March 15, 2025

Weekly Information for March 14, 2025

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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

This week’s topics: 
  • No School on Monday
  • Substance Misuse vs Substance Use Disorder Presentation
  • Spring Sports Start Tuesday
  • Annual “Returning to Parker?” Survey
  • MCAS Schedule
  • Measles Information
  • Volleyball Club
No School on Monday

Reminder the school is closed on Monday.


Substance Misuse vs Substance Use Disorder Presentation

The District Attorney’s Office will present on the differences between substance misuse and substance use disorder. The presenters will cover the science behind addiction, common substances, risk factors and identifying if your child may be using. They will share resources for how and where to get help for families struggling with substance misuse.


Spring Sports Start Tuesday

All teams are still accepting registrations for the upcoming season, and practices will begin on Tuesday, March 18th (see weekly schedule here). Sports offered are Softball, Track & Field, Ultimate Frisbee, and Girls’ Co-op Lacrosse through Bromfield. Team schedules for the season can be found on the Athletes webpage. If you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible using this form: Athlete Registration. Parents must provide proof of a current physical exam at the beginning of every season of participation. Sports User Fee of $300 and is due prior to the first game. Click here for more information.


Annual “Returning to Parker?” Survey

As a school of choice, we ask families each year about their plans to return to Parker for the following school year. You may have seen and completed this information already at your PLP on Friday. If not, please take one minute and complete THIS SURVEY. Each year, we ask families to indicate their plans for each of their enrolled students for the next school year. Most Parker students return to Parker, and every enrolled student has a secured and continuing spot at the school unless/until they withdraw or enroll with another program. However, as a school of choice, it helps with our planning (including setting expectations for students on our waitlists) to know how many students are considering not returning for next year. Please indicate which of the choices on this survey best fits your child for next year. Please do this survey once for each enrolled student. For obvious reasons, you do not need to do this survey for a current senior!


MCAS Schedule

Reminder Division 1 and 2 students will be testing on various days during the months of March, April, and May, following the schedule listed below. Please make every effort to have students in school and on time for these testing days. All students should eat a good breakfast each day and get a good night’s rest the night before – those two things are the best “test-prep” we can recommend! Students who miss any of these testing days will make-up the tests on days following the dates listed here. Students and families will receive more details in an email about ten days before each testing session.

10th Grade:

  • ELA: March 25 & 27
  • MATH: May 20 & 21
  • SCIENCE: (already happened in February)

7th & 8th Grade:

  • ELA: April 2 & April 9
  • MATH: May 30 & June 2
  • SCIENCE (8th Grade Only): May 8 & 15
  • CIVICS (8th Grade Only): May 20 & 27

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Merriam (deb@theparkerschool.org). All tests are untimed, and most students finish by mid to late morning. Parents/guardians and students will get grade/test specific emails with more details that will go home as each test date approaches.


Measles Information

Due to a measles outbreak in the United States, please read about measles here: Measles | Mass.gov

Please see the CDC Health Advisory here:

Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00522 | Expanding Measles Outbreak in the United States and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season

Reach out to Nurse Lisa with any questions you may have.


Volleyball Club

Reminder Parker’s BRAND-NEW volleyball club is open for signups! We will be having our first practice on Thursday, March 20th, from 4:00-5:15 PM after school. The season will last for 8 Thursday's and involve a variety of skill drills and scrimmage playing. Everyone is welcome to join, no matter their level of experience playing volleyball or division. The fee for joining will be $25, and we ask you to fill out permission forms and the fee as soon as possible to claim your spot! Thank you, and we’ll see you on the court soon! Register here at: https://forms.office.com/r/3XRb6gUSpw.

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:
Mon - Mar 17 March Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wed - Mar 19 Café Wednesday
Thu - Mar 20 Board of Trustees
Tue - Mar 25 10 Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Mar 26 NOON Dismissal - Faculty Planning
Thu - Mar 27 10 Grade ELA MCAS
Wed - Apr 2 7th & 8th Grade ELA MCAS
Sat - Apr 5 Parker 30th Anniversary Gala
Wed - Apr 9 7th & 8th Grade ELA MCAS
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 • October 17, 2025
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