June 18, 2026

Weekly Information for June 18, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

Today we hosted the Big End for the 2025-2026 school year. We gathered in the gym for the final time, and we put a punctuation mark on who we have been and what we have done this school year. It’s important that we mark the ending of each year and that we pause to celebrate what we have accomplished, to notice how we have grown, and to reflect on what we have learned. Congratulations to the 214 Parker students who completed 329 gateways this year! Completing a gateway takes a tremendous amount of dedication, commitment and time and these students deserve to be celebrated for their accomplishments.


Soon enough, we will find ourselves at the next Big Beginning—and we will focus on a new essential question and set new goals and take on new challenges as a community. In the meantime, it feels important that we take the time to celebrate and appreciate this year’s accomplishments for just a little longer.


We will be here over the summer if you need anything, but please note that the main office has different hours than during the school year. Those are listed below for your reference and will be on the school website as well.


I wish each of you a restful, restorative summer filled with what you hope for. We look forward to seeing you in August for Registration.



Best,

Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • Main Office Summer Hours
  • State Senator Visit
  • Update from Ben Benoit
  • Community Thank You
  • Sun Bucks
  • Summer Blast at BGCFL
  • Students NOT Returning
  • Contact Info Update
  • Communication this Summer
  • Special Education Progress Reports
  • Our Gratitude
Main Office Summer Hours

Our main office will remain open throughout the summer with modified hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am -2:30 pm and Friday 8:30 am - noon. The office will be closed on the following Fridays: 6/19, 7/3, 7/24, 7/31, and 8/7. When summer school is in session (from July 6 through July 17), the main office opens at 7:45 am. Please feel welcome to be in touch for any questions or needs which arise this summer.


State Senator Visit to Active Minds

State Senator Jamie Eldridge and his District Director, Bianca DeSousa, visited Parker on June 12 to meet with Active Minds at Parker, the school's mental health advocacy group and a chapter of the national non-profit organization. During the visit, students shared their work promoting mental health awareness at Parker and advocated for legislation and initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of youth across Massachusetts. 


Update from Ben Benoit on the AT

We were all surprised and thrilled to see Ben Benoit in school this week. Ben has been hiking the Appalachian Trail for the past two and a half months. Starting in Georgia in March, Ben has covered 1100 miles thus far. He has 1700 miles remaining. We are all amazed and impressed by his accomplishments. Students on the track and cross-country teams gave him the trail name, Suffer Landrian (Suf for short). He is taking a couple of weeks off to recover from a shin injury that he sustained on the four-state challenge, covering 44 miles in four states over an 18-hour period. See his amazing photos, including a hand-written list of “why” he embarked on this incredible physical and mental challenge. We look forward to welcoming Suf back to school in the Fall.


Community Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Community Social on June 5th! It was a wonderful evening celebrating the Parker community, and we’re thrilled to share that our raffle baskets raised over $2,500, thanks to your enthusiasm and generosity. A special thank you to Sterling Street Brewery for hosting us so graciously, and to the many local businesses whose donations made the raffle baskets truly extraordinary. We are so grateful for your support!


Sun Bucks

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is a federal program providing $120 per child ($40/month for June-August) to low-income families to buy groceries during summer break. Eligible families with school-aged children receive a physical card to use at authorized retailers. It is available in over 35 states, tribes, and territories, with automatic enrollment for many receiving SNAP or TANF


Reminders if you received SUN Bucks in 2025: You can use your same SUN Bucks card for 2026! If you receive information that you are approved for benefits for 2026, your benefits will be issued to the same SUN Bucks card as last year. If you need a replacement card, visit DTAConnect.com and create an account to get a replacement SUN Bucks card, or contact the SUN Bucks hotline at 855-425-8770.


SUN Bucks FAQs

How do I know if my child is eligible for SUN Bucks?

Your child is eligible, if:

  • They are school-age and your household already participates in benefits like SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF
    Or,
  • Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.


How do I create a PIN for my SUN Bucks card?

To set a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your SUN Bucks card, call the number on the back of the card (1-800-997-2555) and follow the prompts. You will need your case number (which begins with the numbers 8 and 0) from the approval notice from DTA and the birthday of the person whose name is on the SUN Bucks card. For students in foster care, you need the student's birthday.


How Do I Apply For SUN Bucks?

Many children will get SUN Bucks automatically if their household receives other income-based benefits like SNAP or TANF, but some will need to apply. To apply online or download a paper application follow this link Apply for SUN Bucks you will be asked to provide information such as your child’s name and date of birth, school, home address, and household income. Families can also request paper applications from the food service director.


Where can I use SUN Bucks?

Many grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and online retailers accept SUN Bucks. Often, these are the same places that accept SNAP and WIC. Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find stores near you.


What can I buy with SUN Bucks?

You can use SUN Bucks to pay for:

  • fruits and vegetables
  • meat, poultry, and fish
  • dairy products
  • breads and cereals
  • snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks

You cannot use SUN Bucks to purchase:

  • hot foods
  • pet foods
  • cleaning or household supplies
  • personal hygiene items
  • medicine


Summer Blast at Boys & Girls Club

Registration is open for the 2026 Summer Blast program at the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. See flyer for more information: Summer Blast Flyer ENGLISH.pdf


Students NOT Returning to Parker in the Fall (other than Seniors)

If your students are not planning to return to Parker in the fall, we request you kindly do the following:

We wish you and your family all the best as you continue your academic journey. As always, please reach out if there are any questions!


Contact Info Update

Do we have your CURRENT email address, cell phone number, home phone number, and mailing address? If you have changed any of your contact information, please send an update to Monique (mbeganski@theparkerschool.org). We appreciate your time!


Communications Coming This Summer

Final Narratives: Next week you will receive an email with your student’s final narratives (“report cards”) for the semester/year. Please be sure to read them!


Summer “Mailing”: In early July, we will send (via email) the Summer “Mailing” (actually a website) which will contain important information about next year. We try to be clear about what items require action versus are “for your information,” so please be sure to pay attention to the details which require action on your part before the new school year. This communication also includes information about summer assignments for students, as well as the survey you would use to make student placement requests for next year (different from the parent survey linked above that we ask you to do as soon as you can!).


Registration: On the Monday before Registration Day (Wednesday, 8/26) you will receive an email with a link to make an appointment for your visit to campus. Parent/guardians should plan to be on campus with their student for about an hour sometime that day, so please put a hold in your calendar on the morning or afternoon of 8/26 for this visit.


Special Education Progress Reports

Special Education progress reports will be emailed on June 23rd through Frontline Education. Please contact Kristin Bakke at kbakke@theparkerschool.org if you do not receive that email as your account may need to be refreshed. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristin if you have any questions or need assistance.


Our Gratitude

A HUGE Thank you to all the parents, guardians, alumni, friends, and other volunteers who contributed to Parker’s ongoing program in ANY way this year. We could not have reached the finish line without your support, good humor, and enthusiasm. Many thanks!

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 Gabby Brummer • June 12, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • June 5, 2026
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Weekly Information for May 29, 2026

By Gabby Brummer • May 29, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • May 22, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • May 15, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • May 8, 2026
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