Dear Parker students, families and staff,
Thank you to everyone in the Parker community who helped to make this week of transition a success. Welcome to our new students, congratulations to those who gatewayed and best of luck to all students and teachers who started new classes this week. We also hosted a large group of teachers from the Netherlands in the Sizer Teachers Center today. They were extremely impressed by our students and inspired by our model. It was a very busy and rewarding week!
We ended today with Community Block, an all-school gathering in cross-divisional “Super Advisories”. Students from three divisions came together to reflect on our Essential Question, What is our Purpose? As we grapple with this question as a school, we consider our shared purpose of living in community with one another.
We spent this All-School Conversation exploring some of the things that happen between individuals during a school day that ask us to flex our strength as a community. Students and faculty discussed a handful of scenarios in which conversations need be courageous, and in which students may wonder what role they can or should play. Students were asked to reflect on what they would say when someone says something inappropriate, fails to contribute to group work, writes something on the wall and more. Holding one another accountable is an important and vital life skill. We also know that school is one of the most opportune venues for practicing such a skill, and today the students did so through thoughtful reflection and earnest conversation.
Our hope is that today’s work will help us all, students and adults, remember to practice the essential skills of life that foster healthy community culture and strong, positive relationships. Have a great weekend.
Brian and Carter
This week’s topics:
- Siblings and Friends
- MCAS Testing 10th Grade Bio
- Health Advisory Council
- SEPAC
- Parent Ads for Seniors
- Winter Driving Reminder
- Health Office Donations
- Teacher Appreciation Thanks
- COVID-19 Information
Siblings and Friends - Apply Now
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If current Parker students have a sibling who would like to come to Parker next year, the sibling must submit a lottery application by February 1st. Siblings receive preference in the lottery but cannot receive preference or be admitted without submitting an application. Current students do not need to reapply. |
Please remind your friends and coworkers with middle-school aged children, the deadline to apply for the lottery is February 1st. They can submit an application at www.parker.school/apply. Word of mouth is how most families learn about Parker, and we appreciate your help!
MCAS Testing - 10th Grade Biology
Students in the 10th Grade will take the MCAS Biology test on Wednesday AND Thursday, February 1st & 2nd. [Students/families of these students recently received an email with more information.] Please make every effort to have students in school and on time for these testing days. Students should try hard NOT to stress, but good test taking strategies include getting a good night’s sleep and eating a good breakfast each day. Students WILL NEED their school laptop to test and should be sure to bring those. Electronics/internet enabled devices are NOT allowed in testing situations. Students should be prepared to leave these at home or in their bags for the entirety of the testing periods. Students who miss any of these testing days will need to make up the tests at a later time. If you have any questions, please contact Deb Merriam ([email protected]). All tests are untimed, and most students finish by mid to late morning. The MCAS Schedule for SPRING will be posted as the testing dates get nearer.
Health Advisory Council
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Reminder you’re invited to join the Health Advisory Council (HAC). The group is planning to meet at Parker on Tuesday, January 31, at 3:30 PM in Room 3A in the library. Please contact Lisa, the School Nurse and HAC Coordinator, at (978) 772-3293 x135 or [email protected] to let her know. |
The group will include Parker faculty, parents, and students and will examine health, safety and environmental issues within the Parker Community; provide recommendations to Parker’s faculty and staff, including the Board of Trustees; and organize special events within the school that assist in meeting these objectives.
Parker SEPAC (Special Education Parent's Advisory Council)
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What a wonderful turn out at the SEPAC Presentation this week! Thank you for your thoughtful questions, and to the Special Education teachers who addressed the differences between the Divisions and the Executive Functioning skills required that are particular to Parker. Please email [email protected] if you would like a PDF copy of the presentation. |
NEXT MEETING: TBD ~ March. Look for an announcement after the February break.
Parent Yearbook Ads for Seniors
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Reminder parent ad deadline is Tuesday, January 31. Prices then increase by $10, and late ads are only accepted for one week. Purchase ads at this link. Seniors should submit their baby photos and senior portraits here by Tuesday, January 31, and senior half-page info here by Tuesday, February 28. Reach out to Monique at [email protected] with questions! |
Click here to order your yearbook from Jostens.
Winter Driving Reminder
Now that we are in the midst of winter and have the potential of snowbanks that narrow the driveways and parking lots at Parker, for the safety of all, please keep in mind the following student drop-off and pick-up norms: When entering Parker’s lot, please pickup or discharge passengers at the curb in front of the school. Please do not stop, idle, or discharge passengers along the “inner ring” (e.g. between curbside cars and the flagpole lawn). Please reduce driveway and parking lot speed even further during winter months. Thank you
Health Office Donations
If you are willing to donate items to the health office, we are currently in need of tissues, cough drops, and surgical masks. Thank you!
Teacher Appreciation Thanks
Our thanks to the Reilly, Isaac, Permatteo, Stock, Johnson, Tscherne, Wentrup, Kennedy, Pelletier, Turgeon, L'Bassi, Higgins, Wuensch, and Kurth families for their generosity these past few weeks! ECO has organized a way for families to show their appreciation of Parker teachers by bringing treats to the school for them. Please click here to learn more and to sign-up.
COVID-19 Information
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The following are positive cases in the Parker community from 1/20/23-1/27/23:
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Please click here for Current Health Office COVID-19 Protocols and Information.
Sports Schedule
Upcoming Dates of Note:
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TUE |
Jan 31 |
Junior College Planning Night |
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WED |
Feb 1 |
Enrollment Deadline |
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WED |
Feb 1 |
10th Grade Biology MCAS |
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THU |
Feb 2 |
10th Grade Biology MCAS |
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TUE |
Feb 7 |
Enrollment Lottery |
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TUE |
Feb 14 |
Board of Trustees |
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FRI |
Feb 17 |
Noon Dismissal |
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MON-FRI |
Feb 20-24 |
Winter Break |
Click here for the online calendar.
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Looking for help with or information concerning: |
Please contact: |
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a specific class or assignment |
the teacher of that class (see Parker email list) |
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technical support |
email: [email protected] |
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your family’s or student’s health |
email: [email protected] |
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mental health/emotional support needs |
email: [email protected] |
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food insecurity/free and reduced school lunch needs |
email: [email protected] |
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The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is committed to equal employment and educational opportunity for all members of the school community and prohibits discrimination on the basis of the basis of race, color, gender, pregnancy or pregnancy status, religion, gender identity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability, in the operation of the educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
