Bellerive Bulletin

Dear Bellerive Families,

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving break. As we return, I’m excited about the busy three weeks ahead before winter break. It’s a wonderful time filled with special events including Strings Open House, the 4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert, and the Winter Party!

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find important information about how you can support our school. We’re currently seeking donations for the nurse’s office and invite you to sign up to help other Bellerive families during the holiday season. We also need your help with some dismissal procedures.

Additionally, in the Reminders section, you’ll see a link to the MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) survey. This survey is an important part of our Leader in Me work and is critical for our recertification as a Lighthouse School. We previously asked for your input during Student-Led Conferences, but so far, we have only received 61 responses. We need at least 100 responses to gather the necessary data. Please take a few moments to complete the survey—it truly makes a difference!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make this week a great one!

In partnership,

Joey Kneer

Wednesday, December 3

• Strings Open House (during each class)

Thursday, December 4

• No Mosaics Classes
• Strings Open House (during each class)

Friday, December 5

• 2nd/3rd Mosaics Field Trip
• Strings Open House (during each class)

Strings Open House begins on Wednesday, December 3 and goes through Tuesday, December 9. Click here for the schedule and letter to parents about the event. Most performances take place during each class's regular strings time. (5th grade strings classes are slightly altered as Miller/McGinnis and Robertson/Janes-Miller are combining for the Open House.) We look forward to seeing you at the Open House! Please contact Mr. Wheeler (awheeler1@parkwayschools.net) if you have any questions.

We are currently seeking donations for our nurse’s office clothing closet. Our school nurse is in need of boys underwear and pants in sizes 5, 6, and 8. Gently used or new items are welcome and appreciated. These sizes are used frequently and our supply is running very low.

Dismissal Changes: Our normal procedure is for students to go home using their typical method, and any changes must be communicated before 3:30 pm. If your child needs to go home a different way, please send a signed note to the teacher or call the office at 314-415-6050, since teachers may not see email or voicemail during the school day. Without a note or phone call, students will follow their usual plan, so early notification helps ensure all children get home safely. Please refrain from calling after 3:30 pm with dismissal changes.

Early Pick-Ups: We also ask that early student pick-ups not occur after 3:30 pm.

What about Half-Days? We know that on half-days many students may go home a different way. Please communicate any changes ahead of time with your child’s teacher. On half days, early pick-ups and dismissal changes must be completed by 12:30 pm so we can prepare for the 1:05 pm dismissal.

Why This Matters: After 3:30 pm, staff are fully focused on coordinating a safe and efficient dismissal for all students at the regular dismissal time. Last-minute changes or late pick-ups can create confusion and safety concerns, so your support is greatly appreciated!

As we enter the holiday season, many families asked us to reshare this list of Staff Favorites and appreciation preferences.

Winter weather is with us! Please help your child remember to dress for the cooler temperatures by wearing coats, hats, gloves, etc. to school each day so everyone is prepared for recess, arrival, and dismissal times. Consider labeling coats and accessories with your child's name to prevent loss.

Click here for a direct link to sign up.

We are excited about the upcoming Winter Party, which is a schoolwide movie day! The flyer below will be sent home with your child this week. Please return it to your child's classroom teacher by Thursday, December 11th. Students are invited to bring a blanket or towel to donate to the Humane Society.

This holiday season we are calling upon the Bellerive Community to help support other families in need. Below, you will find links to wish lists containing items that we hope to provide for these families. If you would like to help, please look over the list and find some needs that you can help meet.

1 - Please sign up online by clicking individual links below. Sign-ups end Wednesday, December 10th.

2 - When signing up, please include your child's name and teacher in case we need to communicate about a gift.

3 - Please send your gift(s) to school labeled with the Student Number (#1 - #7) NO LATER THAN Tuesday, December 16th.

Student #1 - 4th Grade Boy

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60681664-student

Student #2 - 2nd Grade Girl

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60682193-student

Student #3 - Kindergarten Boy

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60657474-student

Student #4 - 4th Grade Boy

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60679820-student

Student #5 - 5th Grade Boy

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60706220-student

Student #6 - 5th Grade Boy

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60682601-student

Student #7 - 1st Grade Girl

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4BABA623A5FA7-60630521-student

Our Bellerive community is always so generous, and we thank you for your continued support and generosity this time of year.

Please click here for a direct link to the survey!

Click here for more details!

It’s time to order your child’s 2025–2026 yearbook! This is your opportunity to capture and keep the special memories, friendships, and milestones from this school year.

Bellerive Elementary

Yearbooks start at $17.10

Visit our school’s store to order: https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/belleriveelementary

Purchasing a yearbook gives your student a keepsake they’ll treasure for years. Thank you for helping us celebrate another year of memories at Bellerive Elementary.

Week of December 8

Strings Open House (during each class): Monday, December 8 - Tuesday, December 9

4th & 5th Grade Music Concert: Monday, December 8, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm

Half Day--1:05 pm Dismissal at Bellerive (Professional Development): Wednesday, December 10

Board of Education Regular Meeting: Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 pm, Parkway Welcome Center

4th Gr. Field Trip: Friday, December 12

Week of December 15

Volunteer Opportunity: PTO Gift Wrapping for Staff: Wednesday, December 17

Non-Letter Day: Friday, December 19

End of 1st Semester: Friday, December 19

Half Day--1:05 pm Dismissal at Bellerive (Records Day): Friday, December 19

No School (Winter Break): December 22, 2025 - January 1, 2026:

No School (Records Day): Friday, January 2

School Resumes: Monday, January 5