May 31, 2025

Weekly Information for May 30, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

This week we were joined by Rabbi Josh Breindel for a conversation about antisemitism and hate speech. It was a powerful discussion about the Nazi swastika, its impact on the Jewish community and what young people can do as upstanders. The Multicultural Connection student group did an extraordinary job framing and facilitating the discussion. We thank the students for their outstanding leadership and vision. We ended the day with Advisory discussions and a project that asked us to affirm, as a Parker community, what we stand for. Here are a few of the responses:


At Parker, we…

  • Value individual voice
  • Are a community
  • Value “we” over “me”
  • Stand up for others
  • Are kind
  • Strive to be inclusive
  • Make room for everyone
  • Support each other


In that spirit, we honor our Seniors who celebrated their last day of classes today. Thank you to the Class of 2025 for welcoming us to school today! They continued the joyful tradition of their senior prank, a dinosaur themed party to start the school day.


Parker’s 26th Commencement Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM on the Parker front lawn. All are welcome. There will also be a live video feed of the ceremony available on the Parker website on Wednesday.


We are very proud of students in the Class of 2025 for helping to make our school and our world a better place. We appreciate your hard work and authentic contribution to Parker every day for the past 4-6 years. High school graduation is a big deal for you and those who helped you along the way. This week, show some gratitude for your family, friends and teachers who contributed to your success. Your successes are theirs too!


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Lost & Found – FINAL CHECK!
  • Noon Dismissals
  • Contact Info Update
  • Collection for Refugees
  • Event Parking Reminder
  • Yearbook Last Call
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.


Noon Dismissals

Reminder, Wednesday, June 4, is graduation and Monday, June 16, is the Big End and last day of school. Both are noon dismissals. Please arrange to have your student picked up at noon, as there is no after-school coverage and the building closes.


Contact Info Update

Do we have your CURRENT email address, cell phone number, home phone number, and mailing address? If you have changed any of your contact information, please send an update to Cindy in the main office (cjohnson@theparkerschool.org). We appreciate your time!


Collection for Refugees

Many people from around the world have come to Massachusetts as immigrants or refugees because they are escaping from war or danger from their home country. A lot of these people coming to Massachusetts don’t have anything to start a successful life here in the U.S., but you can help. The International Institute of New England is a non-profit organization in Lowell that helps struggling immigrants and refugees have a successful life in the U.S. This organization needs donations and materials from the community. They need materials like cleaning supplies, soap and other hygiene products, blankets, sheets, kitchen supplies, and more. Daphne Croft is doing this as an extension for her research project in AH about a group of people who are suffering from a humanitarian crisis and don’t have the ability to receive help. Starting June 2nd to June 12th there will be a donation box in the lobby for you to drop off your donations. Please reach out with questions to Daphne.Croft@theparkerschool.org.


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 16, noon dismissal). Only a limited number of yearbooks remain available for purchase. Hard cover books are $60 and Division 1 books are $20. Soft cover books are sold out. 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 4 NOON Dismissal
Wed - Jun 4 Graduation
Fri - Jun 6 Gateways Begin
Wed - Jun 11 Divisional Trips
Thu - Jun 12 Board of Trustees
Mon - Jun 16 THE BIG END - Last Day of School
Mon - Jun 16 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 Cindy Johnson • March 7, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 28, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 13, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • February 7, 2026
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By Cindy Johnson • January 30, 2026
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