Parkway Elementary School

Welcome to Parkway Elementary School, where we encourage our students and staff to “always be kinder than necessary.” As a community, we teach our children in a nurturing and positive environment. Thank you for visiting our website to learn more about our school.

A Message from Our Principal

Dear Parkway Community,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we settle into the school year, our teachers are getting to know the students better and preparing great teaching opportunities to foster their learning. The weather is also cooperating, and the kids have been able to play outdoors frequently. As we enter the colder months, please remember to pull out the coats and winter gear, as we go outside every day for 20 minutes unless the weather is too severe.

As the person monitoring recess and lunchtime, I have noticed some trends that I would like to share with you. Many students are struggling to manage pick-up games without arguments and hurt feelings. Therefore, I encourage parents to set aside time every week when kids can play impromptu games with neighborhood kids, so they can learn how to navigate non-structured peer interactions. This way, they can develop critical social skills like negotiation, compromise, and sharing. 

Another trend I've noticed is the overreliance of our students on electronics as a primary source of entertainment. This has affected their ability to focus, socialize with others, and may expose them to inappropriate content that may not be properly vetted by trusted adults. Therefore, I strongly encourage parents to limit their children's use of electronics and actively monitor the apps and sites they visit. 

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the PTA for sponsoring a fantastic Trunk-or-Treat event. The children had a great time, and it was a super special event that they will remember for a long time. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped make it a success! 

Have a fantastic month,

Kindest Regards,

Suzanne Barbi

Suzanne Barbi
Parkway Elementary School Principal