November 6, 2026

Copy of Weekly Information for November 9th, 2026

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Dear Parker students, families, and staff,


As you know, we began the school day with advisory discussions about the hate speech that we found in the boys’ bathroom on Thursday. We are sad, angry, and determined to condemn antisemitism in our community. We appreciate our students and staff engaging meaningfully in conversation about the values that make Parker a safe and welcoming school for all students. We are all in this together. We are a strong, unified, and vibrant community.


That was on full display last evening with opening night of Puffs, Parker theatre’s fall show. It was fun, funny and incredibly well performed. Bravo to our actors, stage crew, directors and the audience for a great show. There are two more shows – tonight and Saturday night at 7:00 pm. Buy your tickets HERE.


Thank you to everyone who has helped to welcome new students and families to Parker. Our enrollment continues to be strong with 393 students from 40 different cities and towns. We continue to extend offers to students on the waitlist to meet our chartered enrollment of 400 students. We currently have a few open seats in 9th grade, the one grade without a waitlist, so we are going to do a small midyear lottery in early December. Please spread the word to families with current 9th graders who may be interested in Parker. The deadline to apply is December 7th for January admission.


We are about to launch our family Ambassador program, a small group of parents and guardians who want to help share their story about Parker. If you are interested in joining us, please email Brian or Monique. We will have our first meeting of the year next Thursday, November 12th at 6:30 pm on Teams. We will meet a few times (always remotely) to plan and host school events. We appreciate your input and help with those events as we recruit and welcome our newest students.

We look forward to the third annual Parker Fun Run and Walk on Sunday, November 22nd. Join us for a 5k run or 1 mile walk. This is always a fun and meaningful fundraiser for our community and a great kickoff to Thanksgiving week. Sign up HERE.


Gabe Jojatu brought down the house with a world-class cello performance for the whole school. It was a truly extraordinary performance to a standing ovation. Thank you, Gabe, for sharing your music with all of us. We will share video clips next week.


Finally, thank you to the Senior class for hosting Applefest this afternoon. It is a long-standing fall tradition to host a school-wide event to enjoy apple crisp and our Parker community. Thanks to the Hatlevig family and Shelburne Farms for donating the apples again this year. It was a lovely way to end the week.


With gratitude for our community,



Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • AppleFest -Thank You
  • Toys for TOTS
  • Don't Miss our Fall Show
  • Calendar Art - Last Call!
  • PPCC Meeting
  • SEPAC Awareness Month
  • Zentangle Display at Ayer Library
  • Winter Sports Registration
  • Fun Run T-Shirt Deadline Extended
  • Kitchen Assistant Opening
AppleFest Thank You

Thank you to our seniors for hosting AppleFest today, a not-so-secret tradition with homemade apple crisp and a community gathering. Our deepest thanks go to the Hatlevig family and Shelburne Farm in Stow for the donation of apples to this year’s senior class for AppleFest. Apple crisp was enjoyed by all! 


Toys for Tots

Help Parker support this great cause by dropping off new, unwrapped toys in the TOYS for TOTS donation bin located in the Front Lobby of our school November 12th until December 4th. Please help us bring a ray of holiday joy to a child in need. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers to disadvantaged children offer them recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.


Don't Miss Out - Get Tickets to see Puffs!

It’s not too late! Get your tickets for Puffs: an unauthorized satire of seven progressively worse years at wizard school! There are still two performances: tonight and tomorrow night, both at 7pm in the auditorium, right here at Parker. All are welcome! (May contain: flashing lights, gross slugs, death by magic, bubbles, awkward dancing, etc.) Scan the QR codes in the hallway or purchase at: https://www.ticketstage.com/T/PARKERTHEATER 


Calendar Art

Reminder to submit student artwork for the 2027 Parker Calendar by November 10th. The calendar will be delivered before the holiday break and can be ordered here! Submit your artwork online here. Contact Katrina, Monique, or Sheila with any questions!


PPCC Meeting

The Parker Parent and Caregiver Community (PPCC) will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 12 at 7PM. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will be discussing plans for Teacher/Staff Appreciation events for the upcoming holiday season. https://mcphs.zoom.us/j/94929790419 


SEPAC Awareness Month

November is SEPAC Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) in advocating for the rights and needs of students with disabilities.

What is a SEPAC? A mandated parent- and caregiver-led volunteer group that partners with the school to support families of students who have, or are eligible for, an IEP or a 504 plan.

How SEPACs Help SEPACs meet regularly with school leaders/board, special education directors to share parent feedback, identify unmet needs, and help shape special education policies and programs. SEPACs host informational meetings, training sessions, and gatherings. SEPACs connect caregivers of children with disabilities to build peer support, reduce isolation, and share local resources.

The Parker SEPAC is proud to be a part of this important work!

Join a community of Parker School families working together to build community, help support Parker families, and advocate for all Parker students with disabilities in our school. Email your Parker SEPAC to be added to the mailing list: parkerpac7@gmail.com and find us on Facebook

Meet us for coffee after morning drop-off around 8:30am Marty’s Corner Café (176 Jackson Rd, Devens) near the school. These informal gatherings offer friendship, support, and community, typically held the third Wednesday of the month. Next coffee meet up is November 18th at 8:30am.

Join us for regular Zoom meetings, typically held on the first Monday or Tuesday evenings of the month. At these meetings we discuss SEPAC business and sometimes welcome special guests. Next Zoom meeting is December 1st at 8pm. 


Zentangle Display at Ayer Library

Last spring, Parker’s Community Elective for Zentangle used this creative mindfulness practice to make artwork and turn their pieces into cards to give to a local community group. Our students voted to share their cards with the Ayer Library, where they are displayed for the community to enjoy. Thanks to the members of this elective for sharing their creativity.


Winter Sports Registration

The following Winter Sports Teams will be offered:

Winter Track, Girls' and Boy's Basketball (Middle School and High School), Boys' Ice Hockey (Co-op with Littleton) and Girls' Ice Hockey (Co-op with Acton-Boxborough). 

All practices begin Monday, November 30th, and will be held Monday through Friday that week.

To register your student for a winter sport, click here: 2026-2027 Winter Parker Sports Registration


Fun Run T-Shirt Deadline Extended

Deadline extended! Sign up by Sunday, November 8 to be guaranteed a race shirt! The 2026 Parker Fun Run will be held on Sunday, November 22, at 10 AM. Come run, walk, skip, or jump the 5K run or 1 mile walk! Prizes awarded in multiple categories but all levels welcome. Join the fun and help support your school! To register or find out more, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/140332/parker-fun-run


Kitchen Assistant Opening

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

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:
Fri-Sat - Nov 6-7 Fall Theater Show
Wed - Nov 11 Veterans Day (No School)
Wed - Nov 25 Noon Dismissal
Thur-Fri - Nov 26-27 Thanksgiving Break
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 Xalli Gordon-Chavez • October 9, 2026
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