July 2023 Newsletter

As the school year approaches, we are thrilled to seize the opportunity to support our incredible teachers! Since Fall of 2020, educators in the Parkway School District have been able to apply for the Suzy Zucker Esstman Educational Grant for Parkway Teachers, which offers grants to teachers for projects that enrich the educational experience of their students. Over $8,300 has been awarded to 29 teachers in 16 schools since the Suzy Esstman Charitable Fund (SECF) approached PAA to implement a program for Parkway teachers.

The SECF was created by Suzy Zucker Esstman's [PNH '81] family to continue her passion for education. Suzy believed in empowering teachers to elevate curriculum both inside and outside the classroom. The grant program looks for projects that not only maintain an educational component but also encourage students to think freely and creatively. Preference lies in initiatives that inspire learning through fun and inventive approaches, sparking curiosity and igniting a lifelong passion for knowledge.

Suzy was a true advocate for growing and building communities, and one of those cherished communities was Parkway. She passionately championed ideas that created exceptional educational experiences for students, encouraging them to explore, learn, and think outside the box. One of her notable contributions was the "Pop Open a Book" summer reading initiative at Green Trails Elementary.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that we have been working with the Esstman family to open a dedicated fund that will receive donations to support these valuable grants for our esteemed teachers. With your generous contributions, we aim to expand this program further and provide even greater support to our dedicated teachers as the new school year kicks off. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant impact on the education of our students and empower our teachers to make a lasting difference in their lives.

Together, let's honor Suzy Zucker Esstman's legacy and embrace the spirit of community and education that she held dear. Join us in supporting our teachers and fostering a love for learning that will shape the future of Parkway students.

Click here to donate and make a difference.

Thank you for being an invaluable part of our mission to empower education and support our exceptional teachers. Together, let's ignite the spark of learning and inspire the minds of our students for generations to come.

Get your tickets now to root for the Cardinals at the home game on August 6, 2023. The cost is $30 per ticket. Purchase tickets here.

Proceeds from the ticket sales fund PAA projects and programs that honor our teachers and staff and enhance the educational experience for our scholars. Cheer on the Cardinals while making a difference for Parkway students.

Sunday, August 6 - 1:15 game time vs Rockies

Right Field Pavilion - $47 value

Give away: Cardinals Hat & Kids Tommy Edman Growth Chart (limited quantity)

FREE jumbo hotdog and soda.

Friends and colleagues have worked with PAA to establish an annual scholarship in loving memory of Mr. Andrae Smith, a dedicated social studies teacher at Parkway Northeast Middle School from 2015 to 2023. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior member of Parkway North High who attended Parkway Northeast Middle School. This award will be given to scholars who aspire to become teachers and are passionate advocates for social justice. Mr. Smith's eight years of service left an everlasting impact on his scholars, families, and colleagues. His love for teaching factual history, coaching track, and supporting his students at various events will always be cherished. He will be remembered as a wonderful family member, colleague, teacher, and friend to many, leaving a positive yet quiet spirit in the hearts of all who knew him.

To honor Andrae's memory by making a donation in support this new scholarship, you can give on our website.

Give today by making an online donation.

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!

The PAA is here to help you plan a successful reunion! We can provide contact info and guidance for your event. Plus, our volunteers can man the registration table. Reach out to us at (314) 415-8074 or ParkwayAlumni@ParkwaySchools.net for more info.

If your reunion details aren't on the website, email them to us!

Show your school spirit with one of our newest retro t-shirts! With shirts representing each high school, be on the lookout for more designs to drop in the coming weeks! SHOP NOW >>

Dear esteemed alumni,

As the new school year approaches, we are filled with excitement at the thought of students returning to the classroom in Parkway! We all know firsthand that the educational experience within our district is nothing short of outstanding. As we look back on our own journeys, we can each trace the impact of a certain teacher or class that propelled us to where we are today, achieving success and making a difference in the world.

Now, we have an opportunity to give back and make a profound impact on the current and future generations of Parkway students. I urge you to consider contributing to one of our specific donor funds. Your generous donations will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to encourage communication among alumni and foster programs that serve and support the Parkway community.

Remember those teachers who inspired us, challenged us, and believed in our potential? Your contribution to the donor funds will help ensure that today's students receive the same level of guidance and encouragement. By giving back, you have the chance to be a part of shaping the educational experience for future generations, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

As we move into the fall months, there are many exciting events on the horizon. Reunions will be happening, offering the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and relive cherished memories. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that a fall golf tournament is already underway! This promises to be a fantastic day of camaraderie and friendly competition, all for the greater cause of supporting the Parkway community.

Stay tuned for updates and details on these exciting events, and be sure to mark your calendars. Your participation and support are invaluable to the success of our alumni association and the impact we can have on the Parkway community.

Thank you for considering giving back to Parkway. Together, let's make a difference and create a legacy of excellence for the next generation of students.

For This Generation,

Dr. Thomas M. Smith

University City's Brothers Lazaroff Lives and Breathes Music

The jazz-and-soul-infused Americana duo might be the busiest band in St. Louis and we are most proud to call them alumni! Catch the full article on Riverfront Times! READ MORE >>

Sean Kelly and NXTHVN are proud to present RECLAMATION, a group exhibition featuring works that embody the multiplicities of human experience through painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, installation, and performance. Featured in this collection is Donald Guevara, PN'08. The exhibit runs through August 11, 2023. READ MORE >>

Parkway West Class of '77 sure knows how to take the Longhorn spirit with them! Is your class sharing a bit of school spirit all around the world? Be sure to tag out social media pages for a chance to be shared!

Celebrate your earliest days in Parkway at this upcoming reunion for all Mason Ridge students! Join other alumni for an open house on August 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Parkway Food Pantry will continue to serve students and families in the summer by providing food boxes for students, families and employees of Parkway.

The next pick up date is Thursday, August 17, 3 - 6 pm

You do not need to sign up to receive food if you signed up during the 22-23 school year.

To request a food box, click this link >>

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.