November 9, 2023

Weekly Information for November 10th

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


As we head into the Veterans Day holiday, we recognize those in the Parker community who serve in the military, past and present. We appreciate all our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.


We welcomed five new students to Parker this week from the October lottery. These new students make our community stronger, more vibrant and more diverse. Thank you for joining us! We just started recruiting students for next year. We accept applications for incoming 7th, 8th and 9th graders through February 1, 2024. It is our top priority to attract and retain a diverse and engaged student body ready to do rigorous academic work.


Word of mouth is our most effective way of introducing Parker to prospective students and families. Thank you for your help spreading the word. Encourage your friends, neighbors and colleagues to check us out and attend an upcoming information session. Follow us on Facebook and share digital content. Grab a lawn sign to post in your community. Invite us to speak to your social, community or religious groups. We are excited to introduce Parker to new families with your help.


Click here for an information packet to share.


Next week, students and families will receive Progress Reports from the first quarter of the fall semester. These will come your way midweek as PDFs attached to an email. We will review Progress Reports with students in Advisory, asking them to focus on their strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you for reviewing Progress Reports with your student as an important tool for communication and reflection.


Brian

This week’s topics:
  • Absences Around Thanksgiving
  • Weather Related Delays and Closings
  • Toys for Tots
  • Information Sessions
  • Dental Care at Parker
  • Winter Sports Registration
Absences Around Thanksgiving


If your student is extending Thanksgiving break, remember to contact the main office and let us know when your student(s) will be absent. The attendance line (978-772-3293, ext. 1) is available 24 hours a day and can be called any day/time which is before 9 AM of the affected day(s).


Weather Related Delays and Closings


Reminder when school is cancelled or delayed because of inclement weather, Parker uses an automated phone calling service, the school’s website and voicemail, and local media outlets to inform families of the closing or delay. Because Parkers students come from over forty cities and towns throughout Central Massachusetts, it’s important for Parker families to exercise independent critical judgement, based on observed local conditions, when deciding whether to travel to campus during inclement weather.


TOYS for TOTS


Help Parker support this great cause by dropping off new, unwrapped toys in the TOYS for TOTS donation bin located in the Front Lobby of our school beginning November 13th until December 8th. Please help our effort to bring a ray of holiday joy to a child in need. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers to disadvantaged children offer them recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.


Information Sessions


Please encourage families interested in Parker to sign up for an upcoming information session and to apply at this short link: www.parker.school/enroll


Dental Care at Parker (Caring for Kids)


Reminder students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program on Wednesday, November 29th. Please read about Caring for Kids HERE and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return 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.


Winter Sports Registration


Reminder to register now for winter sports: Winter Track, Basketball (Middle School, JV, and Varsity), or Boys High School Hockey Co-op with Littleton and Bromfield using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/szqjERZksc


All practices begin on Monday, November 27th, and will be held on Monday through Friday that week. For more information click here: https://www.theparkerschool.org/students-parents/athletics

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 under “Students & Parents>Athletics>Directions to Athletic Venues” or just click HERE.

Upcoming Dates of Note:
Fri - Nov 10 Veterans Day - No School
Tue - Nov 14 Board of Trustees
Wed - Nov 22 Noon Dismissal
Thu-Fri - Nov 23-24 Thanksgiving Break
Mon - Nov 27 Winter Sports Begin
Fri - Dec 1 Div 1 & 9th Grade Dance
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PARKER FUND!
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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