September 11, 2026

Information for September 11, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

As you may know, Parker was started 32 years ago by local parents who wanted to play an active role in a new kind of school. Our partnership with families is essential to the success of our students.


There are many ways to get involved. First and most importantly, we appreciate that 100% of our families actively participate in Registration Day on August 26th and PLP days on October 9th and March 12th. Helping students develop personalized goals and learning plans, and building a strong relationship with their advisors, provides a strong foundation for the year. We also welcome you to attend Back to School night next Thursday, September 17th. Families will experience Parker as their child does, following an abbreviated schedule to meet their teachers and get a feel for a typical day. Back to School night begins with Divisional orientations at 6:15 pm and classes start at 7:00 pm. This is a great night to learn about your child’s classes, but not their individual performance. If you have specific questions about your child, please reach out to their Advisors.


We invite families to join the Parker Parent and Caregiver Community (PPCC) and the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). To get involved in the PPCC please send them an email at parkercaregivers@gmail.com and join their Facebook page. To get involved in SEPAC email them at parkerpac7@gmail.com. We thank the PPCC and SEPAC for their voice, support, and leadership.


Families are also welcome to join one of the many committees, boards, working groups, or advocacy efforts of the school. If you are intrigued and want to learn more, see Brian or one of our staff members at Back to School Night. We are also looking for substitute teachers and some assistance in the library if you have time in your schedule. If you have questions or are interested, please reach out to Gabby (gbrummer@theparkerschool.org or Bex (bwilusz@theparkerschool.org .


We always need families to help with key elements of the curriculum. For example, Math, Science and Technology (MST) is hoping to schedule up to six field trips for small groups of high-school aged students in the Spring to STEM-related businesses or non-profits in our region. One of our parents hosted students at Bristol Myers Squibb two years ago. Our students had an incredible experience exploring biotechnology research and development. If you may be interested in hosting a small group of Parker students and teachers, please let Brian or Diane (dkruse@theparkerschool.org) know.


Finally, our Seniors need your help with their year-long Senior projects. On Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm we are hosting Community Connections Night, an opportunity for students to share their essential questions and ask for feedback, research ideas, and connections from Parker families. That same night, we host Parker 101 at 6:30 pm for new families to learn more about our program. Many families attend both events that evening.



I hope this is received as it was intended – an open invitation to get involved in ways that work for you and your family. We appreciate and value your partnership! We look forward to seeing you at Parker.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Back to School Night on September 17th
  • Join Parker Concert Band
  • Nature’s Classroom
  • Upcoming IEP Workshop
  • Kitchen Assistant Opening
  • Attendance Line Reminder
  • Event Parking Reminder
Back to School Night is Thursday, September 17

Please plan to join us for Back to School Night activities, as listed below


6:15—6:45: Divisional Information Sessions

  • Div 1: Introduction to Division 1 (meet in the Gym).
  • Div 2: Introduction to Division 2 (meet in the Auditorium).
  • Div 3: Program and Graduation Requirements for Division 3 (meet in Room 45).

7:00—9:00: Visit your students’ classes and meet their teachers!


Parents/Guardians will receive their schedule for the evening at 7:00 PM in their child's advisory room.


Please Note: This event is for parents/guardians—not for students. We ask students to stay at home. If your child or children must join you, they must be always with you under your supervision. Thank you!


Parker’s Concert Band

It’s not too late to join the Parker Concert Band! Even if you missed our informational lunch meeting, you can still take part! Anyone who has learned the basics of a concert band instrument in grades 7-12 is welcome. We hold band rehearsals after school on Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, and our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, Sept. 15 in room 12. The band runs for the semester and performs at Café Wednesday at least twice per year. The activity fee for each semester is $100, and need-based assistance is available. We also have several instruments available for loan at no charge. Just stop in to chat with Jim Desmond in room 12 or Teams chat or email him a message at jdesmond@theparkerschool.org


Nature’s Classroom for Division 1

Reminder to Division 1 Families: Nature’s Classroom paperwork and fee are due on Monday, September 21st. If you need another set of forms, please contact your student’s advisor. Please do not allow money to be a barrier for participation; there is scholarship money available confidentially by contacting Michelle McKenna at mmckenna@theparkerschool.org.


Upcoming IEP Workshop

Francis W Parker Charter Essential SEPAC would like to invite the Parents and Professionals to attend the Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP workshop hosted by The Federation for Children with Special Needs. Please see the flyer here for more information and how to register

Kitchen Assistant Opening

Parker is currently seeking part-time help in our kitchen. Click here for more information.


Attendance Line Reminder

Parents/Guardians must notify the school office of any Late Arrivals, Absences, or Early Dismissals by leaving a message on the Attendance Line: 978-772-3293, x1 BEFORE 9 AM of the affected day. If it is AFTER 9 AM, please call the office directly (messages are not cleared after 9 AM). The attendance line is available 24 hours a day, and you can leave a message any day or time prior to the absence and provide all the affected dates with one call. It is important you inform THE OFFICE your child(ren) will be absent, even if you have let the teachers know.


NOTE: Details about your child’s condition should not be shared on the Attendance Line. Please share health details with Nurse Lisa ONLY (x135 or lzick@theparkerschool.org).


Event Parking Reminder

During school events, 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!

Parents of Athletes

Do you know how to find your way to Parker’s playing locations? We have a GREAT feature on our website with interactive Google maps - just enter your address to receive directions to any of our game and meet locations. Find this feature by clicking HERE.

Upcoming Dates of Note:
Thu - Sep 17 Back to School Night
Tues - Sep 29 Parker 101
Tues - Sep 29 Support our Seniors Potluck
Tues - Sep 29 Community Connections Night
Wed - Oct 7 SAT/PSAT
Fri - Oct 9 Fall PLPs (No Classes)
Fri - Oct 9 School Photo Retakes
Looking for help with or concerning: Please contact:
a specific class or assignment the teacher of that class (see Parker email list)
technical support email: helpdesk@theparkerschool.org
your family's or student's health email: lzick@theparkerschool.org
mental health/emotional support needs email: skelly@theparkerschool.org
food insecurity/free and reduced school lunch needs email: mmckenna@theparkerschool.org

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 race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, gender identity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability, in the operation of the educational programs, activities, or employment policies

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By Gabby Brummer • June 5, 2026
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