February 28, 2026

Weekly Information for February 27, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

Thank you to everyone who helped to spread the word about Parker. Enrollment applications for next year continue to be strong and the response from families has been very positive. We have two days left! The application deadline is this Sunday, March 1 and the student lottery is Thursday, March 5. If you have a neighbor or friend who may be interested in Parker, please share your experiences. And remember, younger siblings need to apply to be eligible for admission. There is a sibling preference in the lottery, but you still need to apply. For additional details and a link to the application visit parker.school/enroll.


We welcome NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) for their Decennial Accreditation visit next week. Every ten years, we invite NEASC into our school to evaluate teaching and learning, academic achievement, school culture, facilities and more. As a result, Parker will continue to be a NEASC accredited school. They will be on campus Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3 and 4, visiting classes, meeting with students and teachers, and reviewing our self-study. We will share the results of their visit and their final report later this Spring. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this two-year process, particularly Marena and Kris who have done excellent work leading the effort!


We are thrilled to launch Parker Giving Week from March 16-20, a new tradition celebrating the anniversary of our charter application — the milestone that opened the doors to the school our students and families know and love today. This year, your impact will be tripled! Thanks to a few incredibly generous donors who have pledged $20,000, every dollar you contribute during Parker Giving Week will be matched 2:1! That means your gift has triple the power to strengthen our programs and enrich our students’ experience.


Every penny raised during Parker Giving Week goes directly to our students, supporting:

  • Small class sizes that allow teachers to truly know each learner
  • More direct attention and academic support to help students thrive
  • Greater access to clubs, sports, and activities that build confidence, community, and joy

Thank you for your support.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Spring PLPs
  • Family in Need
  • Request for Food Processor
  • Sibling Applications for Next Year
  • Div 2 AH Civics Exhibition Night
  • Annual Drag Ball
  • PPCC Meeting
  • Parker’s Volleyball Club
  • Host a Student!
  • Yearbook – Quantities Limited
  • Spring Sports Registration
Spring PLPs

Spring PLPs are on Friday, March 13. See below for more information about how to book your appointment!

  • On that day, there will be NO CLASSES for students; instead, teachers spend that day in conferences with families/students to check in on student goals, progress, and PLPs. Each family (with their student) will be asked to come to school for a 30-minute appointment. Your child’s advisor has been (or will soon be) in touch with more information and details along with a LINK to sign up. These links are customized by each advisor, so you do need to use the specific link that was sent by the advisor to sign up. Email your child’s advisor if you do not have a link from them yet.
  • If you are not able to make it for an appointment on March 13 (and need another day or time of day), please reach out directly to your child’s advisor to find another day/time that is mutually possible. If (on March 13 or any other day), you need to attend remotely, please reach out to your child’s advisor to request a remote link for the scheduled slot.


Family in Need

There is a family in the Parker community facing significant financial hardship well beyond their control. We are doing everything that we can to support the family through this difficult moment. As a community, we would like to help by collecting gift cards in the Front Office so that they may buy essentials. Gift cards to grocery stores, retail stores, and Visa gift cards would be appreciated. We share this request out of great concern for the family. We are grateful for any assistance you can provide and your generous support of our community members.


Request for Food Processor or Baby Food Blender

Hi everyone, my name is Rayna Ferlin, and I am a senior studying algae sustainability and materials engineering for my senior project. I'm making plastic for my product and am in need of a food processor or baby food blender that is no longer being used. If you have one you’re willing to donate, please contact Gabby (gbrummer@theparkerschool.org)! Thank you!


Sibling Applications for Next Year

Parker is currently accepting applications for students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 next year. Siblings of current students planning to attend the Parker School for the 2026-2027 school year MUST complete an application no later than March 1, 2026. Current students do not need to reapply. Siblings receive preference in the lottery but must complete an application here: https://forms.rediker.com/FPCES. You are welcome to call our front office prior to March 1 to verify your application has been received. The lottery will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 4 PM. Please send interested friends to parker.school/enroll for more information.


Div 2 AH Civics Exhibition Night

Please join us on Wednesday evening, March 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM when Division Two Arts and Humanities will host families and students Parker for Civics Exhibition Night! Division Two AH students worked hard last 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. This night will allow Division Two AH students to present their civic action projects, exhibit their learning, and share their actions with other Parker students, families, and staff. We ask students to arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to get ready before the event begins. We are so excited to celebrate our students' work with you. Please reach out to any of the Division Two AH teachers with questions you may have.


Annual Drag Ball

On Friday, March 6th Parker GSA will host the annual DRAG BALL from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The Drag Ball is a dance celebrating students of all gender identities and sexualities, and is a special tradition going back 10+ years. The theme this year is CANDYLAND! Come dressed in your colorful best and ready to dance and celebrate the sweetest parts of being you. Tickets will be on sale in the cafeteria during lunch every day up until the event. Tickets sold before 3/5 will cost $5, and on 3/5 the cost will increase to $7. Students can pay with cash or through Unipay. You can also make a donation on UniPay and indicate "Drag Ball" in the Description box. All divisions are welcome.


PPCC Meeting – Planning Teacher Appreciation

PPCC is holding a meeting on Monday March 9 at 7PM to start planning Teacher Appreciation Week. We hope you can join us to brainstorm fun ways to celebrate Parker Teachers and Staff. Please see the weekly email for the link to join.


Parker’s Volleyball Club

Parker's volleyball club is starting up for its second season! Whether you are brand new to the game or an experienced player, we welcome you to join us! The club will take place on Thursday afternoons from 4:00-5:15 PM in the GYM. Our first practice will be on Thursday, March 19th! We will run 8 sessions, each including drills, skills, and game play. Please fill out the following registration link with a $25 fee to register your student: https://forms.office.com/r/XZkGKRjGZL. Feel free to reach out to coach and Spanish teacher Elly McKenna (emckenna@theparkerschool.org) with any questions. Looking forward to a fun season!


Host a Student - from the Country of Georgia!

Do you have space in your home to host one or two students from the country of Georgia? This is a great opportunity to learn more about a different culture, show some students a piece of American culture, and make a new friend! You will host these students March 23rd through March 27th (5 days, 4 nights) after they join our Model UN team in NYC. If you are able to host, please fill out this form: Student Hosting - Georgia Trip 2026 – Fill out form - please note that we are asking for Div 2 & Div 3 families, due to the ages of the visiting students. If you have any further questions, reach out to Anna (asolon@theparkerschool.org).


Limited Yearbook Quantities

Last call for a guaranteed copy of the yearbook. Order by 2/28 to ensure a copy is printed for your student. 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 $60, soft cover books are $40, and Division 1 books are $20.


Spring Sports Registration

The sports being offered this season:

  • Softball
  • Track & Field
  • ULTIMATE Frisbee
  • Girls' Co-op Lacrosse (through Bromfield)


All practices begin on Tuesday, March 17th, and will be held Tuesday through Friday that week. Please see registration information below and register PRIOR to Sunday, March 15th. ALL student athletes must register by clicking on the following link: 2025-2026 Spring - Parker Sports Registration - Fill out form


  • Parents must provide proof of a current physical at the beginning of EVERY SEASON their student is participating in. A current physical is valid for 13 months from the day of the physical. Students with expired physicals will be ineligible to participate until a current physical form is submitted. Even if you have submitted proof of physical for a previous season, you must submit it for subsequent seasons. Upload proof of current physical to the Health Portal or send it to Nurse Lisa via email (lzick@theparkerschool.org) or via the Main Office (hard copy). Those without a current physical or a completed Student Emergency and Health Form and Athletic Registration will not be eligible to practice.
  • Sports User Fee of $300 and is due prior to the first game. It is preferred that the fee be paid online using an electronic check or credit card at:
    https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactionInfo.aspx?CustomerID=1093    .
    If writing a check, make it payable to Parker School and send it to the Main Office. There will be a family cap of $1,200 for the school year. Financial support is available for those who qualify. Please contact Michelle McKenna in the Business Office at mmckenna@theparkerschool.org for more information.


Registration/documentation questions can be sent to Lisa Zick, School Nurse, at lzick@theparkerschool.org.

Parker sports related questions can be sent to Henry Schrader, Interim Athletic Director, at   hschrader@theparkerschool.org.

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:
Sun - Mar 1 Lottery Application Deadline
Wed - Mar 11 Support Our Seniors Dessert POTLUCK
Fri - Mar 13 Spring PLPs - No Classes
Mon - Mar 16 March Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wed - Mar 18 Café Wednesday
Thu - Mar 19 Board of Trustees
Tue - Mar 24 10th Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Mar 25 NOON Dismissal
Thu - Mar 26 10 Grade ELA MCAS
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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Weekly Information for March 13, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • March 14, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, It was great to see everyone at PLP conferences today. We are proud of our students for setting meaningful and challenging goals and helping to lead today’s discussion. This is one of the many ways that students drive their learning at Parker and an essential way that we partner with families. Thank you. I want to recognize Ben Benoit, our Athletic Director and Coach, as he prepares to tackle the Appalachian Trail . As you know, Ben will be taking a sabbatical this spring and summer to hike the full length of the AT. This is a lifelong dream and personal challenge for Ben. He starts tomorrow in Georgia and plans to be home in time for the start of the school year in August. That’s 2190 miles over five months, averaging about 15 miles a day! We are excited for Ben and draw inspiration from his passion and determination. And this comes after a year in which the Boys Cross Country team and the Boys Winter Track team both won State Championship and Ben was named Coach of the Year for both seasons. That’s quite a year for our teams and our coach! We look forward to a few reports and photos from the trail. Henry Schrader will serve as the Interim Athletic Director from now until the start of the next school year . Henry will continue as a teacher, Domain leader and Divisional Co-Coordinator in addition to this new role. We appreciate Henry’s strong leadership and the continuity that he provides. Thank you, Henry. We look forward to kicking off the Spring sports season on Tuesday, March 17th. If you haven’t yet registered and you want to play one of the many sports offered, see the details below. Enjoy the long weekend! See you Tuesday, March 17th. Brian

Weekly Information for March 6, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • March 7, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, I hope you all are safe and warm on this wintry day. As Brian shared in his last letter: this week, Parker hosted visitors from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) as part of our accreditation process. The group of 7 educators and leaders from around New England included people who have visited Parker before and others who were visiting for the first time. Their work was to get to know our school and to review and evaluate our work on the goals and priorities we as a school identified. They visited classes, they met with different groups of teachers and students, and then they told us what they saw and made recommendations for next steps in our work. It’s a bit like finishing a big assessment, turning it in, and then getting it back with feedback before you revise. They will write a full report on their visit, and when we have it, we will share it with all of you, but they did give us a preview. In a relatively short visit, the team was able to “get” us, and they praised many improvements we have made and celebrated much of what we do well. They were impressed with a lot of what they observed and learned—and the thing they highlighted most in their reflection with the faculty was what they heard from our students, which seems perfectly right. After all, Parker was founded by families who wanted a school that would put their students at the center of their learning. Our visitors heard our students talk about what matters to us as a community (they even passed a pop quiz to name all 10 of the Common Principles!), the hard work they are asked to do, and how they have grown. What the students conveyed was a sense of community and care that supports them to take risks in their learning and grow—and that is just what we hope each and every student will experience. With spring PLPs coming up next week, we hope you too will get a glimpse into what our visitors saw on the individual level with your student/s. We hope the spring PLP conferences will give your students an opportunity to reflect on the hard work they have been doing, what they have learned, how they have grown, and what’s next. Both as individuals and as a school, it’s important to both celebrate progress and set our sights on new challenges. Wishing us all warmer days ahead! Bex

Weekly Information for February 13, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • February 13, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, Wishing you and your family wonderful break! We hope the week off is restful and rejuvenating. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday, February 23.  Stay safe and warm! Bex

Weekly Information for February 6, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • February 7, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, We are a week away from February break, an opportunity to beat our winter colds and dream about warmer days ahead. For a few in our community, it is an opportunity to experience something new as they travel abroad with their Parker classmates. We are sending groups to the Bahamas and the Netherlands again this year. We hope they have a terrific trip. We appreciate the trust of our families and hard work of our staff to make experiences like this possible. We are less than a month away from our March 1st application deadline for new students and families. Thank you to everyone who helps to spread the word and create a positive buzz around the school. If you have a neighbor or friend who may be interested in Parker, please share your experiences. And remember, younger siblings need to apply to be eligible for admission. There is a sibling preference in the lottery, but you still need to apply. We have three information sessions remaining just before and after break. For additional details and a link to the application visit parker.school/enroll . Thank you to everyone who joined us for Fair Funding Week this week. Of the 68 charter schools in Massachusetts, Parker had the most participants! To kick off the week, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association shared the following video. It is worth a two-minute watch. You will see and hear Parker families and staff throughout the video. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1371197804687927 And our efforts are working! Governor Healy’s budget for next year includes a modest increase in facility funding for charter public schools. While we continue to receive significantly less facility aid than traditional public schools, we appreciate and celebrate steps towards closing that gap. Congratulations to our students on their accomplishments this week. Four Division 1 students recently represented Parker at the Chapter Competition for Mathcounts, a national math competition for middle school students. We are proud to congratulate Nathan Warren, Julia Crighton, Stephen Tatro, and Adam Rhodin for a strong performance—their team came in 3rd place! Our high school Mock Trial Team finished their preliminary trial round this week with an impressive 3-0 win record. They will be advancing to the state tournament, which will be held at Clark University on March 1. We wish them good luck! Thank you for showing up in all sorts of ways to support Parker. We appreciate our community! Have a great weekend. Brian

Weekly Information for January 30, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • January 30, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, We have officially started the second semester of the 2025-26 school year! This is both a measure of progress and a time of new beginnings. Here at (or really a little past) the midway point of the year, there are exciting things happening—some as small as a new unit of study in a class and maybe as big as starting new classes in a new division after a mid-year gateway. I had my first chance to join an information session for prospective students and families this week and it was a powerful reminder to me about many of the most important and unique aspects of our school. Whether it was hearing some of our older student ambassadors talk about which of the 10 Common Principles is meaningful to them, or hearing parents share stories of their student’s learning experience at Parker, or seeing our teachers introduce new students to the kinds of learning activities and thinking we ask them to do in school, each of these highlighted an element of our school’s very intentional design. We get to know our students well, we build a caring and inclusive community, and we build on those connections and relationships to challenge and support our students to take on intellectual challenges, push themselves in their thinking and work, and to become independent thinkers and learners. If you or your student have appreciated these (or other things) about Parker, and you would like state lawmakers to prioritize fair funding for all students in every type of public school, you have an opportunity to raise your voice and advocate for us. Next week, February 2-6, is Fair Funding Week, sponsored by the Massachusetts Public Charter School Association. See below for more information about how to register for events and advocate for fair and equitable funding for our students and school. Wishing you all extra warmth over this cold stretch of days. Best, Bex

Weekly Information for January 23, 2026

By Cindy Johnson • January 24, 2026
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, Congratulations to all the students who Gatewayed over the last two days. It is always a joyful and celebratory moment for our students and a testament to their hard work and perseverance. We appreciate all the friends, family and teachers who helped to make this possible. Congratulations to our whole community. We are all bracing for a big winter storm coming this weekend. As you know, Monday is a professional development day for our faculty. We will work remotely on Monday so that we are ready for the start of second semester on Tuesday. Depending on the timing of the storm and the cleanup, Tuesday morning may be impacted as well. We will communicate by text, email and through local media outlets if so. Given recent news about immigration enforcement across the country, I wanted to share the letter that I wrote a year ago. We follow the law and clear guidelines from the Massachusetts Attorney General, prioritizing student safety and parental rights. As I write in the letter, we are “committed to ensuring that students and families may come to school without fear and will comply with all applicable state laws to ensure the protection of our students and families.” January 31, 2025 letter.docx Thank you for helping to make Parker an inclusive, safe and affirming community for all our students and families. We look forward to welcoming five new students to Parker on Tuesday. We also hosted over 100 visitors at our first information session of the year last night. The energy and student questions were terrific! If you have any neighbors or friends who are considering Parker, invite them to apply for the lottery and attend one of our upcoming information sessions. See our website for more details. Enrollment at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School Respectfully, Brian