Family Newsletter

Dear Parker Elementary School Families,

Congratulations to our 4th-graders, who have officially wrapped up their MCAS testing for the school year! All make-up sessions were completed this past Friday. This week, our 3rd-graders will begin their Math MCAS. We are aiming for a smooth week of testing and hope to have all make-ups finalized by Friday. Good luck to our 3rd-graders, we know that you will do great!

Looking ahead to tomorrow, please join our PTO this Sunday as they "Chalk the Walk" outside the Parker in anticipation of Teacher Appreciation Week. Our entire staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PTO and every family supporting this annual tradition. We deeply appreciate your efforts to recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff!

Don’t forget that our Spring Picnic is happening this Friday at 6:00 PM right in front of the Parker School! It’s going to be a wonderful evening for the school community to gather together. Please keep in mind that the school building will be closed during the event, so no indoor restrooms will be available. Additionally, please see the update regarding Field Day Lunch Orders. Due to sourcing issues, we’ve had to adjust the menu. We are asking all families to complete the Google Form again, even if you previously submitted one. Remember that lunches are still free for Field Day, so please take a moment to re-submit your order!

Best,

Matt Lutinski

Principal, Parker Elementary School

THERE HAS BEEN A MENU UPDATE SO THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AGAIN. Please complete this Google Form if you would like your student to have a school lunch on Friday, June 12th for Field Day. These lunch options will be delivered to classrooms.

https://forms.gle/ovw6iUMd6xct7k7P8

You must complete this form for each student if you have multiple students who need a school lunch.

Orders are due by Tuesday, June 2nd.

**NEW** 2026-2027 School Calendar

May Lunch Menu

Spring 2026 Parker MCAS Testing Dates

Dear Parker Families,

As the end of the 2025-2026 school year is fast approaching, please review the following important information regarding student medications and health requirements.

End-of-Year Medication Pickup

All student medications and medical supplies (including daily prescriptions, over-the-counter items, inhalers, and EpiPens) must be retrieved by a parent or guardian no later than Tuesday, June 23, 2026. In accordance with school policy, any medications remaining after the final day of school will be discarded.

Looking ahead for 2026-2027 School Year:

Per Billerica Public Schools policy, new medical orders and supplies are required at the start of every school year. Please ensure the following:

Medical Orders: Submit new physician orders and parent/guardian signatures for all medications (asthma, allergies, etc.).
Supply Delivery: All medication must be delivered by an adult in the original, labeled prescription container or box.
Documentation: Required forms, including the Medication Administration Request, Asthma Action Plan, and Allergy Care Plan, are available on the BPS Health Services website.
https://www.billericak12.com/departments/health-services-wellness/school-nursing
BPS Request for Medication Administration
Massachusetts Asthma Action Plan
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan

Incoming 3rd Grade Physical Exams

State regulation (105 CMR 200.00) requires all students entering the 3rd grade to provide an updated physical examination report. The exam must be dated within one calendar year of the start of the school year (September 2025).If you have any questions, please contact the health office at 978-528-8620 or via email at eburcham@billericak12.com.

Erin Burcham RN, BSN, NCSN

Kate Inzenga RN, BSN

Parker School Nurse’s

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Best Buddies program at Parker School! An invitation has been emailed to all current third-graders to join this wonderful initiative.

Who can join? Current 3rd-grade students who will be "rising 4th-graders" at Parker next year.
Our Advisors: Ms. Gulinello, Ms. Graff, Ms. Litwin, Ms. Ryan, and Mrs. McLaughlin.
How to Sign Up: Please complete the enrollment form here: Best Buddies Sign-Up

If you have any questions, please reach out to our primary point of contact, Ms. Gulinello (kgulinello@billericak12.com). We can’t wait to see our students build new friendships!

SUN Bucks, the federal food benefit program once known as Summer EBT, is returning for summer 2026. SUN Bucks provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE and with assistance from schools.

SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as those for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). As such, all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. Students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria can apply for SUN Bucks benefits through DTA by visiting www.DTAConnect.com.

The BMHS Books for Brighter Futures club is hosting a book drive at our school! Books for Brighter Futures is a non-profit organization that helps get kids who may not have the financial resources to purchase books. The goal of the club is to get every kid grades three through five a summer reading book. But, we need your help! The book drive will run from Tuesday April 28th until Tuesday May 12th. The Parker is trying to raise 100 books within the two weeks. We need books that are lightly used or new for grades three through five. We appreciate your help!

Where do I find school information about my child? (Report Card, Attendance)

Aspen : https://ma-billerica.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do

Where can my child find websites the school wants them to use? (Zearn, Google Classroom) Billerica Classlink Launchpad: https://launchpad.classlink.com/billerica

Your child will need their email address (firstnamelastname@billericak12.com) and the password (8 digits) the school gave them to log into the Billerica Classlink Launchpad. Please do not change passwords at home.

If you have questions about…

Email and/or Passwords - email Donna McDonnell dmcdonnell@billericak12.com

Setting up an Aspen Account? - ask portalhelp@billericak12.com

We are currently looking for substitutes and are reaching out to our family network!

If you or someone you know is interested in a rewarding opportunity, please check out the full job posting for all the details and requirements: https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5399796.

Thanks for considering! If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Lutinski (mlutinski@billericak12.com).