May 8, 2026

Weekly Information for May 8, 2026

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,


I did a little internet digging into the etymology of the word appreciation, having been inspired by the Teacher Appreciation surrounding us at school this week. There’s the meaning I think of as somewhat economic—when something goes up in value—and there’s the meaning I think of as more emotional—when you feel gratitude and recognize the worth of someone or something.


This week and every week I am deeply appreciative of the incredibly challenging, time-consuming, and critically important work our teachers do in and out of classrooms. Parker teachers put their time and energy into getting to know students well, supporting and challenging students to develop critical thinking skills and good habits of learning, communicating with families, and working with and supporting each other in their daily work and professional learning. While there might be questions about whether our society understands or appreciates the valuable work of teachers, I am grateful to work at a school where our community recognizes the incredible depth, complexity, and importance of what teachers do. As Brian mentioned last week, Senior Project exhibitions are underway now and these incredible projects and demonstrations of learning are just one beautiful representation of the incredibly powerful work our teachers do and how it supports the important work and learning our students do.


Thank you to the PPCC for organizing and coordinating this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week activities. Thank you to all the students and family members who have volunteered their time, ideas, messages of appreciation, and other resources to that project. Thank you to all of the educators and teachers in our community—those of you who work at Parker and those of you who work in other schools. Thank you to our Senior Advisors, the class of 2026, and all the community members who have been Senior Project mentors and who are participating as jurors. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment our teachers bring to their daily work and to our community for the appreciation and support you show our teachers regularly.


With appreciation,



Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • Thank you!
  • Seeking Presenters for Immigration Panel
  • Noche Sabrosa
  • Caring for Kids Dental Visit
  • Youth Venture – Art Spark
  • From the Health Office
  • From the Library
  • MCAS Testing Schedule
PPCC Thank you!

As Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week comes to a close, PPCC would like to thank everyone who donated time and money toward this week's efforts. Because of you, teachers and staff received a catered lunch, chair massage, a cleaner lounge space and gift cards. Nurse Lisa's wishlist was also fulfilled. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our community. Thank you!


Seeking Presenters for Immigration Panel

Every other year, Division 1 Arts and Humanities studies the history of immigration in the United States in response to the essential question “what stories are told and why”? Historically, one important experience that students have gotten to engage with has been attending a live panel with presenters who have experienced immigration or have been impacted by it. We will host two panel sessions on Tuesday, May 12th--the first during block D (9:45-10:45), and the second during block E (10:45-11:45). We are looking for community members who are interested in the opportunity to speak on the panel or who know someone who might be interested. We would love to have panelists for both sessions but would welcome volunteers who can only participate in one. If interested, please reach out to Division 1 AH Teacher, Lindsay Goodwin at lgoodwin@theparkerschool.org.


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!


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.


Youth Venture - Art Spark

Hello Parker families. Do you love art? Do you make art? Would you like to enter a piece or two of your art into a contest for a chance to win a prize? The Youth Venture group Art Spark will be hosting a friendly art competition at the last Café Wednesday of the year, May 20th. Though encouraged, you do not need to attend Café Wednesday to enter or win a prize. You can enter a painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, photograph, installation art…anything you have made! Please bring your submissions to room 6 by May 15th. Talk to Emilie Shannon (eshannon@theparkerschool.org) if you have any questions. Thank you!


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): May 14
  • 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:
Mon-Tue - May 11-12 Senior Exhibitions
Thu - May 14 8th Grade Science MCAS
Thu - May 14 Board of Trustees
Fri - May 15 Div1 and 9th Grade Dance
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
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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