November 3, 2023

Weekly Information for November 3rd

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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 to celebrate. As I wrote last week, this is an important time of year to find that balance, as we approach the end of a rigorous first quarter.

It is in that spirit that our seniors hosted AppleFest today, a not-so-secret tradition with homemade apple crisp, music and celebration for the whole school. Thank you to the Hatlevig family and Shelburne Farm in Stow for contributing the apples again this year! It was a perfect fall celebration.


We appreciate the leadership and inclusiveness of our Seniors today 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. And they serve as passionate advocates for their school as Ambassadors to visitors and prospective students and families. Thank you to the Senior class for living the values that you imagined when drafting the Essential Question for this year: How do you influence those around you? The Senior class influences the culture of Parker in uniquely positive ways, modeling what it looks like to engage deeply in their learning while creating a welcoming space for all. Thank you!


Brian

This week’s topics:
  • AppleFest 2023!
  • Last Call for Student Artwork!
  • Health Office Wish List
  • Dental Care at Parker
  • Join the Parker Band!
  • Winter Sports Registration
  • Ski and Snowboard Club
  • MART Transportation
AppleFest 2023!


Our deepest thanks go out to the Hatlevig family and Shelburne Farm in Stow for the donation of apples for this year’s senior class for AppleFest. Apple crisp was enjoyed by all!


Last Call for Student Artwork!


Please submit student artwork for the Parker 2024 wall calendar featuring student artwork! Calendars 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!


Health Office Wish List


The Health Office would appreciate donations of tissues, fabric bandages (all sizes), cough drops and granola bars. These particular supplies are distributed throughout the school on a regular basis. Thank you in advance for your donations that help care for our Parker students and staff!


Dental Care at Parker (Caring for Kids)


NEW DATE: 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.


Join the Parker Band!


The Band will continue accepting new members, so if you have another activity ending and want to join, please contact Jim (Room 13 or jdesmond@theparkerschool.org) or Marena (Room 43 or mcole@theparkerschool.org). Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30 PM in Room 13, and there are instruments available if you don’t have your own but have basic playing skills. Participation fee is $100 per semester.


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


Ski & Snowboard Club


Reminder registration is open for Parker Ski and Snowboard Club! Check here for details and to register. Price increases after 12/1. Program begins 1/3. Chaperones are needed!


MART Transportation


Reminder MART offers shuttle service to and from the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. Pickup is at 7:45 AM and drop off is at 4:15 PM at BGCFL. Cost is $4/ride or $80/month. Call MART directly at 800-922-5636 Option 3 by at least 4:30 PM the day before the ride is needed. Ask for the Devens Workforce Ride Program – Parker Charter and Boys and Girls Club.



Click here to learn more about taxi/livery service from Bolton, Boxborough, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Sterling, or Stow. Click here for more information about a potential shuttle from Bolton, Boxborough, Littleton or Stow. MART currently provides taxi/livery service from these towns but is willing to start shuttles with enough participation. Contact Keary Connors at keary.connors@mrta.us if interested.

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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By Cindy Johnson • November 1, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 26, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 17, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 10, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • October 3, 2025
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By Cindy Johnson • September 27, 2025
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