Weekly Information for September 18, 2026

Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

The first month of the school year is when we start to frame the year ahead. I sometimes think about a picture or piece of art and the difference a frame can make for it. The frame I choose can add definition, it can add substance, it can connect to and expand a smaller object into a larger one; the frame establishes the outline, it directs our eye and attention to whatever is in the middle. As I see it, the frames we start to define in September help us to focus our attention on the year ahead—and all of the challenges, learning, and excitement it will hold.

Last night we hosted our annual Back to School Night for families—a chance for parents and caregivers of our students to learn about their student’s division, to meet their student’s teachers, to experience an activity their students have engaged in, and to preview the year ahead. It is one of the ways that we frame the academic work of the year ahead for families and I am always impressed at how much energy we build by coming together for this event. People left here excited and engaged with each other even as we passed 9 PM! We have also been doing important work this month building connections and engaging students in thinking about our essential question. This work and the conversations we’ve had set a frame for our collaboration and how we work together to build community. We have been doing this work through Super Advisory groups: small advisory clusters of students from across different divisions. These initial conversations were led by advisors and then Division 3 students. As we move through the year, students in Division 2 and then 1 will have their own chance to facilitate some activities in Super Advisory, with each session contributing to the evolving picture that will fill the community frame we are establishing together.

Please join us for some upcoming events to continue to add your contributions. We hope to see you at Parker 101 if your student is new to the school, or for Community Connections Night to learn about and share resources with the Class of 2027 for their Senior Projects. (Additional information on both events are below.) All of what we do from here will continue to paint the pictures of this year—and it is always an honor to see what the particular community members who are here in this moment contribute to that process.

With appreciation for what each of you contributes to our school,

Bex

Welcome Back, Ben Benoit!

We want to officially welcome back Ben Benoit, Parker’s Athletic Director, after he completed his hike of the Appalachian Trail! Ben hiked over 2100 miles, starting last March in GA and ending his journey just this week. In the final days of his hike, Ben was logging between 20 and 28 miles a day, often clocking between 50,000 and 60,000 steps! We are thrilled to have Ben back, are grateful to Henry Schrader for his work as Interim Athletic Director, and appreciate the work of the many track and cross-country coaches who have supported the teams while Ben was away.

Community Connections Night on September 29

We invite all members of the Parker community to meet with the Class of 2027 and learn about their Senior Projects on Tuesday, September 29, from 7-8:15 PM in the Gym! We hope you will offer suggestions for:

• resources they could access
• people/organizations with whom they might collaborate
• experiential opportunities they could pursue
• product ideas they might consider.

PLEASE BRING GUESTS from inside and outside the Parker community—the more people who come to talk to our seniors, the better!

Parker 101 for Parents/Guardians

Parker parents, guardians, and caretakers of students who are new (or relatively new) to Parker are encouraged to join us for an orientation to academics and assessment at Parker on Tuesday, September 29 from 6:30-8PM. If you missed this last year and want to come, please do! We know that how we assess student skills and evaluate student work is quite different from many schools and this program is designed to help you understand the what, why, and how of assessments and feedback.

In this session, we will explore our core beliefs about assessment, how we assess student learning including the evaluation continuum we use, and the types of assessments students will be asked to work on. You will also learn about the Habits of Learning which guide how we talk with students about the skills and dispositions of being a learner, and we will preview the upcoming PLP Conferences so you are familiar with the purpose of PLPs and have a better idea of what to expect. This session will be hosted by Parker students, parents, and teachers, each sharing their perspectives on these topics. We hope to see you there!

Support Our Seniors Potluck

Seniors and their families are invited to join in conversation around the expectations, excitement, and challenges of the year ahead on Tuesday, September 29, from 5:30-7 PM in the Gym. Senior Seminar teachers/advisors will provide an overview of the senior year, Senior Project, and the graduation requirements along with this year’s installment of “Dear Diary”—a not-to-be-missed crowd favorite! Please bring a dish to share! 

Last Call: Nature’s Classroom

Nature’s Classroom paperwork and fee are due THIS COMING 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.

Spring AP Exam

Juniors and Seniors, if you are interested in taking an AP exam this spring, please see Jinnee before September 25th. See your email for more information.

College Fair

Juniors and Seniors! If you would like to attend the college fair on September 30th, please see your email for more information and links for how to sign up. See Jinnee with any questions.

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

Hourly Substitute Opportunity

Parker is currently seeking responsible, caring adults interested in working with middle and high school students as classroom substitutes. Familiarity with Parker’s mission and academic program is preferred. Substitutes will be called on an “as needed” basis based on their availability and will support students in following plans left by classroom teachers. Please contact Gabby at gbrummer@theparkerschool.org if interested.

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).