March 22, 2026

Weekly Information for March 20, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


Happy first day of spring! My maternal grandmother was a firm believer in spring cleaning. She would, at the first sign of sunny days warm enough to put a lot of laundry outside to dry, schedule a full day to scrub and wash and clean everything in the house. This was too much to take on herself, so she organized me and my siblings, giving out assignments and supplies and promising TV time or some extra dessert when we finished our lists. Every window was washed. Every curtain came down. Every blanket and comforter went in the laundry. As you can imagine, this was a lot of work, but with dramatic results. The house looked and felt different in a relatively short period of time.


This turn of the seasons always makes me think about newness and possibility—maybe because I remember those spring cleanings so vividly and the clean slate they seemed to yield. Spring is also a time in the school year to look ahead with excitement and expectation. Our seniors are looking ahead to Senior Project Expo Night, Exhibitions, and then graduation. Many students across divisions and domains are looking ahead to June Gateways. Spring sports seasons have gotten underway. The spring show is deep in rehearsals. You name it and all around the school, the signs of spring are cropping up as they are in the outside world—and there is still a lot of work to do between here and the end results.


These moments of transition are important markers of not just where we have been but also where we are going. Sometimes looking ahead can cause a little nervousness, it can cause excitement, or often a mix of emotions. I think it is important to remember that this is what growth and moving into something new feels like—like spring cleaning, it is a lot of work, it’s easier when we don’t do it alone, and the results can be refreshing and sometimes even dramatic.


Wishing you all a bright and promising spring ahead.


Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • Noon Dismissal
  • Div 1 AH Civics Fair
  • Annual “Returning to Parker” Survey
  • MCAS Testing Schedule
  • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Lost & Found Pickup
Noon Dismissal Next Wednesday

Next Wednesday, March 26, students will be dismissed at noon so Parker faculty can participate in a professional development workshop. They will be joined by area teachers interested in authentic, standards-based assessment to look closely at student work and teacher work. Participants will use protocols to make observations and build meaning, referring to Parker’s articulated Criteria for Excellence, associated rubrics, and the work itself. Participants will also have a chance to make connections, extend their community of practice, and learn together at this free gathering of educators!


Division One AH Civics Fair

Division One AH is beginning our annual Civics research project next week. Students will be learning about an issue/problem in the world and advocating ways to address/solve the problem.


On Tuesday, March 31st, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, students will be presenting their learning in a “Civics Fair.” We are looking for guests from our community — families, faculty, and alumni — to visit our classes to learn about students' projects and to ask them questions. You are welcome to come for the entire time or to drop in for part of the time.


If you are interested in and available to attend, please email Matt (matt@theparkerschool.org) and Adeline (ahebert@theparkerschool.org) with your name and connection to Parker.


Annual “Returning to Parker” (Super-Quick) Survey!

As a school of choice, we ask families each year about their plans to return to Parker for the following school year. You may have seen and completed this information already at your PLP on Friday. If not, please take one minute and complete THIS SURVEY. Each year, we ask families to indicate their plans for each of their enrolled students for the next school year. Most Parker students return to Parker, and every enrolled student has a secured and continuing spot at the school unless/until they withdraw or enroll with another program. However, as a school of choice, it helps with our planning (including setting expectations for students on our wait lists) to know how many students are considering not returning for next year. Please indicate which of the choices on this survey best fits your child for next year. Please do this survey once for each enrolled student. For obvious reasons, you do not need to do this survey for a current senior!


MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the months of March, April, and May, following the schedule listed below. Please make every effort to have students in school and on time for these testing days. All students should eat a good breakfast each day and get a good night’s rest the night before – those two things are the best “test-prep” we can recommend! Students who miss any of these testing days will make-up the tests on days following the dates listed here. Students and families will receive more details in an email about ten days before each testing session.

10th Grade:

  • ELA: March 24 & 26
  • MATH: May 19 & 20
  • SCIENCE: (already happened in February)

7th & 8th Grade:

  • ELA: April 1 & April 8
  • MATH: April 29 & May 6
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): May 7 & 14
  • CIVICS (8th Grade Only): May 19 & 26

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Merriam (deb@theparkerschool.org). All tests are untimed, and most students finish by mid to late morning. Parents/guardians and students will get grade/test specific emails with more details that will go home as each test date approaches.


Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

During the week of April 13, 2026, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review (IMR) at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school approximately every three years. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation.

  • Surveys: Parents/guardians of special education students will receive an online survey from the Office of Public School Monitoring via mail/email.
  • Interviews: During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview district staff, administrators, and other individuals. Parents/guardians or other individuals may contact Charles Agong, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3753 or Charles.O.Agong@mass.gov to request a telephone interview.


Lost & Found Pickup

The Lost & Found Closet will be cleared on Thursday, April 2, 2026. You are welcome to stop by any time before that date to check for and claim any items belonging to your loved ones!

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 - Mar 24 10th Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Mar 25 NOON Dismissal
Thu - Mar 26 10th Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Apr 1 7th/8th Grade MCAS
Wed - Apr 8 7th/8th Grade MCAS
Thu - Apr 9 Board of Trustees
Thu - Sat; Apr 9-11 SPRING SHOW
Wed - Apr 15 Senior Project Exhibition Night
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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