Parents at Parkway Carman Trails Elementary Show Their Support

Over 250 parents attended Carman Trails’ Bring Your Parents to School Day.  The day kicked-off in the gym with the parents enjoying the weekly Friday morning celebration.  Curious, Capable and Confident student achievement awards were presented by Principal Beth Wendling.  Nominations for these awards by teachers, administration, peers and parents are based on Parkway’s new mission to ensure all students are capable, curious, and confident learners who understand and respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world.  The entire second grade class sang a New Zealand folk song called "Oma Rapeti."  The 5th grade All-District Singers performed a German piece entitled "Marienwurmche.n"  Students from all grade levels in the Juggling Club astonished the crowd with their juggling skills.  The assembly ended with the entire school signing “We are Family” to demonstrate support for one another.

Following the assembly, parents had the opportunity to attend a superintendent coffee with Dr. Marty. He addressed parent’s concerns about the Board of Education’s plans for reducing expenditures by 3 to 5 percent over the next two years, as well as other questions regarding school specific concerns.  Also in attendance to meet parents and encourage open communication were Board of Education member Helen Casteel and Dr. Bonnie Maxey, assistant superintendent for elementary education and early childhood.  Parents were very encouraged by Dr. Marty’s attendance and openness.  Parent of fourth grader, Julie Westerlin, said, “I have been in the Parkway School District for eleven years and was excited to get a chance for our Carman Trails parents to sit down with Dr. Marty. He seemed to genuinely listen to our questions and concerns.  It was a pleasure to have him see what our school is all about.”

Fellow first grade parent Bonnie Krueger agreed. “I really appreciated Dr. Marty and Bonnie Maxey attending our ‘Bring Your Parents to School Day’ event for a Superintendent Coffee. He addressed our concerns, whether it was budget related or specific to our school. I have been in the Parkway District as a student or parent since 1972. This is the first superintendent in my knowledge who is engaging with the parents and students; and is making himself available on a one-on-one basis."

After coffee with Dr. Marty, parents could attend other break-out sessions available throughout the day, have lunch with their child(ren), or spend some time in the classroom. The students were eager and excited to have parents in the classroom to showcase their school work and have their parents see what a typical day in the classroom looks like for them.

Nicole Wasielewski has two daughters at Carman Trails.  She thought ‘Bring Your Parents to School Day’ was an incredible event.  “I was able to be in my girls' classrooms and watch how they started each school day. Being able to participate in their learning through activities and games allowed me connect to the experiences that they have each and every day at Carman Trails.”

For Principal Beth Wendling, it’s her favorite school day of the year.  “Our partnership with parents is so important and this gives us a chance to celebrate that partnership.”