Weekly Information for March 27, 2026

Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

Feedback, reflection and revision are central to everything that we do at Parker. As Nancy Sizer wrote in Keeping School, “the emphasis is on growth, on learning from one’s mistakes, cleaning up one’s prose, clearing up one’s understandings.” This requires students to work hard, to be open to feedback and to try again. We are very proud of our students for engaging meaningfully in this iterative process. 



We take a similar approach to adult learning at Parker. This week, we welcomed thirty teachers from across the region to join us in professional development called Looking at Student Work. During the session, Parker teachers shared the goals and expectations for standards-based assessments in their class. Participants used protocols to make observations and build meaning, referring to Parker’s articulated Criteria for Excellence, associated rubrics, and the work itself. This represents an essential opportunity to ask for feedback, reflect and revise – just like our students.

We recognize that early dismissals can be hard for families. We take this professional development time seriously every week, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the needs of our students. Thank you for your partnership. Have a great weekend.

Brian

Drag Ball Rescheduled to TONIGHT

TODAY is the rescheduled Drag Ball! The event will run from 6-8 PM at school tonight, and families are asked to pick their students up promptly at 8:00. This is an annual event run by the Parker Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Thank you to all who bought tickets and supported the group to make this event happen!

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.

Parker Senior Project Expo Night: April 15th

Please join the members of the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, April 15th from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Parker Gym as they showcase their Senior Projects!

One of the most defining experiences at Parker is the Senior Project—a culminating capstone project in which seniors pursue a passion through genuine inquiry and authentic learning that results in both intellectual and personal growth. Come talk with them about the learning they have done, the experiences they have had, and the products they have created in this science-fair style event. Arrive any time and bring friends from both inside and outside the Parker community with you!

Call for Gardener

Parker is seeking a reliable and enthusiastic part-time Gardener to maintain our school grounds and garden beds. This position requires approximately 4 hours per week, offering a flexible schedule ideal for cultivating a vibrant, welcoming outdoor environment. Primary responsibilities include routine weeding, plant replacement, watering, and general plant care to keep our campus looking pristine. Frequent bending, kneeling, and standing will be required as will lifting in excess of 50 pounds and utilizing typical gardening equipment. The position will be needed during the months of April Through October, or as determined by the weather. If you have a passion for horticulture, attention to detail, and want to make a positive impact on a school community, please send a letter of interest to Sal Monteneri, Facilities Manager at smonteneri@theparkerschool.org by April 6^th.

Composting at Parker (and your home?)

Attentional all! Parker’s Community Congress is encouraging community members to support Parker’s sustainability efforts by joining Black Earths composting program. Parker has been using Black Earth to compost from the kitchen and the community for over a year now. Residents of the communities that are served by Black Earth (list of towns here) are invited to sign up or preregister to begin composting at home, with no financial commitment required to pre‑register. By doing this, you would reduce the costs for the shared kitchen and hallway composting systems at Parker because you were referred by Parker while also increasing the community’s overall sustainability. Sign up using our referral here!

If you have any questions, you can contact Matt Smith (Matt@theparkerschool.org) or check out these resources from Black Earth: School_Flyer_Referral.pdf & MA_Commercial_Flyer.pdf

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

Reminder, 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 waitlists) 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:

• MATH: May 19 & 20

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!