Bellerive Bulletin

Dear Bellerive Families,

November is here, a month that invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks. At Bellerive, we have so much to be grateful for! Our Sea of Leaders continues to shine through their kindness, effort, and leadership each day. We’re also thankful for the incredible partnership we share with our families and the dedication of our staff who make Bellerive such a special place to learn and grow.

This week is an exciting one because we have Student-led conferences, the Book Fair is in full swing, and we’re wrapping up the week with a comfy clothes and stuffy spirit day to celebrate our Champions for Children fundraising success! We also have deadlines this week to submit photos for Veterans Day and RSVP for the assembly. Also, don't forget, there is No School on Tuesday!

In the "New Info" section, you will find information about Picture Retake Day scheduled for Monday, November 17, and our updated Bellerive Buzz Book is now available as well. It’s a great resource for connecting with classmates and families. In addition, you will find info about food resources available for families facing food insecurity and ways you can support those in our community in need.

Action Item: Please click here to complete this important survey related to our Leader in Me and 7 Habits work at Bellerive. You can find more information below.

Thank you for continuing to support all the ways our students learn, lead, and connect.

In partnership,

Joey Kneer

All Week

• Student-led Conference Week
• No Before School Clubs
• Book Fair

Tuesday, November 4

• No School (Professional Development)

Thursday, November 6

• Parent Conference Night: 4:30 - 8:00 pm
• Book Fair Evening Shopping: 4:30 - 8:00 pm
• District PAMEE Meeting (Virtual): 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Friday, November 7

• Comfy Clothes & Stuffy Spirit Day

Conferences will take place this week, November 3-7, with our main Conference Night on Thursday, November 6th from 4:15 - 8:00 pm.

Please use the link below to select a time that works best for your family.

https://ptcfast.com/schools/Bellerive

Sign-ups close at midnight two days prior to the conference day. (For example, the last opportunity to sign up for Thursday conferences is Tuesday at midnight.)

Conferences at Bellerive are student-led, giving students the opportunity to share their learning, goals, and progress directly with their families. Since conferences are student-led, please make sure your child can attend as well.

Additional Details:

• Conferences may be in-person or virtual throughout the week. Conferences on Thursday evening are reserved for in-person only.

• Specials teachers (Art, Music, PE, Strings, Library), Intervention Teachers, Counselors, and Special Educators are available for individual or drop-in meetings. Please email them directly to schedule an individual time.

• If no available times fit your schedule, please reach out to your child’s teacher to arrange an alternate time.
  
  

Our goal is 100% family participation because strong partnerships between home and school help every Bellerive student thrive.

Direct link to the Book Fair!

We were notified late Friday that Bus 189 bus will be Bus 97 starting this Monday, November 3.

Click here for a direct link to submit photos.

Please resubmit any pictures you may have submitted in previous years.

The Parent Advocacy for Multicultural Excellence in Education (PAMEE) organization provides opportunities for parents to meet, network, and share best practices for successfully guiding their children and themselves to a positive and productive experience in Parkway.

Click here for the link to the virtual meeting.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 9:30 am, Bellerive students will attend an assembly about Veterans Day. The theme of our assembly is “Thank You for Your Service.”

If you or someone in your family is a veteran or currently active in the military, we would like to invite you to be honored as our guest. Veterans and active military will have a special seat at this assembly. We would like to honor you and give you our thanks. Due to space constraints, we are limiting guests to Veterans and immediate family members.

Any veteran or active military personnel who would like to attend should complete this Google form (click the link or use the QR code) by Friday, November 7. If you have any questions, please email Aaron Watson at awatson1@parkwayschools.net.

Congratulations to Bellerive's 2025 all-district choir representatives! These 5th grade singers practiced before school each week and traveled to St. Charles for a full rehearsal and concert with musicians from every Parkway school last week. They practiced and memorized a challenging selection of songs and represented our school so well! Great work Stella, Abby, Tiwa, Evelyn, Diya, Emily, Quinn, Corlena, Kyla, Sydney, and Alice!

In conjunction with our work with Leader in Me and the 7 Habits, this survey is an opportunity for members of our school community to provide feedback on a number of meaningful factors. For our students' families and caregivers, this includes feedback on the growth of your student, available supports, and areas for improvement. Please click here to complete this survey!

Here is the latest update 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!

Absentee/Retake Picture Day is Monday, November 17. Wagner Portrait Group will be at school to photograph any students who were absent on the initial picture day or any student that needs his/her picture retaken.

If you are having a picture taken as a RETAKE, please make sure your student returns their package in its entirety, including the package insert sheet, to the photographer on retake day. (Feel free to attach a note to describe what you’d like Wagner to do differently.) Please let your child's classroom teacher know if you are requesting a retake!

If you have questions about ordering pictures, please call Wagner at 314-567-5900.

Parkway Food Pantry:

The Parkway Food Pantry provides food boxes for students, families, and employees of Parkway School District. Each family may receive one donation per month on these dates:

• November 18th, 9:30-11am OR 4-6pm
• December 16th, 9:30-11am OR 4-6pm
• January 6th OR January 20th, 9:30-11am
• February 3rd, 4-6pm OR February 17th, 9:30-11am
• March 10th, 9:30-11am OR 4-6pm
• April 8th, 4-6pm OR April 21st, 9:30-11am
• May 5th, 4-6pm OR May 19th, 9:30-11am

If you are in need, please sign up using this link. If you require assistance with picking up your order at the designated days/times, please reach out to Jessica Larson, our Mental Health Specialist, at jlarson@parkwayschools.net, or 314-415-3450.

Other Food Resources:

1. Operation Food Search has a texting option to search for the closest food pantry/drive near your zip code as well as a very detailed map of pantry/drive hours and locations. Click here for more info.
2. "Thanksgiving meal for 10 people" from Aldi's, but families can refrigerate/freeze in order to have a few meals. Click here for more info.
3. This is an additional resource to search for food pantries. Click here for more info.

Apply for Free/Reduced Meals During Layoffs:

A job loss or reduced work hours due to a strike or layoff may mean your family is now eligible for free or reduced price school meals.

• You can apply at any time during the year:
• Even if your income was too high to qualify before, you can submit a new application reflecting your current financial situation.
• A new application can be submitted if a parent or household member becomes unemployed or has their hours reduced.
• How to apply for meal benefits:

• Online Application: The fastest and most convenient way to apply is online at www.myschoolapps.com
• Paper Application: A paper application is available at the school office. Please email belleriveelementary@parkwayschools.net if you would like an application sent home with your child.
• Questions: If you have any questions, please contact Parkway Nutrition Services at 314-415-8245 or ltindle1@parkwayschools.net

The Bellerive community is known for its generosity supporting our community members in need. Here are some ways you can help!

Support Bellerive Students with Lunch Balances:

Your donation to the Parkway's Family Assistance Program (Care/Share Account) will aid students in need of assistance at Bellerive paying their breakfast and lunch account balances. Administrators and counselors will review breakfast/lunch balances for Bellerive students and apply donations to those in need. Click here to DONATE and follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Donations" tab
2. Click on the "Family Assistance - Nutrition Services" icon
3. Check the box for "This donation is for a specific school"
4. Select "Bellerive" from the drop-down list of schools

Support the Parkway Pantry:

The Pantry is funded by monetary and food donations from our community. The Pantry needs donations, especially as we anticipate an increase in need in the coming month.

• If you would like to support the pantry through a food drive, you can sign up here or contact Parkway Pantry Partners at parkwaypantrypartners@gmail.com.
• If your family or organization is in a season of giving, please consider a donation using our PayPal donation link.

For more information on the Parkway Food Pantry, visit their website.

For your convenience, please click here for an overview of events and key dates for the remainder of this school year. A printed copy was sent home last week.

The most updated information along with all events are always posted on the Bellerive online calendar. Parents are highly encouraged to follow these directions to link the online calendar to their personal electronic calendars.

Thursday, November 13th for Grades K and 3rd

Bellerive has the opportunity to be a part of the St. Louis County Library Storytelling Festival! Our storyteller will be Kenya Ajanaku. He is a nationally known drummer and storyteller whose talents have captivated his audiences for over 26 years. His signature program, "Rhythms and Folklore of Africa," is a unique combination of storytelling, drumming, and dance. As Founder and Executive Director of Harambee Institute, Kenya teaches children and adults alike in the importance of African history and culture. We will host Mr. Ajanaku for kindergarten and third grade students. Click here to learn more. Please email Liz Zahnweh at lzahnweh@parkwayschools.net to opt out.

Sherry Norfolk- Storyteller December 18th for Grades for K-2

Sherry Norfolk will be joining grades K-2 at Bellerive on December 18th. Over the summer Sherry was a part of the Kirkwood Public Library’s Wacky Wednesday. She is an award winning storyteller, author, and teaching artist (and she’s performed at Bellerive before!) Her performances are interactive and engaging, and we are super excited for her to join us! To learn more about Ms. Norfolk click here. Please email Liz Zahnweh at lzahnweh@parkwayschools.net to opt out.

Week of November 10

PTO Food Drive for Parkway Pantry: Monday, November 10 – Friday, November 14

Wear Red, White, and Blue for Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11

Veterans Day Assembly: Tuesday, November 11, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Half Day--1:05 pm Dismissal at Bellerive (Professional Development): Wednesday, November 12

PTO's Dine to Donate Fundraiser at Lion's Choice (Olive--Creve Coeur): Wednesday, November 12, 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Board of Education Regular Meeting: Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 pm, Welcome Center

Wear Blue for Type One Diabetes Awareness Day: Friday, November 14

Week of November 17

Picture Retake Day: Monday, November 17

4/5th Mosaics Field Trip: Tuesday, November 18

Project Lit Book Club: Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 pm, Panera (Town & Country)

DHH Special Olympics Field Trip (Bocce): Wednesday, November 19

Cub Scouts Visit Bellerive Students at Lunch: Wednesday, November 19

Adolescence 101 District Parent Workshop: Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Northeast Middle

Board of Education Workshop: Thursday, November 20, 5:00 - 9:00 pm, Welcome Center

North Area Strings Fest (5th Gr.): Saturday, November 22, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Week of November 24

No School (Thanksgiving Break): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28