PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Good afternoon Parker Families,

It was great to see everyone return after the Thanksgiving break. As a community we will buckle down for the final two weeks before we embark on the Winter break. This time of year is incredibly exciting for our students with the upcoming holidays, vacation, and the changing season. It does, however, come with its share of stress and anxiety. Please be sure to reach out to your child's teacher, counselor, or myself if support is needed. We are here to help.

The "Be the Change" Project

We kicked off our Be the Change Project this week will run from December 3-17. This project continues our yearlong kindness initiative which promotes empowering our students to see the power of one in creating a positive change.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a phrase often attributed to Gandhi. We are looking to inspire each of our teams to make a positive difference locally, nationally, or globally. Each team chose a service project that is unique to their team and generated from what problem they seek to improve. We are excited to see our teams work collaboratively towards a common goal. Please be sure to discuss this project with our children. It can be very empowering to see the difference one can make.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Parent Conferences December 11

We will have our second day of parent conferences on the half day on Thursday, December 11. Special educators and specialists will not be available as they are scheduled for professional development sessions.

Please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher with any questions or concerns if you were unable to make it in for a conference.

Parker Artists of the Month

We are proud to announce the December Artists of the Month: Indira Singam (Grade 6) and Amyra Chan (Grade 5). Under the inspiring direction of Ms. Annunziata, these two artists have created works filled with skill, passion, and beauty. We are so proud of them both! Please see the picture below.

Parker Craft Fair - Sunday December 7

The Parker PTO is hosting a craft fair on Sunday, December 7 from 10 am - 2 pm. Come out to see the amazing Gingerbread House creations and get a jump start on your holiday shopping!

Have a great weekend everyone. Please reach out if you need support.

Warm Regards,

Josh

CONGRATULATIONS TO INDIRA SINGAM AND AMYRA CHAN.

DECEMBER ARTISTS OF THE MONTH

National Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on that date in 1948. It is a day to reflect on progress, address challenges, and honor individuals and organizations that work to protect and promote fundamental human rights for everyone, everywhere.

The Student Council at Parker organized a fun celebration for the 6-7th day of school today! There was also a picture challenge that the yearbook committee set up. Combine your ages to equal 67 and take a picture! Some of the group pictures are based on this challenge. We are six seeeeeven days smarter! Have a great weekend! 🙂

PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS SET A 2:15 p.m. CUT-OFF TIME FOR ALL STUDENT DISMISSALS AS IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY MEASURE THAT ENSURES A SECURE AND ORDERLY END TO THE SCHOOL DAY.

Why the 2:15 p.m. cutoff is crucial for safety

• Minimizes disruption: A cutoff prevents a continuous stream of parents from pulling students out of class at various times, which can interrupt academic instruction and cause confusion.

• Maximizes supervision: A standardized and predictable dismissal routine allows staff to focus their attention on the safety of all students leaving school. Having staff pulled away to process late requests can leave other students under-supervised.

• Reduces traffic hazards: Managing traffic flow is a major safety concern at dismissal. A firm deadline helps control congestion in and around the school. Late requests force parents to navigate a heavy flow of buses and carpool traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.

• Prevents unauthorized pickups: A clear policy ensures that all pickup requests are processed through the main office before the afternoon rush. Staff can verify the identity of authorized individuals without pressure, preventing any unauthorized releases of students.

• Prepares for emergencies: In the event of a school emergency, a strict dismissal protocol allows for a more organized and effective response. School staff will know the exact location of all students, preventing a chaotic search.

~THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANTICIPATED COOPERATION WITH THIS POLICY. Please contact the office with any questions or concerns.

The lost and found racks are overflowing with your student's stuff! There are sweatshirts, coats, lunch boxes, water bottles galore and a lot more. Please ask your students to check for any lost or missing items. All unclaimed items will be donated or disposed of over the winter break in December. ~Thank you.

BRRR!!! Cold weather is coming. Parker students will still be going outside for recess/outside break every day, weather permitting. Please BUNDLE UP!! Remember to wear appropriate clothing, sweatshirts, warm coats, hats and gloves are recommended.

DRAMA: The cast list is out and we have had a successful first rehearsal. Check schedule weekly for updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bkuEEpcdfAKv7FGLqdZp5EKnc6IKpymJmRHEf1-cKmE/edit?tab=t.0

SELECT CHORUS:The official roster is out and we have also had a successful first rehearsal. See the Fall/Winter schedule here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a9Sa7k8JvjQ53aaZi0qA30pR6OBp4P3cG2-SuDQybTI/edit?usp=sharing

Clubs & Activities run from 2:40 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. Late buses will be provided on those days.

The Activity Fee is $50 per student. To pay PLEASE CLICK ON LINK My School Bucks preferred method of payment (SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW). The activity fee allows students to take full advantage of any clubs they wish to attend. The after-school activities run from 2:40-3:40 on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday throughout the year. Students also have the option of taking a late bus home. The routes are posted in the school and will not be posted publicly. We will work with students and the drivers to be sure students take the correct bus home. Since we only have 8 late buses, for both McCarthy and Parker the stops tend to be more spread out than the “regular” bus runs. After activities, students who are not taking a bus will exit the school into the Crooked Spring Road lot and can be picked up there.

Please SEE UPDATED BROCHURE for more details: Parker Middle School Clubs & Activities Brochure 2025-2026

Tuesday - December 9th

Art Club–Ms. Annunziata–Room 4–Grade 6 Today

ASL-American Sign Language - Ms. Hamilton - Room 117

Festival Orchestra - Ms. Tiano - Room 8

Intramurals-Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Hardock, Ms. Olsson-GYM-GRADE 5-GROUP 5A check Google Classroom

Jazz Band - Ms. Linsner - Band Room

Mindfulness & Crafts-Ms. Marino–Room 124

Running Club-Ms. Baker-meet in the Band Hallway

Wednesday - December 10th

Book Club - Ms. Beaudoin - Room 125

Homework Club - Ms. Hamilton - Room 117

Fitness Club - Mr. Lee - Fitness Room-Club is Full

Intramurals - Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Hardock, Ms. Olsson & Mrs. Sullivan - GYM-GRADE 6

Parker Cares - Ms. Rappaport - Room 109

Power Hour – Ms. Panneton - Room 213B

Seasonal Crafts/No Bake Club-Ms. Stuz - Room 107- Club is Full

Thursday - December 11th

No Clubs Today - Early Release dismissal at 11:10 a.m.

Yearbooks are now on sale! Emails have been sent by our yearbook company (Walsworth) with an ordering link, but you can also order at https://yearbookforever.com/

No books will be available for sale in June...don't miss out on capturing this year's memories!

Check out the below upcoming PTO activities. You can always reach us at ptoParker@gmail.com. Parker & McCarthy PTOs work collaboratively to provide community building activities, provide enrichment programs for our students and families and support our teachers. Upcoming events, activities and additional information can also be found on our new website.

❄️☃️ Parker Craft Fair- Sunday, December 7th 10:00 am-2:00 pm:

Parker PTO is proud to present our 5th Annual Craft Fair on Sunday, December 7th 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Stop by Parker Middle School and shop local vendors. This is a GREAT opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and support local businesses. This year we have 37 vendors and 16 are student vendors!! Including some of our very own students and staff. Don't forget to check out the Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and cast your vote for "Fan Favorite". 🍬🥣🧑‍🍳

🍪🎁 Cookie Stroll

Calling all bakers! (and shoppers) Parker PTO will be putting together a cookie stroll for our December staff appreciation. The conference room will be transformed into a cookie shop with delicious treats from our families Each staff member will take home cookies to their families. The PTO is looking for donations of 1 to 2 dozen homemade or store bought cookies or treats. Our volunteers will help decorate and set up the cookies. This tradition is a true favorite of our staff and teachers. Don't miss this opportunity to thank those amazing staff members! Click to sign up

🏒 Riverhawks Hockey:

UML Riverhawks will be hosting Chelmsford Middle Schools. Meet all your middle school friends at the Tsongas for two great nights of hockey!

• Sunday, December 28th @ 3:30 PM Click link to order tickets
• Saturday, February 21st @ 6:05 PM Click link to order tickets

The Harlem Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team founded in 1996 in Harlem, New York, known for their combination of elite athleticism, entertainment, and comedic showmanship. Support the PTO as $5 of each ticket will be donated back to the Middle Schools PTO.

• Saturday, February 14th @ 2:00 PM Click link to order tickets

Every January we have a social for each of the two grades. There is music, games, snacks, and activities in the gym. The kids LOVE it and have a blast. We are looking for some help planning entertainment, logistics and staffing. Contact Sarah at sayholland@gmail.com with interest and ideas. Save the below dates!

• Grade 5 Social - Friday, January 16th - 2:40 to 4:00 PM
• Grade 6 Social - Friday, January 23rd - 2:40 to 4:00 PM

📆 Virtual PTO Meeting Thursday, December 11th @ 6:30

Parker & McCarthy PTOs work collaboratively to provide community building activities, provide enrichment programs for our students and families and support our teachers. PTO meetings will be virtual until May. The meeting link can be found here: December PTO Meeting Link Upcoming events, activities and additional information can also be found on our new website: https://pto.chelmsfordschools.org/mccarthy-pto/

Thank you!

The Box Tops for Education app allows you to earn cash for schools by purchasing participating Box Tops products and scanning your store receipts or digital receipts. You can download the free app for iOS and Android devices, select your school, scan the receipt, and the app automatically identifies and credits your school for the products. Earnings are posted to the school's account and checks are sent to the schools twice a year.

1. Download the App: Get the Box Tops for Education app from your device's app store.
2. Select Your School: Choose a school to support, or find a school in need.
3. Shop: Purchase Box Tops products that have the Box Tops icon.
4. Scan Receipts: Open the app, tap "Scan," and take a clear, well-lit photo of your store receipt to earn cash for your school.
5. Earn: The app automatically identifies the Box Tops products and adds the earnings to your school's account.
6. Receive Funds: Eligible schools receive checks twice a year based on the earnings credited to their accounts.

WAYS TO EARN: Connected Accounts: Connect your account to participating retailers, like Walmart, to automatically earn when you buy eligible products. Bonus Box Tops: Participate in special promotions and sweepstakes to earn extra earnings for your school.

https://chelmsfordschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Family-and-Student-Handbook-2025-2026-FINAL.pdf

If your student is going to be absent, tardy or dismissed please:

Email: ParkerAttendance@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Please Send Email: Prior to 9am on the day of the absence. Please Include: Child’s name, Grade, and Reason for absence. We encourage you to use the email option when reporting an absence, dismissal, etc. for efficiency.

**PLEASE READ**

We will continue to send automated emails home when students are absent. You will receive the email whether you notified the school or not. In order for an absence to be marked as "Excused", families will need to provide medical documentation. Please call the office if you have any questions or need clarification. ~ Thank you for your understanding.

Directions to set up your account and order:

1. URL Link: https://family.onlineordering.linq.com/
2. Sign up now: Email, create password.
3. School District: Chelmsford Public Schools
4. Student ID: This can be found on X2-Student's ID Number
5. Last Name: (You can also search and add siblings/family members at this time). Once this is completed, student's name should appear on page

1. School Menu-select online lunch ordering (all schools)
2. Scroll to week of half day/early release date (top right of page)
3. Find date, select meal option
4. Add item to cart/Select add to order
5. Click on shopping cart icon at top right of page
6. Click check-out
7. Select pick-up location: Elementary pick-up location classroom. Middle/High school pick up location cafeteria.
8. Place order

Early Release Dates:

Thursday, December 11th

Tuesday, January 13th

Thursday, February 5th

Wednesday, March 11th

Tuesday, April 7th

Email: robinsond@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://parker.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 75 Graniteville Road
Phone: 978-251-5133