Bellerive Bulletin
January 4, 2026
Dear Bellerive Families,
As we return from winter break and begin the second half of the school year, our community is doing so with a mix of emotions. Last week, we learned the heartbreaking news of the passing of former Bellerive student Drew Patchin. (Drew's brother, Tyler, is in 2nd grade at Bellerive, and this email was sent to 2nd grade families last week.) Our thoughts continue to be with Drew’s family, and with the students and staff who are holding this loss close.
As we return to school tomorrow, our counseling team, with additional support from the district, will be actively checking in with students and staff who may be impacted. We are committed to providing care, space, and support as our community processes this loss together. If you have concerns about your child or feel they may need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s grade-level counselor.
- Grades K,2,4: Mrs. Svetlana Bigott (sbigott@parkwayschools.net or 314-415-6058)
- Grades 1,3,5: Mrs. Lindsay Knowles (lknowles@parkwayschools.net or 314-415-6057)
I hope winter break provided time to celebrate the holidays and be with loved ones. While returning after a loss can feel heavy, I am grateful to be part of a school community that consistently shows compassion, kindness, and care for one another. As we move forward into this new semester, we will continue supporting our students, staff, and one another with intention and heart.
In partnership,
Joey Kneer
THIS WEEK
Weekly Overview
Monday, January 5
- School Resumes
- Kdg Registration for 26-27 Opens Online
Wednesday, January 7
- 1st Semester Progress Reports & NWEA Scores Shared with Families
- 5th Gr. Course Request Night: 5:45 - 6:45 pm, Parkway Northeast Middle
Friday, January 9
- Club/Group Photos: 9:15 - 10:45 am
5th Gr. Night at Northeast Middle on Wednesday
Dear future Northeast Middle families,
Welcome to Northeast Middle and the Jr. Viking community! It is hard to believe that it is already that time of year. We are excited to begin the process of transitioning your child to middle school. The course request process is the first step. This will begin with a highly encouraged parent/scholar meeting for ALL incoming 6th grade families on Wednesday, January 7th, at 5:45p until 6:45p, in the Northeast Middle gym. Our goal is to have 100% participation with a parent/guardian/caretaker and the scholar in attendance. If you need any translating or accommodation services, please let me know in advance.
This meeting will be held at Northeast Middle in the gym. We will be discussing course offerings, completing the course request process, meeting the administration and counselor, being able to walk around the school, purchase spiritwear, and more. Scholars will also learn about their required music course offerings and our Project-Based Learning Team, Team INSPIRE.
In the meantime, we encourage you to review the Course Request Handbook for Northeast Middle, with your child.
On the 7th, we will meet in the large gym and the presentation will be approximately 30 minutes. If you have any Special Education questions, our Special Education Administrators will be present and/or please feel free to reach out to them directly.
- Mrs. Heather Mraz, SSD Administrator / IEPs (hrmraz@ssdmo.org)
- Mrs. Emily Moxey, SSD Administrator / DHH (esmoxey@ssdmo.org)
We look forward to meeting you on January 7th. If there is anything we can do to assist in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Have a wonderful holiday season and see you in 2026!
It is a great day to be a Viking,
Kevin M. Martin, Ed.D.
Principal, Parkway Northeast Middle
Important Links
Important Contact Information
- Dr. Sharleta Williams, 6th Grade Assistant Principal / 504s (swilliams16@parkwayschools.net)
- Dr. Joyce Pipes, 6th Grade Counselor (jpipes@parkwayschools.net)
- Dr. Kevin M. Martin, Principal (kmartin2@parkwayschools.net)
NEW INFO
Nurse Newsletter
Click here for the January Nurse newsletter.
INCOMING KINDERGARTEN & PRESCHOOL INFORMATION
Please share this information with Parkway/Bellerive families who have children eligible for Kindergarten or Preschool in 2026-2027.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year
ENROLLMENT BEGINS JANUARY 5, 2026
Missouri law requires children to be 5 years old by August 1st to enroll in Kindergarten. Our full-day, tuition-free program offers convenient online registration and enrollment (click here). If you do not have access to the internet, a device to use, or need assistance completing the online application, please call the Parkway Enrollment Hotline at (314) 415-9900.
REMINDER: If your are a current preschool family and completed the google form for automatic roll up, you do not need to complete the online registration for Kindergarten again.
The Wonderful World of Kindergarten
- Who: Parents and Guardians of 2026-2027 Kindergarteners
- When: Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
- Where: ZOOM Webinar - Registration Required
We understand that the transition to Kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and families. This session will provide you with all the information you need to ensure a smooth, confident, and joyful start to your child's educational journey in elementary school. Learn from current Parkway Kindergarten teachers about a typical day, what is expected of children, and how to prepare your child.
Visit Your Elementary School
- Who: Students entering Parkway Kindergarten in 2026-2027
- When: Thursday, January 29, 9:30 am - 10:30 am
- Where: Your child's assigned Parkway Elementary School
- How: Registration Required - Register Here
Get ready for 2026-2027 Kindergarten! Join us for a free event at your child's future Parkway Elementary School. Designed for incoming 2026-2027 Kindergartners and their parents/guardians, this visit and tour is a great way to explore the school and help your child feel more comfortable and excited. Parents as Teachers Parent Educators will also be there to welcome you. Registration Required
Preschool on Parade
- Who: Parents and guardians of 2026-2027 preschoolers
- When: Tuesday, February 3, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
- Where: Virtual via Google Meet
- How: Registration Required - Click Here
Are you ready to take the next step in your child's educational journey? Join Parkway Early Childhood for Preschool On Parade, a session specially designed for parents considering Parkway Early Childhood for their child's very first or next school experience outside the home! This online event offers a peek into the nurturing classroom environment, introduces the developmentally appropriate curriculum, and highlights how Parkway Early Childhood guides young learners to discover, play, and grow. Learn about the full-day & half-day programs, district preschool locations, and enrollment process. Feel completely confident and excited about this milestone in your child's life.
REMINDERS
Library Donations Needed
Project Lit Book Club
Our next Project Lit book is Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek, and we will be meeting Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 pm. This is a longer book, so make sure to get started soon!
North High's Community Science Night
Updated Buzz Book
Here is the latest update of the Bellerive Buzz Book. Please remember this is for internal purposes only and should not be shared or used for marketing purposes. Enjoy connecting with one another!
Leader in Me Survey - Response Needed
Yearbooks on Sale Now!
It’s time to order your child’s 2025–2026 yearbook! This is your opportunity to capture and keep the special memories, friendships, and milestones from this school year.
Bellerive Elementary
Yearbooks start at $17.10
Visit our school’s store to order: https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/belleriveelementary
Purchasing a yearbook gives your student a keepsake they’ll treasure for years. Thank you for helping us celebrate another year of memories at Bellerive Elementary.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Week of January 12
Wonderful World of Kindergarten (District Event for Incoming Kdg Families): January 13 , 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Virtual
HRSH (Human Relationships Sexual Health) Parent Curriculum Night-Elementary: January 13, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Parkway Central Middle School
Board of Education Regular Meeting: January 14, 7:00 PM, Parkway Welcome Center
No School (Professional Development): January 16
Week of January 19
No School (Dr. Martin Luther King Day): January 19
District PAMEE Meeting (Virtual): January 22, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Bellerive Family Movie Night: January 23 , 6:30 - 8:30 pm