March 2022 Newsletter

For over 65 years, Parkway has enjoyed a reputation of excellence, recognized as a premier public school district in the Nation. For many alumni, Parkway is a district that has greatly grown since their time in the classroom and has changed in many ways; from the opportunities each student has to the ethnic make up of our student body.

Did you know?

Our Student Body consists of White 58.5%, Black or African-American 15.7%, Asian 13.9%, Hispanic 5.3%, Multi-racial 6.2% and Indian 0.3%.

Did you know?

Eighty-nine (89) different languages are spoken by our students and families - the top five languages other than English are Spanish, Telugu, Arabic, Chinese and Hindi

Did you know?

Nearly 1,000 students speak English as a second language

We are delighted to hear new families and employees report one of the top reasons they chose Parkway is the diversity of our schools and community. We honor and celebrate the unique value of each learner by offering personalized programs as we meet the needs of every student and family in our schools.

After 25+ years of friendship, longtime Parkway parent and teacher will be honored this spring! Please join us in the Above and Beyond 5k to honor and celebrate Nancy Simpson. The race will benefit the "Granting Dreams Program" with a new memorial fund set up in Nancy's name. This charity enables Parkway School District K-12 students to attend and learn in educational experiences outside their regular curriculum. The 5k will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, 4/2/22. The kids 100 yard dash will follow the walk/run at 10:00 a.m. Register for this race.

We're back on the ice with the St. Louis Blues for two upcoming games. Join us Monday, April 4 vs. the Arizona Coyotes at 7:00 pm and the Saturday, April 9 game vs. the New York Islanders at 7:00 pm. Purchase tickets online today.

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month for an all-alumni networking event. The group meets in person at the Parkway Administration Center. Hear from alums about their current work and meet other Parkway alumni in our community. To attend, email parkwayalumni@parkwayschools.net to be added to the meeting invite list. Include your name, school, class year, profession, business name and contact info.

Submit your nominations before the May 1 deadline.

The Parkway Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2022 Parkway Alumni Association Hall of Fame class. Parkway graduates chosen for the Parkway Hall of Fame are those who have made a noteworthy impact on the lives of others through their work in their respective career fields or through their unique contributions to their community. Please provide details of the nominee’s accomplishments that qualify this individual for Parkway Hall of Fame distinction by addressing the topics listed below. Including a letter of recommendation that makes this person a compelling nominee is encouraged. Letters and additional supporting information will need to be submitted separately by emailing them to Sandy Riutcel, PAA executive director, at sriutcel@parkwayschools.net. Online submissions can be completed here. Inductees must be available to accept this recognition in person on November 12, 2022 at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel.

Save the date to play golf at the Parkway Golf Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at 10 a.m.! The PAA will host this annual event again at Forest Park Golf Course, one of the most popular public golf courses in the Midwest.

Fees this year are $120 per golfer - the fee includes snacks and lunch on the course and appetizers during the awards presentation following the tournament.

Three special Parkway employees were surprised with the announcement they are recipients of the 2022 Light of Parkway award. The recipients are:

Cyndi Hamelman

Cataloger

The Nines

Kim Harting

Technology Specialist

South High

James Skorburg

Digital Communications Specialist

Administration

The Light of Parkway award is designed to bring recognition to the district’s extraordinary operations (non-certified) staff members who have helped to create a positive and caring environment for the people they serve and honors the memory of Sandy Finch, a former Parkway bus driver known for her exceptionally upbeat attitude and helpful interactions with staff, students and parents. Recipients receive $500 from the PAA, which is funded by donations made to the Light of Parkway Fund.

Congratulations to the eight individuals who have been selected as 2022 Pillars of Parkway! This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have provided extraordinary service to the Parkway community and go beyond what is expected.

Michael Bertz – Parent Volunteer, District
Dr. Greg Cicotte – Principal, Shenandoah Valley
Lorann Cunningham – Parent Volunteer, South Area
Phil McGuire – Teacher and Coach, Oak Brook and South High
Pat McPartland – PNEA President, PNEA
Dr. Stacey Myton – District Counselor, Welcome Center
Ben Silvermintz – Teacher, Central High
Valerie Townsend – Teacher, North High

Each year, the Albert Award is presented by the Parkway Alumni Association (PAA) to three exceptional first through fifth-year Parkway teachers – one each at the elementary, middle and high school level. The award recognizes new teachers for the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to their students, as well as the creative and innovative practices they use in their classrooms. The honorees are:

Jasper Joyce
English Language Arts
North High

Kaleigh Kelso
English Language Arts
Central Middle

Anna McMiller
Third-grade
River Bend Elementary

The Albert Award is named in honor of the late Al Burr, a teacher, coach and long-distinguished principal in Parkway. The Albert Award is sponsored by the Parkway Alumni Association and funded by its Educators Make A Difference Fund. Albert Award winners each receive $1,000 from the PAA.

Parkway district athletic director Mike Roth has been named Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Athletic Director of the year!

Mike Roth has served Parkway for over 30 years and has been Parkway's director of activities and athletics since 2014. Prior to that, he was Central High athletic director for five years.

Be part of something bigger than yourself! There are many ways to give to the Parkway Alumni Association. Whether you make a general donation or direct your contribution to one of our funds like the Light of Parkway or Albert Awards, your support will be used for programs that benefit alumni, students, staff and the Parkway community as defined in our mission statement. Give today by making an online donation.