April 11, 2025

Weekly Information for April 11, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


We had an extraordinary 30th Anniversary Gala last weekend. We shared the following 30th Anniversary video that evening, showcasing the growth of Parker from 1995 to today. It is an incredible story of innovation, community and putting students first. Take a look:

https://youtu.be/tecvqBwFNtA


Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the celebration. We raised over $45,000 at the Gala, every penny of which went directly to our students. We would be unable to keep class sizes small and provide individual attention to our students without the generosity of our community. Charter schools receive significantly less funding than neighborhood public schools, even though we are all public schools. We appreciate your support in addressing this inequity.

Donate to Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School


We were delighted to welcome our two Principal finalists, Bex and Hannah, to Parker this week. Thank you to all the students and families who joined us, asking terrific questions and sharing your feedback. We have one final interview, today at 6:00 PM virtually with Hannah. See the link below. We will review all the feedback and announce our new Principal later this month.

Hannah Kehn Family/Community Q&A, Friday, April 11, 6-7 PM

Join the meeting now


Finally, please join us on Wednesday, April 16th for an evening of student exhibitions, including Noche Sabrosa, Division 2 Exhibitions, and Senior Exhibitions. As you know, Parker students demonstrate mastery and learn from your feedback through public exhibitions. This year, we are hosting the three events on the same evening to increase the community support for our students. While visiting with our Seniors, consider serving on a panel for their Senior Exhibitions the end of the year. Please see sign-up information below.



Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Exhibition Jurors Needed
  • Clothing Swap
  • Parker Lit Mag
  • Extending Spring Break?
  • Immigration Info Session
  • Final Performances
  • Parker Expo Night
  • Netherlands Exchange!
  • Parker ECO-Travel
  • Junior College Fair Opportunity
  • MCAS Schedule
Senior Project Exhibition Jurors Needed

Current Parker parents are encouraged to sign up to join jury panels for Senior Project Exhibitions. Exhibitions will occur on May 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13. Jury panels include

community members, a faculty member, and a current junior and work together to assess the presentation using a rubric. This schedule lists each senior’s Essential Question along with the date and time of their exhibition. More information on what to expect and the rubric can be found in this document. A two-hour time commitment is required, but no experience with subject matter is necessary. Please note: Immediate family members of this year’s seniors may not serve on jury panels. To sign up for a jury spot, please email Monique (mbeganski@theparkerschool.org). You can let her know specific exhibitions you are interested in or specific days/times you are available. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2025!


Another Clothing Swap

After requests for another clothing swap, a second event will be held in the front circle – or in the lobby in case of rain – directly after school on Wednesday, April 16th. Come to support a senior project, shop for spring styles, and connect with the rest of the Parker community while learning more about sustainable fashion and reducing the amount of clothing waste in landfills. Bring in lightly used clothing to swap for other garments. Any excess will be donated. Thank you in advance for your support of this event! Email Cece with questions at cecelia.rowan@theparkerschool.org.


Parker Lit Mag

Do you have writing or art pieces you would like to publish? You should submit your creations to the Parker Art & Literary Magazine: Paper Flowers! We will accept personal essays, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenplays, comics, art (drawings, paintings, photography), and more! Students with submitted work receive a copy of the magazine once it is professionally printed. Submissions are due by FRIDAY April 18th at midnight - send your work to Sarah Leandro (sleandro@theparkerschool.org) or talk to her in Room 26. We look forward to seeing your work! Parker Lit Mag & Creative Writing Community Block.


Extending Your Spring Break?

Remember to inform the front office of any absences by leaving a message on the Attendance Line: 978-772-3293, x1 (available 24 hours a day). You can leave this 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.


Know Your Rights – Free Immigration Info Session

Lexikeet will host a Know Your Rights Info Session on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 PM EDT. In partnership with Ana Raquel Reis, Esq.—an experienced immigration attorney and immigrant herself—this event is designed to help families understand their rights and be prepared in the event of an immigration-related emergency. The event will take place on the Lexikeet platform, ensuring confidentiality. Lexikeet does not collect any identifying information so families can feel comfortable asking questions in a safe and supportive environment. Families will hear updates on current immigration policies, explain what families should and should not do, and answer frequently asked legal questions. Click here for more information. Join the session at this link: https://stream.lexikeet.com/lk

 

Spring Shows - Final Performances!

The final performance of Everybody! is tonight at 7 pm (16+) and of The Grumpiest Boy in the World is tomorrow at noon. Click here for more information. Tickets can be purchased online before the show for a discounted price of $10 or for $12 cash at the door. Click here to purchase your tickets now. All shows will be general seating.


Parker Expo Night: April 16
Join us next week to attend three different events spread across the evening of April 16:
  • Noche Sabrosa: Please join Division 1 Spanish students for Noche Sabrosa from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Spanish hallway as they showcase their speaking and cooking skills! Our talented students are bringing the heat with an evening of vibrant flavors, lively music, and great company. Expect a celebration packed with delicious cuisine prepared by our Div 1A Spanish students. Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and come support this event. See you there!

  • Division 2 Exhibition Night: Please join Division 2 students from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Div 2 MST rooms for an inspiring evening of Engineering! Division 2 students have been hard at work engineering creative solutions for a sustainable future, designing, testing, and refining their wind turbine prototypes. We invite you to join us as students showcase their designs and share the innovative processes they've used to develop prototypes that generate the highest voltage. It’s sure to be an exciting night celebrating the remarkable ingenuity and problem-solving skills of Parker students!

  • Senior Project Exhibition Night: Please join the members of the Class of 2025 from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Parker Gym as they showcase their Senior Projects! One of the most defining experiences at Parker is the Senior Project—a culminating capstone project in which seniors pursue a passion through genuine inquiry and authentic learning that results in both intellectual and personal growth. Come talk with them about the learning they have done, the experiences they have had, and the products they have created in this science-fair style event. Arrive any time and bring a friend with you!


Netherlands Exchange Happening Next Year!

Have you ever wanted to host an international student in your home and help show them the ins and outs of American life? Have you/your child wanted to travel to the Netherlands to stay with the same student for a week and learn the ways of Dutch life? The Netherlands Exchange trip is happening again next year for current 9th and 10th graders (next year’s 10th and 11th graders)! Applications are available physically in Room 61 and are due Thursday, May 1st. If you are interested or have any questions, you can reach out to Anna (asolon@theparkerschool.org) or Jinnee (jstrus@theparkerschool.org).


Parker Eco-Travel is Back!

Join us for an exciting Marine Biology trip to Andros Island, Bahamas in February 2026. This adventure is open to Div 2 and 3 students who want to snorkel at the world’s third-largest barrier reef and explore the beautiful Cayes of Andros Island. Experience the wonder of oceanic and freshwater blue holes, meet the friendly locals, and learn about the island’s culture, ecology, and tropical lifestyle. You'll stay in cozy beach cabins just steps from the water. Have any questions? Reach out to Tiffany Testa

(ttesta@theparkerschool.org) or Alec Hudson (ahudson@theparkerschool.org)


Attention Juniors!

Do you want to come to Keene State and visit with over a hundred different college reps? Sign up for the College Fair field trip that is taking place on May 20th. The deadline to sign up is April 18th. See your email or Jinnee's bulletin board for more information.


MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the months of April, and May, following the schedule listed below. Please make every effort to have students in school and on time for these testing days. All students should eat a good breakfast each day and get a good night’s rest the night before – those two things are the best “test-prep” we can recommend! Students who miss any of these testing days will make-up the tests on days following the dates listed here. Students and families will receive more details in an email about ten days before each testing session.

10th Grade:

  • MATH: May 20 & 21

7th & 8th Grade:

  • MATH: April 30 & May 2
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): May 8 & 15
  • CIVICS (8th Grade Only): May 20 & 27

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Merriam (deb@theparkerschool.org). All tests are untimed, and most students finish by mid to late morning. Parents/guardians and students will get grade/test specific emails with more details that will go home as each test date approaches.

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; Apr 11-12 Spring Shows
Wed - Apr 16 SAT Testing
Wed - Apr 16 Noche Sabrosa/Div 2 & 3 Exhibitions
Fri - Apr 18 NOON Dismissal
Mon-Fri; Apr 21-25 Spring Break
Wed - Apr 30 7th & 8th Grade Math MCAS
Fri - May 2 7th & 8th Grade Math MCAS
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 Cindy Johnson • November 14, 2025
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Weekly Information for November 7, 2025

By Cindy Johnson • November 8, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • November 1, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 26, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 17, 2025
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Weekly Information for October 10, 2025

By Cindy Johnson • October 10, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, I have been spending a lot of my time in Advisory lately—visiting sometimes with 2 or 3 advisories in a day. These visits are helping me to meet one of my goals for the fall which is to get to know all our students—yes, to learn almost 400 names (first names first—last names later…) but also to know our students as more than names and faces. During these visits, I have had the privilege of asking and answering questions about each other like “What is something you are proud of?,” drawing 10 second animals, sharing a meal, playing 4 on a couch, playing reverse charades, and sharing a rose, bud, and thorn for the week. Earlier this year, I talked about building a strong foundation at the start of the year. In that metaphor, the advisory program is a cornerstone of our foundation at Parker, with four important purposes that include academic advising, community service, community conversations, and group dynamics/recreation. It’s a student’s advisor who checks in with them weekly about their academic work and progress. It’s the advisor who coordinates and hosts the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) conferences twice a year. It’s the advisor who supports this small group of students in building community during morning and afternoon advisory each day. Advisory is at the heart of so much of what we do as a school to get to know our students well and foster community. When we have an important issue to discuss or want to learn about something together, we will turn to community conversations and our “Super Advisories,” cross-age constellations of multiple Advisory groups. Advisory is critical not only to how we personalize the experience of school for students but also to the work of fostering a tone of decency and trust in our community, two of our 10 Common Principles. In the last thirty years, more schools have developed and implemented advisory programs. I see this as a sign they are recognizing something we have always believed: that when students feel a sense of safety, belonging, and community, they engage more fully in their learning, and that when at least one adult knows a student well, they are more successful in school. I hope you will get your own glimpse into the special and important work our advisors do through the upcoming PLP conferences—and I hope you will build your own relationship with your student’s advisor so that we can partner in supporting our students as they learn. Wishing you a restful long weekend ahead! Bex