May 22, 2026

Weekly Information for May 22, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


This is a busy and exciting time of year—in schools generally, and certainly here at Parker. On Wednesday night alone, we hosted Noche Sabrosa, where our 8th graders made and shared an important dish and spoke about their choice and why it was meaningful to them in Spanish, there was an art competition sponsored by Youth Venture and we capped off the evening with the final Café Wednesday of the year.


Busy is not bad. There is a sense of excitement and momentum that can come with busy. It means we are still moving forward, that there is progress to make, that we can be productive. At the same time, there are events at this time of year that have us looking ahead to the future; we are planning celebrations for the end of this year and even looking ahead to the start of next. Seniors are in the final days of portfolio piece revisions, reflection writing, and making decisions about their graduation ceremony. On Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the help of the PPCC, incoming students and families to the Parker community joined us for ice cream and had an opportunity to make connections with each other and with current Parker students and families.


Finding the ways to both be in the here-and-now and to stay focused on what we are doing, while also looking ahead to what’s next and getting excited to mark accomplishments with meaningful celebrations creates a dynamic tension in the busyness of this season of the school year. These weeks can be about dedication and hard work. They can be about joyful celebration and reflection. They can be everything in between. I hope you each can experience and appreciate the full blend of the “here-and-now” and “what’s next” in the weeks to come.


Wishing you all a restful holiday weekend.



Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • Launching Our Seniors
  • Noon Dismissal
  • Thank you!
  • Congratulations
  • Fundraising for Manning's School
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Drive
  • Lost & Found - FINAL Check!
  • Event Parking Reminder
  • MCAS Testing Schedule
Launching our Seniors

Members of the Class of 2026 are looking forward to their last day of classes on Friday, May 29th, and to their Graduation ceremonies the following week! Seniors are also planning to continue the tradition of a “Senior Prank” on Friday morning, May 29th. Every year, Seniors welcome students and staff with a unique theme on the morning of their last day. Previous themes have included “Beach Party” and “Pirates v. Ninjas.” This year’s theme is still a secret! But the theme is likely to involve performance/engagement during morning drop-off. That could involve costumes, squirt guns, and music. We’ve asked the seniors to be safe, respectful and fun-loving during morning drop-off. We will be outside to ensure everyone’s safety.


In the past, some parents have voiced concerns about squirt guns hitting their vehicles during drop-off. If you and your child want to avoid the scene, please consider alternatives to on-campus drop-off for your student next Friday morning. Antietam Street or P5 are the best options. Students may enter the building through the back doors if they wish.


Noon Dismissals

Reminder the following dates are noon dismissals: 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.


Thank you to PPCC

We’d like to give a special thank you to the PPCC for their help and efforts during the New Family Ice Cream Social and Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so grateful for all that the PPCC does to make the Parker community warm and welcoming for students, staff, and families. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time or donated to these events.


Congratulations, Art Spark Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of Youth Venture's Art Spark's art competition. Jane Frothingham won "Most Creative" with her Viewing Eyes sculpture and Ava Zarei won "Best Overall" for her Psyche Entering Cupid's Garden oil painting. Thank you to everyone who submitted their incredible art and contributed to the event’s success. Well done Hudson Wheeler, Maxton McKinney, and Emery Berkhout for running the event Wednesday night! 


Fundraising for Manning's School

For the next two weeks, between June 1st and June 12th, Marena’s advisory is raising money for Manning’s School. Manning’s School is a public school in Jamaica whose building was destroyed during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Each advisory has been tasked with raising $25, with the reward being that their advisor will wear a silly outfit to the Big End. To contribute, students can bring in cash (every penny counts!) and put it in any advisor’s container.


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!


Lost & Found - FINAL Check!

You are welcome to check the LOST & FOUND at any time during these final weeks of school to see if there are any items belonging to you or your loved ones! ALL unclaimed items will be donated after the school year ends.


Event Parking Reminder

During school events (e.g., Graduation, Gateways), our on-campus parking is insufficient for our whole school community. Please remember and join in our community norms by parking in the Museum Lot (P-5), located across Jackson Road, allowing guests with limited mobility to use the available spaces on campus. Thank you!



MCAS Spring Testing Schedule

MCAS Testing wraps up with 8th grade Civics MCAS on May 26


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:
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 - Jun 9 Gateways Begin
Thu - Jun 11 Board of Trustees
Mon-Wed - Jun 15-17 Junior Retreat
Tue - Jun 16 Divisional Trip Day
Wed - Jun 17 Noon dismissal
Thu - Jun 18 Big End - Last Day of School
Thu - Jun 18 Noon Dismissal
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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