September 29, 2023

Weekly Information for September 29th

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Dear Parker families, students, and staff,


I’m jumping into the Friday letter rotation this week to share with you about PLPs, which are coming up on Friday, October 13th – two weeks from today. I’ll share a bit of logistics below, but before I do, I would like to talk about the big picture.


Most Parker familiars, when asked about the school’s mission, understandably cite the Ten Common Principles, a document written by Ted Sizer articulating ten, well, principles meant to serve as lodestars for creating and maintaining an authentic, rich, and meaningful school community. It’s understandable that the 10CPs should be one’s answer to the question of Parker’s mission because the 10CPs are very concretely and actively present in everything about the school. From curriculum to culture to facilities and human resources, the 10CPs are truly the how of Parker’s day-to-day operations and philosophical expression. They are how we aim to do the what, which is our, well, mission:


The Parker School's mission is “to move the child to the center of the education process and to interrelate the several subjects of the curriculum in such a way as to enhance their meaning for the child” (Charter, October 1994). As a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, the Parker School will realize this mission through educational practice guided by the Ten Common Principles of Essential Schools.


I thought I should share this because, as we look ahead to PLPs in the next two weeks, there’s arguably no more concrete way we live our mission at Parker than when we ask students to tell we others at the meetings – their families and teachers – what their Personal Learning Plans for the year are. PLPs are not, to put a finer point on it, our plans for our students; PLPs are our students’ plans for themselves. They are the authors, they are in charge, and they are, as the mission says, at the center of their education because no one can learn for them, and no one can live their lives for them. 


So let’s all use these next two weeks well. Students, it is time to begin drafting and revising (and then maybe revising a little bit more) your goals for this year and your plans for how you want to pursue said goals. Families and staff, let’s get our meetings scheduled! Emails should be out or coming shortly from advisors; families should find a link for scheduling their PLP time slot on the 13th as well as information about the meeting itself. Meanwhile, it is time for we adults to begin listening, formulating questions, and – ever so gingerly, however deeply and firmly full of love – offering up suggestions. Those are some of the ways we influence those around us! When I have facilitated PLP meetings in the past, I have often begun by pointing out the obvious, but very important and sometime easy to forget, truth: we, the people at the table, are a team. 


It’s nearly October, and another year is officially off the ground. Let’s work on it together.


Carter

This week’s topics:
  • OneNote Links Sent
  • School Photo Retakes
  • Parker 101 for Parents
  • Support our Seniors Potluck
  • Senior Project Community Connections
  • PLP Conferences
  • Parker Band
  • Lost & Found Pickup
  • Attendance
  • Carpool List and Student Directory
  • Optional COVID Testing
  • Flu Vaccine Clinic
  • MART Transportation
OneNote Links Sent


Emails were sent to parents/guardians today with OneNote Links to student classes. These links allow parents/guardians to access class/project information as well as your own student’s rubrics. More information about what these are and how you might use them is in the email. We will have several drop-in sessions to help parents who want support in learning how to use this resource. The first one will be on PLP day, when help will be available all day. Plan to stop by the lobby before or after your PLP if you want a mini-lesson on how to use this resource!


School Photo Retakes


Photographers will be in the lobby NEXT Monday morning, October 2nd, from 7:45-9:45 AM to take photos of anyone who missed having their photo taken on registration day or anyone who would like a retake.


Parker 101 for Parents

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 (deb@theparkerschool.org) or Matt Smith (matt@theparkerschool.org) with questions.


  • Part 1: Academics, Wednesday, September 27, 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, Thursday, October 5, 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.
Support Our Seniors Potluck on October 5th

Seniors and their families are invited to join in conversation around the expectations, excitement, and challenges of the year ahead on Thursday, October 5th from 5:30-7 PM in the Gym. Senior Seminar teachers/advisors will provide an overview of the senior year, Senior Project, and the graduation requirements along with this year’s installment of “Dear Diary”—a not-to-be-missed crowd favorite! Please bring a dish to share!


Community Connections Night on October 5th

We invite all members of the Parker community to meet with the Class of 2023 and learn about their Senior Projects on Thursday, October 5th from 7-8:15 PM in the Gym! We hope you will offer suggestions for…

  • resources they should access
  • people/organizations with whom they might collaborate
  • experiential opportunities they could pursue
  • product ideas they might consider

Please feel free to bring guests from inside and outside the Parker community! If you are unable to attend but have ideas to share, please review the students’ topic areas in the document linked below, and then you may contact the Senior Seminar teacher for that student: Class of 2024 Senior Project Declarations


PLP Conferences on October 13th


Families should have heard from their child's advisors to set up a meeting time for PLP Conferences (Personal Learning Plans). This is a student/family/advisor conference – if you are new to Parker, your child’s advisor will give you a longer introduction to the process!


PLP Conferences are one of the traditions that help us to know our students well and support them in being at the center of their own education by setting their own goals for the year.  Please look for the email with a booking link from your child’s advisor and select an appointment time on Oct 13. If you have not yet received an email/booking link from your child’s advisor, you can reach out to mbeganski@theparkerschool.org and she can send the link to you (it is advisory-specific). If you cannot make any of the times on 10/13 or if you need to attend remotely, please email your child’s advisor to set that up. There are no regular classes scheduled on PLP day and your student’s attendance is based on attending the conference.


Parker Band Update!


The Parker Band had a good turnout at our first informational meeting! If students missed that meeting, they are still welcome to sign up provided they know the basics of playing their woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Our rehearsals begin Tuesday, October 3rd in Room 13. Students can plan to come to rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30 PM. We will run through our concert in mid-January, and we plan to offer another term starting in the spring semester. The details for signing up are:


  1. If students filled out a survey at our meeting, we have your information, so no further info is required. Skip to step 3.
  2. If students missed the meeting, please fill out this sign-up form and then continue to step 3.
  3. To pay the $100 activity fee for the semester, just complete your payment through Parker’s Unipay webpage, 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 may drop off their instruments in Room 13 before advisory on rehearsal days if desired. Please contact us with any questions: Jim jdesmond@theparkerschool.org or Marena mcole@theparkerschool.org.


LOST & FOUND Pickup


The Lost & Found Closet (across from Room 28) will be CLEARED OUT on Tuesday, October 3rd. Please stop by before that date to check for and claim any items that belong to your loved ones!


Attendance


Please notify the school’s Front Office when your student will be absent, tardy, or dismissed by leaving a message on the Attendance Line any time BEFORE 9:00 AM of the affected day [978-772-3293, ext. 1]. If calling after 9 AM (on the day of the event), please dial ext. 0 and speak with a person. A parent or guardian must call (students cannot call themselves out absent or in late until they are the age of 18). Be sure to leave student name and reason for absence from class.

Going on a trip, extending a school break, or observing a religious holiday? Remember to contact the Front Office to let us know the date(s) your student(s) will be absent any time before the event occurs.


IMPORTANT: You must contact the Front Office even if you have let the teachers know. The attendance line is available 24 hours a day: 978-772-3293 ext. 1


Updated Carpool List & Student Directory


A copy of the updated Carpool List may be picked up at the front office (hard copy only).


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.


COVID-19 Cases and Optional Testing


In the past few weeks, we have seen a small uptick in COVID-19 cases. We would like to do optional symptomatic testing for staff and students while they are at school. Please click the link below to consent to symptomatic rapid antigen testing: https://forms.office.com/r/c1wSd55c7X. Please reach out to Nurse Lisa with any questions at lzick@theparkerschool.org.


Flu Vaccine Clinic

Reminder a flu vaccine clinic will be held during PLP Day on Friday, October 13th, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM. Please CLICK HERE to register! Please register now so enough vaccines are brought for everyone. The COVID vaccine won’t be available until October. More information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is forthcoming.


MART Transportation

Reminder if you’re interested in shuttle service from Bolton, Boxborough, Littleton or Stow, please call MART at the number below. They currently provide taxi/livery service but are willing to start shuttles from these towns. 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.

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:
Mon - Oct 2 School Photo Retakes
Thu - Oct 5 Support Our Seniors Potluck
Thu - Oct 5 Parker 101 Part 2
Thu - Oct 5 Community Connections Night
Mon - Oct 9 Fall Holiday - No School
Fri - Oct 13 Fall PLPs - No Classes
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PARKER FUND!
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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