Parkside Newsletter

25-26 Enrollment

Annual placement of your child is important, and your input is valued!  Please complete the google survey link below by April 25th.

  25-26 Family Placement Input Form

Just a reminder to complete your In-District Transfer Form if you are requesting any other school other than Valley View next year.  The completed form should be sent directly to admin.  

In-District Transfer Form

NOTEWORTHY ITEMS

We’re excited to invite families to our Parkside Picnic Field Day Lunch on Friday, May 16th! Grownups and family members are welcome to join their student(s) on the playground for a fun picnic lunch—feel free to bring your own packed lunch or purchase a guest meal. Students will order their lunch at school as usual, so please do not fill out the form for student meals. Guest meals are for non-students only (grownups, siblings, and other family members) and are available for purchase at $4 for adults and $3 for children. Don’t forget to return the yellow form that was sent home this week to reserve your guest meals!

Get Ready for National Walk, Roll & Bike to School Day!  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 7th, as Parkside joins students across the country in celebrating National Walk, Roll & Bike to School Day! It's a fun and healthy way to promote physical activity, reduce traffic congestion, and support a cleaner environment. Whether your student walks, bikes, scoots, or rolls — we encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the fresh air on the way to school. Let’s make it a day to move together and show our school spirit!

Earth day april 22

At Parkside, being a Green School means we care deeply about our planet, and Earth Day is the perfect time to take action together! Families can make a big difference with small, simple steps. Plant a garden, create eco-crafts from recycled materials, pack zero-waste lunches, or bike instead of drive. Kids can help by turning off lights, sorting recycling, and picking up litter at the park.

Let’s keep the Parkside spirit going strong, caring for the Earth, one green habit at a time! 

autism awareness month

Promoting Understanding, Acceptance, and Inclusion

April is Autism Awareness Month. It is time to celebrate the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum and to foster greater understanding and inclusion in our communities. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about acceptance, empathy, and action.

Inclusion starts with conversations at home. Parents can play a key role in helping children understand and embrace differences. Here are a few simple tips to encourage inclusion and kindness:

• Talk openly: Explain that autism is a neurological difference that may affect how someone communicates, plays, or reacts to things, but it doesn’t change their value as a person or friend.

• Celebrate differences: Help your child see that everyone has unique strengths and challenges. Differences make friendships interesting and meaningful.

• Model inclusive behavior: Show your child how to be patient, flexible, and kind. A smile or a simple invitation to play can go a long way.

• Read together: Explore children’s books that feature autistic characters or themes of inclusion. Stories are a powerful way to build empathy.

• Encourage questions: Let your child ask questions and answer honestly, with age-appropriate language. Understanding leads to compassion.

Let’s work together to make sure every child feels seen, heard, and included, not just during Autism Awareness Month, but every day.

Character Trait of the month - courage

Quote: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Conversation Starter: During a quiet moment, ask your child: "Was there a moment today when you felt nervous or unsure, but tried anyway? What helped you be brave?" Talking about these moments helps kids recognize that courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about doing your best, even when things feel tough.

Tip: Encourage courage by celebrating effort, not just outcomes. If your child speaks up for a friend, tries something new, or keeps going after a setback, let them know you’re proud of their bravery. Sharing your own stories of courage—big or small—shows them that being brave is something we all practice every day.

Important Dates

• April 25 - Student Council Backwards Day     
• April 25 - Student Council Egg Hunt
• April 26 - Parkside Carnival 
• May 7 -   Walk, Bike, Roll to school day!           
• May 8 -   Valley View Family Fun Night at 3 mile project
• May 14 - Valley View Open House/PTO meeting                                                           
• May 16 - Talent Show/Family Lunch/Field Day 
• May 20 - Whitecaps Family Night
• See full list of PKS Events and upcoming field trips on the calendar link:  Parkside Calendar 

PTO Corner

Help Us Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!
At Parkside Elementary, we want to show love to the amazing staff members! We’re collecting gift cards from the businesses in the sign up genius link below.

Please give all gift cards to Jamie Phillips by Friday, May 2nd. You can also drop them off in the envelope at the front office.

Questions? Email phillips.L.jamie@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!

Teacher Appreciation Sign-Up

Help Stock the Staff Lounge
Our PTO Staff Appreciation Committee is looking for a few more volunteers to help stock the staff lounge with treats and goodies. If you’d like to contribute, please sign up here:
Stock the Lounge Sign-Up

Spring Carnival Raffle Donations
We’re gathering donations for our Spring Carnival raffle! If you or your business would like to donate an item, please email us at miparksidepto@gmail.com.

Spring Carnival Volunteers Needed
We’re also looking for volunteers (adults and teens) to help at the Spring Carnival. If you’re interested, sign up here:
Carnival Volunteer Sign-Up

Rockford Footwear Depot has generously donated a FREE pair of shoes to our top Mileage Club winner! We also have FREE movie tickets and other fun prizes for top performers.

We need help to make this a great experience - please sign up to assist with punch cards during afternoon recess (1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.). 

 Mileage Club Sign-Up

If you are not able to volunteer for the whole recess, 45-minute slots are available. Please do not sign up for both full recess and half recess times on the same day. We would like at least 3 helpers per day.

We appreciate any help on Monday mornings when we deliver charms for each mile and update the leaderboards. Students eagerly wait to see their names moved up each week! 

How it works:

• Teachers will hand out punch cards before students come outside.
• Students will check in with helpers to start (each grade has an assigned start time)
• Each time a student completes a lap, helpers will punch a foot on their card and cheer them on! 
• Charms are awarded on Mondays for each mile completed; each Punch Card is 5 miles
• New this Year: Silver and Gold charms can be earned for reaching lap goals.  

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Mileage Club a success!