February 1, 2025

Weekly Information for January 31, 2025

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Dear Parker students, families and members of the Parker community,


Parker is a safe and affirming school community for all students. We have a moral and legal obligation to provide equal access to free public education and a safe and supportive school environment for all students. Today, we restate these values in support of our immigrant students and families, many of whom are feeling threatened in the current climate.


The Parker School’s Ten Common Principles set forth clear and simple goals that apply to all students. Primary among them is the belief that the tone of the school should explicitly stress the values of trust, decency and fairness, with families serving as “key collaborators and vital members of the school community.” We also believe that the school should honor diversity, demonstrate inclusive practices, and explicitly challenge all forms of inequity. These values are summarized as the Tone of Decency and Trust and Democracy and Equity.


In response to concerns expressed by members of our school community, I want to clarify how we protect and support Parker students and families. In short, we will follow the law and the clear guidelines of the Massachusetts Attorney General.


All children have the right to attend public schools regardless of their national origin or immigration status. Any requests from Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) authorities regarding our students or families will be directed to me as the Superintendent. Although we consider it to be unlikely, if immigration officials appear at the school and seek access to a student, both Parker’s legal counsel and the student’s family will be immediately notified. Immigration officials will not be provided with access to students without parental consent or a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Similarly, we will not share personally identifiable information relative to students, which includes information regarding national origin or immigration status, except with parental consent or in response to a lawfully issued court order or subpoena.


In summary, we at Parker 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. We will continue to maintain open and timely communication with our students and families. We are in this together and we are determined to ensure a safe and welcoming school environment for our students and families.


Respectfully,

Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • MCAS Testing 10th Grade
  • Kitchen Assistant Opening
  • Norovirus Information
  • Advocacy Week Kick-off Rally
  • Parker Annual Fund
  • Seeking Creative Donations
  • Join the Dance Team!
  • Substitute Nurses Needed
  • Extending Winter Break?
MCAS Testing 10th Grade Biology

Students in the 10th Grade will take the MCAS Biology test on Tuesday AND Wednesday, February 4th & 5th. Please make every effort to have students in school and on time for these testing days. Students should try hard NOT to stress, but good test taking strategies include getting a good night’s sleep and eating a good breakfast each day. Students WILL NEED their school laptop to test and should be sure to bring those (with charging cord). Electronics/internet enabled devices are NOT allowed in testing situations. Students should be prepared to leave these at home or in their bags for the entirety of the testing periods. Students who miss any of these testing days will make up the tests in following days and will be contacted with details. If you have any questions, please contact Deb Merriam (deb@theparkerschool.org). All tests are untimed, and most students finish in about 90 minutes (for Biology). The MCAS Schedule for SPRING will be posted as the testing dates get nearer.


Kitchen Assistant Opening

Parker is currently seeking part-time help in our kitchen. Click here for more information.


Norovirus Information

Click here for information about norovirus from Nurse Lisa.


Parker will be featured in Monday’s Advocacy Week Virtual Rally!

Next week is MA Charter Public School Advocacy Week! Lianna Condon, Parker alum (’02) and current Parker parent (’27), will be speaking at the kick-off event. Let’s show our support for Parker—and Lianna—by joining Monday’s 30-minute virtual kick-off rally! If you haven’t registered yet, you can register now. Thank you in advance for your support of Parker as we advocate on behalf of our students and Charter Public Schools across the commonwealth!


Parker Annual Fund

We need your help to meet our $225,000 Parker Fund goal! One of the things the Parker Fund supports is student engagement- removing barriers to participation in clubs, activities, sports and field trips. Show your support for Parker with a gift to The Parker Fund today.


Words from current Parker Families:

  • We give to Parker out of gratitude for what the staff and administration do for our daughter. The educational experience, personal relationships, and community culture are what make the school special. We are happy to support Parker in any way we can.
  • Parker teachers have engaged and inspired our kids from day one because they take the time to know their students both as learners and as individual people. Our kids see Parker as a place where they will grow into people with interesting and important things to contribute to the world.


Seeking Creative Donations

As part of Parker's 30th celebration at the Bull Run restaurant on April 5th, we're seeking community-sourced items for the live auction and raffle baskets. Donation ideas are only limited by your imagination! Some ideas: insider access to a special venue—tickets to sports, arts, or music events—vacation home weeks/weekends—chat about your favorite topic over lunch—handmade jewelry, crafts, or art—favorite books—a day out sailing or fishing—lessons or sessions in your “thing” (massage, yodeling, golf, making jelly, writing, knitting - it’s all great!)—power-washing, carpentry, plumbing, etc. Please email your idea with a detailed description to: Dawn Van Patten (hellodawnvp@gmail.com)


Join the Dance Team!

Join Parker’s new dance team! All experience and grade levels are welcome! The season will run through June and the team will develop routines to perform at various school functions. Practices are on Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 and Saturdays from 9-12. (Saturday practices start on 2/8.) The cost to participate is $100 for the season (need-based assistance is available). Students must register and provide proof of physical prior to the first practice. Please click here to register: https://forms.office.com/r/w9iNsHZbNs. Contact Laurel with questions at lronan@theparkerschool.org.


Substitute Nurses Needed

We are looking for substitute nurses to help in the Health Office and to go on occasional field trips with the students. If you are an LPN or RN, please email Nurse Lisa at lzick@theparkerschool.org if you are interested.


Planning an extended family trip during the WINTER BREAK in FEBRUARY?

Please LEAVE A MESSAGE on the ATTENDANCE LINE: 978-772-3293, x1 - available 24 hours a day. It is important you inform THE OFFICE that your child(ren) will miss additional days, even if you have let the teachers know. Please call and leave a single message with all the affected dates any day or time before the morning of the first affected day.

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:
Tue-Wed; Feb 4-5 10th Grade Biology MCAS
Thu - Feb 13 Board of Trustees
Fri - Feb 14 NOON Dismissal
Mon-Fri; Feb 17-21 Winter Break
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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