June 5, 2026

Weekly Information for June 5, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


I don’t always think about the origin of that word “milestones”, but likely because I have been using that word frequently lately, I have been thinking about its history. The word originally (and sometimes still) referred to large stones that were placed on roads to help travelers find their way and mark their progress in ancient times. Of course, transportation was different then. People traveled in slower ways and without the many devices we have which tell us how fast or how far we have gone, how to get where we are going, and if there are any dangers ahead. When we are on familiar journeys, in addition to the mile markers and signs customary on our roads, we also have all the familiar sights to help us understand our progress.


Given Parker’s educational philosophy and unique academic program, many of our milestones are similarly distinctive. We spend a lot of time helping students understand and prepare for their milestone moments. It starts as early as 7th grade when students go to see Senior Project Exhibitions and the gateways of friends moving into division 2—or even earlier when they complete oral presentation assignments (OPs) is class. It happens when we include the Juniors in the graduation ceremony, not only to acknowledge the transition from one class to another, but also so that they know what to expect at a Parker graduation. They hear different examples of student speeches, and we hope they can start to think about if they want to speak and what they might say at their own graduation.


Milestones, whether literal or metaphoric, help us to understand and recognize where we are on our path and to think about the next bit of progress we want to make. That is as true of the Division 1 and 2 gateways that will start next week as it is for the Graduation of the Class of 2026 which we celebrated on Wednesday evening. I hope you have had and will have an opportunity to celebrate and witness some of these important milestones with us in these last few weeks of the school year. I would also invite you to join us in celebrating the last Parker milestone for our most recent graduates. Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2026! We are excited for you and so proud of what you have already accomplished.


Wishing you a restful weekend,

Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • The BIG END
  • Medication Pick-Ups
  • School Issued Laptops
  • Youth Venture Showcase
  • Public Safety Academy
  • Niños Más Necesitados
  • Fundraising for Manning's School
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Drive
  • Students NOT Returning
  • Contact Info Update
  • Lost & Found - FINAL CHECK
  • Event Parking Reminder
The BIG END is THURSDAY, June 18th!

The BIG END is an event to mark the end of the school year at Parker School – a festive occasion with GATEWAY acknowledgments, the NEW ESSENTIAL QUESTION, YEARBOOKS, and food. Parents should plan to pick up their students promptly at NOON Dismissal. If you forgot to order a YEARBOOK, a limited number will be available for purchase during the BIG END. Hard cover books are $60, soft cover books are $40, and Division 1 books are $20. Bring cash or a check made out to the Parker School.


Medication Pick-ups

Please make arrangements to pick up your student's inhaler, EpiPen, and any other medication from the Health Office by noon on June 18th. With permission, some medications can be sent home with the student. Please email lzick@theparkerschool.org if you would like your student to take their medication home in their backpack. Thank you!


School Issued Laptops

Most students will hold on to their devices (laptop, stylus, and power cord) over the summer and continue to use their assigned devices into subsequent years. Students who are not returning or unenrolling during the summer must return their devices to the Tech Office. Seventh graders will return their laptops and will get an email with more information in the days ahead. Students who are not able to take their devices over the summer (for instance, if you are moving and worried about it getting lost) may store their laptops with Gabby. Missing equipment can be purchased online: UniPay Technology Replacement Payment


Fundraising for Manning's School

For the next week, until June 12th, Marena’s advisory is raising money for Manning’s School. Manning’s School is a public school in Jamaica whose building was destroyed during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Each advisory has been tasked with raising $25, with the reward being that their advisor will wear a silly outfit to the Big End. To contribute, students can bring in cash (every penny counts!) and put it in any advisor’s container.


Loaves & Fishes Food Drive

Alec’s, Aliza’s, and Jo’s advisories community service project is kicking off a food drive to support Loaves & Fishes in providing summer lunches for local students! We are collecting non-perishable breakfast and lunch items, and we invite your student to participate by bringing in donations. Collection bins will be located in the school lobby through June 13. Thank you for helping us support our community and ensure all students have access to nutritious meals this summer!


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!


Lost & Found - FINAL Check!

You are welcome to check the LOST & FOUND at any time during these final weeks of school to see if there are any items belonging to you or your loved ones! ALL unclaimed items will be donated after the school year ends.


Event Parking Reminder

During school events (e.g., Graduation, Gateways), our on-campus parking is insufficient for our whole school community. Please remember and join in our community norms by parking in the Museum Lot (P-5), located across Jackson Road, allowing guests with limited mobility to use the available spaces on campus. Thank you!


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:
Tues - Jun 9 Gateways Begin
Thu - Jun 11 Board of Trustees
Mon-Wed - Jun 15-17 Junior Retreat
Tue - Jun 16 Divisional Trip Day
Wed - Jun 17 Noon dismissal
Thu - Jun 18 Big End - Last Day of School
Thu - Jun 18 Noon Dismissal
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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