February 8, 2026
Strengthening Academic Encore at Parker
At Parker, we are always reflecting, refining, and strengthening systems to better serve every student. Beginning Monday, February 9, we are launching a revamped structure for our Academic Encore (2:00–3:00 PM) block to ensure all students receive the targeted academic support and extension they need to grow.
When Academic Encore was first created, the goal was to provide focused intervention and enrichment opportunities. As the year progressed, we recognized that implementation varied across classrooms. We also heard teacher feedback about the challenge of meeting the needs of highly diverse student groups within one setting and also the extensive planning it takes for this to be effective. In some cases, technology was being used as the primary method to individualize learning instead of direct teacher instruction.
To better support students, we are returning to the original vision of Academic Encore through a grade-level intervention and extension model.
What This Means for Students
- Every Parker student (K-5) has been reviewed using academic data and placed into targeted support groups within their grade level.
- For example your child may be in Ms. McCowen's ELA class but will be supported for ENCORE intervention with Ms. DePue or in Ms. Jordan's math class but but will be challenged with above grade level extension with Ms. White for ENCORE.
- Students will receive direct instruction from teachers, not just digital learning platforms
- Students needing intervention will receive focused skill support
- Students performing at or above grade level will receive advanced and enrichment learning opportunities, including above-grade-level concepts and materials
- Students will receive balanced weekly support in both Reading and Math, aligned to their individualized music schedules
This work has required extensive planning and coordination due to Parker’s unique music magnet structure. Admin and grade level content leaders collaborated to design lessons, instructional focus areas, and student groupings to ensure consistency and high-quality learning experiences. Content planning with data analysis will be responsibility of the teacher content leaders and admin to support the teachers.
Kindergarten Support Expansion
While Kindergarten does not participate in Academic Encore during the 2:00–3:00 PM block, we are restructuring parts of their instructional day to provide the same targeted intervention and enrichment support. This includes reducing some digital resource time and increasing direct teacher-led instruction tailored to student needs.
The Countdowns Begin…
We are entering a critical stretch of the school year with many important academic milestones ahead. Every instructional day matters as we support students in demonstrating growth and achievement.
📌 1 Instructional Day – Parker Practice TELPAS (Feb. 10–11)
📌 8 Instructional Days – IRT #3 Window Opens (Feb. 23 – Mar. 5)
📌 10 Instructional Days – TELPAS (Feb. 25–26)
📌 19 Instructional Days – Parker Practice RLA STAAR (Mar. 17)
📌 22 Instructional Days – Parker Practice Math STAAR (Mar. 20)
📌 24 Instructional Days – Parker Practice Science STAAR (Mar. 24)
📌 37 Instructional Days – RLA STAAR (Apr. 14)
📌 42 Instructional Days – Science STAAR (Apr. 21)
📌 44 Instructional Days – Math STAAR (Apr. 23)
📌 54 Instructional Days – IRT #4 Window (May 7 – 15)
📌 62 Instructional Days – NWEA MAP End-of-Year Testing (May 19 – 21)
Even our highest-achieving students are expected to demonstrate measurable academic growth, and this refined Academic Encore structure helps ensure every student is appropriately challenged and supported. As a campus we remain committed to balancing academic excellence and musical excellence while ensuring each child receives personalized support to reach their full potential. It just finding the right balance for the uniqueness of our campus.
-Principal Carter
THE SUMMIT SHREDDER AWARD 🥷
TITLE I MEETING - Feb. 27th
The month of February let’s continue practicing kindness together in school, as a family and in our community.
Week 2- Building Empathy Through The Effective Communication Method.
Watch our second 4-part miniseries video about Kindness. Communicating clearly helps us understand ourselves and others. When we share our feelings and needs directly, we build empathy, strengthen connection and move through life with a lighter emotional load.
Use the Effective Communication Sentence frame:
- I feel…
- When…
- (Because…)
- I need
Keep practicing.
Take turns using the Effective Communication Method.
Watch it do it’s magic as you become more effective, direct, assertive communicators.
--
Susan Carlock, School Counselor
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING 🥣
PTO & PARKER FRIENDS UPDATES
✅ This Week’s To-Do List
📬 Did You See Yesterday’s Newsletter?
Be sure to read the newsletter that went out yesterday — there’s even a fun hidden message inside 👀… two more emails will be accepted today!
Click here to read it! (It's short)
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