Parker Post

In Partnership,
Jill Story

Principal

THIS WEEK:

October 19 - Picture Retakes

October 19 - PTO Meeting, 7pm

October 22 - Essex Tech presentation for 8th graders

ON THE HORIZON:

October 27 - Northeast Tech presentation for 8th graders

October 30 - Early Release (dismissal @12:30pm)

November 6 - Q1 grades close

November 9 - PTO Meeting, 7pm

November 10 - Veterans Day Assembly

November 11 - No School: Veterans Day

November 13 - Report Cards available in the portal

November 20 - No School: Caregiver Conferences

November 25 - Early Release (dismissal @10:45am)

November 26 & 27: No School: Thanksgiving Recess

To access the 2026-2027 District Calendar, click here.

For the daily rotation and a list of important Parker dates, click here.

A reminder that Picture Retakes are on Monday, October 19th. Students who did not have their photo taken on the second day of school should plan to have their photo taken Monday. For students wishing to have their photo retaken, please remember to bring your original photos and envelope to school so you can return them to the photographer.

Students who are registered to ride the bus will receive a bus pass this week in school. Students will need to show the driver the bus pass in order to ride the bus. Students who have not registered for the bus are not permitted to ride. We will be reviewing our bus registration lists to ensure only students who have registered are boarding and riding the bus. If you would like to register your student, please contact Olivia Lejeune (Olivia.Lejeune@reading.k12.ma.us).

Thank you to Parker families for participating in the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive! So far, the Somerville WIC has collected more than 23,000 diapers! There's still time to give. Diapers will be picked up from Parker the morning of October 20th. If you'd prefer to send directly, the Target and Amazon registries are included below. We are grateful for your support. Every diaper counts!

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/Diaper-Drive-Amazon-Registry

Target: https://tinyurl.com/Diaper-Drive-Target-Registry

Representations from the local vocational/technical schools will be visiting Parker during the school day to share information with all 8th graders about the vocational, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities at their schools. Both schools will be holding open houses for prospective students in November for students and their families. See below for dates and registration information.

October 22nd - Essex Tech

October 27th - Northeast Metro Tech

NEMT Open House: 11/4 @6pm

Essex Tech Open House: 11/21 @8:30am or 11:30am

Please update your contact information in the Parent Portal if you would like to OPT IN to the Parent Directory. Opting in will allow your contact information to be shared with the PTO so that you can be sure to receive all PTO-related communications.

To add your name to the Parent Directory:

• On your Parent Portal account go to the pull down menu below your name.
• Choose Directory Listing on that pull down menu.
• A Directory Listing menu will appear.
• Click "List my information in the school directory"
• Select which information you would like to include in your listing.
• Click the blue "Save Directory Listings" button.

Join us for our October PTO meeting on Monday, October 19th at 7pm. All are welcome to attend this online meeting. We would love to have you there!

https://meet.google.com/rwa-voup-mqi?hs=224

Whether you’re doing some fall baking or you will be hosting over the holidays, it’s the perfect time to shop the Parker Pampered Chef Fundraiser. Shop the kitchen tools, gifts, and more while earning money for PTO programs:

https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/ascullin/

Join the party!

There’s still time to shop the Amazon wishlist to help us stock the staff room. Help us treat the wonderful Parker staff with a purchase. Items can be shipped directly to the school or dropped off to the office. Shop the list here:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/NVJCF5THNJU9/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

The PTO needs your help to fund school-wide enrichment, community activities, teacher supplies, and more. Make a donation to the Parker PTO to support these activities for our school. The suggested dues amount is $100, but we appreciate whatever amount works for your family.

Pay online: https://givebutter.com/parker-pto-dues-donation-2026-2027 Checks are also welcome (payable to Parker PTO).

Join the PTO Directory!

Find out about the latest PTO activities and get reminders by opting in to our PTO mailing list. To opt-in through the Parent Portal:

• Log on to your Parent Portal account go to the pull down menu below your name.
• Choose Directory Listing on that pull down menu.
• A Directory Listing menu will appear.
• Click "List my information in the school directory"
• Select which information you would like to include in your listing.
• Click the blue "Save Directory Listings" button.

For any questions regarding dues or volunteer opportunities , please reach out directly to parkerptopres@gmail.com

• Email: parkerptopres@gmail.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkerPTO
• Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO, www.instagram.com/parkermspto
• Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage
• Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO, www.instagram.com/parkermspto
• Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage

Nov 14 (Sat) 4-7pm, Kiely Family Backyard; RSVP requested but not required

Join us for an adult patio social and craft night at the Kiely family's backyard. BYOB. Email sepacreading@gmail.com for the address and to RSVP. Reservations are requested for food planning purposes but are not required. Hope to see you there.

Open call for SEPAC Board Candidates and SEPAC School Liaisons

A HUGE thank you to all of our families and faculty who joined us for our Salsa event! It was wonderful bringing our community together for an evening filled with good food, music, dancing, laughter, and connection.

Events like this remind us that METCO is more than a program--it's a community! We are so grateful for your continued support and for helping us create meaningful memories together.

Thank you for showing up, bringing the energy, and making the night so special! We can't wait to see you at our next event! 💃

Shout out to our very own Ms. Quevedo who demonstrated her dancing skills on stage!

Join us for a FREE Reading METCO family event!

We're heading to Boston Bowl in Dorchester, MA, for a fun-filled day of bowling, food, and family time!

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Boston Bowl
820 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122

The first 100 families to RSVP will attend for FREE!

RSVP Here

Your free admission includes: Pizza, beverages, an arcade game card

Come spend time with our Reading METCO community, connect with other families, and enjoy a fun day together!

Space is limited, so RSVP early to secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!

Warmly,
Reading METCO Team

Raising and supporting children with different strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world can bring both rewarding moments and unique challenges. You don’t have to navigate it alone! Join us as we kick off this year’s Rooted in the Village series with a relaxed evening gathering for parents and caregivers. This supportive space is an opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn practical tips and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and children with unique learning, behavioral, or emotional needs. Come with questions, experiences to share, or simply a desire to listen and connect. See the flier for more information. Register here!

A Little Help Can Make a Big Difference This Holiday Season!

The Reading Adopt-A-Family Program is here to support families who may need extra assistance during the holidays. This wonderful community initiative provides Thanksgiving food baskets, Holiday/Christmas food baskets, and gifts for children ages 18 and younger.

The program is coordinated by the Reading Rotary Club and Reading Cares, with support from Reading Elder/Human Services, Reading DPW, and other community partners.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES – APPLY SOON!

October 31, 2026 – Thanksgiving Basket Applications

November 12, 2026 – Holiday/Christmas Assistance Applications

Who Can Apply?

Families who live in Reading or have children enrolled in Reading Public Schools may qualify if they meet the program's eligibility requirements, including proof of need and residency and having at least one child age 18 or younger.

All applications are handled confidentially. Families are assigned identification numbers to protect their privacy and dignity.

Want to Help a Family?

Individuals, families, businesses, community groups, and school organizations can participate by donating food baskets, purchasing gifts from children's wish lists, or making monetary contributions.

Would You Like to Donate Money Instead?

If you would love to support the Reading Adopt-A-Family Program but don't have time to shop for food or gifts this year, monetary donations are also welcome! ❤️

How to Donate:

Please make your check payable to Reading Rotary and mail it to:

Adopt-A-Family Program (AAF)
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867

Your generosity helps support local families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Every contribution, big or small, can make a meaningful difference!

Questions? Contact ReadingAAF@gmail.com or call 781-942-6678.

Applications:

​AAF_Recipient_Forms (1).zip​

Applications are also available through Reading Town Hall and the Reading Food Pantry.

Need help completing the application or understanding the process?

Contact Taiana Pereira, Family Engagement Liaison, at taiana.pereira@reading.k12.ma.us. I am happy to help families navigate the application process .

Our community is stronger when we support one another! ❤️

📅Registration for the Spring 2026 Reading Youth Lacrosse season (Grades Pre-K thru 8) is now open! We welcome players of all skill levels, and no prior experience is required.

The 2026 season will begin in late March and run through mid-June. Each week will include 1–2 practices, followed by a game on Sunday. Visit www.ReadingLacrosse.org for more info.

🚀Registration for Spring Select Team evaluations is also open. If you are interested in trying out for Select (Grades 3–8), you must register for both Classic AND Select. Evaluations for Select will take place in November this year, with dates to be announced soon.

⏰ Registration ends October 31st!

🔗 Sign up here: https://readinglax.demosphere-secure.com/_registration/

If you need to connect with your child's teachers, please reach out to the Team Leader as the primary point of contact. Team Leaders will be communicating regularly with families throughout the year.

TEAM LEADERS:

Team Synergy - Jane Costa (jane.costa@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Unity - Elisabeth Bean (elisabeth.bean@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Justice - Andrew Spinali (andrew.spinali@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Integrity - Steve Olivo (steve.olivo@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Inspire - Julie Merrill (julie.merrill@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Endeavor - Ryan Maloney (ryan.maloney@reading.k12.ma.us)

Here is who to contact for questions related to the following:

• For questions about a specific class or subject, reach out to the teacher.
• To set up a meeting with the team, reach out to the team leader.
• For questions related to your child's IEP, reach out to the case manager.
• For more general special education related questions, reach out to Team Chair Victoria Ryan (victoria.ryan@reading.k12.ma.us).
• For 504 related questions, reach out to 504 Coordinator Beth Simpson (beth.simpson@reading.k12.ma.us).
• If you have a social-emotional concern, reach out to one of the school adjustment counselors (Ms. Creighton - sarah.creighton@reading.k12.ma.us or Ms. Quevedo - katherine.quevedo@reading.k12.ma.us).
• To report an absence, tardy, or dismissal, email WSPAbsences@reading.k12.ma.us.
• If you have a logistical question, please call the main office (781-944-1236).

Parker Middle School is excited to launch its new official Instagram page [wsparker_ms].

Follow us to stay updated on:

• Daily school events and activities
• Student achievements and highlights
• Important reminders and announcements

Click the Instagram icon to follow us today!

Need assistance logging in to the Parent Portal? Locked out of Google Classroom? Can't get into your school email account?

For all technology questions related to the portal, school email, or Google Classroom, please reach out to Parker's Technology Integration Specialist, Linnea Frye (linnea.frye@reading.k12.ma.us).

On Wednesdays, students will have Advisory. During Advisory, students meet in smaller groups with an assigned Advisory teacher. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging for all students through the implementation of curriculum that is designed to reinforce Parker's core values of kindness, community, and personal best.

Access to the portal can be found on the Parker website (https://parker.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US) by clicking on the PlusPortals button. Your username should be your personal email. If you have questions about your account, please contact Linnea Frye: linnea.frye@reading.k12.ma.us

Jill Story, Principal

Email: jill.story@reading.k12.ma.us

Beth Simpson, Assistant Principal

Email: beth.simpson@reading.k12.ma.us

Website: Walter S. Parker Middle School
Location: 45 Temple Street