December 8, 2023

Weekly Information for December 8th

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


We often reflect on the strength of the Parker community and our shared commitment to live our values. This week, we engage in deep and meaningful conversations about hate speech and antisemitism discovered on campus. We stand with our Jewish classmates and colleagues for whom this is painful and present. When one of us is assaulted, we all are. We condemn this cowardly act and explore the important role that we all play as upstanders. We are proud of our students for defending our values and one another.


Parker is committed to creating and nurturing a culture of inclusivity and equity. Common Principal #10: Democracy and Equity reads…

The school should demonstrate non-discriminatory and inclusive policies, practices and pedagogies. It should model democratic practices that involve all who are directly affected by the school. The school should honor diversity and build on the strength of its communities, deliberately and explicitly challenging all forms of inequity.


We are also a school that makes time and space for community service. Whether serving as a mentor or performing service hours, our students give back every day. One of the four pillars of Advisory is Community Service. By dedicating some portion of our day to community service, we look beyond ourselves to promote kindness, generosity and connection. Our world needs more of that.


This was also on display this week as we concluded the Toys for Tots campaign. Thank you to our Parker families for your extraordinary generosity. The donation box was overflowing with new toys for less fortunate children.


Reminder that we are running a midyear lottery for a small number of seats in grades 7 and 9. The deadline for applying for January admission is next Friday, December 16th. Please spread the word. We are also accepting applications for next year. The deadline for applying for August admission is March 1, 2024. Please share the following link with families who may be interested in learning more about Parker.


Enrollment at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School (theparkerschool.org)


Thank you for making a positive contribution to Parker and beyond.

 

Brian

This week’s topics:
  • Fall Show is Next Week
  • Last Call for 2024 Student Art Calendars
  • Coach of the Year
  • Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Attention Families of Div2 AH!
  • Health Office Wish List
  • Parent Organized Faculty Appreciation
  • Gift Giving Guidelines
  • Last Week for Current Year Lottery Applications
Fall Show is Next Week

The Fall Show, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, is next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 PM! The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a comedically revolutionary tale about justice, motherhood, and the importance of good cheese. All are welcome! Click here to ticket purchases and for more information!

Coach of the Year


Congratulations to Coach Ben Benoit for being recognized as the Boys' Cross-country Coach of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross-country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Ben started Parker’s Cross Country team 25 years ago and has led the team to numerous victories including this year’s Division III MIAA State Championship. Congratulations to Caleb Hatlevig and Henry Jacobsen for earning all-state honors at the championship meet.

 

Ski & Snowboard Club


Only one week left to register for Ski and Snowboard Club! Check here for details and to register. Registration Closes on December 15th, and six-week program begins Wednesday, January 3rd.

 

Attention 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.

 

Health Office Wish List


The Health Office would appreciate donations of tissues, fabric Band-Aids (all sizes), cough drops and healthy snacks. These particular supplies are distributed throughout the school on a regular basis. Thank you in advance for your donation that helps care for our Parker students and staff!

 

Parent Organized Faculty Appreciation

'Tis the season to show appreciation for the Parker teachers and staff. 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

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.


Last Week for Current Year Applications

Reminder lottery applications are being accepted for current openings in grades 7 and 9 until Friday, December 16th. There are no current openings in grade 8 at this time. If more applications are received than there are available spaces, a lottery will be drawn on December 19 at 4:00 PM. Enrollment offers will be made with an intended start date of January 23, 2024 (second semester). We are also accepting applications for students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 next year until Friday, March 1st. Please direct interested families to www.parker.school/enroll.

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 - Dec 8 Div 1 & 9th Grade Dance
Thu-Sat - Dec 14-16 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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