Henry Happenings
Summer Update - July 31, 2023
Principal Message
Happy New Year to all our wonderful Henry school families! Wishing you a year filled with joy, growth, and success. We look forward to continuing to work together to make this year amazing for our students!
On cold weather days, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately to go outside for recess. We will go outside until the weather is at 20 degrees temperature only or 20 degrees including the wind chill. Also, it is very helpful if your child's name is written on the tags of hats, gloves, etc. We are able to get everything back to the rightful owner quickly when there is a label!
Just a few reminders for those participating in parent drop off/pick up. Please remember adults should stay in their cars at all times and children should exit the car on the right. If you need to buckle or put children in car seats, please move forward to the space near the dumpster to get out of the car and complete this task. Please convey this message to any of the grown ups that may be picking up your child. It's important to follow these procedures for the safety of all.
Make sure to keep reading below for more information on: Preparing for Winter Weather Days, Kindergarten Registration, Henry Harmonizers at Ambush Game, PTO Trivia Night, and more!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jodi Oliver
What to Know: Preparing for Winter Weather in Parkway
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.
25-26 Kindergarten Registration Opens January 6th
2025-2026 Kindergarten registration opens January 6th. Missouri law requires children to be 5 years old by August 1st to enroll in Kindergarten. Parkway's full-day, tuition-free program offers convenient online registration and enrollment. More information and the Steps to Enroll can be found by clicking here.
Also, don't miss out on The Wonderful World of Kindergarten Zoom Webinar for Rising 2025-26 Kindergarten Parents/Guardians on Tuesday, January 14 at 6 PM. The "Wonderful World of Kindergarten" webinar is an excellent opportunity for Parkway parents to learn more about Kindergarten and:
- What is REALLY expected of children entering Kindergarten?
- What happens on a typical day?
- How to help prepare your child
- How and when to register
- Presented by staff members of Parkway Early Childhood and Parkway Kindergarten teachers
Click here to register for the webinar Wonderful World of Kindergarten.
Henry Harmonizers at the Ambush Game Feb. 8th
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.
Granting Dreams Program Entries Due by Feb. 14th
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.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Entries Due Feb. 15th
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.
Nurse Notes
Check out the January Nurse's Newsletter.
Topics include:
- Could it be Pneumonia?
- Avoiding Slips and Falls
- Preparing for the Cold Weather
- Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
- Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Parkway Health Services Links - Health Forms
- Current Illness Guidelines - Illness Guidelines
Attendance Information and Reminders
As we continue to focus on providing the best educational experience for all of our students, we want to take a moment to highlight the critical role that consistent school attendance plays in your child’s academic success.
Why Attendance Matters: Regular school attendance is essential for your child’s learning and overall development. Every day in the classroom contributes to building knowledge, skills, and relationships that are vital for academic progress. Missing school—even for one day—can lead to gaps in learning, which can accumulate over time. By ensuring that your child attends school regularly, you're helping them stay on track, stay engaged, and feel connected to their learning community.
How We Track and Communicate Attendance: To help monitor and encourage regular attendance, we send home attendance letters each month to students with an atttendance percentange less than 93%. These letters outline your child’s attendance record for the month and include any absences or tardies. Please know this communication is an expectation from the Parkway School District.
A Partnership in Attendance: We understand that life can sometimes interfere with attendance, whether it’s due to illness, family matters, or other challenges. If your child is struggling with attendance for any reason, we encourage you to contact us so we can offer support and find solutions together. We’re here to partner with you to ensure that your child’s educational experience remains strong and consistent.
Henry Elementary School
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