May 18, 2025

Every now and then, there’s a moment so meaningful you just have to pause and share it—and this is one of those moments.

This past week, our campus was visited by the district’s IRT Team for the final time this school year. While these visits are just brief snapshots, what they saw during their time at Parker was clear, consistent, and powerful: high-quality instruction, teachers deeply engaged in their craft, and students actively thinking, talking, and learning.

Our visitors left impressed—not just by the lessons, but by the energy, focus, and commitment shown across classrooms. One of my favorite quotes from the day came after a visit to one of our classrooms: “I didn’t want to leave. It was immersive, deeply internalized, and exactly what we want to see in any classroom.”

And the numbers back it up. Our IRT scores have grown significantly over the past year:

To be clear—these numbers don’t define us. We don’t chase scores at Parker. What we chase is growth—and that’s what these numbers represent. They’re a reflection of the day-in, day-out work our staff puts in to create excellent, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for your children.

This kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It takes teachers who are coachable, committed, and always striving to do what’s best for kids. It takes families who partner with us, believe in us, and support the work. And most importantly, it takes students who show up every day ready to learn, grow, and shine.

We still have a few important weeks left in the year—and we’re already looking ahead to an even brighter 2025–2026. But for now, I just want to say thank you. For trusting us. For supporting your child. And for being part of the Parker story.

-Principal Carter

Our End-of-Year NWEA MAP Testing kicks off this week, and we are beyond excited to see how far our students have come! This is their moment to show what they know—and we need your partnership to make it a success!

✅ Here's How You Can Help Your Child Shine:

• Arrive ON TIME—by 7:25 AM at the latest. Instruction begins promptly at 7:30 AM, and students need time to walk across campus, eat breakfast, and settle in calmly.

• Get a full night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast (breakfast is available at school starting at 6:45 AM!).

• Avoid scheduling appointments during testing days, and encourage your child to take their time and do their best.

💡 Did You Know?
When students arrive late, it creates a rushed and stressful start to their day. During our recent schedule pilot, we saw how powerful it is when students are in class early—learning started strong, and focus was high! Let’s keep that going every day.

🚗 Arrival Tips:

• Doors open at 6:45 AM.

• Carpool gate closes at 7:25 AM sharp.

• Avoid parking or dropping off in restricted zones—use the staff lot loop or side streets and walk up.

• Beat the rush: The busiest time is 7:18–7:25 AM. Arrive early for smoother mornings!

🗓 NWEA TESTING SCHEDULE

• Tuesday, May 20: Kinder–5th Grade Math

• Wednesday, May 21: 2nd–5th Grade Reading

• Thursday, May 22: 2nd–5th Grade Science

• Friday, May 23: 2nd & 3rd Grade Bilingual Reading

🛑 Closed Campus During Testing (Tuesday-Thursday):
To maintain a secure and quiet testing environment, campus will be closed to all visitors during testing hours. This includes lunch visits, strings lessons, and general volunteers. (Pre-scheduled ARDs will continue as planned.)

We’re celebrating growth in a BIG way! Here’s what your child can earn by doing their best on the test:

🌟 GROWTH on 1 Test = Popsicle Party
🌟 GROWTH on 2 Tests = Popsicle + Takis/Chips Party
🌟 GROWTH on ALL 3 Tests = Popsicle + Takis + PIZZA PARTY!

🎧 Grade Level Growth Goal Met?
Get ready for an Extended Recess with a Live DJ + Sweet Treats!

🥞 The All Stars Pancake Breakfast with Principal Carter
Students who meet or exceed both achievement AND growth on any test will be invited to this exclusive celebration!

We believe in our Lions, and we know they’re ready to finish strong! Let’s bring our best effort, best attitude, and best energy to school each day.

If your child was identified for Attendance Recovery, Required Summer School, or Recommended Summer School, please be reminded that all responses and/or required actions are due by Monday, May 19, 2025.

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

✅ Attendance Credit Recovery (Excessive Absences)

• Students with excessive absences received letters on Friday, May 9.

• IXL assignments must be completed outside of school hours by May 20 to avoid being added to the summer school list for attendance.

• Questions? Contact you homeroom teacher or Ms. Yaneth Milan.

🚨 Required for Summer School

• Families of students required to attend based on academic or attendance promotion standards were notified.

• Summer School is mandatory for these students to be promoted to the next grade.

• This confirmation form must be submitted by May 19 to secure placement.

• Failure to attend may result in retention.

🌟 Recommended for Summer School

• Some students were recommended (but not required) to attend based on academic growth data.

• Summer School is optional and designed for additional support and enrichment.

• If you wish to opt in, the Opt-In Form is due by May 19.

💬 Need Help or Have Questions?
Please contact the front office at 713-726-3634 or email Ms. Milan directly at yaneth.milan@houstonisd.org for assistance.

As we approach the end of the school year, we’re excited to celebrate our students' hard work, growth, and achievements at our 2024–2025 Parker Awards Ceremonies! Below is important information to help families prepare for these special events:

🏅 What to Expect:

All students will receive a Parker Proud Certificate. Additional recognitions include:

• Parker Honor Roll (All A’s + no more than two B’s)

• Principal’s Honor Roll (All A’s)

• Perfect Attendance (Fall, Spring, and Full Year)

• Special Awards: Safety Patrol, Student Council, GT Expo Finalists, and select Music Awards will also be recognized.

🪪 Guest Ticket Information:

Pre-K & 5th Grade Ceremonies
🎟️ Each student receives 4 guest tickets.
👶 Infants seated in laps do not require a ticket.

Reserved seating is available only for PTO auction winners.

Kinder Ceremony
🎟️ Each student receives 3 guest tickets.

👶 Infants seated in laps do not require a ticket.

Reserved seating is available only for PTO auction winners.

1st–4th Grade Ceremonies
🎟️ Each student receives 2 guest tickets.

👶 Infants seated in laps do not require a ticket.

Reserved seating is available only for PTO auction winners.

Tickets will be printed and delivered to students in advance.

🏛 Performance Hall Guidelines:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all:

🚫 No Balloons – Balloons are not allowed inside the Performance Hall.
🍼 No Food/Drinks – Including sippy cups, bottles, or candy.
🚼 Stroller Parking – Must be parked in the main hallway.
🚷 No Aisle Seating – Seating in walkways is prohibited due to fire safety regulations.

📋 Student Sign-Out & Sibling Policy:

• Parents may sign students out before the ceremony on a roster provided at the front desk.

• After the ceremony, students will return to class and will be called over the intercom for dismissal.

• Sibling Checkout Policy: If you choose to check out a sibling not involved in the ceremony, it must be after 9:30 AM (for ADA purposes) and the child must go home for the day. Students may not attend ceremonies for grade levels they are not a part of.

We can’t wait to honor our amazing Parker Lions! Thank you for helping us make these celebrations meaningful and memorable.

Today we celebrate Ms. Alanna Lynch, our incredible Speech Therapist who supports the Parker community with care, compassion, and expertise. From helping students find their voice to building confidence in communication, Ms. Lynch makes a lasting impact every day. Thank you for all you do to support our Lions—we’re so lucky to have you! 💙🦁💬

Please check around your house and car to help us get all the books back to the Library! We currently have 258 books still out, so please remind your child return them as soon as possible. Overdue notices will go out this week in Tuesday folders. Thanks so much for helping us close out the school year!

The School Choice Department has added an additional Specialized Transfer option to comply with House Bill, H.B. 2892 and H.B. 1959: A Service Member (H.B. 2892) or Peace Officer (H.B.1959), who is a parent of or person standing in parental relation to a student, may transfer to another district campus or another school district under Section 25.035. For assistance or additional information, please contact the School Choice Department at schoolchoice@houstonisd.org.

The Parker Advanced band participated in the American Music Festival in Tomball last Friday. The Advanced Band students received a superior rating on their performance. The clarinets won outstanding session!

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston along with Parker Elementary and 14 other Houston area schools are proud to present Threat of Joy, an exhibition celebrating the power of joy in times of hardship. Parker students created a cardboard playground installation, titled Recycled Joy.

The opening reception last Friday was a huge success! Fifth grader, Grayson A. not only gave a thoughtful speech about creating artwork for the exhibit, but he also played a painted piano art piece! The exhibition will be on view through Sunday, May 25 at the historic Eldorado Ballroom located at 2310 Elgin St.

-Julie Dickinson, Art Instructor

We’re excited to share a fun and educational opportunity for your family to enjoy this summer—a FREE Day at the Children’s Museum Houston!

On Monday, June 9 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, families are invited to explore all the museum has to offer—at no cost! From hands-on exhibits to creative play spaces, it’s the perfect way to spark your child’s curiosity, imagination, and love of learning.

🎟 Please note: Registration is required for entry.
🅿️ FREE onsite parking is also available!

📍Location:
Children’s Museum Houston
1500 Binz Street, Houston, TX 77004

Don’t miss this great opportunity for summer fun and discovery! Be sure to check the attached flyer for full details and how to register.

Free Summer Camp: HISD is offering a Food Systems Camp for rising 6th–8th graders, June 11–July 18 at Key MS. Only 43 spots available! Hands-on projects, field trips, and career exploration.

Parker families, your voice matters! Houston ISD is inviting all parents and guardians to complete the 2024–2025 Title I, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Survey — open now through Friday, June 6, 2025.

This annual survey helps us understand how well schools are partnering with families and how we can improve our engagement efforts to better support your child’s learning experience.

🗓 Open Dates: May 5 – June 6, 2025
🌍 Available Languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Mandarin Chinese
📝 Survey Link: Houston ISD Title I, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Survey, 2024–2025

Families can choose their preferred language once they access the link. Please note: the survey must be completed online to ensure accurate data collection.

We truly value your input and encourage every Parker parent or guardian to participate. Let’s work together to make Parker even better!

For questions about the survey, you may contact Ngozi Kamau at nkamau@houstonisd.org.

May-June Character Education Theme: Integrity

Week 1 - Having Integrity is about telling the truth, even when no one is watching. This week, be honest with yourself and others. When you have integrity, people trust you, because they know you are truthful and honest.

Week 2 – Having Integrity is doing the right thing, even when it's hard. This week, choose to do what is right. When you have integrity, people trust you, because they can rely on you to do what is right.

Week 3- Having integrity means keeping your promises. This week, keep the promises you make.

Week 4- Having Integrity is taking responsibility. It’s about owning up to your mistakes and making things right. It's being brave and fixing what went wrong. This week, take responsibility for your actions and use what you learned to do better next time.

Week 5-Having Integrity is being fair. It is treating everyone the same, no matter how they look or where they come from. It's like wearing fairness as a superhero cape. This summer, make it a goal to be fair and kind to everyone you meet. Whether you're playing games, spending time with friends, or meeting new people, aim to treat everyone equally and create a positive and friendly environment at home, in your school and in your community.

School Supplies

Parker Elementary Families - Win Free School Supplies for Life!

What's better than ordering your school supplies from 1st Day School Supplies and checking back-to-school shopping off your list before the summer even starts? Winning the Free School Supplies for Life Sweepstakes! All you have to do is order by May 31st, and you'll be automatically entered to win!

Hurry, you don't want to miss out on this! 👉 Order here: 1stDay.sale/104115 ​​​​​​​

School Store

The last day to submit an order for the school store will be Monday, May 19th.

Lost and Found

All items will be donated by the last day of school. Be sure to stop by the community room.

Thank You PTO Board, Chairs, and Volunteers. A special thank you to our departing board members for all the time, care, and energy you’ve given to the PTO; your support has made a difference in the Parker Community. Thank you: Evy Poyatzis, Michael Hsu, Katie Rutherford, Liz Beiter, Lexie Castillo, & Caroled Medina

Music Contributions Update

Thank you to everyone who has already paid—43.7% of student music contributions have been received so far! Your support plays a vital role in keeping our music program strong.

If you haven't already done so, you can pay your student's music contribution here.

If you received a reminder letter but have already paid, I apologize. Thank you for your patience as Parker Friends and the school, work to improve the process for sending out reminder letters.

Feel free to email me at: julie@parkerfriends.org if you'd like payment confirmation or have any questions

May 2025

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 18th

National Speech Pathologist Day

May 19th

*Birthday Alert!* - Ms. Geovanny Reyes (1st Grade Teacher)

Youngest and Oldest Concert (8:15)

Intermediate Strings Concert (4pm)

May 20th

Kinder - 5th MATH EOY NWEA MAP TEST (CLOSED CAMPUS)

May 21st

2nd - 5th ELAR EOY NWEA MAP TEST (CLOSED CAMPUS)

May 22nd

*Birthday Alert!* - Ms. Elizabeth Cabral (Strings Teacher)

2nd - 5th SCIENCE EOY NWEA MAP TEST (CLOSED CAMPUS)

Emergent Bilingual Celebration

May 23rd

*Birthday Alert!* - Ms. Allison Sendejas (4th Grade Grade Teacher)

2nd - 3rd ELA BILINGUAL NWEA TEST

2nd Grade Piano Concert (1:30pm)

5th Grade Fun Day Activities

Sciavolino Student Recital (3:30pm)

Annual Fire Alarm Inspection (5:30pm)

May 26th

Holiday - NO SCHOOL for Students and Staff

May 27th

5th Grade Trip to Food Bank (8am)

Kinder Awards Ceremony (8:45am)

5th Grade Piano Concert (6pm)

May 28th

4th Grade Lemonade Day!

1st Grade Piano Recital (11:50am)

*Birthday Alert!* - Ms. Allison Abrams (1st Grade Teacher)

May 29th

VIPS Breakfast (8am)

1st Grade Piano Concert (12pm)

Rhythm & Pre Band Concert (1:30pm)

Beginning Band, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band Concert (4:30pm)

*Birthday Alert!* - Ms. Dixia Castillo (Kindergarten Teacher)

May 30th

5th Grade PJ Breakfast and Fun Friday