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.edline.net/pages/Henry_Elementary

August 2016

Dear Parents,

As the year begins with our focus on school site expansion, new technology (i.e.

Chrome Books), a new math series, and enhancing our 7 Habits – character focus,

it is hard to not think about the movie, The Wizard of Oz. It seems to fit…

Dorothy told her friends, “There’s no place like home.” Even with all the

construction, we see the end in sight and realize how much better the facilities will

be for our students and community.

We will have the opportunity to integrate topics about the different pieces to our

construction as we teach math, science, communication, technology, and

leadership. We will continue to experience how all of the construction people

work together, have a plan, share leadership and utilize expertise. It will be a fun

year as a great school expands to accommodate our great community. There IS

“no place like home.”

As in the Wizard of Oz, we will help our students utilize wisdom (like the

Scarecrow), develop courage to learn and be leaders (like the Lion) and continue to

have the heart and caring (like the Tin Man). We will grow and learn in a

wonderful place.

Thanks for being at Henry. We believe in a focus on excellence for your children

and for ourselves.

In the best interest of your child.

Lynn Pott, Ph.D.

P.S. Please read the entire newsletter for all the new important information.

2016-2017 HENRY STAFF LIST

We know that parents are interested in the grade level assignments for the 2016-2017 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: Dr. Lynn Pott Assistant Principal: Brian Moeckel, Ed.S. Office Staff: Sherrie Lema, Carolyn Schenck, Marynel Collins Nurse: Jeri Drummond Kindergarten: Lisa Barton, Julie Gaffney, Sarah Gantner, Danielle Terranova 1st Grade: Jackie Survant, Stacie Kirchhoff, Kaitlyn McGovern, Kimberleigh Jaquin 2nd Grade: Jean Beel, Emily Fischer, Caroline Ayers, Michelle Jarvis 3rd Grade: Katie O’Connor, Valerie Barthelmass, Sharon Meyers, Brett Bunsick

4th Grade: Christine McNichols, Mike Verble, Ashley Spencer 5th Grade: Chad Call, Beth Leven, Erin Done, Heather Byrd Art: Regina Peterson Computer Resource: 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, Carrie Shine, Jane Dunn, Ashley Mahon SSD Staff: Amy Manczuk (Area Coordinator), Emily Seithel, Angie Tiemann, Laura Margolis, Julie Nickerson, Janet Gleason, Beth Dobson, Deb Davis, Lynn Hassett, Theresa Thoene, Cindy Conavay, Sylvia Efkin, Nancy Scheibal, Colleen Johnson, Christy Hoppe, Cindy Embry, Lisa Jones, Janisha Giles Dietary Aides: Anita Burton, Amanda McCall-Schroer Custodians: John Clay, James Roberts, Alan Music

Dates To Remember: (*Due to construction, dates could change) August 9: 8:00—9:00 a.m. Optional / Informal Meet and Greet – Kindergarten (Kindergarten students can see their classroom and bring their supplies if they would like. August 9: 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 supplies. August 10: First day of school (Doors open at 8:50) August 17: Informational Session for parents only of 2016 kindergarten students - 6—6:30 p.m. August 25: Parent Orientation for Grades 1-5

1st—3rd: 6:00-6:45 4th - 5th: 7:15 - 8:00 September 5: No School/ Labor Day September 6: PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 7: Late Start Day (11:05) September 30: Picture Day

*NEW PROCEDURE FOR PARENT DROP OFF/PICK UP

For the safety of all students, we are implementing a new procedure for dropping off in the morning and picking up after school. The procedure will be the similar for both arrival and dismissal. The back drop-off door will be open from 8:50– 9:05 a.m. Once the doors close you will have 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 Drivers 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.

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

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 following 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.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

Upon arrival to school on August 10, 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 concerns. We want the first day to be free

of stress. The first day should be an excellent experience. That is why we are here.

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

STUDENT NAME TAGSSTUDENT 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.

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 partici-

pating in previously arranged, supervised after-school

activities.

We want your children to be safe and appropriate-

ly 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 implemented a new

program and will have delayed starting times for

students on staff professional development days. On

the eight dates listed below, students at Henry will

start school at 11:05 a.m.

September 7 January 11

October 5 February 1

November 2 March 1

December 7 April 5

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.

KINDERGARTEN BUS SAFETY

During school on Thursday, August 11, “Buster

the Bus” will come to visit the kindergarten students.

Parkway holds this program for all incoming

kindergarten students. They will go over bus safety

while having fun with BUSTER!

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 transpor-

tation department time to evaluate the number of chil-

dren 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 desti-

nation.

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 equip-

ment.

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 information.

This will enable us to have

accurate information before

school starts. We appreciate

your assistance.

RENOVATIONS

This summer some parts of the

building are getting a whole new

look! We have major construction

going on that will be completed

in stages. Due to construction,

some dates might change and

you will be notified through email.

KINDERGARTEN PARENT MEETING

The 2016-2017 kindergartner parents are invited to attend our Kindergarten (Parents Only) Meeting on Wednesday evening, August 17, from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. During the presentation, we will share information and get to know each other. At that time you will have an opportunity to sign up for conferences and to volunteer in our school programs.

Welcome Back On Tuesday, August 9 from 8:00—9:00 a.m.

Kindergarten students and their parents can

come visit their classroom, bring their supplies, and meet their

teacher. This is an exciting time for kindergarteners to come

and see where they will go on the first day.

Also, on Tuesday, August 9, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.,

students in grades 1–5 and their parents may visit their

classroom to meet their teacher for the upcoming school

year. The class lists will be posted in the grade level

classroom 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 ORIENTATION NIGHT (GRADES 1-5)

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

tend Parent Orientation Night on Thursday, August 25.

Parents whose children are in grades 1, 2, 3 should attend

from 6:00—6:45 p.m.; parents of students in grades 4, 5 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 evening. We look forward to seeing you.

Henry School is fortunate to have an active Parent Teacher Organization that works to support our school and make it a better place for all students. It is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s school. The first PTO meeting for 2016/2017 school year is on Tuesday,

September 6, 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 stu-

dents 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.

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 a Leadership student 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 2016-2017

school year. For more information on

how to update, make changes, etc.

Please check the Parkway website.

*New Birthday Celebrations*

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

celebration at Henry School so we are starting a new

tradition!

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 new 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!

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance and punctuality are a must if a child is

to gain the utmost from his/her educational experience. It es-

tablishes a lifelong pattern which is beneficial. We urge you

to have your child attend school with as few absences and

tardies 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 ab-

sences. Absences without a call or reason will be recorded as

unexcused. All absences 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

census 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 permitted. 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,

headscarves, or head wraps in the building.

Tennis shoes and socks should be worn for physical

education 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

necessary 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 bring 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.

N

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r

s

E

S

N

o

t

e

s

From the P.E.

Department

Students

participating in physical

education classes are to wear

tennis shoes. If a child is to be excused

from P.E. class, a note should be written for

that particular day. A doctor's written

excuse is necessary if a student will miss

class for an extended period of time.

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.

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

Opportunities 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 for Parkway’s news page

--or-- 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.

NON-DISCRIMINATION/ACCOMMODATION NOTICE

The Parkway School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gen-der, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. If an oth-erwise qualified person with a disability needs accommodations to attend or participate in a school or Dis-trict activity, please contact a staff member responsible for that event at least four (4) business days in ad-vance.

Questions, concerns, or requests for information/assistance can also be directed to the designated District coordinator for each applicable federal law.

DISTRICT NEWS

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