Henry School Newsletter

Henry Elementary School

Parkway School District

Lynn Pott, Ph.D. 700 Henry Avenue—Ballwin, Missouri 63011 Brian Moeckel, Ed.S.

Principal (314) 415-6350 Assistant Principal

www.parkwayschools.net/henry

August 2017

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Lyman Frank Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, took on new meaning during our construction, which actually began last year. One scene in the movie states, “There’s no place like home.” Our Henry “home” contin-ued to have excellent improvements over the summer. There were several weeks this summer that we could not be at the school due to the construction work. (We could not be there to give advice...which is probably good, since that is not our expertise.)

Thanks to the excellent Parkway Board of Education and our supportive community, Henry has seven new rooms, which were completed at the end of March 2017. This summer, two new roofs replaced old leaking roofs and new HVAC (heating and air conditioning) systems were installed in two areas of the building. Our 25-year-old cafeteria carpet, which had tile underneath it, was removed and replaced with new flooring.

New learning also took place. Our staff participated in workshops on math, technology, the eclipse, STEM, health and wellness, the 7 Habits Character Education, and literacy. The focus is to continue to create the best place for your children. As a National Blue Ribbon School, we have high expectations for ourselves and each child.

It is a great place to “grow up,” because of the caring and the focus on individual student excellence. As Baum stated, “There’s no place like home.” That statement definitely fits Henry School.

In the best interest of your child,

Lynn Pott, Ph.D.

P.S. This is Henry School’s 50th year! Various happenings are being planned to celebrate during the 2017-2018 year.

Dates To Remember: August 6: Optional Kdg. event - Popsicles with Principals 3:30-5:00 - Kindergarten stu-dents and their families are invited to the lower playground for a cold treat and a time to meet other people. August 11: Kdg. Bus Safety Ride 3:00 August 14: Kdg. Parent Orientation (parents only) - 6:30-7:15, PTO information 7:30 August 15: Optional - Welcome Back/Meet the Teacher – Informal “drop-in” visiting 2:30-3:30 *This is an optional time to briefly visit the classroom and possibly drop off any sup-plies. August 16: First day of school (Doors open at 8:50) August 25: New Parent Breakfast (sponsored by PTO) 7:50-8:30 August 31: Parent Open House ⇒ Grades 3,4 & 5: 6:00-6:45 ⇒ Grades 1 & 2: 7:15-8:00 September 4: No School/ Labor Day September 6: Late Start Day (11:05) September 29: Picture Day

2017-2018 Teacher’s Message

Teachers for grades 1-5 will be sending an email by August 15,

welcoming your children to their class. For Kindergarten, the

email will be sent prior to Monday, August 14.

FIRST DAY - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Upon arrival to school on August 16, all students will be met

in the lobby by staff members and/or volunteer parents. Each

student will then be directed to their class assignments. All

classroom teachers will be at the doors of their classrooms to

meet and greet the students.

Please call us if you or your child has any questions or con-

cerns. We want the first day to be free of stress. The first day

should be an excellent experience. That is why we are here.

Parkway School District asks parents to view the online “Back

To School Checklist.” It contains valuable resources, legal no-

tices and policies. http://pkwy.info/back2schoolchecklist

STUDENT NAME TAGS We are enclosing name tags which should be worn

by kindergarten, first, and second grade students.

Please write your child's full name, address, phone

number, bus route number, and bus stop on the tag

for your child. To make the first few days go

smoothly, please attach the name tag to your child’s

clothing for the first three days of school. If your child is new to Henry and in third, fourth,

or fifth grade, we ask that you fill out the tag and

have your child carry it with them for the first few

days.

A SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST FOR

EACH GRADE LEVEL CAN BE

FOUND ON THE HENRY SCHOOL

WEBSITE UNDER THE “PARENT”

TAB.

2017-2018 HENRY STAFF LIST We know that parents are interested in the grade level assignments for the 2017-2018 school year. This staff list is current as the newsletter is “sent to press.” Classroom teachers are tentatively scheduled for each grade level. Please remember that fluctuating enrollment and other circumstances may create the need for additional modifications. There is always a possibility that the following listings may change. Principal: Lynn Pott, Ph.D. Assistant Principal: Brian Moeckel, Ed.S. Office Staff: Carolyn Schenck, Marynel Collins Nurse: Jeri Drummond Kindergarten: Lisa Barton, Julie Gaffney, Sarah Gantner, Danielle Terranova

1st Grade: Jackie Survant, Stacie Kirchhoff, Kaitlyn McGovern, Kim Schuessler (Jacquin) 2nd Grade: Jean Beel, Emily Fischer, Caroline Ayers, Michelle Jarvis

3rd Grade: Katie O’Connor, Sharon Meyers, Valerie Barthelmass, Brett Bunsick 4th Grade: Christine McNichols, Ashley Mahon, Mike Verble, Ashley Spencer

5th Grade: Chad Call, Beth Leven, Erin Done, Heather Byrd Art: Regina Peterson Technology Specialist: Nancy McGrath Counseling: Julie Herrmann, Lauren Turner Instructional Coach: Tina Reidler Library: Brenda Senseman Math Intervention: Kim Meininger MOSAICS: Stacy Klohmann Music: Peggy Plesia Physical Education: David Curran, Kevin Pettus Reading Intervention: Elise Sivcovich, Denise Stevens Strings: Adam Wheeler Teacher Assistants: Jamie Shoop, Felicia Miller

SSD Staff: Amy Manczuk (Area Coordinator), Abby Fox, Emily Seithel, Angie Tiemann, Gretchen Montgomery, Julie Nickerson, Janet Gleason, Beth Dobson, Colleen Johnson, Deb Davis, Lynn Hassett, Theresa Thoene, Cindy Conavay, Sylvia E?in, Nancy Scheibal, Christy Hoppe, Lisa Jones Dietary Aides: Anita Burton, Amanda McCall Custodians: John Clay, James Roberts

PROCEDURE FOR PARENT DROP OFF/PICK UP

The back drop-off door will be open from 8:50– 9:05 a.m. Once the doors close you

will need to bring your child to the front of the building, park, and walk them in to sign

in. Please do NOT drop off your child if the doors are closed because the doors lock

and they will not be able to get in.

♦ Students can ONLY unload/load from the passenger side IN the YELLOW ZONE

♦ Driver’s side doors should ALWAYS stay closed.

♦ Do Not pull up in front of the building to drop off your child during

arrival/dismissal. This is an important safety procedure due to the unloading of

the buses in the front area. Please remember that due to the size of the buses, the

drivers have limited visibility. Never walk between buses because they can roll back

which can cause a serious accident.

Name cards will be issued to parents who regularly pick up their children. (If you

picked up your child last year at Henry, please put your name card in your front

window to help the pickup system run smoothly.) For safety and so that full a,en-on

is given as students walk to their cars, we ask that cell phones are NOT used in the

pick-up line. Thank you for your help with this procedure.

*Refer to the map on the next page for the dismissal procedures.

STUDENTS WALKING TO SCHOOL The safety of children walking to school is very important. Please show your child the route you wish

him/her to take before school starts. Also, please review with your child the necessity of

using the designated crosswalks near the school and also to follow the instructions of our

crossing guard. Children should always be aware of any strangers who approach them and

should let a responsible adult know immediately if anything unusual occurs. They

should also remember not to approach anyone in a car who may stop to ask them

questions. Due to the high volume of traffic before and after school, students are not permitted to ride bikes to

and from school. Also, no rollerblading, skating, or skateboarding is allowed on school property.

Walker permission slips will be sent home the first day of school and should be completed and

returned immediately if you wish your child to walk to and from school. If your child will be walking home on the first day, please write a note to the office for the first day

of school.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES The school supply list is available online on the Henry website. Please label personal

items with your child's name. Please do not buy additional items unless requested by

the teacher. Each student in grades 1-5 will be receiving a student planner on the

first day of school compliments of the PTO; kindergarten students will receive a

special Henry folder.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS School hours at Henry are 9:05 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for grades K-5. Students will be able

to enter the building at 8:50 a.m. Please do not drop your children off before 8:50 a.m.

unless they attend the Adventure Club program or have made specific arrangements with a

teacher. Before that time, teachers are involved in meetings and preparing for the day, and

there is no supervision available. All students should leave the building promptly at

dismissal unless they are participating in previously arranged, supervised after-school

activities. We want your children to be safe and appropriately supervised. When children are dropped

off early or not picked up on time, supervision is not in place. Thank you for your understanding.

DELAYED STARTS Parkway School District has delayed starting

times for students on staff professional develop-

ment days. On the eight dates listed below, stu-

dents at Henry will start school at 11:05 a.m. September 6 January 10 October 4 February 7 November 1 March 7 December 6 April 4 Lunch will be scheduled into the shortened school

day.

PARENT ACCESS TO INFINITE CAMPUS

Infinite Campus is a web-based student

information system. Parents and legal

guardians of elementary students have secure

access to basic student contact information,

attendance, and immunization records via the

internet. For security purposes, each

authorized individual must first sign a user

agreement in person (or have the form

notarized) to obtain an activation key. If you

have not done so, please stop by Instruction

Services Center (12657 Fee Fee Rd.) and see

the registrar for your activation key and

user’s guide.

PLEASE SIGN IN As you come to the front door, press the buzzer and identify yourself and how we can help you. After the secretary opens the front door for you, go directly to the office and sign in. You must make a name tag to wear for your designated appointment. You will need to wear your nametag while you are at Henry. For the safety of all students, this is required for anyone entering the building. Also, you must come back through the office to sign out before you leave. ALWAYS enter and exit through the front doors. If there is an emergency situation, we need to be able to account for everyone. Once the school day has begun the expectation is that the students walk to their classroom. If a student needs assistance, there are staff members or Leadership Students who will assist them. This allows the school day to begin on time and enables continual instruction during the day. If you have a concern that needs to be addressed by the teacher, please email or leave a message on their voicemail in order to schedule an appropriate time to come in and discuss the matter. Thank you for understanding.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE It is expected that all parents of Henry students

contact the school office if their child(ren) will be

late or absent. To report an absence before

9:05 a.m., please call the attendance line at

314-415-6376; and after 9:05 a.m., call

314-415-6350. This way we will know where your

child is and will be assured of his or her safety.

Family Verification Forms Please update your Family Verification

Form on-line for the 2017-2018

school year. For more information on

how to update, make changes, etc.

Please check the Parkway website.

Birthday Celebrations

We are excited to be a part of every child’s birthday

celebration at Henry School!

In lieu of treats or items to be passed out to the class,

each child will receive a small white paper

“BIRTHDAY BAG”. In this bag they can bring an

appropriate item to school that they would like to tell

their class about. It could be something that they are

proud of, something that they like to do outside of

school, a drawing, etc. Each child will have the

opportunity to showcase what makes them unique

and talk about something they like. It gives a chance

for their classmates to possibly learn something new

about your child!

This tradition follows our LEADER IN ME focus

and it celebrates all students’ strengths and interests.

Your child could also decorate the outside of their

bag with crayons or markers if they want to!

*Please send the birthday bag in on or around your child’s birthday. Not before.

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From the P.E. Department: Students par-cipa-ng in physical educa-on

should always wear tennis shoes.

If a child is to be excused from P.E. class, a note

should be wri,en for that par-cular day. A doc-

tor's wri,en excuse is necessary if a student will

miss class for an extended period of -me.

LABELING ITEMS

Please put first and last name on all personal belongings (e.g., school supplies, lunch boxes, coats, hats, sweatshirts, etc.,). This will enable your child to identify misplaced items.

Also, please check the “Lost & Found” if your child is missing any items.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE Regular attendance and punctuality are a must if a child is to

gain the utmost from his/her educational experience. It

establishes a lifelong pattern which is beneficial. We urge you

to have your child attend school with as few absences and

tardiness as possible. If your child is going to be absent, we ask that you call our

attendance line at 314-415-6376 before 9:05 a.m. and let us

know the reason for the absence so that we know where

your child is and are assured of his/her safety. (Messages can

be left on the absence line 24 hours a day.) This will help us

keep records of excused and unexcused absences. All absenc-

es are recorded on an hourly basis. When a student arrives at school after 9:05 a.m., a parent

must accompany the child to the office. A parent signature and

reason for late arrival is required on the Student Sign-In

Sheet. Thank you for helping us take care of your children.

RELEASING STUDENTS

It is sometimes necessary to release students for appointments and family emergencies. A note explaining the reason and time for release should be signed by the parent. Your child can then give the note to his teacher. For the safety of your child, students will be dismissed only through the office. Teachers are instructed not to release students from the classroom or playground. Parents picking up children must come to the office and sign out their child. We can only release children to the parents/guardians listed on the family verification forms. If others need to pick up your child, you will need to contact the office in advance and provide written permission. We ask that you make all after-school plans with your children before sending them to school. However, if you need to get a message to your child, or change the instructions for going home, please call the office before 3:00 p.m. We will call your child at a convenient time to pick up your important message.

SCHOOL DRESS GUIDLINES Children are encouraged to value neatness and cleanliness.

Appropriate and comfortable clothing will help the students

participate fully in all school activities. Children who are

dressed inappropriately will be sent to the office and parents

will be contacted. ♦ Children should not wear spaghetti straps, low cut shirts

or tops, or those showing the midriff. Tight shorts or

short shorts or other distracting clothing are also not per-

mitted. Pants are to be worn on the waist and not slung

low. ♦ Clothing advertising alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or logos

and messages inappropriate for a school setting should

not be worn. ♦ Children are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, head-

scarves, or head wraps in the building, unless it is for

specific reasons. ♦ Tennis shoes and socks should be worn for physical edu-

cation classes and for recess and playground activities.

Flip-flops, open sandals, clogs or high-heeled shoes

should not be worn at school due to the nature of recess

and PE activities. ♦ Outer clothing appropriate for the weather will be neces-

sary since recess is outdoors whenever possible. ♦ Henry is an air-conditioned building.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are not to use or have cell phones during

school hours. If students br ing them to school, they must be kept in the child’s backpack or they may be kept by the teacher and returned to the student at the end of the day. Also, electronic devices are not to be brought to school. There is a telephone in each classroom that can be

used for emergencies.

KINDERGARTEN PARENT MEETING

The 2017-2018 kindergartner parents are invited to attend our Kindergarten Parents’ Meet-ing on Monday evening, August 14, from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Please know that this is for PARENTS ONLY, so everyone can focus on the important infor-mation. During the presentation, we will share infor-mation and get to know each other.

Welcome Back On Tuesday, August 15, between

2:30 and 3:30 p.m., students in grades

K–5 and their parents may visit their classroom. The

class lists will also be posted in the grade level class-

room areas. Please understand that this is an informal

and casual time as the teachers will be working on

setting up their rooms for the first day. This time is

designed to help the students see who their teachers

are and where their classrooms are located.

*The building will be closed at 3:30 p.m. as

teachers are scheduled to attend a meeting at that

time.

We know first days are always exciting, but

sometimes stressful for students. We hope this

procedure will be beneficial. Please do not request

any changes in your child's class assignment. The

assignments were made after considerable input from

our staff and many hours of discussion. PARENT OPEN HOUSE NIGHT

Parents of students in grades 1-5 are encouraged to attend

Parent Orientation Night on Thursday, August 31. Parents

whose children are in grades 3, 4 & 5 should attend from

6:00—6:45 p.m.; parents of students in grades 1 & 2 should

attend from 7:15—8:00 p.m. You are invited to meet your

child's teacher and receive information about the curriculum.

As this is a special parent-teacher event, we ask that children

do not attend and that you plan ahead for childcare that even-

ing. We look forward to seeing you.

Henry School is fortunate to have an active Parent Teacher Organization. It works to support our school and make Henry a better place for all students. It is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s school. The first PTO meeting for 2017/2018 school year is on Tuesday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. at

Henry.

CONTACTING TEACHERS Good communication is important to us at

Henry. If you would like to speak with a

teacher, please call their voicemail numbers,

send an email, or send a note to set up a time

for a parent one-on-one conversation. In the

morning, teachers are greeting students and

monitoring them. During the day, teachers

cannot stop instruction to answer questions

from parents. Please do not go to the

classrooms at these times, unless a previous

appointment has been made. This procedure

should allow for excellent communication to

occur and still enable continued student

supervision and instruction.

Thank you for your help.

KINDERGARTEN BUS SAFETY (Optional Event)

On Friday, August 11 at 3:00, “Buster the Bus”

will come to Henry School. Parkway holds this

program for all incoming kindergarten students.

They will go over bus safety while having fun with

BUSTER! The event lasts about 45 minutes. They

take a very short ride on a school bus, which takes

about 10 minutes.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Route Information

Bus route information will be

available on-line through the

Parkway website beginning

August 1.

CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION If at any time during the school year, your

child will be going home a different way than

normal (e.g., riding a different bus, parent

picking up, going home with a friend, etc.),

please send a note to the teacher. If your child is

riding a different bus home or getting off at a

friend’s bus stop, it is necessary to get a bus

pass from the school office. Children being

picked up by someone other than their parents

are to also bring a note and get a pickup pass.

Notes from the parents of both children will be

needed if a child is going to another student’s

home. *Bus riders must get off at their designated

stop unless they bring a note from home to

notify the office and get a bus pass.

Bus Safety We also recommend that students assigned to

buses ride their specified bus the first few

weeks and do not request bus passes. This is

to allow our transportation department time to

evaluate the number of children assigned to

each bus. Please be patient the first few days

as buses may arrive later than scheduled due

to new drivers, new students, and new stops. Please review the bus rules listed below

with your child. • Be at your assigned bus stop five minutes

before the bus is scheduled to arrive (or as

indicated on your bus card). • Line up in an orderly fashion while waiting

for your bus to arrive. • Do not damage or litter your neighbor's

property. • Do not crowd or push at the bus stop. • Observe the directions of the bus driver

and be respectful. • Take your seat promptly upon boarding. • Stay in your seat until the bus arrives at

your destination. • Keep your head and hands inside the bus. • Do not throw objects out of the windows. • Do not litter on the bus. • No loud talking or undue noise while on

the bus. • Do not eat or drink on the bus. • Do not tamper with the bus or any of its

equipment.

Have you moved?

If you have moved or if your

phone number changed over

the summer, please call the

school at 314-415-6350

and give the office your updated infor-

mation. This will enable us to have accurate

information before school starts. We appreci-

ate your assistance.

Henry School

Name ______________________________________

Address ____________________________________

Parent Contact Phone # ________________________

Grade______ Teacher_________________

New Student: ________ yes _______ no

On my way home I will:

◊ Ride PM Bus Route # __________

◊ Be picked up by ____________________________

◊ Walk home

◊ Adventure Club

NAME TAGS Please complete information on tags. K—2 students should wear tags. Gr 3—5 should have tags with them

Henry School

Name ______________________________________

Address ____________________________________

Parent Contact Phone # ________________________

Grade______ Teacher_________________

New Student: ________ yes _______ no

On my way home I will:

◊ Ride PM Bus Route # __________

◊ Be picked up by ____________________________

◊ Walk home

◊ Adventure Club

*PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM

Parents as Teachers Program is available to all Parkway residents who have children between birth and five

years of age.

Enroll today by calling 314-415-6973 and receive...

• Free personal visits in your home from a parent educator

• Ideas about how to encourage your child’s growth and development

• Free developmental screening of your child

Opportuni-es for you and your child to play and learn together at the Parkway Early Childhood Center

*DO YOU WANT PARKWAY NEWS NOW?

If you’re on the go all the time, there are now many quick and easy options for connecting with Parkway

online!

Go to: www.parkwayschools.net/news/followus.cfm to sign up for:

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Parkway Mobile App

• Video streaming of past and live Board of Education meetings

*ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION Henry School--700 Henry Avenue

The U. S. EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) under the Federal Code of Reg-ulations 40 CFR 763.93g(4) requires that building occupants be notified annually of the presence of asbestos in the building and the availability of the Asbestos Management Plan. A copy of the Management Plan is available for review in the school office or at the Parkway School District’s Environmental Services Depart-ment located at 363 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017. The Management Plan identifies the types and locations of asbestos in the building, and identifies inspections, sampling data, and response actions taken by the District.

Questions regarding asbestos or the Management Plan can be directed to the principal, Dr. Lynn

Pott, at 314-415-6350, or to Juliette Travous, Manager Environmental Services for Parkway School District,

at 314-415-8294.

DISTRICT NEWS

*Parkway School District No2ce of Nondiscrimina2on

It is the policy of the Parkway School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color,

na2onal origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, gene2c informa2on, or any other

characteris2c protected by law in its programs, ac2vi2es or employment prac2ces. In addi2on,

the School District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated

youth groups.