PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Dear Parker Families,

We had another busy week at Parker. We had a few hot days that gave everyone a sneak peak into summer. This year's MCAS assessments are now complete, and I am proud of how hard our students worked.

We had a schoolwide assembly honoring Memorial Day this morning. Our Select Chorus, Festival Band, and Festival Orchestra performed a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Following the anthem, one student from each team recited poems and meaningful quotes honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the freedoms we all hold so dear. I want to thank and congratulate the following students for speaking in front of 900 people today. They did so with poise and courage and we are so proud of them.

Grade 5

Explorers - Brady Sheehan ~ Voyagers - Eloise Duhamel

Navigators - Avery Stafford ~ Innovators - Felicity Dodge

Grade 6

Entrepreneurs - Olivia Hartwig ~ Engineers - Genesis Zerbinopolous

Inventors - Connor Dacier ~ Architects - Alex Provencher

Please see a few pictures from today's assembly below.

WE ARE PARKER - Thursday, June 4 - 5-8 PM - SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

We are excited to announce a wide school community celebration to culminate our year at Parker Middle School on Thursday June 4 from 5-8 PM. Working in conjunction with our Parker School Council made up of parents and staff members, we have planned a fun and family friendly event that will celebrate all of the wonderful strengths, interests, and personalities present in our community. There will be a variety of great activities that appeal to the diverse interests inherent in our school community including:

• A variety of food trucks representing multiple ethnic foods

• A cabaret show highlighting our talented actors and performers

• A badminton tournament

• An art exhibit and interactive maker space for children to create art

• Outside yard games and activities

There is no charge for the event except for any food purchased at the food trucks. This is a new tradition here at Parker and we hope to see you all there. Families are encouraged to drop in when they are able over the three hours. More information and a flyer can be seen below.

I hope that everyone has a great long weekend. Please reach out if you need support.

With Respect,

Josh

Tuesday, 5/26

Spring Track - Ms. Baker/Mr. Felzani - Practice - Meet in the cafeteria (2:40-3:40)

NOTE: There are NO Late Buses for the rest of the year. All students must be picked up at 3:40 in the back parking lot off Crooked Spring Road.

Thursday, 5/28

Spring Track - Ms. Baker/Mr. Felzani - Practice - Meet in the cafeteria (2:40-3:40)

NOTE: There are NO Late Buses for the rest of the year. All students must be picked up at 3:40 in the back parking lot off Crooked Spring Road.

Monday, May 25th - No School - Memorial Day

Thursday, June 4th - We Are Parker & Cabaret

Monday, June 15th - Last day of school-Early release-dismissal at 11:10 a.m.

REMINDER - PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS A 2:15 p.m. CUT-OFF TIME FOR ALL STUDENT DISMISSALS AS IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY MEASURE THAT ENSURES A SECURE AND ORDERLY END TO THE SCHOOL DAY.

~THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION WITH THIS POLICY. Please contact the office with any questions or concerns.

In order to provide a positive and engaging learning environment it is important that students are freed from unnecessary distractions. Cell phones and smart watches have proven to be a major distraction and source of anxiety and social drama for students.

If students need to contact home, they should see their teacher/administrator to receive permission to use the phone in the classroom or office. Conversely, if a parent needs to speak with a student, the parent should call the school office. All cell phones and/or smart watches should be off while in school. Any student using a cell phone and or smart watch while school is in session will have that cell phone and/or smart watch confiscated by administration. A first offense will lead to a warning and the administrator will return the phone to the student at the end of the day. Second and subsequent offenses will result in the phone being returned only to the parent and/or further disciplinary actions.

We would prefer that all cell phones and smart watches remain at home. If the cell phone and/or smart watch accompanies your child to school then please reinforce the expectation that they BOTH will be stored in their backpacks and powered down. Any communication with your child should be conducted through the main office or will be accessed after school has ended for the day. We appreciate your support for this policy. It is our experience that when freed from the pull of their phones and social media students are able to concentrate, be fully present, and be active participants in their education.

✏️📓 In person PTO Meeting -Thursday, June 11th @ 6:30 pm

Join us at our meeting to discuss activities for next year. Parker & McCarthy PTOs work collaboratively to provide community building activities, provide enrichment programs for our students and families and support our teachers. Upcoming events, activities and additional information can also be found on our new website. We still need volunteers for board and chair positions. Please reach out to us with any interest.

⚾🧢Lowell Spinners are BAAACK:

Enjoy this exclusive discount offer as the Lowell Spinners return to LeLacheur Park for their first season since 2019 and defend home turf against the Vermont Lake Monsters! Come support the Parker & McCarthy Middle schools and have a fun night at the ballpark with classmates & friends!! Click here to purchase tickets.

If your student is going to be absent, tardy or dismissed please:

Email: ParkerAttendance@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Please Send Email: Prior to 9am on the day of the absence. Please Include: Child’s name, Grade, and Reason for absence. We encourage you to use the email option when reporting an absence, dismissal, etc. for efficiency.

**PLEASE READ**

We will continue to send automated emails home when students are absent. You will receive the email whether you notified the school or not. In order for an absence to be marked as "Excused", families will need to provide medical documentation. Please call the office if you have any questions or need clarification. ~ Thank you for your understanding.

Email: robinsond@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://parker.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 75 Graniteville Road
Phone: 978-251-5133