December 8, 2024

Weekly Information for December 6, 2024

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


Our first snowfall came early this year. I was pleased that it did not disrupt the school day on Thursday. Based on the chatter walking into school, however, many students would have preferred a snow day. That will come, just not this week. Thank you to the Devens DPW and our custodial team of John, Greg and Ben for keeping the driveways and walkways clear around Parker. We appreciate their hard work this week and every time it snows.


I want to provide a little context on how decisions on cancellations and delays are made. We try to assess the conditions around Devens as well as our neighboring communities. We communicate with DPW and area superintendents in the evening and early morning. If school is cancelled or delayed, we inform students and families using an automated phone service, local media, and our website. We try to communicate by 6:00 am. On delayed openings, school starts at 10:30 am and all the classes are shortened.


There may be some cases where a storm impacts some communities more than others. Because Parker students come from over forty cities and towns throughout central Massachusetts, it’s important for families to exercise personal judgement, based on local conditions, when deciding whether to travel to campus during inclement weather.


Stay safe and warm this winter. Have a great weekend.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Thank You
  • Fall Show
  • PPCC Holiday Appreciation
  • 2025 Student Art Calendars
  • TOYS for TOTS
  • Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Gift Giving Guidelines
  • Yearbooks
  • Winter Sports Registration
Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who supported Parker on GivingTuesday this week! Our goal was for 30 current families to give on Tuesday—and we had over 40—which brings us to 21% participation. Our hope is to have at least 50% of families give before the end of the school year. We are grateful for your support. Thank you!


Fall Show

Parker Theater is proud to present Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This timeless tale of love and tragedy will thrill you, make you laugh, and break your heart. There will be dancing, romance, poetry, and lots of swordfights! The show will be performed three times in the Parker Auditorium:

  • Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7 PM
  • Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7 PM
  • Saturday December 14, 2024, at 7 PM

Tickets can be purchased online before the show for a discounted price of $12.50 (including $2.25 fee) or for $15 cash at the door. Click here to purchase your tickets now. All shows will be general seating.


PPCC Holiday Appreciation

The holidays are the perfect time to show appreciation to the dedicated teachers and staff at Parker! The PPCC is hosting two initiatives to support teachers and staff this holiday season. The first is a supply drive for the staff lounge and Nurse Lisa's office. The second is a breakfast for the staff that will be held on Wednesday, 12/18.


We can't do this without the support of our amazing community! Monetary contributions can be sent via Venmo (see contact below). A limited Amazon wish list was created for direct ordering, with specific requests from the school. Through your generosity, the list has already been fulfilled. Items will be delivered to the school on the morning of the staff breakfast. Lastly, we are looking for a few volunteers to assist with breakfast setup and cleanup, signup link below.


Thank you for considering this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer at Parker this year. The PPCC wishes all Parker community members a joyous holiday season!

 

Student Artwork Calendars

Last Call to order 2025 wall calendars featuring Parker student artwork! Calendars will be available for pick up by December 18th. Proceeds support The Parker Fund. Don’t miss out and order your calendar now! Click here to order.


TOYS for TOTS

MONDAY is the last day to drop off new, unwrapped toys in the TOYS for TOTS donation bin located in the Front Lobby of our school. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers to disadvantaged children offer them recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.   

 

Ski & Snowboard Club

Registration closes next Friday, 12/13.  Check here for details and to register. Program begins 1/8.


Gift Giving Guidelines

As the holidays approach, please be reminded 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.


Yearbooks

Order your 2024-2025 yearbook by January 31st for $5 off regular prices. Hard cover and soft cover books have all 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.

   

Winter Sports Registration

The Winter Sports season has started, but it's not too late to join a team! Please click here to register: Athlete Registration

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:
Thu - Dec 12 Board of Trustees
Thu-Sat; Dec 12-14 Fall Show
Fri - Dec 20 NOON Dismissal
Mon-Tue; Dec 23-31 Holiday Break
Wed - Jan 1 New Years Day (NO SCHOOL)
Thu - Jan 2 Faculty Planning (NO CLASSES)
Fri - 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 • May 23, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • May 17, 2025
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