October 13, 2023

Weekly Information for October 13th

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


This week we watched in horror as Hamas launched a terrorist attack against the Jewish people of Israel. We condemn violence, terrorism and hatred in every form. We stand with our students, staff and families who are experiencing this as a deeply personal attack on their families and their faith. We support Muslims in our community for whom these terrorist attacks do not represent their views. We are a loving and supportive community that looks out for one another.


We support all Parker students through this scary and confusing time. Many students have sought to better understand the history and implications of the war in Gaza. Many students have seen or heard about atrocities and ongoing threats of violence in the region. We will continue to support our students through all of this, in class and advisory discussions with trusted and caring adults. We lean on the Parker community to provide the space, structure and human connection to process these issues together.


Out of respect and care,

Brian

This week’s topics:
  • Lawn Signs
  • College Counselor Transition
  • Microsoft App to See Student Assignments Available
  • Join the Band
  • Senior Projects—offer your ideas!
  • Film Club
  • Current Lottery Applications
  • Carpool List and Student Directory​​​
  • MART Transportation
Lawn Signs


Do you live on a well-traveled road? Are you willing to host a lawn sign? We appreciate your help spreading the word about Parker to people in our sending towns during this current enrollment season. These signs are made of waterproof coated biodegradable paperboard and do not need to be returned. Signs can be picked up in the foyer or from the front sidewalk.


College Counselor Transition


Division Three students and parents are already aware that Missy Rizkalla, the College and Transition Counselor, recently accepted a position at another school. She will support Parker seniors through the November 1 application deadline, and then Deb Merriam and Monique Beganski will support students until we hire a new counselor. Deb and Monique have worked closely with Missy for years and are well prepared to provide this support. We have already posted the open position and begun the process of filling it, which we hope to do as soon as we can. If you would like to provide input into the qualities and experiences most important to the role of college, career and guidance counseling, any parent/guardian is welcome to share thoughts at a virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:00 PM. Please use this link to join the meeting: College Counselor Virtual Input Session. We will all work together to ensure a smooth transition. If you have questions about this transition, please contact Brian Harrigan (bharrigan@theparkerschool.org).


Microsoft App to See Student Assignments Now Available


On Thursday, we sent out an email to all parent/guardian contacts introducing a new tool that you MAY be interested in using to know about daily and weekly assignments that your student has. Parker is participating in beta-testing a new Microsoft Application called School Connection that lets parents/guardians see the “Assignments” section of their student’s Microsoft Account. If having access to your student’s daily and weekly assignments is of interest to you, please be sure to consult that email for more details.


Join the 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.


Class of 2024 Senior Projects - Offer Your Ideas!


Thanks so much to all the members of Parker’s community who have offered ideas/suggestions to the Class of 2024 thus far. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please spend a few minutes listening to the Senior Project topics that students plan to pursue this year! The link below will give you access to each senior’s “elevator speech” and provide a space for you to offer ideas, resources, contacts or other helpful information that can push their projects forward!

Parker Class of 2024 Senior Projects: CLICK HERE to share ideas, resources, and contacts!


Respond with ideas for a few seniors or all! Remember to click submit at the bottom of the form when you are done! Thanks! (Senior Seminar Teachers: Debbie, Jim, Ryan, & Henry)


Parker Film Club Returns


Parker Students: Grab your mustached detective potatoes and turn off that nature documentary, because Parker Film Club is starting up again! Are you into making absurd and sometimes super serious (but not really) films with friends? Is it your passion to be in front of or behind a camera? Do you have a talent for writing crazy scripts? Well then, we certainly have the place for you. Every Wednesday, starting on the 25th, the super amazing Parker Film Club will meet in the library from 1:30-3:00 PM! We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please reach out to lindsay.wolfson@theparkerschool.org or abigail.landsman@theparkerschool.org


Current Lottery Applications


Reminder lottery applications are being accepted for current openings in grades 7 and 9 until Friday, October 20th. There are no current openings in grade 8 at this time. If more applications are received than there are available spaces, a lottery will be drawn on October 23 at 4:00 PM. Enrollment offers will be made with an intended start date of November 6, 2023. We are also accepting applications for students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 next year until Thursday, February 1st. Direct interested families to www.parker.school/enroll.


Updated Carpool List & Student Directory


Reminder a copy of the updated Carpool List may be picked up at the front office (hard copy only).

Also, a printed Student Directory can be purchased at the front office for $3. If you would prefer to have a directory mailed to you, you can send $5 to Parker School or pay $5 online via UniPay under Misc, Fees, Other.


MART Transportation


Reminder to 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 are willing to start shuttles with enough participation. Contact Keary Connors at keary.connors@mrta.us if interested.

Click here to learn more about taxi/livery service from Bolton, Boxborough, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Sterling, or Stow.

MART also 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.

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:
Wed - Oct 25 PSATs
Wed - Oct 25 Café Wednesday
Thu - Oct 26 Board of Trustees
Fri - Nov 10 Veterans Day - No School
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 • September 19, 2025
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