December 14, 2025
It is with both deep gratitude and heartfelt emotion that I share with our Parker community that Mr. Jose Medina will be retiring after seventeen years of devoted service to Parker Elementary. Mr. Medina has been a beloved and steady presence on our campus since 2008, serving under five principals and supporting countless teachers, staff members, families, and—most importantly—students along the way.
During my year and a half at Parker, I have come to know Mr. Medina as someone who is truly one of a kind. His work ethic, humility, and quiet commitment to our school have left an imprint on this campus that cannot be replaced. Whether it was early mornings, long days, challenging weather, or unexpected circumstances, Mr. Medina showed up every single day with care, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility for Parker and its people.
Mr. Medina often speaks about the joy he found in our students—their smiles, greetings, and the small moments that made each day meaningful. That joy was mutual. Generations of Parker students have felt his warmth, kindness, and dedication, and our staff and families have benefited immensely from his steady support and unwavering love for this community.
After much thoughtful reflection, Mr. Medina has decided that his final day at Parker will be January 5th. While we know this news may be emotional for many, we are incredibly thankful for the many years he has poured into Parker and for the legacy he leaves behind.
We are currently planning a celebration to honor Mr. Medina and his extraordinary service. Details will be shared soon, and we look forward to inviting our entire Parker community—staff, families, students, alumni, and friends—to join us in celebrating someone who has given so much to this school.
In the meantime, if you see Mr. Medina in the hallway, please take a moment to share your love, appreciation, and gratitude. Every kind word matters.
Mr. Medina, thank you for seventeen years of dedication, heart, and service. Parker is better because of you, and you will always be a part of our Parker family.
-Principal Carter
Parker students gathered on Saturday evening for the Westbury Deck the Halls Parade. Some students walked with their Cheer squad or rode in decorated trailers with their Scout troops. Mr. Berry drove with a pack of MINI Coopers!
The Parker Art Car represented Parker Friends with lights and music. Thank you so much to the students who came out to walk with the Art Car and pass out candy canes! We hope to see even more Parker students at the parade next year.
-Julie Dickinson, Art Instructor
Every year, Parker participates in HISD’s Name that Book reading competition at both the K-2 and 3-5 grade levels.
Interested students must read all 5 books above and complete the try-out test. The 6 students who score the highest on each level will be the team members. The teams then compete against other HISD elementary schools in the spring.
In order for students to participate, they must be up to date on schoolwork and love to read. They also need to have good comprehension, retention and listening skills, along with excellent behavior. A list of the books can be found on the back of this paper. Please keep in mind that this is not a reading club but a competitive team.
The competition will take place the first week of March 2026 during the school day.
There will be an online informational meeting:
Monday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 PM for PARENTS.
https://tinyurl.com/namethatbook123
Meeting ID: 758 9325 8832
Passcode: 2G0AS5
- Leslie Hokanson, Librarian
