Henry Happenings

March 1, 2026
Principal Message
Dear Henry Families,
We are absolutely loving our time together as a school community reading Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker! It has been so much fun to see the excitement throughout the building as students talk about the story, make predictions, and celebrate Beatrice’s unique, creative way of thinking. One of the highlights each day has been our trivia questions shared during the morning announcements, our students truly look forward to participating and showing what they know!
Thank you for reading along at home and helping make our One School, One Book experience so meaningful. The shared conversations between school and home are what make this initiative so special.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of our Read-A-Thon. We have just five days remaining, and we are working toward an exciting goal of $10,000 raised and 200,000 minutes read! With everyone’s continued effort, we can absolutely meet, and even exceed, this goal. Reaching our $10,000 goal will allow us to purchase new furniture for our school. See our totals below.
Thank you for partnering with us to foster a love of reading and to support continued growth for our Henry students!
Continue reading below for more information about: One School, One Book Information, Book Fair, Service Learning Projects, Class Placement Input Information, PTO Updates, and More!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Jodi Oliver
Follow us!
Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs
Upcoming Dates
March 2- Parkway Mental Health Awareness Week
March 2- 3rd Grade Busch Stadium Field Trip, 9:15am-1:30pm
March 3- PTO Tab Top Collection
March 5 - All District Orchestra Concert, Family Arena *Tickets Needed*, 7:00pm
March 6- One School, One Book and Read-A-Thon Ends
March 9 -12- Book Fair
March 9 - Book Fair Evening Hours, 5:00pm-7:00pm
March 10 - 3rd Grade Strings Concert, Bunsick and O'Connor, 6:00pm
March 10 - 3rd Grade Strings Concert, Meyers and Zinselmeier, 7:00pm
March 10 - Book Fair Evening Hours, 5:30pm-7:30pm
March 12- Spring Parties
March 13- Half Day, 1:05pm Dismissal
March 16-20- No School (Spring Break)
March 22- School Resumes
Class Placement Input
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, we value and welcome family input regarding class placement for your child. Your insights into how your child learns best are an important part of our thoughtful placement process.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey for each child you have attending Henry.
Thank you for partnering with us and for sharing your valuable feedback.
Responses are due by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Scholastic Book Fair Week is Coming!
Spring Book Fair will be the week before Spring Break, March 9-12. We can’t wait to see our Bulldogs explore shelves full of exciting new reads! Every purchase helps grow our Henry Library collection—since all profits go right back into buying books, supporting programs, and creating engaging experiences for our students.
Book Fair Schedule:
Monday, March 9th, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm (student shopping)
Monday, March 9th, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm (evening shopping with Kona Ice available for purchase)
Tuesday, March 10th, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm (student shopping)
Tuesday, March 10th, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm (evening shopping)
Wednesday, March 11th, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm (student shopping)
Thursday, March 12th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (student shopping)
More Ways to Participate:
- Book Donation for Henry students in Need
- Book Donations for Teachers
- Set Up an eWallet
- Henry Book Fair Website
- Volunteers Still Needed
Questions? Contact Mrs. Goyal at agoyal@parkwayschools.net or HenryBookFair@gmail.com
Service Learning Project
Two classes have teamed up for a special service-learning drive to support the paws (and claws!) at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. By combining their efforts, students are learning the importance of identifying a need in our community and taking action to provide much-needed resources for animals rescued from difficult situations.
We are currently collecting essential supplies—including blankets, toys, paper towels, sheets, and leashes—to help these resilient animals on their journey to forever homes. The drive will begin Monday, March 2, and continue until Thursday, March 12. Please drop off your donations in the boxes by the front office to help us make a meaningful paw-print in our local community.
Sock Drive
As part of their service learning project, two classes of students are working to identify a community need and take meaningful action to help others. One need we have learned about is the shortage of socks at local homeless shelters. To support this project, students will be collecting new socks to donate to a local shelter. If you would like to participate, please send in new socks with your child by Thursday, March 12th. This project helps students practice empathy, responsibility, and community involvement. Thank you for your continued support as we encourage students to make a positive impact.
Have You Signed Up for the Read-A-Thon?
We're thrilled to announce that our Read-A-Thon is underway! We're counting on you to make it a success. If you haven't already, please take a moment to activate your child’s personal reader page by clicking on the following link:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/THYaAn?utm=email
It only takes a minute or two, and your support will greatly assist us in meeting our financial goals.
Thank you for your help in reaching our goal.
One Book, One School Information
2025-2026 Pillar of Parkway Nominees
Congratulations to two of Henry's very own teachers, Ms. Caroline Ayers and Mrs. Anna Filla for being nominated for a Pillar of Parkway. Please click on the link above to learn more about the prestigous award and its long standing history. Congratulations Ms. Ayers and Mrs. Filla! Very well deserved!
Yearbook Announcement
Online orders will be available until March 20, 2026.
Kindergarten Registration 2026-2027
Do you have a child that will be 5 before August 1 in 2026? If so, Kindergarten might be on the horizon for your child! Please click here for more information about Kindergarten registration!
🐾 PTO Corner 🐾
PTO Board Nominations
Henry Families,
Your PTO Board is already looking ahead to next school year, which means it’s time for Board Elections for the 2026–2027 school year.
Our PTO works best when it reflects the voices of our entire school community. Serving on the PTO Board is a meaningful way to support our students and staff, connect with other families, and help guide decisions that directly impact fundraisers, community events, and enrichment opportunities.
If you are interested in running for a board position, please complete the Nomination Form prior to the April 13 General PTO Meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the 4/13 meeting. Elections will take place in person at the April 27 General PTO Meeting at 7:00 PM. All parents are encouraged to attend and participate.
As stated in PTO bylaws, a Nominating Committee made up of outgoing president Samantha Stirling and Dr. Oliver will oversee the nomination and election process. Once board members are elected, planning will begin for next year’s events, fundraising efforts, and committees.
Upcoming PTO Business:
- April 13 – General PTO Meeting, 7:00–8:00 PM in the Henry Library (Board nominations due)
- April 27 – General PTO Meeting, 7:00–8:00 PM in the Henry Library (Board elections)
As always, please email henrypto@gmail.com with any questions.
Sincerely,
Henry PTO Board
Stock the Lounge- 5th and 4th Grade
**ATTENTION 5TH and 4TH GRADE PARENTS!** We need your help to stock the lounge for our dedicated teachers, staff, and administration this March. Please visit the Sign Up Genius link to contribute and drop off your items at the school office by March 11th. Your generosity will help keep our amazing school team energized and appreciated.
Chuck E. Cheese Restaurant Night 3/25
Chuck E. Cheese Restaurant Night is 3/25 from 3pm-9pm
Chuck E. Cheese Ellisville
15913 Manchester Road, 63011
Chuck E. Cheese will donate 20% of sales from the evening to Henry Elementary PTO.
Spirit Wear Store Open
Box Tops February Challenge
Henry Families, we need your help! Join the Box Tops February Challenge in your app! Contact HenryBoxTops@gmail.com if you need help!
Staff Bulldog Brag
Did you know that families can recognize staff members with Bulldog Brags, just like we do for students? If you or your child notice a staff member demonstrating one of our Henry Core Values—Kind, Responsible, Persevere, or Inclusive—we invite you to share it using the button below.
Each staff member who receives a Bulldog Brag will be honored with a certificate and a special surprise. As part of our character education, it is important for students to see adults modeling these values every day—and to hear real examples of what they look like in action!
Parkway Flyers
Jr Longhorn Cheerleading
Have you ever wanted to jump, dance, cheer, and have tons of fun with your friends? Jr Longhorn Cheerleading might be perfect for you! Cheerleaders learn awesome moves, cool chants, and exciting routines that help support Jr Longhorn football and spread West Middle school spirit.
Cheerleading helps you build confidence, strength, and teamwork skills. You’ll make new friends, stay active, and learn how to work together to reach big goals. Whether you love to dance, jump, lead a crowd, or just try something new, Jr Longhorn cheer has a place for YOU!
If you will be in grade 5th - 8th this upcoming school year Come join the fun, show your spirit, and shine like a star!
Henry Elementary School
Email: joliver2@parkwayschools.net
Email: lsmith6@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://henry.parkwayschools.net/
Location: 700 Henry Avenue, Ballwin, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-6350
Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs