November 3, 2024

Weekly Information for November 1, 2024

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


At Parker, we are all committed to fostering a challenging and affirming school culture where students work very hard, take academic risks and come together as one community. As you saw in my email from earlier this week, we unite in condemnation of antisemitic hate speech on campus once again. We are committed to calling out hatred and cowardice in our community, serving as upstanders and friends to Jewish students and everyone who feels targeted. This comes on the eve of the 2024 election. No matter the outcome, we provide a safe space for students to process events near and far, ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all students.


We appreciate the leadership and inclusiveness of our Seniors this week and all year. They serve as Peer Mentors, sports captains, stage managers, club leaders and Teaching Assistants. They provide strong student leadership in the Justice Committee and Community Congress. Thank you to the Senior class for living the values that you imagined when drafting the Essential Question for this year: Who do we want to become? We want to become a community that speaks up and stands up for one another.


Thank you to our seniors for hosting AppleFest today, a not-so-secret tradition with homemade apple crisp and a community gathering. We appreciate the Hatlevig family and Shelburne Farm in Stow for contributing the apples again this year! Thank you for bringing our community together as one.


Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Wellness Committee Meeting
  • Junior Planning Night
  • Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Winter Sports Registration
  • Call for Student Artwork
  • Caring for Kids Program in November
Wellness Committee Meeting

The Wellness Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 12th, at 3:30 PM, in conference room 3A (in the library). We will meet to evaluate the current Wellness Policy and make changes as necessary. A wellness policy is a written document that guides schools to establish a school environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn. Click to view Parker’s current Wellness Policy and Parker’s current WellSAT 3.0 score. If you would like to be part of the Wellness Committee, please reach out to Lisa Zick at lzick@theparkerschool.org.


Junior Planning Night

Junior Planning Night is Tuesday, November 12th, at 6 PM in the Auditorium. Juniors and their parents/guardians should attend to learn more about transcripts, the college application process, and things to keep in mind during junior year. Students should check their email for more information.

 

Ski & Snowboard Club

Registration is open for Parker Ski and Snowboard Club! Check here for details and to register. Price increases after 12/1. Program begins 1/8. Chaperones are needed!

 

Winter Sports Registration

Winter Sports will include Boys and Girls Middle School and High School Basketball, Winter Track, Boys Ice Hockey (hosted by Littleton) and Girls Ice Hockey (hosted by Acton-Boxborough). The teams will start practicing on Monday, December 2nd. Registration Deadline is Sunday, December 1st.

Please click here to register: Athlete Registration

   

Call for Student Artwork!

We are excited to be creating a 2025 wall calendar featuring student artwork. Artwork submitted by students will be selected by a jury and included in the calendar which will be available for purchase before the new year! For more information, see this flyer. Submit your artwork online here by November 6th. Contact Katrina, Marena or Sheila with any questions!


Coming in November – Caring for Kids

Students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program in November. The date is to be determined. Please read about Caring for Kids HERE and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return to Nurse Lisa as soon as possible. Hard copies were also sent home with students. 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. 

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 - Nov 1 Div 1 & 9th Grade Dance
Wed-Fri; Nov 6-8 Div 1 Nature's Classroom Trip
Mon - Nov 11 Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
Tue - Nov 12 Wellness Committee
Tue - Nov 12 Junior Planning Night
Thu - Nov 14 Board of Trustees
Wed - Nov 27 NOON Dismissal
Thu-Fri; Nov 28-29 Thanksgiving Break
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 the basis of race, color, gender, pregnancy or pregnancy status, 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 14, 2026
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