September 15, 2024

Weekly Information for September 13, 2024

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


We just ended our first full week of the school year. We are off to a great start. Thanks to our students for working hard, making new friends and engaging fully in school. There is positive energy and joy in the building every day.

 

We look forward to welcoming families to Parker next Thursday, September 19th for Open House. It is one of the many ways that we partner with families in support of your children. Come meet your child’s teachers and experience their schedule. See the details below. Note that Division 1 families are encouraged to join us at 6:15 pm in the Gymnasium to learn about the upcoming trip to Nature’s Classroom.


As you may know, Parker was founded 30 years ago by local families who thought we could do school differently and better. Families were intimately involved in the creation and growth of the school. We embrace those values, appreciate your trust and welcome your partnership in support of your children.


Thank you,

Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Back to School Night on September 19th
  • Event Parking Reminder
  • College Fair Field Trip
  • Parker 101 for Parents/Guardians
  • Thank You from Anita
  • Parker 5K Fun Run Volunteers Needed
  • Faculty Appreciation
  • Register for the Parker Band!
  • Flu/COVID Vaccine Clinic

Back to School Night is Thursday, September 19th

Please plan to join us for Back-to-School Night activities, as listed below:

5:45—6:15: Special Education Meet & Greet: Drop-in to Room 9

6:15—6:45: Divisional Information Sessions

  • Div 1: Nature’s Classroom trip info (meet in the Gym).
  • Div 2: Introduction to Division 2 (meet in the Auditorium).
  • Div 3: Program and Graduation Requirements for Division 3 (meet in Room 48).

7:00—9:00: Visit your students’ classes and meet their teachers!

Parents/Guardians will receive their schedule for the evening at 7:00 PM in their child's advisory room.

Please Note: This event is for parents/guardians—not for students. We ask students to stay at home. If your child or children must join you, they must be always under your supervision (e.g., they should not be wandering the halls). Thank you!


Event Parking Reminder

During school events, our on-campus parking is insufficient for our whole school community. Please remember and join in our community norms by parking in the Museum Lot (P-5), located across Jackson Road, and allowing guests with limited mobility to use the available spaces on campus. Thank you!


Attention Seniors!

Do you want to learn more about colleges? Jinnee is bringing seniors on a College Fair Field trip on Wednesday, September 25th. If you would like to attend, see your email or Jinnee for more details. Sign-ups are due Tuesday.


Parker 101 for Parents/Guardians

Please join us for an orientation to Parker especially for parents/guardians who are new (or relatively new) to the school. These are intended to be companion sessions; you are welcome to attend just one, though we hope you can join us at both. Please contact Deb Merriam ([email protected]) or Matt Smith ([email protected]) with questions.


Part 1: Academics, Thursday, September 26th, 7-8:30 PM

This session will focus primarily on the classroom experience and academic structures/expectations at Parker.


Part 2: School Culture and Communication, Tuesday, October 8th, 7-8:30 PM

This session will focus on "everything else" about the school, including the advisory program, home-school communication, "discipline", extracurriculars & athletics, food programs, library and technology, and other important family and cultural aspects of the Parker experience.


Thank You from Director of Special Education

My sincere thank you to all parents and family members who were able to attend a greeting time with Brian Harrigan, Deb Westaway, and myself last Thursday evening! I was moved by the stories shared, the thoughtful questions, and the interest so many expressed in potentially joining SEPAC this year. Thank you all! I am also looking forward to meeting others throughout this school year in my first year of service as Director of Special Education here at Parker School.


I wish to share for those who may not have been able to attend last Thursday evening, that I have served as a Director of Special Education/Student Services in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and that my roots in the field began in an Essential School! I am also a former homeschool parent.

 

Please feel free to reach out to introduce yourself. My email is: [email protected], and my direct phone number is 978-722-3293, ext. 123.

Thank you, again, for such a meaningful welcome to Parker!


Warm regards,
Anita


Parker 5K Fun Run – Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed on Sunday, October 13th, from around 10 AM – 2 PM for a variety of jobs including directing folks to parking and handing out water. Would you like to be part of the fun? Anyone interested in volunteering, please email Dawn at [email protected].


For those interested in running, register for the Parker 5K Fun Run by 9/25 to be guaranteed a t-shirt! www.parker.school/run. This will be a fun community event- come run, walk, skip, or jump the 5K in a Halloween costume or not!


Faculty Appreciation from PPCC

Our teachers and staff go above and beyond to support our kids and families! One way we show them our appreciation for all they do is to provide weekly snacks to sustain them during their Wednesday staff meetings. You can find out more details and sign up to contribute here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AA4A829A1FA7-parker2


Register for the Parker Band: Rehearsals Begin Next Week!

Parker’s Concert Band is starting soon! We had a fine showing at our informational session earlier this week, but even if you missed it, you could still join us provided you know the basics of playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.

 

Our rehearsals begin Tuesday, September 24th in Room 13. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30 PM. We will perform at Café Wednesday in mid-January, and we plan to offer another term starting in the spring semester. The activity fee for each semester is $100, and need-based assistance is available.


The details for signing up are:

  1. If you filled out a survey at our meeting, we have your information, so no further info is required. Skip to step 3.
  2. If you missed the meeting, please fill out this sign-up form.
  3. To pay the $100 activity fee for the semester, just complete your payment through Parker’s Unipay page, clicking the “band” and “fall” options from the list.


You can also bring a check or cash to the office in an envelope with your name and “Band fee” written on it. Checks should be made out to FW Parker Charter Essential School. Students can drop your instrument off in Room 13 before advisory on rehearsal days if you’d like.

 

If you would like to borrow one of Parker’s instruments, you are more than welcome to do so at no cost. Please contact us with instrument requests, need-based assistance requests, or any questions you may have: Jim [email protected] or Marena [email protected]


Flu/COVID Vaccine Clinic


Our Flu AND COVID-19 (Moderna) vaccine clinic has been confirmed for Friday, October 18th, on PLP Day. This clinic is for staff, students, and family members (ages 5 and up). Please schedule your appointment from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM by clicking this link.

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:
Thu - Sep 13th Board of Trustees
Tue - Sep 19th Back to School Night
Wed - Sep 25th School Photo Retakes (morning)

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

By Cindy Johnson June 7, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, Congratulations to students in the Class of 2025. We are very proud of our Seniors! As I said on Wednesday night, graduation is a big deal for the graduates, their families and our school. 30 years ago, a small group of local families and educators were bold enough to imagine this little school, to draft a charter, find a building, and convince enough families and staff to give Parker a chance. From the very beginning, we put students at the center of all learning, challenged them to use their minds well in a community of decency and trust. 30 years later, we conferred diplomas to 56 exceptional young people in the Class of 2025. Congratulations to our students – to their families and their teachers – and to everyone who played a role over the last 30 years! Best of luck to all the students participating in Gateway presentations today and next week. This can be a stressful and exhilarating moment for our students, an authentic opportunity to reflect on their learning as they progress to the next level. Our students are focused and determined to do their best work – and then we celebrate their learning and success. It is a very meaningful way to end the year. We also look forward to Junior retreat and divisional trips next week and the Big End on Monday, June 16th. Summer vacation starts at Noon on June 16th. Thank you for your hard work, positive attitude and for supporting one another. We look forward to a strong end to a terrific year.  Brian
By Cindy Johnson May 31, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, This week we were joined by Rabbi Josh Breindel for a conversation about antisemitism and hate speech. It was a powerful discussion about the Nazi swastika, its impact on the Jewish community and what young people can do as upstanders. The Multicultural Connection student group did an extraordinary job framing and facilitating the discussion. We thank the students for their outstanding leadership and vision. We ended the day with Advisory discussions and a project that asked us to affirm, as a Parker community, what we stand for. Here are a few of the responses: At Parker, we… Value individual voice Are a community Value “we” over “me” Stand up for others Are kind Strive to be inclusive Make room for everyone Support each other In that spirit, we honor our Seniors who celebrated their last day of classes today. Thank you to the Class of 2025 for welcoming us to school today! They continued the joyful tradition of their senior prank, a dinosaur themed party to start the school day. Parker’s 26th Commencement Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM on the Parker front lawn. All are welcome. There will also be a live video feed of the ceremony available on the Parker website on Wednesday. We are very proud of students in the Class of 2025 for helping to make our school and our world a better place. We appreciate your hard work and authentic contribution to Parker every day for the past 4-6 years. High school graduation is a big deal for you and those who helped you along the way. This week, show some gratitude for your family, friends and teachers who contributed to your success. Your successes are theirs too! Brian
By Cindy Johnson May 23, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, The next few weeks will be very busy and meaningful for our school. Students, work hard, ask for help and finish strong. As we approach Graduation, Gateways, Junior Retreat and much more, take a moment to thank all your teachers, family and friends who have supported you and contributed to your success. We don’t do it alone. We are looking forward to tonight’s prom at Wachusett. We appreciate the Parker teachers and families who help to make prom a safe and fun evening for our students. It is one of the many ways that we come together to celebrate and build memories as a community. Next Wednesday, May 28th, we welcome Rabbi Josh Breindel as our guest speaker for a community conversation on antisemitism and hate speech. The community conversation will focus on the history and impact of the Nazi swastika, its unique impact on the Jewish community with its association to antisemitism, and its use in the normalization of hate speech more broadly towards other groups. We explore what steps young people can take to stand up and bring hope. Thank you to the Multicultural Connections student group for hosting this important discussion. We end the day with Advisory reflections and an activity. Thank you to the Parker Parent and Caregiver Community (PPCC) for hosting yesterday’s Ice Cream Social for new students and families. We had over 100 attendees. We will be hosting a series of events over the spring and summer to welcome new students and families, including a potluck dinner the night before registration day on Tuesday, August 26th. Details to come. I hope that you enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends. On Monday, May 26th we observe Memorial Day, a solemn remembrance of the 1.3 million Americans in the military who died serving our country. We appreciate the men and women in uniform for their service and ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedoms. We pause on this day in remembrance and gratitude. Brian
By Cindy Johnson May 17, 2025
Dear Parker Families, Students, and Staff, I’m writing to invite your participation in an ongoing conversation in the Parker community about the presence and impacts – both positive and negative – of phones and other “smart” devices in school. As you may be aware, the Massachusetts State Legislature is considering a bill – co-sponsored by State Attorney General Andrea Campbell – in its current legislative session that would require public schools in the state to restrict student phone use during school hours. You may also be aware New York recently passed a similar bill, joining dozens of states who have either already passed or, like Massachusetts, are in the process of considering new legislation regarding phones in schools. They are doing this in response to the growing rate of concern about the impact phones can and do have on learning. In conversations at school over the last month, teachers and students agree: phones are distracting, and they impact class. Students appreciate the connection phones provide to their families, and faculty understand phones are an important logistical tool in everyone’s lives, so it feels like a dilemma our current practices do not acknowledge. This should not seem surprising if one knows our current phone/device practice, as described in the Community Handbook, was last revised in 2012. The capabilities, applications of, and cultural embeddedness of phone and other smart technology have evolved immensely in the United States since then. So this is an important and perhaps overdue conversation for the Parker community to be having. Since its founding, Parker has been committed both in mission and in daily practice to moving students to the center of the learning process with Ted Sizer’s 10 Common Principles as our guiding philosophy, and over the last thirty years, students and adults have consistently cited strength of community as the strongest, most positive indicator of that mission in action. Students will have continued opportunity in the coming weeks to engage in conversation about how the presence of personal devices factors into the strength of our community, and we want to hear the voices of parents, guardians, and caregivers as well. To that end, we will be holding a discussion forum on Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 for adults to hear about the discussions going on at school this spring and contribute their own thoughts and questions to the dialogue. As a kicking off point and shared experience, part of our discussion will be reacting to two articles we encourage you to read in advance: Jonathan Haidt’s article from 2023 in The Atlantic, “Phones in School Are a Disaster” Natasha Singer’s article from 2024 in The New York Times, “Why Schools are Racing to Ban Cell Phones” If you can’t access the above links, pick up a hard copy in the front office. Reading the articles is not necessary for attendance! Please RSVP - we very much hope to see you there. Sincerely, Carter What: Adult discussion about phones in school When: Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6:30-7:30 PM Where: In-person at Parker RSVP HERE
By Cindy Johnson May 10, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, Thank you to the entire Parker faculty for sharing your time, expertise and passion. Our students are very lucky! We are nearing the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. We have been treated to gifts and goodies all week from members of the Parker Parent and Caregiver Community (PPCC). Thank you for the generosity and thoughtfulness of Parker families. This weekend, we celebrate and thank our moms. To all the moms who provide selfless love and support, in ways that only a mother can provide, we appreciate you! We turn our attention and affection towards our moms this weekend. Have a very Happy Mother’s Day. Finally, congratulations to all the Seniors who presented their Senior Exhibitions this week, with two final days next week. Senior Exhibitions have always been a celebration of our Seniors and our whole program. Visitors from the Utah Board of Education joined us this week to serve as panelists, visit classes and meet with students. At the end of their visit, they reflected that Parker strikes an appropriate balance between personalization and transferable skills with academic rigor. They were beyond impressed by our school and our students! Have a great weekend. Brian
By Cindy Johnson May 4, 2025
Dear Parker Students, Families and Staff, Starting this spring, students in the Multicultural Connections Community Block will host a series of community conversations around issues of importance to our school. The Multicultural Connections Community Block was created earlier this year in response to the multiple instances of antisemitic hate speech that we found on campus. The group provides a safe space for students of different races, cultures and religions to come together for reflection and celebration. We appreciate their proactive leadership and support of one another. To engage their classmates, students in Multicultural Connections are piloting a series of community conversations, by division. We are planning to invite guest speakers to visit Parker once or twice a year, engage in a discussion facilitated by students, followed by Advisory reflections. The first community conversation will focus on antisemitism and hate speech. We are pleased to welcome Rabbi Josh Breindel from Congregation Beth El in Sudbury as our guest speaker. We have been working closely with Rabbi Josh for the past two years. Rabbi Josh has provided invaluable guidance and perspective as we condemned antisemitism and hate speech, supported Jewish students and promoted the physical and emotional safety of all students and staff. Rabbi Josh comes to Parker as a friend, partner and educator. The community conversation will focus on the history and impact of the Nazi swastika, its unique impact on the Jewish community with its association to antisemitism, and its use in the normalization of hate speech more broadly towards other groups. We explore what steps young people can take to stand up and bring hope. The community conversation takes place on Wednesday, May 28. Each division will participate in the discussion and Advisory reflection. We will share additional details and the schedule to come. Next year, we will follow a similar format for community conversations on issues of importance to our diverse student body. We are proud of our students for serving as upstanders and providing leadership to live our values as a loving and inclusive community. With respect, Brian