Parker Post

As we head into the final week of October and the last weeks of the first quarter, please check the portal to monitor your student's progress and encourage them to connect with their teachers if they have questions about grades or assignments. Quarter 1 closes on Friday, November 6th. Report cards will be available in the portal on Friday, November 13th.

October 30th: Since Halloween is next Saturday, October 31st, students may dress up during school on Friday, October 30th. Caregivers, please make sure any costume themes are age-appropriate, and we kindly request that students not wear masks or face coverings or bring toy weapons to school. A reminder that next Friday is also an Early Release Day for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:30pm on October 30th.

Have a great week!

In Partnership,
Jill Story

Principal

THIS WEEK:

October 27 - Northeast Tech presentation for 8th graders

October 30 - Early Release (dismissal @12:30pm)

ON THE HORIZON:

November 6 - Q1 grades close

November 9 - PTO Meeting, 7pm

November 10 - Veterans Day Assembly

November 11 - No School: Veterans Day

November 13 - Report Cards available in the portal

November 20 - No School: Caregiver Conferences

November 25 - Early Release (dismissal @10:45am)

November 26 & 27: No School: Thanksgiving Recess

To access the 2026-2027 District Calendar, click here.

For the daily rotation and a list of important Parker dates, click here.

We are excited to share that Parker has a new bike rack! This was made possible due to collaboration between the town and school. Thank you to the Reading DPW for supporting our vision!

This past week, a representative from Essex Tech visited Parker to discuss the vocational options available at the school. Reading students who wish to pursue the following programs of study would be eligible to attend Essex Tech since Northeast Metro Tech does not have these programs:

• Arboriculture
• Companion Animals
• Landscaping & Turf Management
• Large Animal Science
• Natural & Environmental Sciences
• Sustainable Horticulture
• Veterinary Science

A representative from Northeast Metro Tech will be visiting Parker this Tuesday to share information with all 8th graders about the vocational, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities available at students' home vocational school. Both schools will be holding open houses for prospective students in November for students and their families. See below for dates and registration information. Please note that both schools use a lottery system for admission.

NEMT Open House: 11/4 @6pm

Essex Tech Open House: 11/21 @8:30am or 11:30am

Please see the attachment below for information about how to request transcripts and letters of recommendations. It is important to have the student connect in person with the adults who they are asking to fill out applications or write letters well in advance of the application deadline.

• Northeast Metro Tech is holding an Open House on November 4th at 6pm. For more information, please visit their website or access the application portal: https://northeastmetrotech.com/admissions.

• Essex Agricultural School (Danvers, MA) is another option for students who are interested in programs that are not available through Northeast Metro Tech. Their Open House will be held on Saturday, November 21st. Two sessions will be offered. Pre-registration is required. Additional information is available at Essex North Shore. The application portal for the 2027-2028 school year is now available: https://essexnorthshore.org/admissions/
• RMHS is one of the top schools in MA to offer "Innovation Career Pathways", which are career-focused pathways in the areas of Engineering, the Arts, Healthcare, and Computer Science. This is another great option for those who want to experience a career pathway exploration experience during high school. Members of RMHS will come to Parker to share more on these programs during the winter.

Students who are registered to ride the bus received a bus pass this week in school. Students will need to show the driver the bus pass in order to ride the bus. Students who have not registered for the bus are not permitted to ride. We have been reviewing our bus registration lists and supervising boarding at dismissal to ensure only students who have registered are boarding and riding the bus. If you would like to register your student, please contact Olivia Lejeune (Olivia.Lejeune@reading.k12.ma.us).

PTO Fundraiser - LAST CALL: ends Monday 10/26

Get ready for the holidays and/or treat yourself!

Shop Pampered Chef for kitchen tools, gifts, and more, all while earning money for PTO programs!

https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/parkermiddleschool

The PTO needs your help to fund school-wide enrichment, community activities, teacher supplies, and more. Make a donation to the Parker PTO to support these activities for our school. The suggested dues amount is $100, but we appreciate whatever amount works for your family.

Pay online: https://givebutter.com/parker-pto-dues-donation-2026-2027 Checks are also welcome (payable to Parker PTO).

Join the PTO Directory!

Find out about the latest PTO activities and get reminders by opting in to our PTO mailing list. To opt-in through the Parent Portal:

• Log on to your Parent Portal account go to the pull down menu below your name.
• Choose Directory Listing on that pull down menu.
• A Directory Listing menu will appear.
• Click "List my information in the school directory"
• Select which information you would like to include in your listing.
• Click the blue "Save Directory Listings" button.

For any questions regarding dues or volunteer opportunities , please reach out directly to parkerptopres@gmail.com

• Email: parkerptopres@gmail.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkerPTO
• Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO, www.instagram.com/parkermspto
• Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage
• Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO, www.instagram.com/parkermspto
• Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage

Nov 14 (Sat) 4-7pm, Kiely Family Backyard; RSVP requested but not required

Join us for an adult patio social and craft night at the Kiely family's backyard. BYOB. Email sepacreading@gmail.com for the address and to RSVP. Reservations are requested for food planning purposes but are not required. Hope to see you there.

Open call for SEPAC Board Candidates and SEPAC School Liaisons

Join us for a FREE Reading METCO family event!

We're heading to Boston Bowl in Dorchester, MA, for a fun-filled day of bowling, food, and family time!

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Boston Bowl
820 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122

The first 100 families to RSVP will attend for FREE!

RSVP Here

Your free admission includes: Pizza, beverages, an arcade game card

Come spend time with our Reading METCO community, connect with other families, and enjoy a fun day together!

Space is limited, so RSVP early to secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!

Warmly,
Reading METCO Team

Raising and supporting children with different strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world can bring both rewarding moments and unique challenges. You don’t have to navigate it alone! Join us as we kick off this year’s Rooted in the Village series with a relaxed evening gathering for parents and caregivers. This supportive space is an opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn practical tips and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and children with unique learning, behavioral, or emotional needs. Come with questions, experiences to share, or simply a desire to listen and connect. See the flier for more information. Register here!

A Little Help Can Make a Big Difference This Holiday Season!

The Reading Adopt-A-Family Program is here to support families who may need extra assistance during the holidays. This wonderful community initiative provides Thanksgiving food baskets, Holiday/Christmas food baskets, and gifts for children ages 18 and younger.

The program is coordinated by the Reading Rotary Club and Reading Cares, with support from Reading Elder/Human Services, Reading DPW, and other community partners.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES – APPLY SOON!

October 31, 2026 – Thanksgiving Basket Applications

November 12, 2026 – Holiday/Christmas Assistance Applications

Who Can Apply?

Families who live in Reading or have children enrolled in Reading Public Schools may qualify if they meet the program's eligibility requirements, including proof of need and residency and having at least one child age 18 or younger.

All applications are handled confidentially. Families are assigned identification numbers to protect their privacy and dignity.

Want to Help a Family?

Individuals, families, businesses, community groups, and school organizations can participate by donating food baskets, purchasing gifts from children's wish lists, or making monetary contributions.

Would You Like to Donate Money Instead?

If you would love to support the Reading Adopt-A-Family Program but don't have time to shop for food or gifts this year, monetary donations are also welcome! ❤️

How to Donate:

Please make your check payable to Reading Rotary and mail it to:

Adopt-A-Family Program (AAF)
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867

Your generosity helps support local families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Every contribution, big or small, can make a meaningful difference!

Questions? Contact ReadingAAF@gmail.com or call 781-942-6678.

Applications:

​AAF_Recipient_Forms (1).zip​

Applications are also available through Reading Town Hall and the Reading Food Pantry.

Need help completing the application or understanding the process?

Contact Taiana Pereira, Family Engagement Liaison, at taiana.pereira@reading.k12.ma.us. I am happy to help families navigate the application process .

Our community is stronger when we support one another! ❤️

📅Registration for the Spring 2026 Reading Youth Lacrosse season (Grades Pre-K thru 8) is now open! We welcome players of all skill levels, and no prior experience is required.

The 2026 season will begin in late March and run through mid-June. Each week will include 1–2 practices, followed by a game on Sunday. Visit www.ReadingLacrosse.org for more info.

🚀Registration for Spring Select Team evaluations is also open. If you are interested in trying out for Select (Grades 3–8), you must register for both Classic AND Select. Evaluations for Select will take place in November this year, with dates to be announced soon.

⏰ Registration ends October 31st!

🔗 Sign up here: https://readinglax.demosphere-secure.com/_registration/

Are you ready, kids?

Dive into Bikini Bottom as the award-winning Reading Memorial High School Drama Club proudly presents The SpongeBob Musical!

Dates:

Friday, November 6th at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 7th at 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 8th at 2:00 pm

Friday, November 13th at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 14th at 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 15th, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Location: William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center, Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Rd, Reading, MA 01867

Tickets: Grab yours today at www.rmhsdrama.org

This 12-time Tony-nominated Broadway hit is a tidal wave of fun for audiences of all ages! When a volcanic eruption threatens to destroy their underwater home, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy must team up to save the day.

Packed with offbeat humor, dazzling costumes, and a superstar soundtrack featuring songs written by legends like John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and Panic! At The Disco, it’s a brilliant, colorful spectacle that proves the power of optimism really can save the world.

Don't miss this high-energy community event—get your tickets before they sell out! www.rmhsdrama.org

This hands-on event is aimed toward K-8th graders interested in STEM.

If you need to connect with your child's teachers, please reach out to the Team Leader as the primary point of contact. Team Leaders will be communicating regularly with families throughout the year.

TEAM LEADERS:

Team Synergy - Jane Costa (jane.costa@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Unity - Elisabeth Bean (elisabeth.bean@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Justice - Andrew Spinali (andrew.spinali@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Integrity - Steve Olivo (steve.olivo@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Inspire - Julie Merrill (julie.merrill@reading.k12.ma.us)

Team Endeavor - Ryan Maloney (ryan.maloney@reading.k12.ma.us)

Here is who to contact for questions related to the following:

• For questions about a specific class or subject, reach out to the teacher.
• To set up a meeting with the team, reach out to the team leader.
• For questions related to your child's IEP, reach out to the case manager.
• For more general special education related questions, reach out to Team Chair Victoria Ryan (victoria.ryan@reading.k12.ma.us).
• For 504 related questions, reach out to 504 Coordinator Beth Simpson (beth.simpson@reading.k12.ma.us).
• If you have a social-emotional concern, reach out to one of the school adjustment counselors (Ms. Creighton - sarah.creighton@reading.k12.ma.us or Ms. Quevedo - katherine.quevedo@reading.k12.ma.us).
• To report an absence, tardy, or dismissal, email WSPAbsences@reading.k12.ma.us.
• If you have a logistical question, please call the main office (781-944-1236).

Parker Middle School is excited to launch its new official Instagram page [wsparker_ms].

Follow us to stay updated on:

• Daily school events and activities
• Student achievements and highlights
• Important reminders and announcements

Click the Instagram icon to follow us today!

Need assistance logging in to the Parent Portal? Locked out of Google Classroom? Can't get into your school email account?

For all technology questions related to the portal, school email, or Google Classroom, please reach out to Parker's Technology Integration Specialist, Linnea Frye (linnea.frye@reading.k12.ma.us).

On Wednesdays, students will have Advisory. During Advisory, students meet in smaller groups with an assigned Advisory teacher. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging for all students through the implementation of curriculum that is designed to reinforce Parker's core values of kindness, community, and personal best.

Access to the portal can be found on the Parker website (https://parker.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US) by clicking on the PlusPortals button. Your username should be your personal email. If you have questions about your account, please contact Linnea Frye: linnea.frye@reading.k12.ma.us

Jill Story, Principal

Email: jill.story@reading.k12.ma.us

Beth Simpson, Assistant Principal

Email: beth.simpson@reading.k12.ma.us

Website: Walter S. Parker Middle School
Location: 45 Temple Street