December 15, 2023

Weekly Information for December 15th

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


Bravo to the cast, crew and director of The Caucasian Chalk Circle for an incredible opening performance. We have an extremely talented group of students who should be very proud of the performance. The show is funny and creative, demanding versatility and stamina with 20 actors playing over 70 roles. As Ryan writes in his Director’s Note about the students,

I am in awe of how much of themselves they gave to bring you this performance. They are so funny, so brave, and so talented.

Thank you to the families, friends and staff who support Parker Theatre. The show runs tonight and tomorrow, December 15-16th at 7:00 PM in the Parker Auditorium. Please join us. Click the link to visit our web site for additional information and to purchase online tickets. https://our.show/parkerchalkcircle


Thank you to everyone who helped to spread the word about enrolling in Parker. The deadline for applying for January admission is today, December 15th. For additional information to share with families who may be interested in this year or next, please see Enrollment at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School (theparkerschool.org)


Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season. Happy Hanukkah to all students and families celebrating the last night of the Festival of Lights this evening. We have a full week of school next week, with a Noon dismissal on Friday, December 22nd.

 

Brian

This week’s topics:
  • Calendars are Ready!
  • Parker Annual Fund
  • Reminder for Families of Div2 AH
  • TOYS for TOTS Thanks You!
  • Lost and Found Pickup
  • From the Library
  • Parent Organized Faculty Appreciation
  • Gift Giving Guidelines
Calendars are Ready!

If you ordered a 2024 Parker Student Art Calendar, you can stop by Monique’s office to pick it up. Thank you for supporting Parker student art!

 

Parker Annual Fund

The Parker Annual Fund supports our teachers and programs which empower our students to innovate, explore, build, and create. Your donation will help us reach our $200,000 goal ensuring our students’ continuing opportunities to exceed expectations! Click here to donate.

   

Reminder for Families of Division 2 AH

Save The Date – Tuesday, February 13, 2023 – 6:30-7:30 PM. Division 2 AH students have worked hard this semester to complete Civic Action Projects. For their projects, students chose a civic issue they are passionate about, researched their issue, and engaged in civic action to address their issue. On the evening of Thursday, February 13th, we would like to invite families and students to Parker for Division 2 Exhibition Night! This night will allow Division 2 AH students to present their civic action projects, exhibit their learning, and share their actions with other Parker students, families, and staff. If you have questions, please contact your student’s Division 2 AH teacher.


TOYS for TOTS Thanks You!

You've proven again what an amazing and generous community we have at Parker. MANY thanks for supporting the effort to bring a ray of holiday joy to a child in need.

 

Lost and Found Pickup

The Lost & Found Closet (across from Room 28) will be CLEARED OUT on Wednesday, December 20th. Please check for and claim any items belonging to your loved ones!

 

From the Library

Did you know that you can get free eBooks and audiobooks from our school library? It’s easy! Just download the free Sora app and borrow digital books with your Parker email and Student ID. You can enjoy them on all major devices and tablets. The collection has books like Heartstopper and Throne of Glass. Bonus: You can add a public library name to browse and checkout titles from their collection too! Come visit your friendly, neighborhood Parker librarian for more information or access the site 24/7 in the Sora app.

 

Parent Organized Faculty Appreciation

Reminder there are two efforts underway to celebrate the wonderful staff this holiday season.

  1. A supply drive to stock the staff break room will start on Monday 12/11 and run throughout the week. We are seeking donations such as K cups, hot chocolate, tea, snacks, etc. You can send these things in with your student, and they can be placed in the bin in the lobby. No time to shop? Feel free to Venmo (info below) a donation and supplies will be purchased and delivered to the break room.
  2. There will be a continental breakfast provided to teachers and staff on Wednesday 12/20. Monetary donations to support this breakfast can also be sent via Venmo.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Maclary at stephaniemmac@gmail.com. Thank you for considering this opportunity to add some cheer to the Parker Community. Happy Holidays!  https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2997385634512896271


Gift Giving Guidelines

Reminder of the following guidelines on gift giving from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission that apply to all public employees in Massachusetts:

  • Gifts where the combined value is $50 or more may not be accepted. Whether gifts are given for the holidays, end of year, or other occasion, a public school employee may not accept a gift or gifts from a current student or a parent over the course of an entire year (365 days) with the combined value of $50 or more.
  • Gifts which have a value under $50 are permitted under the law, but may be subject to reporting to the State Ethics Commission on a disclosure form to prevent the appearance of a conflict of interest. Generally, any item of monetary value gifted during the year, including the holiday period, is subject to disclosure.

A teacher may accept a gift to the classroom that is to be used for the class and it will become the property of the school district and not the property of the teacher. Gifts from individual students, parents, classes, or other groups and entities are allowed so long as the gift is to the school. These gifts are not subject to disclosure. Parker will maintain a record of the gift. Such gifts must be in accordance with Parker’s policies.

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 - Dec 15-16 Fall Show
Fri - Dec 22 Noon Dismissal
Mon-Fri - Dec 25-29 Holiday Break
Mon - Jan 1 New Years Day - No School
Tue - Jan 2 Faculty Planning - No Classes
Wed - Jan 3 Classes Resume
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 the basis of race, color, gender, pregnancy or pregnancy status, 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 • March 7, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 28, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 13, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 7, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • January 30, 2026
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