October 11, 2026

Parker Families,

G/T testing begins this week for students scheduled to participate.

Grades K–5: Testing will take place October 12–14.

Pre-K: Because students test in small groups, Pre-K testing will take place October 12–16 and October 19.

Regular attendance and arriving on time are especially important during these testing days. Please help your child come to school well rested, on time, and ready to do their best.

Thank you for your support and partnership!

Pink Out Day at Parker will be on Wednesday, October 21st. Wear your pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Piano Workshop is just around the corner! We will be welcoming clinicians to Parker from October 19-23.

Piano families, please make sure to place your T-Shirt and Program Ad orders NOW! The deadline for orders is Monday, October 5. Click HERE to place your orders.

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Ashley Kolb, Magnet Coordinator

We are wrapping up our first chapter book of the year in Library, The Littles!

I absolutely loved reading this novel with your kids and hearing their thoughts, predictions, and reactions along the way.

Throughout the book, students have been practicing note taking, an important skill that helps readers identify and pull out the most important plot details in a story. I modeled this process with them for the first few chapters, and then they took it from there! Students were encouraged to find a note-taking style that worked for them. Some used complete sentences, some used bullet points, some added illustrations, and many used a combination.

Their chapter notes will be coming home soon. Some classes will receive theirs this week, while most will come home next week, since classes are at slightly different places in the novel.

At the bottom, there is a spot for a grown-up to sign after your child shows you their notes and tells you about their favorite part of the book.

This is a great opportunity to have a conversation about what they read and celebrate both the learning AND the enjoyment that comes from reading! There may also be a little something waiting in the library for students who bring their paper back signed by their grown-up. 😊

Thank you so much for supporting literacy and our library! I truly loved getting to share The Littles with your kids!

-Ms. Hokanson, Librarian

Attention fifth grade parents and guardians!

If your child is interested in applying for a middle school Fine Art magnet program, Ms. D is here to help. She will host two parent meetings and two student portfolio preparation classes.

PTO will share a link to register for both.

👕👗 Free dress update!

Due to picture day being Thursday October 15th, we have moved our PTO Free Dress Day for October to Friday, October 16th!

🚗🍬 Trunk-or-Treat

Join us for one of Parker’s favorite free community events on November 1 at 5:00 pm! We need your help to make this spooky celebration a success. Visit

https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/story/297162 to see how you can get involved!

Also, Trunk or Treat shirts on sale in school store now! For this cute item, we have a limited supply....so once inventory is sold out, they will be gone! Ensure you order yours and reserve your shirt today! Shirts will be delivered week of Trunk or Treat.

🗓️ PTO Meeting this Thursday, October 15th! Free childcare and dinner provided if you RSVP! Please RSVP for dinner at: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/ptomeeting.

🎟️ Socials

There’s still time to join the fun! A few Socials have sold out, but many are still available. Visit the website to grab your spot and enjoy these awesome community get-togethers!

https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/socials

📅 Upcoming Events

• PTO Meeting - October 15th @ 6 p.m. Dinner free for those who RSVP!
• PTO October Free Dress Day - October 17th

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Crystal Laurie

President, Parker Elementary PTO

www.parkerpto.org

832-978-2052 (PTO)