April 3, 2026

Weekly Information for April 3, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


We are delighted to celebrate Parker students who were recognized for their outstanding performance at the 45th annual Elizabeth Haskins Mathematics Contest at Fitchburg State University. In the 90-minute competition, students answer 50 challenging math questions written or created by members of the Fitchburg State Mathematics Department faculty.


This year, five students from Parker participated in the competition. The high scorers in each grade level were recognized in an awards ceremony at the competition. All five students from Parker were among the top scorers! 


Three Parker seniors earned Honorable Mention, placing in the top 15% of all scores:

  • Chrys Olsen
  • Dylan Stark
  • Oliver Gillen


Two of the three top scorers were Parker juniors.

  • Andrew Roberdeau earned 3rd place in the 11th grade division, repeating his performance from last year, when he placed 3rd in the 10th grade division.
  • Daniel Hendrickson won 1st place in the 11th grade division, earning the highest overall score out of all scores at the entire competition.


We appreciate the leadership and coaching of Diane Kruse, MST Domain Leader, and Nathan Soule, MST Teacher. We are very proud of our students and the adults who help them thrive.



Have a great weekend.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Student Moderators
  • Spring Show
  • Prom Tickets
  • Senior Project Expo Night
  • Youth Venture
  • Teacher Appreciation Week
  • From SEPAC
  • Call for Gardener
  • MCAS Testing Schedule
  • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Student Moderators for 2026-2027

Congratulations to Delila Goldberg, Lana Hanyaloglu, and Audrey Bonner for being the Moderators of the Community Congress for the 2026-2027 academic year! Audrey, Lana, and Delila have done wonderful work as Moderators this year, representing the school with visitors to Parker and at outside conferences, and leading the Community Congress and its work around revising the School Handbook, expanding our composting program, increasing the amount of public art in the building, and giving grants to various student organizations who applied for them. We are so glad that the three will continue to provide their leadership and passion to Parker next year!

 

Spring Show

The Parker Spring Show, concisely titled "A One Act Show that Answers All Your Questions About Politics, Human Mortality, and Applying to College", will be performed on Thursday April 9, Friday April 10, and Saturday April 11 at 7pm. Tickets are $13 at the door but are also available online for $10. The shows are student-directed and we couldn't be prouder! Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketstage.com/T/PARKERTHEATER


Prom Tickets

Division 3 Families! Prom tickets will be on sale from Monday 4/6 to Friday 4/17! Watch for an invitation in your email with all the details.

 

Parker Senior Project Expo Night: April 15

Please join the members of the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, April 15th 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 friends from both inside and outside the Parker community with you!


Youth Venture: Supporting Sherry

It's here! The Youth Venture group Supporting Sherry will be hosting an Advisory coin collection competition starting next week. The winning advisory will win a prize! All money raised will be donated to Sherry's House, which is a non-profit organization that provides food, financial support and short/long term housing in a non-hospital environment for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Check your cars, couches, purses, and pockets and send in those coins! Questions? Reach out to Emilie at eshannon@theparkerschool.org. Use this link to learn more about Sherry's House: https://whyme.org/


Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8. National Nurse's Day is the same week, on May 6. PPCC has lots of great things planned to celebrate Parker Teachers and Staff, including a luncheon, chalk the walk, massage, kitchen cleanup, gift card raffle and a wishlist from Nurse Lisa. We are seeking monetary donations and people power to support our efforts. Thanks for considering!

Questions: stephaniemmac@gmail.com

Donations: Venmo or PayPal @Stephanie-Maclary/Stephanie Maclary

To help during the week: https://signup.com/go/QjoUVwQ

Nurse Lisa's Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3856ECNQMK7C9?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_MSW63BJ6208YXAZGMCPJ


From SEPAC

On April 8th at 7pm, Cody Lukasik, an occupational therapist of Emerging Kids (https://www.emergingkids.org/) who works with neurodivergent kids and teens, will present for our SEPAC on Dysgraphia and how to work with it. This is not to be missed! Please find the zoom link here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84761740680?pwd=Iq4q9Dvibn67SJsDFbS8W598wsqTac.1

Meeting ID: 847 6174 0680 - Passcode: 680359


Call for Gardener

Parker is seeking a reliable and enthusiastic part-time Gardener to maintain our school grounds and garden beds. This position requires approximately 4 hours per week, offering a flexible schedule ideal for cultivating a vibrant, welcoming outdoor environment. Primary responsibilities include routine weeding, plant replacement, watering, and general plant care to keep our campus looking pristine. Frequent bending, kneeling, and standing will be required as will lifting in excess of 50 pounds and utilizing typical gardening equipment. The position will be needed during the months of April Through October, or as determined by the weather. If you have a passion for horticulture, attention to detail, and want to make a positive impact on a school community, please send a letter of interest to Sal Monteneri, Facilities Manager at smonteneri@theparkerschool.org by April 6th. 


MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the months of March, 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 19 & 20

7th & 8th Grade:

  • ELA: April 1 & April 8
  • MATH: April 29 & May 6
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): May 7 & 14
  • CIVICS (8th Grade Only): May 19 & 26

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.


Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

During the week of April 13, 2026, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review (IMR) at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school approximately every three years. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation.

  • Surveys: Parents/guardians of special education students will receive an online survey from the Office of Public School Monitoring via mail/email.
  • Interviews: During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview district staff, administrators, and other individuals. Parents/guardians or other individuals may contact Charles Agong, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at 
    (    781) 338-3753 or Charles.O.Agong@mass.gov to request a telephone interview.
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:
Wed - Apr 8 7th/8th Grade MCAS
Thu - Apr 9 Board of Trustees
Thu - Sat; Apr 9-11 SPRING SHOW
Wed - Apr 15 Senior Project Exhibition Night
Fri - Apt 17 Noon Dismissal
Mon-Fri - Apr 20-24 Spring 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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Information for September 11, 2026

By Xalli Gordon-Chavez • September 11, 2026
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By Xalli Gordon-Chavez • September 8, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • August 28, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • June 18, 2026
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