March 29, 2025

Weekly Information for March 28, 2025

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Dear Parker students, families and staff,


Congratulations to our Seniors for their continued progress and success on their Senior Projects. We are very proud of our Seniors. I want to highlight three students among a class of outstanding projects:


  • Cake Lem’s essential question is what goes into pitching and producing an animated show? Cake created the pitch, drafted the screenplay and drew the storyboard for an animated pilot. Using hand-drawn digital animation, Cake created 28 separate background designs and 6800 frames, with feedback and collaboration from a Netflix producer. We can’t wait to see Cake’s six-minute film and the process of making it.


  • Danny Kaldestad’s essential question is what is the process of writing a fantasy novel? Danny has been working on his novel since last June, with the support of a professional writer. Danny explores the life and experiences of Felix, a young man held in captivity against his will. It is a story of an individual finding his way in the world amidst hardship. Thank you to Danny for sharing his passion and talent for writing through the world of Felix.


  • Harriet Cullon’s essential question is what is Western jewelry and how do you make it? Through twelve weeks of study at the Worcester Center for the Crafts, Harriet learned how to apply authentic western and indigenous styles into the creation of jewelry. Her handmade collection includes rings, necklaces and beaded bracelets. Her favorite piece is a necklace that she cast in silver on the backbone of a cuttlefish.


We invite students, families, and alums to join us for Senior Exhibition night on April 16th when Cake, Danny, Harriet and their peers share their projects and gather feedback in the style of a Science Fair. That same night we welcome you to join us for Noche Sabrosa and Division 2 Exhibitions. Thank you for sharing your feedback and supporting our students. See the details below. Finally, we invite you to serve on panels for their Senior Exhibitions in early May. Thank you for showing up!


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Theater Benefit Concert
  • SEPAC Meeting
  • Dental Visit
  • Spring Shows
  • Parker Exhibition Evening
  • MCAS Schedule
Theater Benefit Concert

Thousands for Thespians will host a THEATER BENEFIT PIANO CONCERT in partnership with Parker Senior Ian MacLeod on Wednesday, April 2nd from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Parker Auditorium, followed immediately by a WAFFLE DINNER! Attendees will be served fresh waffles with REAL maple syrup, as well as beverages and milkshakes! The program will include an exciting selection of popular music. Admission is $10 at the door and all proceeds will go towards the theater shed fundraiser. Hope to see you there!

Parker SEPAC (Special Education Parent’s Advisory Council) Meeting

Parents are invited to join SEPAC for a remote meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Please email Jesse Lowe, SEPAC Chair, at jesselowe7@mac.com if you are interested in joining the SEPAC Board or would like to learn more about SEPAC.


Dental Visit – Caring for Kids

Students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program on Friday, April 4th. Please read about Caring for Kids HERE and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return to Nurse Lisa as soon as possible. The dental program provides a dental examination, x-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants, and teeth cleaning. There is no direct cost to the patient. However, if the child has insurance, the insurance will be billed. If you have any questions, please email Lisa Zick at lzick@theparkerschool.org.


Spring Shows!

Parker is happy to present Everybody!   by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and The Grumpiest Boy in the World, by Finegan Kruckemeyer.

 

Everybody! is a modern adaptation of the 15th Century morality play Everyman. It deals with eternal themes of life and death, sin, love, friendship, family, God, and the eternal mysteries of life. You know, the stuff that happens to everybody. It’s tragic, it’s funny, and it’s also got some singing in it. This show also contains strong language and themes and is recommended for those at least 16 years old. Performances are Wednesday, April 9, at 7 PM and Friday, April 11, at 7 PM.


The Grumpiest Boy in the World is a play by Finegan Kruckemeyer, who writes delightful plays for young audiences. In this one, a young boy realizes that he is not particularly unusual and this makes him grouchy. On a quest to find someone who will think he’s interesting or at least kind of weird, he meets monsters, lions, and a lot of very grumpy people. Will he find his destiny? Will he make it home in time for his mom’s red duck curry? The only way to find out is to come to show! Performances are Thursday, April 10, at 7 PM and Saturday, April 12, at 12 PM.


Tickets can be purchased online before the show for a discounted price of $10 or for $12 cash at the door. Click here to purchase your tickets now. All shows will be general seating.


Parker Exhibition Evening: April 16
Mark your calendars to attend three different events spread across the evening of April 16:
  • Noche Sabrosa: Please join Division 1 Spanish students for Noche Sabrosa from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Spanish hallway as they showcase their speaking and cooking skills! Our talented students are bringing the heat with an evening of vibrant flavors, lively music, and great company. Expect a celebration packed with delicious cuisine prepared by our Div 1A Spanish students. Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and come support this event. See you there!

  • Division 2 Exhibition Night: Please join Division 2 students from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Div 2 MST rooms for an inspiring evening of Engineering! Division 2 students have been hard at work engineering creative solutions for a sustainable future, designing, testing, and refining their wind turbine prototypes. We invite you to join us as students showcase their designs and share the innovative processes they've used to develop prototypes that generate the highest voltage. It’s sure to be an exciting night celebrating the remarkable ingenuity and problem-solving skills of Parker students!

  • Senior Project Exhibition Night: Please join the members of the Class of 2025 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 a friend with you!


MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the months of 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 20 & 21

7th & 8th Grade:

  • ELA: April 2 & April 9
  • MATH: April 30 & May 2
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): May 8 & 15
  • CIVICS (8th Grade Only): May 20 & 27

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.

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:
Wed - Apr 2 7th & 8th Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Apr 2 Theater Benefit Concert
Sat - Apr 5 Parker 30th Anniversary Gala
Tue - Apr 8 ACT Testing
Wed - Apr 9 7th & 8th Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Sat; Apr 9 - 12 SPRING SHOWS
Thu - Apr 10 Board of Trustees
Wed - Apr 16 SAT Testing
Wed - Apr 16 Noche Sabrosa/Div 2 & Div 3 Exhibitions
Fri - Apr 18 NOON Dismissal
Mon - Fri; Apr 21 - 25 Spring 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 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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