May 15, 2026

Weekly Information for May 15, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


At last night’s Board meeting, I reflected on the many ways that Parker shares our model and learns from other schools and school leaders. Charter schools were designed to be laboratory schools, pockets of innovation from which others could learn. Every charter school writes a mission statement and does school a little bit differently, so new ideas may flourish. That certainly describes Parker, our Ten Common Principles, and the many ways that we put students at the center of all learning.


Last year, Parker went through our sixth Charter Renewal, a process led by the Department of Education to ensure that charter schools are honoring their mission, ensuring student success, and sharing their learning. We did exceedingly well in our charter renewal. Of the many schools that went through the process at the same time, we were the most highly rated school in the state. One of the highlights was our personalized approach to learning and exemplary dissemination efforts.


Over the course of the year, we have welcomed Fulbright teachers from twenty different countries and school leaders from the countries of Georgia and the Netherlands. We hosted aspiring teachers from Harvard College and educators from all around New England. We welcomed state representatives and state senators from our 40 towns, sharing our educational model and asking for their support. We presented at conferences and led workshops, focusing on student engagement, portfolio-based assessment, Senior Exhibitions and more.


We showcase our students and their work at each of these sessions. We are typically the only school who attends conferences with our students, providing a platform for students to share their portfolios and reflect on their learning. Our students are always the highlight of the day!


These are always rich learning experiences for us. As we reflect on our own struggles and success at Parker, and consider how other schools approach similar challenges, we are better able to meet the current needs of our students. Thanks to these efforts, we are never alone in the hard work of educating our students.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Thank you!
  • Noon Dismissals
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Drive
  • Noche Sabrosa
  • Café Wednesday
  • Youth Venture - Art Spark
  • Caring for Kids Dental Visit
  • From SEPAC
  • From the Health Office
  • From the Library
  • MCAS Testing Schedule
Thank you from Seniors!

Thank you to everyone who served on a Senior Project Exhibition jury and/or supported a member of the Class of 2026 through their journey this year! 


Noon Dismissals

Reminder the following dates are noon dismissals: Friday, May 22; Wednesday, June 3; Wednesday, June 17; and Thursday, June 18. Please arrange to have your student picked up at noon, as there is no after-school coverage and the building closes. The Big End (last day of school) is scheduled for Thursday, June 18.


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 from May 26 through June 13. Thank you for helping us support our community and ensure all students have access to nutritious meals this summer!


Noche Sabrosa

Join us for Noche Sabrosa on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:15 to 6:15 PM! 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 (before heading to Café Wednesday after)! See you there!


Café Wednesday

Come one, come all, to our final Café Wednesday of the year: Café Finale on May 20 at 6:30 pm. We’re finishing out the year with one more night to showcase our talents and celebrate our hard work. Students, families, and friends are all invited to attend, and it’s totally free! So don’t miss out: stop by on Wednesday night (after enjoying Noche Sabrosa) and as a bonus, you’ll get to see Youth Venture host their art competition. Look forward to seeing you there.


Youth Venture - Art Spark

Youth Venture's Art Spark group will be hosting its art competition event on Wednesday, May 20th. If you are already coming for Noche Sabrosa and/or Cafe Wednesday, stop by the front lobby to admire the art made by Parker students and cast your vote! The top winner(s) will receive a prize! If choosing to make a donation, you will also be entered into a contest to win a gift card. All funds collected will be donated to Parker to purchase art supplies for advisory and class projects. It is not too late to submit a piece of art. The deadline for submissions has been extended until Monday, May18th. See or message Emilie Shannon with any questions. 


Caring for Kids Dental Visit

Students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program on Friday, May 22nd. Please read about Caring for Kids HERE  and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return them 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.


From SEPAC

If you are the parent of a student with a disability who has either a 504 Accommodation Plan or an IEP and you would like to be placed on the mailing list for the Parker Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), please submit your email address to: parkerpac7@gmail.com


From the Health Office

Tick season in Massachusetts typically lasts from April to November. Please see tick information HERE.

Prevent Mosquito Bites: Simple steps to protect you and your family from mosquito bites can be found HERE.


From the Library

Seniors, please remember to return all books that were borrowed for your senior exhibitions!


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:

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

7th & 8th Grade:

  • ELA: (already happened in April)
  • MATH: (already happened in May)
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): (already happened in May)
  • 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.


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 - May 19 10th Grade Math MCAS
Tue - May 19 8th Grade Civics MCAS
Wed - May 20 10th Grade Math MCAS
Wed - May 20 Noche Sabrosa
Wed - May 20 Cafe Wednesday
Fri - May 22 Caring for Kids Dental Visit
Fri - May 22 Noon Dismissal
Mon - May 25 Memorial Day - No School
Tue - May 26 8th Grade Civics MCAS
Mon - May 25 Memorial Day - No School
Tue - May 26 8th Grade Civics MCAS
Wed - Jun 3 Noon Dismissal
Wed - Jun 3 Graduation
Tues-Mon - Jun 9-15 Gateways
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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