Colts Caring Community

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your feedback regarding recent changes. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I continue to learn about our community. I want to apologize for the lack of communication. I know it's frustrating to hear about these changes from your children instead of directly from me.

I want to briefly explain the reasons for our updated arrival and lunch procedures and share the success we've already seen.

To ensure a safer start to the day and maximize instructional time, we have changed our arrival procedure. Students enter the building at 8:00 a.m. From 8:00 to 8:10 a.m., students can socialize and walk around the building. At 8:10 a.m., the bell rings for all students to head to their classes. Once in class, students still have time to socialize and get settled before instruction begins at 8:20 a.m.

This change addresses a few key issues we faced last year. Students were waiting until the 8:20 a.m. bell to get to class, which caused a high number of tardies and a loss of valuable learning time. In addition, supervising 800 plus students in a large building with “nooks and crannies” for 20 minutes was a significant challenge, even with staff dispersed throughout the building. By shifting this unstructured time to the classroom, we have seen a significant decrease in tardies and an increase in student safety.

With nearly 300 students per lunch period, a system was needed that prioritizes safety, order, and efficiency. The new procedure provides clear structure, ensuring a smoother and positive experience for everyone.

The new expectations are as follows:

• Students enter the cafeteria and are seated at their assigned tables.

• An administrator makes announcements before students are dismissed by table numbers to get their lunch.

• Once seated with their food, students can raise their hand to be excused for various reasons (restroom, napkins, utensils, etc.) This helps prevent students from congregating and makes it easier for staff to supervise.

• After lunch, table numbers are called in groups to throw away their trash.

• Finally, students are dismissed to go to recess. They can choose to go outside or stay inside, but they cannot go back and forth.

This new system is already proving successful. Today, all grade levels were able to go outside for recess because students were able to get their lunch in about 15 minutes. Students have risen to the occasion by following expectations, and I am confident that this will continue to provide a safe and positive experience for them.

Thank you again for your patience and for being our partners in your children's education. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

We’re looking for a few helping hands for Thursday, September 4 to make Picture Day run smoothly.

Sign up at the link below and join the fun!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E4AA8AF2EA7FE3-57981074-2025#/

NO OUTSIDE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES ARE ALLOWED to DELIVER FOOD!

Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and other food delivery services are strictly PROHIBITED. Deliveries will NOT be accepted, nor will students be called to receive deliveries.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO:

-Stand in the cafeteria line in an orderly manner.

-Eat all food and drink while seated at a table. No food or drink is to be taken outside the columns that surround the cafeteria.

-Clean your table and the surrounding floor before leaving the area.

-Behave appropriately in the atrium, no running, jumping, tripping, fighting, or horseplay.

Remain in the atrium area or the designated area outside during your lunchtime. Hallways and entrance areas to all wings are “off limits” during lunch.

Students may not leave the Central Middle campus during lunch (or at any other time during the school day!).

Behave safely while outside; avoid activities that could be potentially dangerous, such as tripping or horseplay.

Reminder:

Food items may NOT be shared.

• New Cell Phone Policy
• Bus Stop Information
• School Supplies
• Lunch Menus and Money
• School Calendars
• Family Profile to Update
• And more!

• September 1 - No School - Labor Day

• September 10 - Half Day - Dismissal will be at 12:20

• Assistant principals returned to grade level w/counselor

• Jason Brown: 8th (Rachel Clausius)

• Dr. Destiny Davis: 7th (Stacey Besand)

• Kimberly Ramirez: 6th (Jen Hoffmann)

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please contact the grade level principal first, including if your child is in a personalized academy.

• Click here for the CMS Facebook page.

• Click here for the CMS Instagram page.

• Cell Phone Policy Update

If you need to send a message (change of transportation, etc. to your student), please contact the school at: 314-415-7865 and a Secretary will assist you.

Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? The PCMS library needs your help with checking out books, shelving, working on special projects, and assisting students and teachers. No prior library experience necessary! We are grateful for any help and can easily work around your schedule. If interested, please contact Amy Harness, PCMS Librarian, at 314-415-7832 or aharness@parkwayschools.net. Thank you!

Click here for the PTO budget for the 25-26 SY.

Click here for the PCMS PTO Events Calendar for the 2025-2026 School Year!

Check out all of the wonderful support that the PTO provided this past school year for PCMS students and staff!

PTO Finances as of June 30, 2025

Please welcome our 2025-2026 PCMS PTO Board! We are still in need of an assistant treasurer to shadow Michele Duvall as this coming year will be her last at PCMS. You do not need to be an accountant but having some background with spreadsheets would be great! Please consider joining us, and email info@pcms-pto.com if you are interested!

President - Brittany Collier

Co-Vice-Presidents: Karen Swindells and PJ Moore

Secretary: Carrie McElfresh

Treasurer: Michele Duvall

If you own a small business within our community, please fill out this form here so we can advertise your small business on our social media and also contact you about possible fundraising opportunities.

Do you have perennials in your yard that could be split and shared? The PTO and Beautification Committee are working to make the front of our school welcoming and beautiful for the new school year. We have a large space to fill and would love any perennial donations you may have. If you have extras in your backyard, we’d be happy to give them a new home at the school.

You can drop them off at school or email brittany@pcms-pto.com and we’ll gladly arrange for pick up.

The PCMS PTO is looking for volunteers to chair or co-chair the following committees:

• Fall Football Tailgate (Sept 26) – Plan a fun pre-game event with games, food, a band performance, and activities before the high school football game.

• Conference Food – Order, organize, and coordinate food for teacher conference days.

• Book Fair – Help organize and run the Book Fair to support our school library.

• 6th Grade Representative – Be the voice and support for our 6th grade families.

Want to help but not alone? You can co-chair with a friend!

If you’re interested or have questions, please email brittany@pcms-pto.com. Your time and energy make a big difference for our students, staff, and community!

August 25 - 8-Period Day

August 26 - Odd Day (1,3,5,7)

August 27 - Even Day (2,4,6,8)

August 28 - Odd Day (1,3,5,7)

August 29 - Event Day (2,4,6,8)

This class combines learning social confidence, good manners, and social dance. It is a wonderful time to practice social skills in a structured environment. The Cotillion will meet from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for five lessons: 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/27, & 11/3 . 3:30pm - 4:45pm in the PCMS Gym. The Grand Finale Dinner Party and Dance will be held at The Missouri Athletic Club­‐Downtown on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m

The cost to register is $145

Click below for the Registration Form to sign up for next school year.

• Kindness
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Accountability
• Acceptance

Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net
Location: 471 N. Woods Mill Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: 314-415-7865