January 4, 2026

We hope you enjoyed a restful winter break filled with joy and time together. We are excited to welcome our students back on Tuesday as we begin a strong second half of the school year.

Our focus remains on high-quality instruction, consistent routines, and joyful learning experiences for every student. Please remember that new CCR schedules will begin on Tuesday. If you did not receive your updated schedule, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher through ParentSquare.

Also, please remember that NWEA Middle of the Year (MOY) testing will take place next week (January 13th - 15th). We will have a closed campus that week. Teachers will provide additional details and support to help students feel prepared and confident.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We look forward to a great start and an even stronger finish to the year.

-Principal Carter

While we are truly sad to see Mr. Medina leave our hallways, we are excited to welcome Ms. Milena Prieto as our new Building Service Manager here at Parker Elementary. Ms. Prieto brings a wealth of experience within Houston ISD and most recently served as the BSM at Cunningham Elementary School for the past two years.

Ms. Prieto is also a proud parent of two HISD students and originally hails from the Caribbean island of Cuba. She officially began her role on the Friday we dismissed for winter break, jumping right in to get a head start and learn the flow of our campus. Many of you may have already seen her around the building, and if you haven’t yet, please be sure to greet her and welcome her in true Parker fashion.

The work of a campus BSM is no small task, and we know the responsibility is a heavy one—but we are confident Ms. Prieto is more than up for the challenge. We are grateful to have her join our Parker family and look forward to all she will bring to our campus.

Please join us in giving Ms. Prieto a warm Parker welcome!

-Principal Carter

As a reminder, updated individualized CCR schedules were shared with families prior to winter break and went home with students in December.

These set CCR schedules will go into effect on Tuesday, January 6, and will remain in place for the remainder of the school year. Having a consistent CCR schedule helps students know where they are each day and supports smoother planning for families and staff.

If you did not receive your child’s CCR schedule, please reach out directly to your child’s homeroom teacher so they can assist you.

-Mrs. Ashley Kolb, Magnet Coordinator

Parents are invited to the Parent College & Career Readiness Event on January 10, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Sharpstown High School. This event will provide families of Emergent Bilingual students with information on academic pathways, high school programs, TSIA readiness, financial aid support, and college planning.

Respect means viewing others positively, recognizing their worth, dignity and rights.

It involves treating people with consideration, courtesy and understanding.

Week 1- This week, show respect by listening actively to others.

When someone else is talking, be present, listen actively with no judgement. Wait for others to finish their ideas before you ask questions or share your thoughts.

Week 2- This week, show respect by using polite language.

Use kind words when you talk about yourself, to others or about others.

Week 3- This week, show respect by acknowledging others’ perspectives. Listen to others, share your thoughts politely, and accept that it is okay to have a different opinion or perspective.

Week 4-This week, show respect by being courteous.

Show your manners, use kind language like please and thank you. Be courteous and considerate by respecting other people’s space and feelings.

-Mrs. Susan Carlock, Counselor

🌟 Spring 2026 Enrichment Clubs 🌟

The final list of Spring Enrichment Clubs will be released at the PTO meeting on January 22. We will do our best to share the list sooner, but please keep in mind that clubs are run by parent volunteers, and final details take time to confirm. Thank you for your patience and support.

📅 Important Enrichment Dates

• Monday, January 26

Enrichment Club sales open on the Parker PTO website at 8:00 PM (set your alarms)

• Saturday, January 31

Sales close at 8:00 AM

• Week of February 2

First week of clubs

• Week of April 27

Last week of clubs

• Week of May 4

Club make-up week (only if a club must be canceled during the regular schedule)

🚫 No clubs on the following dates:

• Week of March 9–13
• March 30

🕺💃 Auction Gala Is Coming: Disco Rodeo! 🤠✨

Get ready for our annual Auction Gala, one of PTO’s biggest fundraisers and a night of fun just for the grown-ups. PTO will be sending a special auction edition newsletter soon with all the details.

📍 Event Date: Friday, February 27th
🎶 Theme: Disco Rodeo
🎟️ Tickets: Early bird pricing available NOW for a limited time. Prices will increase, so grab yours early.

📧 Questions? Email our auction team at parkerauctiongala@gmail.com

☕ Spirit Day at CoffeeTrend

Support Parker PTO while enjoying your favorite coffee this Tuesday, January 13.

📅 When: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: CoffeeTrend, 4042 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
☕ Menu: https://coffeetrendhtx.com/menu
💝 10% of all sales will be donated back to Parker PTO
🍀 Use the Clover app to order ahead and earn a free coffee after every 9 orders

📝 PTO Meeting RSVP Reminder

Please RSVP to the January 22 PTO meeting by January 20 using the link below. This helps us plan for dinner and childcare.

👉 https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/365788

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Jeanette Mueller
President, Parker Elementary PTO
www.parkerpto.org
832-987-2052 (PTO)

Upcoming Workshops

Piano Workshop: January 20–23 Purchase student ads and t-shirts here.

Suzuki Workshop: February 2–6 Purchase student ads and t-shirts here!

Music Fees

We need your help! Only 30% (1 out of 3 families) have paid their music fees, and the program depends on your support. Pay your fees here or download a paper form here!

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Julie Doyle-Madrid (She/Her/Hers)

Executive Director

Parker Friends

julie@parkerfriends.org

www.parkerfriends.org

832-910-7761