Principal

Mary Calkins, EdS. - Building Principal

Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year! I am so excited to welcome you to another wonderful year at Meadows Parkway Early Childhood! As I begin my 14th year as principal, I’m looking forward to continued learning, growth, and building meaningful connections with our amazing students, families and community members.

This is my 20th year in school leadership, and it’s been such a joy to spend most of that time right here at Meadows Parkway. Before coming here, I served as an assistant principal at both Independence and John Weldon Elementary. Prior to that, I was a classroom teacher for 12 years - all within the Francis Howell School District. With 32 years in Francis Howell, I’m proud to have grown alongside this community.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Louis University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Missouri Baptist University.

Outside of school, I’m married to my husband, Chris, and we have three grown sons - Jake, Zachary, and Gavin. Our family also includes our daughter-in-law, Katelyn, our sweet granddaughter, Isabella, and our two fun-loving yellow Labradors, Duramax and Allison.

It is truly an honor to lead such an exceptional learning community. Meadows Parkway is a welcoming and caring community where children and families are supported, celebrated, and given a strong foundation for the future. I’m excited for all the learning, laughter, and joy the new school year will bring!