Dear Parkway Families,

As we move further into the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share something we’re noticing, not just here at school, but across many communities nationwide: a growing interest among families in early academic enrichment that doesn't come at the cost of creativity, curiosity, or joy.

We know how much you care about your children learning to read, write, and reason well. We do too. At the same time, more and more parents are also asking an important question: How can we challenge our children academically without overwhelming them too early? It's a thoughtful shift, and one we wholeheartedly support.

Here at school, we are working to strike that balance. You'll see this reflected in classrooms that integrate:

• Play-based learning in the early grades, especially in math and literacy centers

• Creative exploration through art, science investigations, and storytelling

• Time to wonder and move, with recess, hands-on learning, and open-ended questions

At home, there are simple and meaningful ways to support this approach. Here are a few ideas you might try:

• Read together daily, not just for fluency, but for conversation and connection

• Ask open-ended questions like “What was the most interesting part of your day?” or “What would happen if…?”

• Limit over-scheduling with intentional time for unstructured play or rest

• Encourage imaginative play—build forts, play pretend, explore outside

• Celebrate effort and creativity, not just speed or perfection

This balance is important not just for academic success but for building children who are confident, curious, and resilient. Thank you for partnering with us in making that possible.

Have a lovely month.

Suzanne Barbi

May 2nd: Color Run: Preschool-Grade 1: 5:00 p.m.

May 2nd: Color Run: Grades 2-4: 5:45 p.m.

May 6th: NJSLA Testing: Grades 3 & 4

May 7th: NJSLA Testing: Grades 3 & 4

May 13th: NJSLA Testing: Grades 3 & 4

May 14th: NJSLA Testing: Grades 3 & 4

May 15th: NJSLA Testing: Grades 3 & 4

May 16th: Day of Service

May 19th: Games Day

May 20th: K-12 Visual Arts Festival, 5 p.m. at Paramus High School

May 22nd: Games Day Rain Date

May 23rd: School Closed

May 26th: School Closed

May 29th: Author Visit

We are pleased to invite you to an in-person book discussion focusing on the concluding section, "Part Four," of the book The Anxious Generation.

This session will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 1:30 PM at the Parkway School Library.

In order to ensure adequate space for all attendees, we kindly request that you RSVP by completing the this form. Please note that completion of the book is not a prerequisite for participation. We encourage all interested parents to join us for what we anticipate will be a valuable and insightful conversation.

The cast of Aladdin is doing a fantastic job, and everything is coming together beautifully! As we get closer to performance day, it’s crucial for all cast members to check the website regularly for updates on rehearsals and to continue practicing choreography and songs at home.

Keep up the great work, everyone!

Parkway School was buzzing with extra energy on Take Your Child to Work Day as faculty and staff brought in their children to join the fun. The children got a behind-the-scenes peek at what their parents do all day. Our young visitors added a dose of sunshine and smiles to the school day. Thank you to all the families who shared this special day with us—it was a fun and memorable experience for everyone!

First-grade students proudly shared their stories with friends from other grades and classes, spreading joy and building connections through their creative writing.

Parkway School’s Art Show was a great night, showcasing the incredible talent of student artists from every grade. Adding to the special atmosphere were our amazing student helpers, who served as security, greeters, and art docents—welcoming guests, guiding them through exhibits, and sharing insights about the artwork. Their leadership and enthusiasm helped make the evening a truly inspiring and well-orchestrated community event.

Thank you to Ms. Lanchero and her team for making this a great night!

Our second grade classes participated in the Meadowlands Marsh Explorer program. Students got immersed in the salt marsh habitat, learned about this special wetland ecosystem and became field biologists for the day!

Ms. Rice's kindergarten class recently celebrated a magical moment as they released their butterflies into the wild. The students watched with wonder as the tiny caterpillars they had been caring for transformed into chrysalises and, eventually, beautiful butterflies. It was an exciting and hands-on lesson about the life cycle—and a joyful send-off for their fluttering friends!

We’re thrilled to share that the Parkway Color Run raised over $12,000 to support our school! Thank you to all the families, students, and staff who contributed, participated, and made this event such a success. Your generosity and school spirit mean so much!

This special event will feature an impressive display of student artwork from all grade levels across the district, exhibited in our Paramus High School “galleries’ located in the main gym and atrium. You'll also get to experience our exciting “Funsters” collaboration—a creative project where imaginative monster drawings by elementary students have been reimagined by our talented high school artists.

In addition to the exhibition, families are invited to take part in a variety of interactive art-making workshops, held throughout the front of the building. Activities will range from origami to creating mini masterpieces, which will be displayed in our festival attendees’ gallery. Students who participate in all the workshops will be offered prizes to continue their creative journey.

To cap off the evening, we invite you to enjoy a live performance by the PHS Bands during their Spring Concert in the auditorium at 7:00 PM—a perfect way to end a night of artistic celebration.

This is a community-wide event, and all are welcome—so feel free to bring along friends and family as we celebrate the amazing talent and creativity of our students.