to Volunteer at Henry
• Update Your Family Profile

Email: joliver2@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/Domain/15
Location: 700 Henry Avenue, Ballwin, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-6350
Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs