December 19, 2025

Weekly Information for December 19, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday! We had a busy and festive week at Parker – with hard work, holiday parties, and our community coming together for those in need. Thank you to everyone who donated food, toys, or sports equipment to our campus drives. We are proud of the Parker community for always stepping up! 


We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Enjoy the long break with those who you love.



Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Thanks - Warm Wishes!
  • Loaves and Fishes Update
  • EzSports Youth Venture Update
  • Thank You from PPCC
  • Yearbook
  • Parker Fund
  • Holiday Break Reminder
  • Resources for Those in Need
  • Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Lost & Found Pickup

How thoughtful you were to think of us!

All the goodies and treats; you made such a fuss!

Our thanks for your kindness and we wish you the best.

Have a wonderful break and enjoy an earned rest!

~~~

Parker extends the warmest wishes of the season to you and your loved ones.

Enjoy the break - see you in 2026! Happy New Year!

Loaves and Fishes Update


On Tuesday, December 16th, Parker students and staff delivered 496.2 pounds of food to Loaves & Fishes! The Parker community truly came together and went above and beyond to serve others, exceeding our donation goal. Many thanks to everyone who donated and made the food drive a big success!

EZSports Youth Venture Update


The Ez Sports Youth Venture group was able to pass along the donations they collected for the Fitchburg/Leominster Boys and Girls Club this week. The group consists of Preston Wentrup, Hudson Wheeler, Emery Berkhout, and AJ Pietrovito. They ran a donation drive collecting sporting equipment and school supplies for the club, and as usual, the Parker community showed their immense generosity. Thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause. They were very appreciative!
Thank You from PPCC

Thanks to everyone in our community who donated in some way to the Staff Holiday Appreciation Breakfast and Supply Drive. Because of your generosity, it was a great success. Happy Holidays from the PPCC!


Yearbooks – Discounted Price

Order your 2025-2026 yearbook by January 31st for $5 off regular prices. Hard cover and soft cover books all have the same content while the Division 1 books contain the same whole school and Division 1 sections but not the sections for Division 2, Juniors, Seniors, and senior parent ad pages. Currently, hard cover books are $55, soft cover books are $35, and Division 1 books are $15.


Support the Parker Fund Before Year’s End

As 2025 comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and the dedication of our teachers. ✨ Before December 31, we invite you to make a year‑end, tax‑deductible gift to the Parker Fund. Your support ensures that Parker continues to thrive and that our students gain the skills they need to succeed.

👉 Give to the Parker Fund today – because every gift matters, and every gift makes a difference.


Holiday Break Reminder

Classes will resume for students on Monday, January 5, 2026. If your student will miss additional days, please leave a message on the Attendance Line (available 24 hours a day) at 978-772-3293, x1, giving the dates your child will not be in school.


Resources for Those in Need

While the holidays are generally filled with cheer, there are those for whom the holidays can be difficult. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please reach out to one of these resources:

  • DIAL 911/Go to your nearest Emergency Dept for immediate needs
  • DIAL 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 coverage
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) - 24/7 coverage
  • DIAL 211 - For food insecurity help in Massachusetts or contact Project Bread's Food Source Hotline at 800-645-8333 for expert SNAP/HIP guidance and food resource navigation
  • Text 741741 - Crisis Text Line - 24/ 7 coverage
  • Text TEEN to 839836 - Teen Line (Teens Helping Teens) – Texts are answered from 9PM-12AM EST/call 1-800-852-8336 from 9pm-1am EST. The teen line is staffed by trained volunteer teen listeners who are supervised by mental health professionals.
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth) – 24/ 7 coverage: 1-866-488-7386 (4-U-TREVOR) – please note that you do not have to be in crisis to call this line. The Trevor Project is there to answer questions or support callers with a variety of struggles.
  • Text “Trevor” to 2023041200 - Monday - Friday, 3pm-10pm (LGBTQ youth)
  • Samaritans 24-Hour Crisis Hotline – 24/ 7 coverage: 1-212-673-3000
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) - 24/7 coverage
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673 - 24/7 coverage
  • SAMHSA National Helpline - 24/7 coverage: 1-800-662-4357 - confidential and free help to find substance use treatment and information.
  • MA Atty. General's Hate Crime Hotline: 1-800-994-3228 - Any Massachusetts resident who has witnessed or experienced incidents of bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence can call this hotline to file a report.


Ski and Snowboard Club

Check here for details and to register. Program begins 1/7.


Lost & Found Pickup

The Lost & Found Closet will be cleared on Friday, January 16, 2026. You are welcome to stop by anytime between January 2 – 16 to check for and claim any items belonging to your loved ones. 

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-Wed; Dec 22-31 Holiday Break
Thu - Jan 1 New Years Day - No School
Fri - Jan 2 Faculty Planning - No Classes
Mon - Jan 5 Classes Resume
Wed - Jan 7 Young Alum Day
Thu - Jan 8 Board of Trustees
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 • February 28, 2026
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