December 15, 2024

Weekly Information for December 13, 2024

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Dear Parker families, students and staff,


Curtains opened last night on Parker Theater’s presentation of Romeo and Juliet. The cast, crew and directors of the show have worked hard all fall to put the show together. Congratulations on an exceptional performance. Join us tonight or Saturday, December 13 or 14 at 7:00 pm in the Parker auditorium. This timeless tale of love and tragedy will thrill you, make you laugh, and break your heart. There will be dancing, romance, poetry, and lots of swordfights! See you there. To buy tickets in advance… Purchase Tickets 


You may have seen our new lawn signs encouraging students and families to apply for the lottery for next year. Thank you to the students whose photos appear on the signs. We are very proud of our students and wanted to profile them. If you would like to put a lawn sign or two in your front yard, please grab a sign at pickup next week. This is one of the many ways that we welcome new students and families to Parker. Please spread the word.


Have a great weekend.

Brian

This week’s topics: 
  • Thank you!
  • Lost & Found Pickup
  • Grade 7 Lottery
  • Gift Giving Guidelines
  • Yearbooks
  • COVID-19 Test Kits Available
TOYS for TOTS

You've proven again what an amazing and generous community we have at Parker. MANY thanks for supporting the effort to bring a ray of holiday joy to a child in need.


Lost and Found Pickup

The Lost & Found Closet (across from Room 28) will be CLEARED OUT on Wednesday, December 18th. Please check for and claim any items belonging to your loved ones!


Grade 7 Lottery

After midyear gateways this January, we will have room for a few more 7th grade students. If you know a current 7th grade student who would like to enroll in Parker beginning second semester, please have them apply for our current year lottery by January 13th at Parker Admissions.


Gift Giving Guidelines

As the holidays approach, please be reminded of the following guidelines on gift giving from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission that apply to all public employees in Massachusetts:

  • Gifts where the combined value is $50 or more may not be accepted. Whether gifts are given for the holidays, end of year, or other occasion, a public school employee may not accept a gift or gifts from a current student or a parent over the course of an entire year (365 days) with the combined value of $50 or more.
  • Gifts which have a value under $50 are permitted under the law but may be subject to reporting to the State Ethics Commission on a disclosure form to prevent the appearance of a conflict of interest. Generally, any item of monetary value gifted during the year, including the holiday period, is subject to disclosure.
  • A teacher may accept a gift to the classroom that is to be used for the class and it will become the property of the school district and not the property of the teacher. Gifts from individual students, parents, classes, or other groups and entities are allowed so long as the gift is to the school. These gifts are not subject to disclosure. Parker will maintain a record of the gift. Such gifts must be in accordance with Parker’s policies.


Yearbooks

Remember to order your 2024-2025 yearbook by January 31st for $5 off regular prices. Hard cover and soft cover books have all the same content while the Division 1 books contain the same whole school and Division 1 sections but not the sections for Division 2, Juniors, Seniors, and senior parent ad pages. Currently, hard cover books are $55, soft cover books are $35, and Division 1 books are $15.


COVID-19 Test Kits Available

Reminder: COVID-19 Test Kits are free and available to students, staff, and families. They are in the main lobby to the right of the office window.

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:
Fri-Sat; Dec 13-14 Fall Show
Wed - Dec 18 Café Wednesday
Fri - Dec 20 NOON Dismissal
Mon-Tue; Dec 23-31 Holiday Break
Wed - Jan 1 New Years Day (NO SCHOOL)
Thu - Jan 2 Faculty Planning (No Classes)
Fri - Jan 3 Classes Resume
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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