Henry Happenings
August 6, 2026
Dear Families,
I hope that you are having a great summer and have found some ways to enjoy being together as a family! It has been a busy summer as I have been working closely with Mr. Spellicy and our office staff to ensure a smooth start to the year. I was also able to get away and enjoy some time with my family and friends. We also got a new puppy in the spring and have been having fun with her this summer. See a few photos below!
It's hard to believe the first day of school is in less than three weeks! Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving communications from the district and school regarding various topics to prepare you for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Click on the link below to access Parkway's Family Resource Guide.
Continue to expect a weekly communication (Henry Happenings), once the school year begins on Sunday evenings, highlighting all the things you need to know. Also, follow Henry on Facebook and Instagram to see things happening throughout the school year. We like to brag on our Bulldogs! You may even want to start following now to see an introduction of our new staff members and other current events.
Enjoy the remaining part of the summer! We will see you very soon!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Jodi Oliver
Follow us!
Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs
Upcoming Dates
August 12- PTO Andy's Frozen Custard Spirit Night; 4:00-8:00 PM
August 18 - Class Placement Email Sent
August 19 - Kindergarten Parent Orientation, 6:00-7:00pm
August 20 - Supply Drop/Meet the Teacher - 3:30-4:30 A-L; 4:30-5:30 M-Z
August 25 - First Day of School
September 10 - Curriculum Night Grades 1-5 and Special Area, 4:30-7:30pm
September 11 - PTO Welcome Back Picnic @ Logan Park Pavillion, 6:00-7:30pm
New Staff
Please welcome the following new staff members to Henry Elementary. You can find out more about them in their extended biographies that are being posted on Facebook and Instagram. Please follow us!
- Ms. Alana Borden, Mental Health Specialist
- Mrs. Elizabeth Finley, School Psychologist
- Mrs. Julie Houchin, Paraprofessional
- Ms. Chelsea Kempel, RBT
- Mrs. Christina Kerckhoff, RBT
- Mrs. Rebecca Mackenze, 1st Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Pam LeSeure, 5th Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Jessica Luebbert, SLP
- Mrs. Mandy Schoedel, 5th Grade Teacher
- Ms. Anna Smith, 3rd Grade Teacher
- Mr. David Thomas, Technology Specialist
- Ms. Amanda Towson, Lead Custodian
- Ms. Sarah Waller, Reading Specialist
- Mrs. Ashley Whetstone, Counselor (K, 2, 4)
- Ms. Alicia Winters, Special Educator
Same faces, new positions!
- Mrs. Kirchhoff, 5th Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Amanda Lois, English Language (EL) Specialist
- Mrs. Erin Valleroy, MOSAICS Teacher
- Ms. Katie Brewer, 5th Grade Teacher
Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop
Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop is on Thursday, August 20 from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Due to the number of families that will be visiting the school we kindly ask that you follow the schedule based on last name.
A-L - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
M-Z - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
The PTO will be hosting a merch stand with spirit wear in the hall outside the gym. Please stop by after you meet your child's teachers! Also, head to the playground and visit the Kona Ice Truck that will be available for purchase.
Class Placement Information
You will receive an email from your child's new teacher to determine class placement by the end of the day on August 18. Parents will also be able to access Infinite Campus on August 18.
Bus Stop Information
Families eligible for bus transportation will receive an email with details, including their designated bus stop location and pickup/drop-off times, the week of August 17-21.
Please note that bus stops and times may be adjusted during the first few weeks of school as transportation finalizes routes and accommodates family needs. Transportation will notify families of any changes.
From Nurse Baker
We've missed our Henry Bulldogs and are so excited a new school year is just around the corner! As you start to gather your school supplies, don't forget to include any medications that your child will need at school. Please remember, all medications must be in the original packaging with the prescription label if appropriate and accompanied by a permission form signed by parents and their physician. The necessary forms can be found at this link. I will be available on August 14 or after for medication drop. The office will be open from 8-3 each day. Other times can be arranged as needed.
If your child had any changes to their health over the summer, or if you would like to discuss any particular concerns please email me at jbaker4@parkwayschools.net I will also be available by phone starting August 14th. My phone number is 314-415-6360.
Finally, Missouri law requires that students are up to date on immunizations before attending school. If your child is missing immunizations, you should have been notified over the last several weeks. Immunizations can be obtained at most pediatrician's offices and the St. Louis County Health Department. Appointments become harder to find as August approaches, so don't delay!
Attention Kindergarten Families!
In the next few weeks a "Welcome to Kindergarten" sign will be placed in your front yard or on your porch. We welcome you to enjoy the sign with your future Henry Bulldog, take pictures, and brag on your child.
In mid-September we will collect the sign and/or you can return them through the car drop off or pick up line. This allows for our incoming Kindergarten class the following year to enjoy as well! We will communicate more at that time, but for now just enjoy this exciting time with your child!
Update Your Family Profile
- Ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information for school and district communication by updating your Family Profile before August 25.
- Update your Family Profile via Infinite Campus or the Infinite Campus Parent mobile app.
- More details about the Family Profile.
Upgrades to Henry This Summer
Henry did not have a lot of construction or work done this summer as we hosted many, many summer programs including Parkway Summer School, Parkway/Rockwood Summer Link, and Parkway/Rockwood Camps. It's been a busy summer filled with kids and cleaning!
There are several things that have happened!
- Our library is getting real doors! These doors will be solid and on both sides and entry points to the library. This will allow for the students and staff in the library to have the ablility to safely be secured in the event of a lockdown. They are currently still in progress and under construction as the work started after summer school and camps were over.
- We are patiently awaiting the delivery of new furniture in two of our second grade classrooms thanks to the money we raised during the Read-A-Thon last school year. We are hoping it will be here by the first day of school!
- We also just hosted election day on Tuesday of this week. This has not happened for a very long time but it was great to see so many community members in our building!
New Spirit Wear Opportunity!
This year, we're excited to partner with Spirit Wear Direct for all of our Henry spirit wear! Families can shop online anytime throughout the year, and orders will be shipped directly to your home for added convenience.
While you'll have year-round access to a wide variety of Henry gear through Spirit Wear Direct, our PTO will continue to offer exclusive, limited-time spirit wear specials a few times each year, along with select in-person purchasing opportunities.
One of the best parts of our new partnership is that Spirit Wear Direct features weekly promotions, extended sizing, and apparel options for every member of the family.
We hope you'll take a look at all the great new choices and show your Bulldog pride! You can explore the new online store here!
Summer Reading Program
Summer is the best time to read! Henry Library has a summer reading program for all our Henry Readers (students in 1-5th grades for 2026-2027). A packet of information went home on Field Day! If you need more information you will be able to find it on the Henry Library Website.
PTO Updates
Parkway Flyers
Important Links
Henry Elementary School
Email: joliver2@parkwayschools.net
Email: aspellicy@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://henry.parkwayschools.net/
Location: 700 Henry Avenue, Ballwin, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-6350
Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs