May 29, 2026

Weekly Information for May 29, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


The last month of the school year brings a mix of emotions for all of us. We are excited, tired, and hopeful. We are busy preparing for Senior Exhibitions and Gateways, authentic demonstrations of learning that are both celebratory and stressful. We are so proud of all our students for whom this is a major milestone and capstone experience. We just set up the tent and staging for graduation, the final milestone on their Parker career. Congratulations to our Seniors and their friends, family and teachers who supported them. Graduation is a celebration for our whole community and an important moment to say thank you. This will be our 27th Commencement exercises on Wednesday, June 3rd. We will miss our Seniors as they head off to life after Parker. Thank you for making us proud.


Many times across the school year, we have asked our students to represent Parker to the outside world. Whether welcoming prospective students and families, competing in athletics, robotics, math team or other co-curriculum competitions, speaking at conferences, or welcoming visitors – our students show the value of a Parker education. We are sad to say goodbye, but honored to share our graduates with the rest of the world!


Later next week, we welcome everyone to join us for an end-of-year celebration. There will be live music, fundraiser raffle baskets, and good cheer for families and friends of Parker. Join us on Friday, June 5th at 4:30 pm at Sterling Street on Devens. Please RSVP here so we know you’re coming.


Thank you for celebrating our students!



Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Noon dismissals
  • Observing Memorial Day
  • Volleyball Club
  • Fundraising for Manning's School
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Drive
  • From SEPAC
  • Lost & Found - FINAL CHECK!
  • Event Parking Reminder
  • Yearbook Last Call
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.


Observing Memorial Day

Last Wednesday, May 20th, we were fortunate enough to have Randy Miller, a member of the Army National Guard and a Parker parent, visit our school to teach our students about the significance and history of Memorial Day. Thank you to Mr. Miller for sharing your knowledge with us, and to all who have served our country.


Volleyball Club

A big shoutout to all of our volleyball club participants during our 2026 season! The students have been practicing drills, serves, and game play for the past couple of months, and they showed it all off in our final color-play-day! It was an afternoon full of fun competition and lots of powerful plays! Thank you to the teachers and staff who joined us to play as well!


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!


SEPAC Meeting

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

SEPAC will hold its next meeting virtually on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM. A virtual link is included: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88401567242?pwd=6vJtz9B53ExBhtUQwmvuaY3qAFb7sb.1 Passcode: 676227


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!


Yearbook Last Call

Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of school during the Big End (June 18, noon dismissal). 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. Hard cover and soft cover books all have the same content while the Division 1 books contain the same whole school and Division 1 sections but not the sections for Division 2, Juniors, Seniors, and senior parent ad pages.


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 - 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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By Xalli Gordon-Chavez • September 11, 2026
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By Xalli Gordon-Chavez • September 8, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • August 28, 2026
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By Gabby Brummer • June 18, 2026
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