Henry Happenings

Dear Henry Families,

Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who supported Multicultural Day on Friday. We sincerely appreciate your time, effort, and continued support of our school community.

As we begin to wind down the school year, we would like to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of our volunteers and the countless hours you have dedicated to Henry. In appreciation, we invite you to join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. Please see the invitation below for additional details.

Continue reading below for more information about: Parkway Community Conversations, Notes from the Library, Volunteer Breakfast Invite, PTO Picnic, MAP Testing Dates, PTO Updates, and More!

With Gratitude,

Dr. Jodi Oliver

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Facebook: facebook.com/henryelementaryschool
Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs

April 13- PTO General Meeting, 7:00-8:00pm

April 14- PTO Tab Top Collection

April 15- Half Day, 1:05pm Dismissal

April 21- Reader in Me Minutes Due

April 21- Honors Orchestra, 8:00am

April 22- 2nd Grade Faust Park/Butterfly House Field Trip

April 22- Administrative Professional's Day

April 22- 1st Grade Music Concert, 6:30-7:30pm

April 24- Reader in Me Prize Distribution

April 25 & 26- All District Art Show, 12-4pm at Queeny Park

A reminder that the Parkway School District requires our office staff to send out standardized attendance letters. Our school goal is for all students to be present at least 95% of the time, which equates to fewer than 8 absences over the course of the school year. These letters offer each family an up-to-date understanding of their child’s attendance to date this school year.

We understand that illnesses happen and some appointments can only be made during school hours, but we appreciate your support toward your child achieving 95% or higher school attendance for the school year.

Parkway is beginning a series of Community Conversations to help parents and residents better understand our budget pressures and to discuss how to create a sustainable future for our students.

These are important conversations. All parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend any or all of the Community Conversations. The second two will build upon the first two:

• March 25 – West High – 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• March 31 – South High – 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• April 27 – North High – 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• April 30 – Central High – 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Learn more at InvestedinParkway.net.

Exciting News for Bulldog Readers!

Thanks to the generosity of our PTO, Henry Elementary now has a School Library Plan with Novel Effect! This engaging app brings stories to life with music and sound effects that play as students read aloud, making reading even more immersive and fun.

Up to 30 students can use the app at a time, giving more of our readers the chance to experience books in a whole new way. We’re so grateful for this amazing addition to our library that helps spark a love of reading for every student!

Our library also features many books marked with a Novel Effect sticker, making it easy for students to spot stories that pair with the app for an enhanced, sound-filled reading experience.

To try out Novel Effect click here to get started.

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!

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

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8) is coming up, and we’re ready to celebrate our incredible teachers in totally rad 90’s style! We’d love your help making this week extra special.

You can sign up to donate items here: [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F48AAA823A4FD0-63216718-teacher]

If dropping off a physical donation feels like too much, no worries—you can also Venmo your contribution to: https://account.venmo.com/u/henrypto2 and we'll do the shopping for you.

(Be sure to include the memo: Teacher Appreciation 2026). The deadline for all donations is Tuesday, April 28th.

Thanks for helping us show our teachers all the love—they deserve it big time!

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!

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!

Email: joliver2@parkwayschools.net

Email: lsmith6@parkwayschools.net

Website: https://henry.parkwayschools.net/

Instagram: @pkwyhenrybulldogs