4/23/2020 -- The below letter from Superintendent Dr. Marty was sent to families and staff today.

Dear Parkway families and staff,

We know that our message yesterday about summer plans was disappointing news for many in our community. There are so many things outside of our control right now, as an organization and as human beings, while we navigate this challenge. I want to assure you we remain committed to our students and their future now more than ever. We are hopeful and optimistic we can start to resume some normal operations in the coming weeks and months. We will certainly be ready and tremendously excited!

We have a few short updates to share with you today which include:

• How to sign up for student and family meals
• How to support our community through the Parkway Food Pantry
• Summer school refunds and lunch account balances
• Staying calm, managing anxiety and helping our children

Meals for Students
In place of the daily meals our students typically receive at school, families can pick up five days of student meals each Wednesday, including breakfast and lunch. Grab and go meals are available for curbside pickup at Fern Ridge, South High, and Park Meadow Apartments. Please complete this meal pickup form by Sunday, April 26 to request meals for next Wednesday.

Meals for Families
In addition to our daily meals for students, in order to support entire families, the Parkway Food Pantry continues to distribute large food boxes. The next box pickup dates are May 5, May 26, June 16, July 21, and August 11. You can sign up here.

The Parkway Food Pantry provides meal boxes to families as well as hygiene, cleaning and school supplies. Since school has been closed, our community has donated over $40,000 to support our Pantry. We cannot thank you enough for your support as we work to provide food and essential needs to over 400 Parkway families!

Would you like to sponsor a family?

• $20 can provide a combination of hygiene, cleaning or school supplies
• $40 provides assistance to a family of 2
• $55 provides assistance to a family of 4
• $70 provides assistance to a family of 6

You can donate to the Parkway Food Pantry here.

Summer School Refunds
We will begin issuing full refunds for all summer school afternoon campers. Refunds will be issued no later than May 15. If you have a specific question regarding summer camp fees, please contact Liza Bangert at lbangert@parkwayschools.net.

Lunch Balances
Meal accounts will roll to the next school year even if students move to different schools in Parkway. There are two other options. You can request a refund or you can choose to donate your current balance to the Parkway Food Pantry. If you would like to request a refund, please email sbarks@parkwayschools.net. If you would like to donate your balance, please email mpfeiffer@parkwayschools.net. Please include the following information in your email: student name, school, parent name, mailing address and how you would like your balance applied.

Helping our Children Cope
Today, we interviewed Dr. Erin Schulte, Parkway coordinator of counseling, about how we can cope during this uncertain time. She offered some great tips on mindfulness, how we can stay calm and help our children. Watch Erin’s interview here.

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Stay well,

Dr. Marty