Bellerive Bulletin

Dear Families,

This feels like our second attempt at returning from Winter Break! Thank you for your patience and understanding with our snow days and virtual learning day last week. We will continue to review our school expectations and procedures as we fully get back in the swing of things this week.

This is a short week because it is the official last week of the 1st semester. We dismiss at 1:05 pm on Thursday, January 16 and do not have school on Friday, January 17. On Thursday afternoon and all-day Friday, teachers will be working diligently to prepare student Progress Reports. These will be available online next Thursday.

Have a great week,

Joey Kneer

Tuesday, January 14

• Incoming 25-26 Kindergarten District Event--Wonderful World of Kindergarten: 6 pm, Virtual

Wednesday, January 15

• PTO Restaurant Fundraiser at Chic-Fil-A

Thursday, January 16

• End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester
• Half-Day AM (Teacher Records/Grading): 1:05 pm Dismissal at Bellerive

Friday, January 17

• No School (Teacher Records/Grading)

Click here for a direct link to purchase tickets!

Calendar Update: There was a different family event on the calendar for Thursday, January 30. That event has been canceled and replaced by this PTO event!

Click here for the January Nurse newsletter.

We want to ensure a smooth and positive transition back to school. This week, we will be taking time to review our school expectations with all students. This review will cover important areas such as classroom behavior, bus and dismissal routines, restroom and hallway conduct, cafeteria and playground expectations, and proper use of technology.

Our school rules are closely aligned with the 7 Habits, and we will emphasize how these habits can guide positive behavior in all settings. These habits include:

• Habit 1: Be Proactive
• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
• Habit 3: Put First Things First
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win
• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
• Habit 6: Synergize
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

By revisiting these expectations, we hope to refresh students' memories and reinforce the behaviors that contribute to a positive and productive learning environment. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these values at home as we work together to create the best learning experience for all students.

Each year Bellerive students participate in the Kids Heart Challenge in PE. This year, all donations will be collected online. Click here for the direct link!

Dream Grants are awarded in amounts of up to $250 each and help students access personal learning opportunities outside of school. Some grants are non-monetary and connect students with professionals who offer amazing shadowing experiences in the workplace.

Since beginning the program, the Parkway Alumni Association has awarded over $400,000 in Dream Grants, along with many other valuable resources to Parkway K-12 students. These grants often provide students with opportunities they may not have had without the financial support and connections from the PAA.

Click here for the direct link! Applications are due by February 14, 2025.

Winter weather in the St. Louis area can be unpredictable. As snow, ice, and frigid temperatures become more likely, Parkway leaders closely monitor forecasts and make decisions with the safety of students and staff as the top priority. Here’s what to expect and how to stay prepared for winter weather and possible school closures.

What to expect during severe weather:

• Our calendar allows for three snow days: If we need more than three snow days this year, we will have virtual learning days.
• Late start and/or early dismissal: We have the option to start two hours late or dismiss early if needed.
• No Before or After School Care: If schools close or dismiss early due to inclement weather, before and after school care will not be available.
• Cancellations: When schools are closed, most events, practices, and student activities are canceled, and district buildings are closed. Coaches and schools will communicate specific updates.
• More Information: For details on school closures, click here.

How We Will Contact You

If there is a school closure or schedule change, we will notify staff and parents via:

• Phone call, text, and email
• Local TV and radio broadcasts
• Parkway’s website and social media channels

How to prepare

• Have a family plan to prepare for a potential closing or a schedule change.
• Update your contact info. If you need to update your contact information, log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or update your settings in the Infinite Campus Parent app.

Please know we closely monitor weather conditions. Our decisions are always based on the safety of your children.

Cold Weather Preparation

• Warm Buses: Parkway buses are connected to heaters overnight to ensure they are warm and ready for your children.
• Warm Clothing: Please remind your children to wear appropriate winter clothing.
• Arrange Ride for Walkers: If your child usually walks, consider arranging a ride on extremely cold days.

Wind Chill and School Closures

Parkway uses the National Weather Service's wind chill chart as a guide when deciding to close schools or adjust outdoor activities.

• Schools may close if wind chill temperatures reach levels that could cause frostbite on exposed skin.
• Outdoor recess time is adjusted or canceled based on daily temperature conditions.

The wind chill chart is a helpful guide, but we consider all factors to make the best decision for students and staff.

We can navigate winter weather safely and effectively by working together and staying informed.

HERE is an updated edition 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!

If you have an incoming Kindergarten student for the 25-26 school year, check out this Parkway Kindergarten Guide resource. It has everything you need to know:

• Kindergarten Registration Information (Opens Monday, January 6)
• Link to Register for the Wonderful World of Kindergarten event (Tuesday, January 14)
• Link to Register for Visit Your Elementary School event (Thursday, January 30)
• Information on Jumpstart to Kindergarten (Registration Begins Sunday, February 2, 11 am)
• Adventure Club Information
• An interactive guide on skills, books, and kindergarten readiness activities

Please share with family and friends who will have a Kindergarten student starting in August.

If your child will not be attending school for any reason, it is very important for you to call and notify the school office of the reason for the absence. This helps us to keep track of illnesses among our students. It also helps us be assured that your child is safe at home.

For the health of your child, other students, and school staff, it is important to know when your child should stay home due to illness. Students should stay home if they have had any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4 or higher in the past 24 hours
• Undiagnosed rash that is accompanied by fever or itching
• Bad cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• Sore throat, with fever or swollen glands in the neck
• Symptoms of being sick such as being unusually tired, fussy, pale or having difficulty waking

If your child has strep throat or another bacterial infection, he/she should stay home until the antibiotic has been given for at least 24 hours and your healthcare provider has given permission for your child to return to school. We encourage you to seek medical attention when your child is sick and to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations about returning to school and other social activities.

Bellerive along with all Parkway schools will administer social-emotional surveys to students in grades 3-5 and staff as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student success. These surveys gather valuable student feedback on school safety, sense of belonging, relationships, and more.

Students will take the surveys between January 13 and 24. They take about 15 minutes and are the same as those administered in the fall. They will allow us to identify areas of growth.

For more details, visit the FAQ page.

The Bellerive Book Battlers is looking for members! This is the first year we are competing, and we are ready to win! Students should join the Reader Leaders for 2nd semester LEAD time if they like reading, competition, and being a part of an amazing team! Click on this link and start reading the 2025 book list! For more information, contact Mrs. Liz Zahnweh (lzahnweh@parkwayschools.net).

Here is a direct link to the Trivia Night website.

No School (Dr. Martin Luther King Day): Monday, January 20

Project Lit Book Club: Tuesday, January 21, 7 pm, Panera (Town & Country)

PTO General Meeting: Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 pm, Virtual

Progress Reports & NWEA Scores Emailed to Parents: Thursday, January 23

Step Team Performs at Highcroft International Night: Thursday, January 23, 5 pm

Club & Group Photos for Yearbook: Friday, January 24

Souper Bowl (Food Drive for Parkway Pantry): January 27 - January 31

Early Release (2:05 pm Dismissal for Bellerive): January 29

Early Childhood Visit Your Elementary School (for incoming Kdg): January 30, 9:30 - 10:30 am

PAMEE Meeting: January 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Dog Man Movie Private Viewing: Sunday, February 2, 2 pm, B&B Theaters Olive