Dear Parker students, families and staff,
I hope that you have a great long weekend with your family and friends. On Monday, May 29th we observe Memorial Day, a solemn remembrance of the 1.3 million Americans in the military who died serving our country. We appreciate the men and women in uniform for their service and ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedoms. We pause on this day in remembrance and gratitude.
We return on Tuesday for a busy Senior week culminating with Graduation on Wednesday, June 7th at 6:00 pm on the front lawn of Parker. The tent out front marks the start of an exciting ten days for our students and our whole community. Commencement is a beautiful celebration of the success of our Senior class and the entire community who supported them.
Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. See you Tuesday.
Brian
This week’s topics:
- Launching Our Seniors
- Event Parking Reminder
- Household Goods Collection
- Noon Dismissals
- Division 2 Canobie Lake End of Year Trip
- Dental Appointments
- Teacher Appreciation Thanks
- COVID-19 Information
Launching Our Seniors
Members of the Class of 2023 are looking forward to their last day of classes on Friday, June 2nd, and to their Graduation ceremonies the following week! Seniors are also planning to continue the tradition of a “Senior Prank” on Friday morning, June 2nd. Every year, Seniors welcome students and staff with a unique theme on the morning of their last day. Previous themes have included “Beach Party” and “Pirates v. Ninjas.” This year’s theme is still a secret! But the theme is likely to involve performance/engagement during morning drop-off. That could involve squirt guns, costumes or water balloons. We’ve asked the seniors to be safe, respectful and fun-loving during morning drop-off. We will be outside to ensure everyone’s safety.
In the past, some parents have voiced concerns about squirt guns hitting their vehicles during drop-off. If you and your child want to avoid the scene, please consider alternatives to on-campus drop-off for your student next Friday morning. Antietam Street or P5 are the best options. Students may enter the building from the back doors if they wish.
Event Parking Reminder
During school events (e.g., Graduation, Gateways), our on-campus parking is insufficient for our whole school community. Please remember and join in our community norms by parking in the Museum Lot (P-5), located across Jackson Road, and allowing guests with limited mobility to use the available spaces on campus. Thank you!
Household Goods Collection
Reminder Parker ECO wants your unwanted household goods! On Wednesday, May 31st, bring your clothing, books, DVDs, textiles, kitchenware, tchotchkes, ALL OF IT (almost) to P5 from 8 AM-3 PM. Donation Centers of New England will compensate us based on what we collect - the more we collect, the more we earn. This is ECO’s only fundraiser this year and funds raised will support projects that benefit the Parker community. Please see this flyer for more details. If you would like to volunteer for a shift, please contact Dawn Van Patten, [email protected].
Noon Dismissals
Reminder the following dates are noon dismissals:
- Wednesday, June 7
- Friday, June 16
- Tuesday, June 20
Please arrange to have your student picked up at noon, as there is no after-school coverage on these days. The Big End (last day of school) is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20.
Division 2 Canobie Lake End of Year Trip
On Wednesday, June 14th, Division 2 advisories will be going on our end of year trip to Canobie Lake Park. We are very excited to be returning to this Division 2 tradition. We will leave Parker at 8:45 AM and return for pickup at 3 PM, extending our day beyond the regular Wednesday schedule to allow for a full day at the park. Students will have the option of a school-provided lunch but are welcome to bring their own. The trip cost is $45 and can be paid by a check made out to the Parker School or online using Unipay. Please do not allow money to be an issue for any student to participate. There is full and partial scholarship money available. You may apply confidentially by contacting Michelle McKenna at [email protected]. If you have a student in Division 2, use this link to complete the permission form by June 7.
Dental Appointments
Reminder the dentist is returning to Parker on Tuesday, May 30th. Students have an opportunity to receive either initial or follow-up (6 month) dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program. All dental personnel will be vaccinated and screened prior to working on students. Please read about Caring for Kids and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return to Nurse Lisa as soon as possible. The dental program provides a dental examination, x-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants, dental education, teeth cleaning, silver diamine fluoride (as needed), and SMART restorations. There is no direct cost to the patient. However, if the child has insurance, the insurance will be billed. If you have any questions, please email Lisa Zick at [email protected].
Teacher Appreciation Thanks
Parker's Essential Community Organization (ECO) each year organizes a way for families to show their appreciation of Parker teachers by bringing treats to the school for them (usually on Wednesdays). Our thanks to the L'Bassi, Isaac, Mullen, Bercovici, Herrmann, Jaffee, Tscherne, Kurth, Higgins, and Vacca families for their generosity these past few weeks and until the end of the school year!
COVID-19 Information
The following are positive cases in the Parker community from 5/19/23-5/26/23:
- Staff – 0
- Students – 0
Please click here for Current Health Office COVID-19 Protocols and Information.
Sports Schedule
Upcoming Dates of Note:
|
Mon |
May 29 |
Memorial Day (No School) |
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Wed |
Jun 7 |
Noon Dismissal |
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Wed |
Jun 7 |
Graduation |
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Tue |
Jun 13 |
Board of Trustees |
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Fri |
Jun 16 |
Noon Dismissal |
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Mon |
Jun 19 |
Juneteenth (No School) |
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Tue |
Jun 20 |
Noon Dismissal – Last Day of School |
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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 |
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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.
