Parkville Highlights

At the public meeting on Dec. 10, the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education applauded faculty from E.M. Baker Elementary and Parkville schools for their successful Buddy Program. Now in its third year, the Baker-Parkville Buddy Program pairs fifth-grade students with their pre-kindergarten peers for meaningful connections throughout the school year.

Through a series of shared visits, the Baker and Parkville students engage in fun, age-appropriate activities such as reading, writing, and games that support learning and relationship-building. The program provides Parkville’s youngest learners the opportunity to learn from Baker’s oldest elementary students, while empowering fifth graders to serve as positive role models and mentors—fostering important social skills including empathy, kindness, cooperation, and sharing for all involved.

This partnership was inspired by the schools’ Shared Decision-Making Committees, comprised of educators and parents who develop ways to enhance building-level programs and support student growth.

During the December Board meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Diana Haanraadts commended the school leaders, educators, parents and students whose input helps expand our students’ experiences and build relationships across the community. “The Baker-Parkville Buddy Program is a shining example of their philosophy and the philosophy of the Great Neck Public Schools in action,” she said.

Ms. Haanraadts introduced Baker Interim Principal Dr. Heather Sweet-Lazos and Parkville Principal Michelle Bell, who spoke about the power of collaboration, connection, and shared purpose across both schools. The principals added that the program has become a highlight of the school year for prekindergartners and fifth graders alike.

Dr. Lazos and Mrs. Bell praised the exceptional educators in Baker’s fifth-grade team and Parkville prekindergarten team for their partnership in the Buddies program. Each faculty member was presented a certificate on behalf of the Board of Education, in recognition of their enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to building bridges between the two schools.

 

 

Parkville kindergarten students had the incredible opportunity to visit SHS for a truly memorable experience! The SHS drama students, some of them proud former Parkville students, were outstanding role models. They were mature, professional, kind, and welcoming, making our youngest learners feel right at home. Through four original skits written and performed by the students, important life lessons came to life in creative and engaging ways. Our kindergarteners were captivated and loved being invited into thoughtful conversation and reflection along the way. We are so grateful for the time, care, and collaboration that made this visit possible. Thank you to SHS for sharing your talents, creativity, and hearts with Parkville! 

 

#DiscoverGreatness #ParkvilleProud ️ 

 

 

Parkville prekindergarten students teamed up with fifth graders from Baker School to kick off an exciting partnership that began as a Shared Decision Making Committee initiative three years ago. Baker students traveled to Parkville to work with our prekindergarten students as they got to know one another, read the book "We Are Going to Be Pals," and completed an activity together. It was a successful and memorable experience for all as we worked with our buddies to practice and reinforce social skills, kindness, and empathy. A special thank you to our new fifth-grade Baker buddies! Click here to view the video.

Parkville School celebrated World Kindness Day! Students and staff wore yellow, Mrs. Gelb’s class kicked off the day by sharing their Kindness Project during morning announcements, and every student decorated their own heart now displayed in the lobby as part of our Parkville Kindness Tree. 

#ParkvilleProud #DiscoverGreatness

 

 

Parkville kindergarten students had an opportunity to travel to the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy the show, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical!” With plenty of audience interaction, this was a fantastic way for students to explore sound, rhythm, and reading! The production featured vibrant songs, energetic dancing, and whimsical puppets, as the alphabet letters ambitiously climbed the coconut tree. 

 

#DiscoverGreatness #ParkvilleProud 

 

 

At Parkville School, we believe in using our talents, gifts, and energy to make the world a better place! In October, our students and staff wore orange for Unity Day and created individual “links” to celebrate acceptance, inclusivity, and kindness. This week, thanks to Ms. Donna and Ms. Joy, we proudly unveiled our school-wide display, a powerful symbol showing that every Parkville student is linked together by KINDNESS and LOVE! 

#DiscoverGreatness #ParkvilleProud

 

 

 

That’s a wrap on Parkville PTO’s Annual World’s Fair! Students took their last journey around the globe, visiting China, Greece, India, and Peru. Day 1 whisked students away from the USA to explore Iran, Pakistan and the Philippines and on Day 2 students traveled to Israel, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan! Families played a big role too! Caregivers were given opportunities to enhance and enrich their child’s experience from home, making this adventure even more meaningful. Our students have “traveled” to 11 different countries — exploring cultures, traditions, and landmarks, all thanks to the amazing efforts of our PTO and school community. Thank you to everyone who made this event so meaningful! 

#DiscoverGreatness #ParkvilleProud

Parkville School students and faculty marked the 100th day of school in style! Dressed in our Parkville shirts, we came together for a day filled with fun, learning, and school spirit. Highlights of our celebration included wearing 100th-day crowns from our amazing PTO while marching proudly in our 100 Day Parade! Students rotated through 100-day themed centers, games, and activities and completed 100 exercises led by Coach Smith. We captured the moment with a 100-day photo and students received special 100th-day pencils. We are so proud of all the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our students over the past 100 days! Here’s to the next 4 months of learning, laughter, and success at Parkville School!  

#ParkvilleProud #DiscoverGreatness

 

All students at Parkville School learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful message of equality, kindness, and peace.

Through read-alouds, videos, mini-books, and hands-on activities, students explored concepts like fairness, kindness, and getting along peacefully. They expressed their own dreams through special writing and drawing activities and created meaningful and colorful art projects. This is just a small sampling of the meaningful work and reflection that took place at Parkville!
 
 

 

Parkville School’s Pajama Story Night and PTO Book Fair was truly “out of this world!” Thank you to the teachers and staff who made the night a huge success! It was wonderful to see our students and their families enjoying stories read by their teachers in their classrooms.  A very special thank you to the Parkville PTO for organizing a successful Book Fair! Your support helps make Parkville, and our events, extra special.  We’d also like to thank our families for their incredible support with the teacher wish list—your generosity means so much and helps our classrooms thrive!