As we continue working to enhance the instructional experience at Parker Elementary, I want to take a moment to share what I would I believe has been a, thoughtful and thorough process that has gone into developing the new master schedule for 2025-2026. While this schedule is not open for parent decision-making, I strongly believe in gathering input from all stakeholders, and I welcome your questions and feedback as we move toward finalization.

The Process Behind the New Master Schedule

1️⃣ Identifying Core Concerns – Alongside the administrative team, we identified key areas that needed improvement, including:

• Equitable instructional blocks for all students
• Reducing the disruption of SPED and dyslexia pull-outs during core instruction
• Improving teacher planning time to align with evolving instructional expectations

2️⃣ Taking a Holistic Approach – We saw this as an opportunity not just to adjust, but to innovate, including integrating the magnet program into the regular school day.

3️⃣ Gathering Teacher Input – I hosted multiple "braintrust" meetings with the general teaching staff, music department, and both upper and lower grade teams to discuss concerns and ideas.

4️⃣ Developing a Working Template – Using teacher feedback, I created a first draft of the master schedule based on the instructional and logistical needs of our campus.

5️⃣ Refining Through Vetting – The draft was reviewed with each grade level and department for accuracy and adjustments, as well as with district personnel for compliance and overall feasibility.

6️⃣ (Where We Are Now!) Parent Feedback Phase – We are now in the stage of gathering parent feedback on the nearly finalized schedule. Feedback will be gathered during the Chat & Chew w/ Principal Carter.

7️⃣ Final Review & Approval – The School Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) will provide final feedback before implementation.

8️⃣ Preparing for Launch – A faculty meeting will be held to review the final master schedule, and we plan to run a practice of the new schedule after STAAR testing to identify any necessary refinements before full implementation next school year.

This process has been a significant undertaking with the goal of not only improving student success but also reducing stress and inefficiencies for our dedicated teachers. Change is never without challenges, and while adjustments may not make everyone happy, the ultimate focus has been on achieving a structure that best serves our students and staff. I am proud to share that approximately 98% of our teachers are fully on board and excited about the improvements coming next year!

Additionally, I have collaborated with:
✔️ PTO Leadership regarding after-school care adjustments
✔️ HISD Nutrition Services on necessary cafeteria procedure updates
✔️ The Early Childhood Department to ensure proper scheduling for our youngest learners

Join Me for a Chat & Chew!

Parents, I invite you to bring your questions and feedback to our Chat & Chew with Principal Carter tomorrow, Monday, March 24, at either 8:00 AM or 5:00 PM. This will be a great opportunity to learn more, share your thoughts, and ask any questions about what this means for your child.

Thank you for your continued support in making Parker the best place for our students to learn and grow!

-Principal Carter

A huge congratulations to Ms. Simpson and the Parker Advanced Chorus for their amazing performances at the American Choral Directors Association Conference in Dallas this weekend! The audience couldn’t believe these were elementary students—what an incredible moment for Parker!

We’re also so proud of Mr. Rosenberg and the Advanced Guitar students for earning a Sweepstakes rating (all ones!) at HISD’s UIL Guitar Sight Reading Contest on Thursday. What a fantastic accomplishment—way to go!

Parker Elementary is looking for top-tier talent to join our team! We are seeking certified teachers with a minimum of two years of experience who are committed to excellence in education.

At Parker, we take hiring seriously to ensure we find the best fit for our students and community. Our interview process includes:
✔ Round One – Interview with the administrative team.
✔ Round Two – Interview with grade-level/department members + a performance task (typically a live lesson with students).

Candidates may complete a first-round interview at an HISD Job Fair but will still need to visit our campus for round two. No candidates will be hired on the spot unless directly by the Principal.

If you know someone who would be a great fit for Parker, please encourage them to apply at houstonisd.org/careers or email resumes directly to antravian.carter@houstonisd.org!

Check out the attached flyer for more details on open positions.

Congratulations to Parker's GT EXPO Grade Level Winners! Each student did an outstanding job showcasing their creativity, research, and presentation skills. Special congratulations to Ruby E., our 3rd-grade winner, for her project "My Spicy Herb Garden." Ruby will proudly represent Parker Elementary at the HISD GT Showcase in May.

We’re so proud of all our winners:

1st Grade: Rose B.

2nd Grade: Graham D.

3rd Grade: Ruby E.

4th Grade: Ava A.

5th Grade: Stella Y.

Way to go, GT students!

- Jennifer Mills, Assistant Principal (GT Coordinator)

Come cheer for the Parker Art Car, The Galactic Walker at the Houston Art Car Parade on Saturday, April 12th at 2pm on Allen Pkwy. If you and your kiddo want to walk, bike ride, or scooter with our car in the parade, email Ms. D. Your child must have an adult with them. Jdickin1@houstonisd.org

- Julie Dickinson, Art Teacher at Parker Elementary

Registration is for NEW ZONED K-5th grade students (and PreK who have been offered a seat) who want to enroll for the 2025-2026 school year. Students must be zoned to Parker. If not you must apply for school choice at https://www.houstonisd.org/schoolchoice

• Step 1: Verify that your home address is within the Parker Elementary zone: http://houstonisd.org/schoolfinder
• Step 2: Register with HISD online. Create an account if you do not have one. Ensure that you select the 2025-26 academic school year.
• Step 3: Book an appointment with our registrar. NO WALK-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• All required paperwork (checklist below) must be brought to the appointment to complete the enrollment process.
• Parents/Guardians who arrive at the enrollment appointment without all the required documentation will be asked to reschedule.
• Please do not drop off documents at the school or email documents to the registrar. BOOK NOW!

For more information visit the Parker Website:

March Character Education Theme: Fairness, Justice and Freedom from Prejudice.

Week 1- A big part of fairness, justice, and freedom from prejudice is being kind to others and treating others with respect. Kindness means treating others the way you want to be treated. When we’re all kind, we create a happy and fair world.

Week 2- Fairness means playing by the rules, sharing, and giving everyone a chance.

Week 3 -Justice: Justice is about standing up for what is right and making sure everyone is treated with respect and kindness.

Week 4 -Freedom from Prejudice: Freedom from prejudice means accepting others for who they are, no matter their differences.

Lend an ear

Lend a hand

Listen to others

Understand

Let’s work together to create a school where everyone feels valued, welcomed and included!

Susan P. Carlock

School Counselor

Parker Elementary

Office Depot OfficeMax (Meyerland Location) is honored to help our teachers and students through "Imagine Success™ in the classroom," by featuring Parker Elementary Title 1 Public School in their store for the School Supply Drive.

How can you help?

Every time you shop at our neighborhood Office Depot from now until the end of the school year, the school will receive credits equal to 5% of the qualifying purchases to use for free school supplies.

Just mention Parker Elementary School at the register!!!

Donuts with Grown-Ups at the Scholastic Book Fair

Join us for a fun and exciting start to the day! Students can bring their grown-ups to shop for books and enjoy yummy donuts from local favorite Best Donuts!

🍩📚Monday, March 24 | 7:00 - 7:20 AM | Pre-K, Kindergarten, & 1st Grade

🍩📚 Tuesday, March 25 | 7:00 - 7:20 AM | 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade

For anyone coming out for Donuts with Grown-Up, please plan to enter through Spark Park/gym doors.

The Book Fair is calling, and we need your help! We're looking for volunteers to make these events a success.

⭐5 open volunteer spots for Monday’s Donuts with Grown-Ups

⭐4 open volunteer spots for Tuesday Donuts with Grown-Ups

If you’re able to help out, please sign up! Let’s make this a fun, memorable experience for our book-loving Lions!

🔗Sign up to volunteer for Donuts with Grown-Ups and other Book Fair here: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/144637

🔗Learn more about the Book Fair on the PTO Website here: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/bookfair

Upcoming Events:

PTO Meeting, Thursday, March 27| 6:00 PM

Get the latest updates & learn more about how to get involved with PTO next year. What does it mean to be on the board? What is a chair?

RSVP for dessert by Wednesday, March 26: 🔗https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/322459

Family Night, March 28 | 6:00-7:30 PM

🔗Learn more about Family Night on the PTO Website here: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/familynight

🔗Sign up to participate in our "Open Mic" at Family Night! Do you love to sing, dance, or tell jokes? Amateurs are encouraged, and professionals are welcome. It is all for fun.

Music Contributions – 558 students still have unpaid music contributions, with only 34% paid this year. If you haven't already, use this link: https://bit.ly/parkermc to pay your music contributions!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Julie@ParkerFriends.org

March 24th - April 4th

IRT #3 Window

March 23rd

*Birthday Alert* Alanna Lynch (Speech Teacher)

March 24th

Chat & Chew w/ Principal Carter (8am and 5pm)

March 25th

Spring Piano Recital (1:30pm)

March 26th

STAAR Practice Test (MATH)

March 27th

PTO Meeting (6:00pm)

March 28th

Cycle 5: Progress Reports

PTO: Family Night

March 28th

*Birthday Alert* Quecina Nute (Intervention Teacher)

March 29th

*Birthday Alert* Leah Hurd (SPED/SLC Teacher)

Saturday Tutorials Begin (9am-11am)

ESL Classes for Parents (8am-12pm)

April 3rd

Spring Piano Recital (1:30pm)