April 18, 2025

Weekly Information for April 18, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


I hope that you have a terrific April break with those who you love. Get outside, read a book, take a nap, dig in the garden, play a game, take a trip – these are some of the plans our students have for the week ahead. Whatever your plans, come back ready for a rigorous and celebratory end of the year at Parker.


Have a great break!


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Exhibition Jurors Needed
  • Teacher Appreciation
  • Café Wednesday
  • Netherlands Exchange
  • Parker ECO-Travel
  • From the Health Office
  • 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. Please check back as we update the schedule. 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!

 

Teacher Appreciation by PPCC

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up! The Parker Parent and Caregiver Community group (PPCC) is asking for help celebrating the teachers and staff at Parker during the week of 5/5-5/9. The week will kick off with a luncheon and be followed by various ways of saying thanks throughout the week. PPCC asks you to consider donating your time, talents or money to support their effort using the SignUp link below. Monetary donation info is under the April 30, 2025 Spot in the SignUp platform. Thanks for considering! https://signup.com/go/KsnEyQf

 

Café Wednesday

Cafe Wednesday has a special invitation for you that you won't want to miss - Café Finalé, our grand final event of the year! On April 30th from 6:30 to 8 PM in the Cafégymtorium, we will be hosting our last Café Wednesday of the year, with music, comedy, skits, and more! Students are encouraged to sign up using the QR code on the posters in the hallway, using the link on our Instagram page (@thecafewednesday), or talk to Ella H or Romi C. We'll see you there!


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)


From the Health Office

COVID-19 Test Kits are free and available to students, staff, and families. They are in the main lobby to the right of the office window.

Tick season in Massachusetts typically lasts from April to November. Please see tick information HERE.

Prevent Mosquito Bites: Simple steps to protect you and your family from mosquito bites can be found HERE.

Tissues Needed! The Health Office supplies the entire school with tissues. Any donations are appreciated!


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:
Mon-Fri; Apr 21-25 SPRING BREAK
Wed - Apr 30 7th & 8th Grade Math MCAS
Wed - Apr 30 Café Wednesday (final)
Fri - May 2 7th & 8th Grade Math MCAS
Fri - May 2 Div 1 & 9th Grade Dance
Wed-Fri; May 7-9 Senior Exhibitions
Thu - May 8 8th Grade Science MCAS
Thu - May 8 Board of Trustees
Mon-Tue; May 12-13 Senior Exhibitions
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 • April 3, 2026
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