Congratulations to Parker senior, Caleb Hatlevig, on his recognition as a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Generally, the top 2%-3% of PSAT scorers receive commended student status, or about 34,000 students out of the millions that take the test.
October 20, 2023
Weekly Information for October 20th
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Dear Parker families, students and staff,
Congratulations to our varsity soccer teams on their regular seasons! Our girls finished with a 10-3-2 record and finished with the best goal differential in the Colonial Athletic League. Next Monday they travel to Tahanto for their first game in the CMass tournament. They will likely qualify for the MIAA state tournament! And good luck to our boys varsity soccer team as they head into their first round CMass playoff matchup next Tuesday at West Boylston. Our JV teams continued to emphasize skill development, fun, and playing time for all. And our participation numbers are showing an upward trend.
Our boys cross country team capped off a 9-0 regular season (now undefeated in the league since 2007) and had big wins at the Twilight Invite and the Bay State Invitational. Our girls team finished at 7-2 in the league. Both teams host the League Championships next Tuesday at Devens, and then embark on a lengthy post-season run with Middle School States (at Devens) on Nov 4, Districts at Northfield Nov 11, and the MIAA state finals Nov 18 at Devens.
Shout-out to senior Wyatt Gallant, our participant on the Ayer Shirley football team. Wyatt is a star on both offense (4 touchdowns) and defense (3 interceptions,16 pass deflections)!
We are very much looking forward to the fall show this year! The mid-December performance will be a production of the Caucasian Chalk Circle, a play by Bertolt Brecht. The play retells the biblical story of King Solomon, who once had to judge a case in which two mothers claimed to be the parent of the same child. Set in post WW2 Georgia, Brecht's version interrogates the ideas of motherhood, of the validity of the law, and of what it really means to deserve something. Between acting, set building, and production work, over thirty students are helping bring this show to life.
We are proud of all our students’ accomplishments in and out of school!
Have a great weekend!
Brian
This week’s topics:
- Last Day for Current Lottery Applications
- Parker SEPAC Invite
- Winter Sports Registration
- Ski and Snowboard Club
- Yarn Needed!
- Dental Care at Parker
- Film Club
- Senior Projects – Offer Your Ideas
- Join the Band
- Lawn Signs
- Carpool List and Student Directory
- MART Transportation
Last Day for Current Lottery Applications
Today is the last day for lottery applications for current openings in grades 7 and 9! If you know any current 7th or 9th grade students who want to come to Parker, please check with them today to make sure they’ve applied.
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.
Parker SEPAC Invite
The ParkerPac (SEPAC) invites you to join a zoom presentation from Rachel Enad of Mass Advocates for Children on Basic Rights in Special Education at 7 PM on Tuesday, October 24th.
This workshop provides an overview of the special education laws of students with disabilities and the supports and services they are entitled to in order to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The workshop will address legal standards, the special education process, parent and student participation rights, and evaluation rights. Please check your email for the link and passcode to join the meeting. Contact Jesse Lowe (SEPAC Chair) with questions at (978) 618-0775 or [email protected].
Winter Sports Registration
The following Parker winter sports teams will be offered:
- Winter Track
- Basketball (Middle School, JV, and Varsity)
- Boys High School Hockey Co-op with Littleton and Bromfield
All practices begin on Monday, November 27th, and will be held on Monday through Friday that week. Please use the following link to register your student as soon as possible for a winter sport: https://forms.office.com/r/szqjERZksc For more information click here: https://www.theparkerschool.org/students-parents/athletics
Ski & Snowboard Club
Registration is opening soon for Parker Ski and Snowboard Club! Check here for details. Chaperones are needed!
YARN Needed!
Our Friday Community Electives knitting group requests donations of yarn to help them make blankets to donate to community organizations. If you have extra yarn at home (or if you can purchase some to donate), they would appreciate it. Crochet hooks and knitting needles are welcome as well. You can drop donations off in Room 22.
Dental Care at Parker (Caring for Kids)
Students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program on Friday, November 17th. 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] or [email protected]
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)
Join the Band
Reminder the band will continue accepting new members, so if you have another activity ending and want to join, please contact Jim (room 13 or [email protected]) or Marena (room 43 or [email protected]). 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.
Lawn Signs
Reminder 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.
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 [email protected] 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.
Sports Schedule
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 |
| 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: [email protected] |
| your family's or student's health | email: [email protected] |
| mental health/emotional support needs | email: [email protected] |
| food insecurity/free and reduced school lunch needs | email: [email protected] |
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.
Recent Posts
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, I hope that you have a terrific April break with those who you love. Get outside, read a book, take a nap, dig in the garden, play a game, take a trip – these are some of the plans our students have for the week ahead. Whatever your plans, come back ready for a rigorous and celebratory end of the year at Parker. Have a great break! Brian
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, We had an extraordinary 30th Anniversary Gala last weekend. We shared the following 30th Anniversary video that evening, showcasing the growth of Parker from 1995 to today. It is an incredible story of innovation, community and putting students first. Take a look: https://youtu.be/tecvqBwFNtA Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the celebration. We raised over $45,000 at the Gala, every penny of which went directly to our students. We would be unable to keep class sizes small and provide individual attention to our students without the generosity of our community. Charter schools receive significantly less funding than neighborhood public schools, even though we are all public schools. We appreciate your support in addressing this inequity. Donate to Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School We were delighted to welcome our two Principal finalists, Bex and Hannah, to Parker this week. Thank you to all the students and families who joined us, asking terrific questions and sharing your feedback. We have one final interview, today at 6:00 PM virtually with Hannah. See the link below. We will review all the feedback and announce our new Principal later this month. Hannah Kehn Family/Community Q&A, Friday, April 11, 6-7 PM Join the meeting now Finally, please join us on Wednesday, April 16th for an evening of student exhibitions , including Noche Sabrosa , Division 2 Exhibitions, and Senior Exhibitions . As you know, Parker students demonstrate mastery and learn from your feedback through public exhibitions. This year, we are hosting the three events on the same evening to increase the community support for our students. While visiting with our Seniors, consider serving on a panel for their Senior Exhibitions the end of the year. Please see sign-up information below. Brian
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, We have a busy and exciting week ahead at Parker. It kicks off with our 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday night. Thank you to Katrina Tedstone and everyone on the Development Committee who have worked incredibly hard for 18 months to plan and host this celebration. It will be a fitting and joyous tribute to our school and the thousands of students, families and staff who have been positively impacted by Parker. Thank you to everyone who is joining the sold-out event. If you are unable to attend but want to contribute, please use the link below. Every penny that we raise goes directly to our students – in the form of smaller class sizes, more direct attention from teachers and counselors, and greater access to clubs, sports and activities. We appreciate your support. Donate to Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School Next week, we are excited to welcome the two Principal finalists to Parker, Bex Wilusz and Hannah Kehn . Both love working with students and have been principals at other schools similar to Parker. As you know, we created the new Principal position as Brian and Deb assume new leadership roles to expand our external partnerships, document the success of our students and help us grow and thrive. Parents/guardians/families and other community members are invited to attend a virtual Q&A session with each candidate at 6:00 PM on the evening indicated below. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback on each candidate at the end of the session. Rebecca (Bex) Wilusz [ Bex Wilusz Resume.pdf ] will be available for a virtual evening session with Parker family/community members on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00 PM. Bex Wilusz Family/Community Q&A, Tuesday, April 8, 6-7pm Join the meeting now Hannah Kehn [ Hannah Kehn Resume.pdf ] will be available for a virtual evening session with Parker family/community members on Friday, April 11 at 6:00 PM. Hannah Kehn Family/Community Q&A, Friday, April 11, 6-7pm Join the meeting now We appreciate your partnership and support, this and every week. Brian
Dear Parker students, families and staff, Congratulations to our Seniors for their continued progress and success on their Senior Projects. We are very proud of our Seniors. I want to highlight three students among a class of outstanding projects: Cake Lem ’s essential question is what goes into pitching and producing an animated show? Cake created the pitch, drafted the screenplay and drew the storyboard for an animated pilot. Using hand-drawn digital animation, Cake created 28 separate background designs and 6800 frames, with feedback and collaboration from a Netflix producer. We can’t wait to see Cake’s six-minute film and the process of making it. Danny Kaldestad ’s essential question is what is the process of writing a fantasy novel? Danny has been working on his novel since last June, with the support of a professional writer. Danny explores the life and experiences of Felix, a young man held in captivity against his will. It is a story of an individual finding his way in the world amidst hardship. Thank you to Danny for sharing his passion and talent for writing through the world of Felix. Harriet Cullon ’s essential question is what is Western jewelry and how do you make it? Through twelve weeks of study at the Worcester Center for the Crafts, Harriet learned how to apply authentic western and indigenous styles into the creation of jewelry. Her handmade collection includes rings, necklaces and beaded bracelets. Her favorite piece is a necklace that she cast in silver on the backbone of a cuttlefish. We invite students, families, and alums to join us for Senior Exhibition night on April 16th when Cake, Danny, Harriet and their peers share their projects and gather feedback in the style of a Science Fair. That same night we welcome you to join us for Noche Sabrosa and Division 2 Exhibitions. Thank you for sharing your feedback and supporting our students. See the details below. Finally, we invite you to serve on panels for their Senior Exhibitions in early May. Thank you for showing up! Brian
Dear Parker students, families and staff, Feedback, reflection and revision are central to everything that we do at Parker. As Nancy Sizer wrote in Keeping School, the emphasis is on growth, on learning from one’s mistakes, cleaning up one’s prose, clearing up one’s understandings . This requires students to work hard, to be open to feedback and to try again. We are very proud of our students for engaging meaningfully in this iterative process. We take a similar approach to adult learning at Parker. Next Wednesday, March 26th, we dismiss at 12:00 NOON to welcome teachers from across the state to join us in professional development called Looking at Student Work. We engage in a protocol-based discussion of various assessments and the degree to which an individual met expectations. Teachers attend sessions from other domains and divisions, gaining and sharing perspectives as an outsider. For example, AH teachers review the Gateway portfolio in MST, Div 1 teachers discuss a research project in Div 3, and Spanish teachers review a Wellness project on social emotional learning. In each case, teachers deeply analyze student work and share their expectations of what students should be able to do at each level. By shining a light on the work in this way, we dramatically enhance our ability to define what “meeting standards” means for our students. We recognize that early dismissals can be hard for working families. We take this professional development time seriously every week, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the needs of our students. Thank you for your partnership. Brian
Dear Parker students, families and staff, It was great to see everyone at PLP meetings today. Parker was founded by area parents who wanted to do school differently and take a hands-on approach in their child’s education. There are obviously many ways that families do that, none as important to the learning process as PLPs. Now we look ahead to Spring Gateways and the end of a very successful year at Parker. You may have seen the blacksmithing demonstration on the front lawn led by Henry Matchett. For his Senior Project, Henry studied the art of blacksmithing and asked to teach his peers and members of the community the essentials. Together, they shaped metal into nails and hooks using a coal-fired forge, anvil and hammer. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. Please join us on Wednesday, April 16th for an evening of student exhibitions , including Noche Sabrosa , Division 2 Exhibitions and Senior Exhibitions . As you know, Parker students demonstrate mastery and learn from your feedback through public exhibitions. This year, we are hosting the three events on the same evening to increase the community support for our students. Please join us! Have a great long weekend. See you Tuesday. Brian
