October 26, 2025

Weekly Information for October 24, 2025

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Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff,

Have you ever heard of a root cellar? Or maybe you have one? I have found myself thinking about root cellars and how they work a lot as we head toward the late fall when the trees are bare and the days get shorter. Root cellars (and I am not an expert) are these relatively ingenious spaces that use the natural conditions of the ground below the frost line to create a stable environment that helps preserve and store food. Before we had indoor refrigeration, they were an essential tool for food storage. They helped ensure access to fresh food and healthy sustenance all year long.


Certain characteristics of this time of year can make it seem like not much new is happening—that there is no growth or change. Maybe that is why things like the first snowfall can be so exciting. I like to think of this time of the year as a little bit like a root cellar—it’s a time to store up all the excitement and growth from the fall and to use it to fuel what’s next. It might have a bit more of a “keep going” feeling to it than a “look at all these new things” feeling, and it gives us a way to savor and benefit from the abundance of the fall and to look forward to the ways it might support the new growth cycle in the spring. In terms of schoolwork, this might look like repeated practice of certain skills, or it might feel like slow progress in the assessments of academic work. It might mean being asked to rethink and redo and revise work, putting in time and energy and believing in growth we might not see or feel yet.

 

The fall sports seasons are headed toward their close and the girls’ varsity soccer team moved their record to 11-3, avenging an early season loss against Monty Tech, while the boys’ varsity soccer team also avenged an early season loss with a tie against Abby Kelley this week. The cross-country team performed well at Conference Championships, with boys’ varsity winning with a perfect score, girls’ varsity coming in second with many personal records, and boys’ and girls’ JV also winning their races. Whether it’s one of these athletic accomplishments, or the memories of the Mirror Lake field trip, the 4 Square tournament, Community Connections Night for Senior Projects, or the class of 2027 30 Gourd challenge, there are many different memories and experiences we can put into our root cellar at the moment to sustain us as we move toward what’s next. 


Wishing you all a restful fall weekend. 


Bex

This week’s topics: 
  • Halloween Costume Expectations
  • Dental Visit – Caring for Kids
  • Division 1 & 9th Grade Fall Dance
  • PPCC Parent/Caregiver Social
  • Parker Ski & Snowboard Club
  • PLP Blood Drive Thank You
  • Thank You from a Parker Family
  • 5K Fun Run
  • Athletics Schedule
  • Upcoming Dates of Note
Halloween Costume Expectations

Halloween is just around the corner! Many are excited for the day and some plan to come dressed for the occasion. Please remember costumes cannot include toy weapons, masks, or depict violence in any way. Costumes must not disrupt the learning of oneself or others. While we look forward to celebrating, we must also make sure all students are able to function in class as they would on any other school day.


Dental Visit - Caring for Kids

Students have an opportunity to receive dental care here at Parker School through the Caring for Kids program on Friday, November 21st. Please read about Caring for Kids HERE  and complete the documents by clicking HERE and return them 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.


Division 1 & 9th Grade Fall Dance

The Division 1 & 9th Grade Fall Dance will be on Friday, November 7 from 6 PM – 8 PM. Costumes are encouraged! There will be dancing, a costume contest, a photo booth, and games. E-Tickets will be $5 and for sale in the Cafegymatorium during lunch starting Monday, 10/27. Parents can also pay online through Unipay: unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx . Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available, but kids should eat dinner beforehand.


PPCC Parent/Caregiver Social

PPCC will host a parent/caregiver social next Wednesday, 10/29, starting at 6:30pm in the library. This coincides with the first Cafe Wednesday of the school year (think open mic night/talent show for the kids). It’s a great way to pass the time and meet new folks. If you can join us, please consider bringing a snack to share. Hope to see you there!


Parker Ski and Snowboard Club

Registration is open for Parker’s Ski and Snowboard Club! Click here for details and to register. Price increases after 12/1. Program begins 1/7. Chaperones are needed!

PLP Blood Drive Thank You

Thank you to everyone that donated during our PLP Blood Drive! We were able to collect 35 usable donations, which means that we helped 105 patients. We will be having another blood drive during the spring PLP Day, so we hope you can join us again then!


Thank You from a Parker Family

You might remember that earlier this fall we requested assistance for a family in the Parker community in need. Many of you provided gift cards and donations to support them and they have asked us to share this message with you:

We would once again would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone who has supported our family. We will certainly find a way to give back to the school and to all the wonderful people who have shown us such kindness. We are truly touched and grateful for the care and support you and the families at the school have shown toward our home. We deeply appreciate it.


Parker 5K Fun Run on November 22

Register now to be guaranteed a Fun Run t-shirt! This year’s 5K Fun Run will be held at Parker on Saturday, November 22, at 10 AM (rain date is 11/23). All ages are encouraged to run, walk, skip, or jump and there will be category-based prizes. Students cost $20 and others cost $30. All proceeds from the race benefit the school. To register or find out more, visit http://www.parker.school/funrun. If you’re willing to help, please email Monique at mbeganski@theparkerschool.org. Sponsors include Gourmet Donuts, City Music, Anytime Fitness, Endeavor Films, Play It Again Sports, Catania Cares, and Marx Running, Sterling Street Brewery, and Clover Road Brewing Company.

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:
Tue - Oct 28 ACTs
Wed - Oct 29 Café Wednesday
Tue - Nov 11 Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
Thu - Nov 13 Board of Trustees
Fri - Nov 21 Caring for Kids Dental Visit
Sat - Nov 22 Parker 5K Fun Run
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 race, color, sex, pregnancy, 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 13, 2025
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