May 4, 2025

Weekly Information for May 2, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


Starting this spring, students in the Multicultural Connections Community Block will host a series of community conversations around issues of importance to our school. The Multicultural Connections Community Block was created earlier this year in response to the multiple instances of antisemitic hate speech that we found on campus. The group provides a safe space for students of different races, cultures and religions to come together for reflection and celebration. We appreciate their proactive leadership and support of one another.

 

To engage their classmates, students in Multicultural Connections are piloting a series of community conversations, by division. We are planning to invite guest speakers to visit Parker once or twice a year, engage in a discussion facilitated by students, followed by Advisory reflections.


The first community conversation will focus on antisemitism and hate speech. We are pleased to welcome Rabbi Josh Breindel from Congregation Beth El in Sudbury as our guest speaker. We have been working closely with Rabbi Josh for the past two years. Rabbi Josh has provided invaluable guidance and perspective as we condemned antisemitism and hate speech, supported Jewish students and promoted the physical and emotional safety of all students and staff. Rabbi Josh comes to Parker as a friend, partner and educator.


The community conversation will focus on the history and impact of the Nazi swastika, its unique impact on the Jewish community with its association to antisemitism, and its use in the normalization of hate speech more broadly towards other groups. We explore what steps young people can take to stand up and bring hope. The community conversation takes place on Wednesday, May 28. Each division will participate in the discussion and Advisory reflection. We will share additional details and the schedule to come.


Next year, we will follow a similar format for community conversations on issues of importance to our diverse student body. We are proud of our students for serving as upstanders and providing leadership to live our values as a loving and inclusive community.


With respect,

Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Exhibition Jurors Needed
  • Health Office Wish List
  • Yearbook–Limited Quantities Available
  • Gateways are coming!
  • MCAS Schedule
Senior Project Exhibition Jurors Needed

Exhibitions will occur on May 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13. This schedule lists the date, time, and Essential Question for the seniors’ exhibitions which are still in need of a community panelist. Jury panels include community members, a faculty member, and a current junior and work together to assess the presentation using a rubric. More information on what to expect and the rubric can be found in this document. A two-hour time commitment is required, but no experience with subject matter is necessary. Please note: Immediate family members of this year’s seniors may not serve on jury panels. To sign up for a jury spot, please email Monique (mbeganski@theparkerschool.org). You can let her know specific exhibitions you are interested in or specific days/times you are available. Thank you for supporting the Class of 2025!


Health Office Wish List

The health office is currently in need of tissues for distribution throughout the school. Thank you in advance for helping fill this need!


Yearbook–Limited Quantities Available

Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of school during the Big End (June 16). Only a limited number of yearbooks remain available for purchase. Hard cover books are $60, soft cover books are $40, and Division 1 books are $20. The Division 1 book contains everything but sections for Division 2, Juniors, Seniors, and senior parent ad pages. If you have not purchased a yearbook yet, now is the time to do so.


Gateways are coming!

Gateways for all divisions will be on Fri, June 6; Mon, June 9; and Tue, June 10. Gateways will continue for all except Juniors (who will be on the Junior Retreat) on Thu, June 12 and Fri, June 13. If your child is Gatewaying this June, you will receive more specific information about your child’s Gateway day/time in a couple of weeks via email. In the meantime, here is some general information about Gateway season this June.


We appreciate your flexibility as we schedule more than 250 gateways over these days! If you know that you have a tight schedule during this time period and must request (or block out) a specific day/time of day for your student’s gateway, please contact Deb Merriam (deb@theparkerschool.org) by early next week with your restrictions/requests. Otherwise, everyone will get notification of their slot(s) in a couple of weeks, and we appreciate your efforts to make that slot work!


MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the month of 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:

  • 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:
Fri - May 2 Div 1 & 9th Grade Dance
Wed-Fri; May 7-9 Senior Exhibitions
Thu - May 8 8th Grade Science MCAS
Thu - May 8 Board of Trustees
Mon-Tue; May 12-13 Senior Exhibitions
Wed - May 14 Div 1 Field Day
Thu - May 15 8th Grade Science MCAS
Tue - May 20 10th Grade Math MCAS
Tue - May 20 8th Grade Civics MCAS
Wed - May 21 10th Grade Math MCAS
Fri - May 23 NOON Dismissal
Fri - May 23 PROM
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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