August 17, 2025
😅 A Parker Pulse Oops!
Well, Parker Family… after a full year of publishing weekly Parker Pulse newsletters without a hitch, this week I had my first ever slip-up. I accidentally edited over the last week’s Pulse instead of making a copy (as I always do). By the time I hit publish and realized the “new” version had over 1,200 views — and my jaw immediately dropped. I was editing the live newsletter!
Unfortunately, there’s no way to restore a previous version, so that one is officially gone for good. If anyone happened to print it or save it as a PDF, please send it my way and I’ll happily recreate it. Otherwise, we’ll just chalk it up as a funny Parker memory and keep rolling forward.
Lesson learned… and here we are with this week’s edition — better than ever. 😉
– Principal Carter
We made it through the first week of school!!! 🎉🎉🎉
WHEW!!!!
The first week is always a whirlwind—managing systems, learning names, and just getting back into the swing of things. But we made it, and I couldn’t be prouder of our students, staff, and families.
First, I want to thank our parents for your resilience and urgency in helping students arrive on time. The difference has been remarkable. Each day last year, between 20–40 students were still walking in at 7:35 AM getting tardy badges. This past week? Only one or two, just barely at the cutoff. That is huge for our culture, for our staff, and most importantly, for our students. Now, students aren’t starting the day rushed or missing critical moments in class. Teachers can begin lessons right on time, and every student is ready to learn. That’s a game-changer. THANK YOU!!!!!
With new successes, however, often come new challenges. Since more students are now arriving on time, we had to troubleshoot our morning holding areas. By Friday, we found a smooth solution by shifting 5th graders to a new holding area (the orange stairs). For those who may not know: PreK–2nd graders gather in the cafeteria, 3rd–4th graders in the gym, and now 5th graders on the stairs. This gives them time to settle in and eat breakfast before teachers are officially on duty at 7:25 AM. I want to take a moment to thank our teachers who generously volunteered their personal time on the first day to welcome students and families before their contracted duty time. That spirit of service is what makes Parker special.
Another item I want to address is lunch visits. I’ve heard your concerns, and I want you to know that I hear you. The admin team and I are committed to refining a solution that honors our strong tradition of family involvement while also protecting the systems we’ve built on campus. We’ll revisit this policy over the coming weeks, with plans to share a finalized update in the August 31st Parker Pulse. Thank you for your patience as we work toward balance.
I also want to speak to our Magnet waitlist process. Traditionally, Parker has kept an internal waitlist for students who wish to change their music instrument path. Because seats are limited and most of our students remain at Parker year after year, movement on this list has been rare. This year, with shifts in enrollment, our magnet percentage has grown from 30% to about 40%. This brings a fresh need for clarity and transparency in how the waitlist works. We’ll be addressing this with our SDMC on September 9th, and I will share more information afterward.
Finally, I want to talk about something close to my heart: the morale and well-being of our staff. This year comes with higher expectations, new systems, and a master schedule unlike last year’s. Teachers are internalizing lessons differently, adjusting to a more rigorous instructional model, and supporting students through big shifts. Reading a plan on paper is one thing; living it in practice is another.
What I love about our Parker team is that they are overachievers and perfectionists—just like me. 😊 That drive helps us excel, but it can also make us carry unnecessary weight. I’ve seen the stress on some faces this week, and honestly, I’ve felt it too. (Yes—even I had a few pulse checks from colleagues reminding me to breathe!) We were prepared for change, and then had even more adjustments layered in from the district level, just days before students entered the building. But we’ve pivoted, and we will continue to do so --TOGETHER!
Through it all, I want to be intentional about protecting our culture. Next to safety, culture is the most important thing to me. When we build a high-performing, positive, and student-centered culture, we can achieve anything. That’s how we were successful last year, and it’s how we’ll succeed again.
Parents, I ask one thing of you this week: show your appreciation to a teacher or staff member. A simple positive note to say thank-you goes a longer way than you think. Our team has embraced every challenge with professionalism and positivity, and they are working tirelessly for your children.
We don’t expect perfection, and we know change takes time. But day by day, we’re learning, adjusting, and growing—together, as a team. Thank you for trusting us, partnering with us, and being part of the Parker community.
The best is yet to come. 🫶
– Principal Carter
📣 Big News, Parker Family! 📣
The results are in, and I could not be prouder to share that Parker Elementary has officially earned back our A Rating for the 2024–2025 school year TEA Accountability Ratings — along with two Academic Distinctions in Math and Science! 🌟📊🔬
This is a moment of true celebration for our entire community. When we made instructional and cultural shifts last year, it wasn’t easy. At times, it felt hard, overwhelming, and full of growing pains. But today, we see the proof that those changes mattered. The results speak for themselves — culture over compliance works.
This honor belongs to the incredible resilience and determination of our staff and, most importantly, to our students, who dug deep and delivered. To our parents and community, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership.
As a special day of celebration, we will hold a campus-wide celebration this Friday during the last hour of the school day --during Encore. While the STAAR test is given only to grades 3–5, it truly takes our entire Parker community to achieve this success. The Leadership Team and PTO are finalizing the details, and we may ask for just a couple of parent volunteers — so keep an eye out for any requests.
This will be the perfect way to wrap up NWEA testing week and to close out Week Two of school on a high note.
On a personal note — as this was my first year as your principal, I could not be prouder to see Parker achieve this incredible milestone together. This victory is not mine, but ours. Together, we’ve proven that Parker’s spirit is unstoppable. 💙❤️
Here’s to many more wins ahead. #ParkerProud #OneBandOneSound #ByeByeB
– Principal Carter
🥪 Chat & Chew with Principal Carter – UPDATE!
I have loved the strong response from our community in wanting to spend time with me each month at Chat & Chew. These conversations are one of my favorite ways to connect with you.
There was a misprint on what I’ve been calling the “colorful calendar" for August (seen at the bottom of the Pulse). To clarify — there was never a plan to hold a Chat & Chew in August. It is simply too early in the school year to provide updates with clarity and certainty.
Last school year, we began Chat & Chew sessions after the first PTO meeting, and we plan to keep that same cadence this year. I apologize if anyone made plans to attend in August. Please know, my email is always open if you have questions — and I believe I’ve addressed most wonderings so far in either a Parker Pulse or ParentSquare post.
I do plan to attend the PTO General Meeting on August 21st to introduce myself and share a few brief updates. However, that time belongs to PTO and their agenda. This is why we host Chat & Chew before PTO meetings — it gives us a casual, open space to discuss updates and answer questions, without cutting into PTO business.
Finally, I’m also exploring ways to make ParentSquare comments visible, as I know several of you have asked similar questions that could be answered for the whole group. Thank you for your patience as we work on this.
- Principal Carter
📊 NWEA MAP Beginning-of-Year Testing
Parker families, it’s time for our NWEA MAP Beginning-of-Year (BOY) Assessments! 🎉 These tests help us understand where each student is starting the year so we can set goals, track growth, and personalize learning.
Testing Schedule
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Math (K–5): Tuesday, August 19
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Reading (2–5): Wednesday, August 20
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Science (2–5): Thursday, August 21
Testing takes place during the first two hours of the school day. Students will be given additional time as needed, and we’ll return to regular instruction once the majority of testing concludes.
Parent Support is Key!
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Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats breakfast before school.
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Arrive on time each morning so students can begin testing without stress.
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Encourage your child to do their best — this assessment helps us help them!
Closed Campus Reminder
To ensure a smooth and focused testing environment:
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No lunch visits on testing days
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No private lessons during the school day
For families new to NWEA testing, we have included short informational videos below to help you learn more about how the MAP test works and why it matters.
How the MAP Growth Test works 📝
Student NWEA Resource Video 🧒
Interested In Gifted & Talented Programs?
Join us for a Gifted and Talented Parent Info Session to learn about the identification process, available services, and how to request testing.
- View the flyer for more information and registration here!
Testing Request Form: Click the link to request a GT assessment for your child. Requests must be submitted by August 25th.
Please contact Mrs. Jennifer Mills for any questions or concerns regarding Parker GT programming.
-Jennifer Mills, Assistant Principal
(GT Coordinator)
🚗 Carpool Safety Reminder
For the safety of our students and to keep traffic flowing smoothly, please remember:
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Do not park or exit your vehicle in any of the carpool lines.
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This includes staging streets, the rear carpool line, the front staff parking lot drop-off curb, and the bus lane* (during drop-off time is 7:25–7:35 AM*)
When vehicles stop, park, or parents get out, it creates a safety hazard for our students and causes delays for everyone else in line. Our goal is to keep all students safe and ensure every family can move through quickly and efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to making mornings safe for all!
Class CCR Schedules 📅
📌 Quick Updates
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Class CCR Schedules are now available on the Parker Website, in the Important Links section at the bottom of the Parker Pulse, and in the Links section on ParentSquare for easy access. We know there’s been a bit of a learning curve with this new schedule, but we’ll get it down together.
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On a positive note, students have been loving Musical Theatre with Mr. Munks! The only challenge is that it can get chilly in our building—especially in the performance hall. Parents, please make sure students are dressed comfortably and prepared. Most of the time, they’re up, moving, and having so much fun that they forget all about the temperature, but we wanted you to be aware.
On Thursday, August 21st, join us at the Parker Cafeteria to meet your PTO board and receive important updates. Childcare is provided for all, and food is guaranteed to those who RSVP'd by the deadline. Learn about all our upcoming events, enrichment clubs, volunteer opportunities, and more.
RSVP for August's meeting by 8 pm Wednesday, August 20:
🔗https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/346511
If you can't make it in person, join us virtually!
⭐https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83934160083?pwd=0L7taD8gSZVrnBwB6hZvNRTxToagFX.1
⭐Meeting ID: 839 3416 0083
⭐Passcode: 123456
⭐Plan to login to Zoom around 6:15 pm to give the in-person group time to grab food and get settled, if you are joining us virtually.
Lost & Found-The lost and found is longer in the community room. All items are located outside the cafeteria. For this reason, it's essential to label all items with first and last names. Volunteers will deliver items, and once established, by the student council. Grownups can look for items at our PTO meetings or during your child's lunch day.
Check it out! Be sure to update your grade level and homeroom teacher, then visit MY STUFF, followed by MY FORMS, and see all the available items for purchase. PTO will explain all the forms at the PTO meeting and in our following monthly newsletter.
