August 18, 2024
Message from Principal Carter
What an incredible start to the school year!
Our first week was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong focus on both building our school culture and diving straight into high-quality instruction. From day one, our classrooms were alive with learning, and I'm so proud of how our students and staff have embraced the new year.
As we move into the upcoming week, our instructional focus will be on Engage & Deliver. This means that our teachers will be creating multiple opportunities for students to practice the skills aligned with their learning objectives. We're committed to fostering an environment where lessons challenge students in productive ways, ensuring that every learner is engaged and supported. Our leadership team has already begun SPOT observations to maintain this high standard of instruction.
I also want to extend my deepest thanks to our parents, students, and staff for their flexibility as we made some adjustments to our daily procedures. These changes are all part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.
As we continue through the year, I encourage you to reach out directly to the campus with any concerns or questions. While community forums are a great place to celebrate the wonderful things happening at Parker, the best way to resolve any issues is by contacting us directly so that we can address them promptly and effectively. We are here to listen and support you.
I look forward to all the exciting things this school year holds for us. Thank you for being a vital part of the Parker community!
-Antravian D. Carter, M.Ed.
Bell Schedule
- Building opens: 7:10 AM
- School Start Time: 7:30 AM
- School Dismissal Time: 3:00 PM
- Magnet Program Start Time: 3:00 PM
- Magnet Program Dismissal Time: 3:40 PM
Please ensure students are ON TIME each morning. The building opens are 7:10am for students to enter. Students line up to head to their classrooms at 7:25am. Students are considered late after 7:30am.
In order to have students enter the building safely and as quickly as possible we have established the following entry points:
Front of the Building
Grades: PreK, Kinder, First Grade, TREK, PALS
(these students will enter the front of the building and walk to the cafeteria via the Kinder hallway)
Side of the Building
Grades: 2nd - 5th Grade
(these students will enter the side of the building at door #19 and walk to the gymnasium)
Please note, if you would like an older sibling to walk a younger student inside the building they both must enter via the side of the building at door #19 with the upper grades.
LATE ARRIVALS
All entry points will close at 7:30am. This includes all gates and school doors. A staff member assigned to these areas will give an announcement prior to 7:30am, as an alert of the entrance closure. The staff member may also, acknowledge the "cut off" person/vehicle to begin the late arrival process.
- Students are considered late if they have not entered the building by 7:30am.
- Students are still considered late, even if they are right outside of the building. They must be physically inside the building by 7:30am, as class begins promptly at 7:30am each morning.
- Staff will begin processing tardiness at 7:31am each morning as announcements are beginning.
In an effort to solidify music and CCR teacher rosters, no more parent requests for schedule changes to student music or CCR classes will be accepted for the upcoming school year. We understand that schedule preferences are important, but this decision is necessary to ensure that there are no further disruptions to instruction for these classes.
Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the music waitlists, and if space becomes available in your child’s first choice music class, we will promptly notify you.
Parker will have a brand new Arrival & Dismissal Flow
To enhance student and staff safety, Parker Elementary is developing a new process for campus arrival and dismissal, particularly for car riders. Currently, staff and students are exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat, cold temperatures, and rain, due to a dismissal process that takes place primarily outside the building. Additionally, the long car rider lines, with the majority of our 900+ students being car riders, have become a concern.
With increased enrollment and consideration for the well-being of staff and students, we are making adjustments to our arrival and dismissal procedures. The new plan will be unveiled during the PTO General Meeting on Thursday, August 22nd, and will be communicated through multiple channels over the weekend, leading up to the implementation date on Monday, August 26th.
Our goal is to establish a consistent arrival and dismissal process, regardless of the weather, to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.