November Newsletter

Join us December 23rd for Giving Tuesday as we’re shining a light on the Light of Parkway Award, celebrating our dedicated operations staff who make a difference every day.

Inspired by the legacy of Sandy Finch—a cherished Parkway bus driver known for her positivity and kindness—this award recognizes the unsung heroes who help create an environment where students thrive.

Your generosity fuels this tradition.

Show your appreciation for these extraordinary individuals. Every donation helps us continue to uplift and honor their vital contributions. Give today and make a lasting impact!

We’re excited to honor Dr. Keith Marty, Parkway’s Superintendent since 2011, as an honorary Member of the Parkway Hall of Fame! With over five decades in public education, Dr. Marty has transformed Parkway into a forward-thinking district rooted in inclusivity, innovation, and community. His leadership has driven initiatives like Project Parkway, Spark! experiential learning, and expanded programs addressing mental health, equity, and diversity, enriching opportunities for students and families alike.

Under Dr. Marty’s guidance, Parkway schools have earned prestigious awards, including four new National Blue Ribbon Schools and numerous character recognitions. Beyond academics, his legacy includes strong business partnerships, environmental achievements, and maintaining Parkway’s AAA financial rating. Join us in celebrating Dr. Marty’s remarkable impact by supporting the Parkway Alumni Association in honor of his dedication to Parkway students, staff, and families.

Join us to witness this memorable evening and the induction of all Parkway Hall of Fame members—watch it here!

Learn more about all of the inductees here.

Join Parkway on the ice to cheer on the Blues! Don’t miss out on tickets for this exciting game:

-Friday, December 27, 2024 — Blues vs. Nashville Predators at 7:00 PM

Grab your tickets, bring your Parkway pride, and let’s support the Blues together.

Mark your calendars—Trivia Night 2025 is set for March 22, 2025! Get ready for an evening of fun and friendly competition; tickets and details coming soon.

Interested in our scholarship programs or want to create one to honor yourself or a loved one? Contact Sandy Riutcel, Executive Director of the Parkway Alumni Association, at 314-415-8074 (office) or sriutcel@parkwayschools.net for details. We're here to support your aspirations and ensure our alumni can continue their academic journey!

Dear Parkway Alumni,

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the people who have shaped our lives and made a lasting impact. At Parkway, our dedicated operations staff have always been at the heart of creating an environment where students and staff thrive. From custodians and bus drivers to cafeteria staff and beyond, these unsung heroes contribute daily to the positive and caring community that defines Parkway.

This year, we celebrate their contributions through the Light of Parkway Awards, an initiative inspired by the legacy of Sandy Finch—a beloved Parkway bus driver remembered for her unwavering kindness and genuine connection with others. These awards honor members of our operations staff who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students and colleagues.

We invite you to join us in this season of gratitude and giving by supporting the Light of Parkway Awards program. Your generosity will ensure we continue to recognize and uplift these exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of Parkway.

Giving back is easy, and every gift matters. You can make your contribution online by visiting Parkway’s website. Let your legacy of giving continue this inspiring tradition and help us celebrate those who quietly make an extraordinary impact every day.

On behalf of the Parkway Alumni Association, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and gratitude.

Warm regards,

Kennedy Graf, South '15

Congratulations to our 2024 Esstman Grant winners! 🎉 This year, we proudly awarded 9 grants totaling $3,656.84 out of 37 incredible applications. Since 2021, the Suzy Zucker Esstman Educational Grant has granted over $18,500 to Parkway teachers, empowering innovative educational experiences for students.

Created in memory of Suzy Zucker Esstman (PNH ’81, Alumni HOF ’08) by her family, this grant reflects Suzy’s passion for building communities and fostering creativity. Suzy championed initiatives like the Pop Open a Book summer reading program at Green Trails Elementary, inspiring students to learn and grow in fun and meaningful ways.

A big thanks to the Edwards Fund for fueling a love of reading at River Bend Elementary! This year, the fund purchased 54 books for students, bringing the total to 137 books and over $1,070 spent since its launch in Fall 2023.

Did you miss it? A familiar face graced your screens last week! North High grad Juwan Rice - PN '20 competed on Chopped on Food Network.

Juwan, the owner of Rated Test Kitchen, which opened in spring 2023, is not only a chef but also a photographer, food stylist, content producer, and entrepreneur. Join us in celebrating Juwan's post-graduation successes!

This year’s Spark! Tank, sponsored by the Parkway Alumni Association, Maryville University, and Waterway Carwash, took place on November 20th, and it was a showcase of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit! High school students pitched their business proposals to a panel of judges, competing for a total prize of $1,500 awarded to five deserving teams. 💡👏 Through dynamic, real-world learning experiences, Spark! empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Congratulations to all participants for their innovative ideas and hard work!

We can all agree that giving back to the community is good for the soul, and there was plenty of it with the Colts' seventh annual 'Day of Service'!

While the juniors and seniors led the Special Olympics soccer tournament, the freshmen learned about and worked with 18 non-profit organizations. At the same time, the sophomore class had 11 service site options to choose from, including but not limited to Angels' Arms, Gateway Arch National Park, Mission St. Louis, St. Louis County Library, Central area elementary schools, Green Trails, and River Bend.

We're thrilled to see Parkway Early Childhood featured in Character.org's new publication, 'Growing Goodness: How 12 Schools are Fostering Character in Early Childhood'!

Check out the two-page spread highlighting Parkway ECC as a leader in early childhood education and its student-centered approach to service learning in the community.

It’s been an inspiring few weeks for Spark! To cap off September, as is tradition, superintendent Dr. Keith Marty visited the Teaching & Learning students to share his wisdom and experience gained from a remarkable 50+ years in education, the importance of lifelong learning, and the transformative power of teachers.

Additionally, top Missouri education officials, including Commissioner Karla Eslinger and three state board members, visited Spark! to learn more about the innovative program and its impact on Parkway students and industry leaders. No surprise here that the panel of Spark! associates impressed when showcasing their experiential learning and real-world experiences.

As students navigate the daily challenges of life and school, we are committed to prioritizing their well-being . This year, Parkway bolstered its staff to include a licensed clinical mental health therapist in every school, providing all students with the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive!

We need help at your school! We have openings for bus drivers, and many others for custodians and grounds crew employees needed to support our families. If you know someone who is interested, please share this with them. Interested applicants can call 314-415-8401 for more information or visit this website.