Parsons Pirate Update
September 15th, 2025
Dear Parsons Families,
We have started the year with amazing attendance! Keep it up! We even had a day last week where ALL of our 5th graders were at school. Our attendance is much better than this time last year. Last year at this time, we had 13.63% chronic absence and this year we have 9.59%! Several of our classes have enjoyed the infamous 30 second dance party for perfect class attendance.
If you only have a few minutes to skim, there's a new summary below of new items to the update. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
We would love to celebrate your child's birthday at school with their friends! We understand that birthdays are a big deal and bring a lot of excitement. Many classrooms do special birthday cards and celebrations. However, there are a few guidelines we ask families to follow when bringing in items for their child's birthday. Please communicate with your child's teacher if you plan to bring goodies for their classroom. This will help to ensure teachers are aware and can also share if there are any allergies or unique circumstances within the classroom. If you plan to bring items, we ask that items be prepackaged so they can easily be handed out or sent home with their friends.
Acceptable items are
individually pre-packaged snacks (popcorn, goldfish, cheez-its, animal crackers, etc)
goodie bags with items such as pencils, little trinkets/toys
Please do NOT send cupcakes as they will be sent home.
WATCH D.O.G.S. is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears.
During your day as a WatchDOG, you will move from class to class. You may help students with assignments, work in a small group, help out at lunch, etc.
Our WatchDOG kickoff will be October 2nd from 6:00-7:00.
Download the Parent Square App today! Use your email and phone number you used when you registered to log in.
We use ParentSquare at the District, school and classroom level to communicate with families.
What is ParentSquare?
ParentSquare is a simple-to-use platform that provides a safe way for everyone at a school to connect. With ParentSquare, you'll be able to:
- Receive messages from the district and school via email, text or app notification
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage in your school community
- Direct message teachers, staff and other parents
- Participate in group messages
- Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
- Sign forms & permission slips
- And more all from your phone or web portal!
As we begin the new school year, we want to take a moment to remind you about an important safety measure in place across the Gibraltar School District: the SmartBoot System.
This system was installed last year using bond funds and state grant sources, and it provides both physical and technological protection for our students and staff. It allows for quick classroom lockdowns, instant communication across the building, and direct connection with law enforcement in the event of an emergency. Color-coded room signage has also been added to help staff and first responders quickly locate individuals if needed. Last spring, staff and students were trained in the system, and age-appropriate assemblies will continue to reinforce its purpose.
A Serious Reminder About Tampering
We want to be very clear: any tampering with or false activation of the SmartBoot System—or any other safety system, such as a fire alarm—is strictly prohibited.
Pulling a false alarm or misusing the system is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Consequences may include suspension or expulsion.
These actions may also result in legal consequences, as interfering with a safety device is against state law.
Our partnership with you is vital. Please take time to speak with your child about the importance of respecting these emergency systems and using them only when absolutely necessary. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our schools safe.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect the safety and well-being of our school community.
Welcome back to a new school year! As we get ready to begin, we want to share some important updates regarding district-issued technology devices to help ensure a smooth start and responsible use throughout the year.
Beginning in August 2025, any fines from the Technology Department will be posted in MiStar and can be viewed and paid in the Parent Portal. For significant fines, or fines that result from an office referral, you will also receive communication from your child’s school explaining the situation. You can view a list of the most common fines, explanations, and fees here.
We encourage you to review Chromebook care with your child. This care guide can help you start the conversation:
Nightly Downtime (Grades K–8)
To promote healthy technology habits and allow devices to rest, all district-issued Chromebooks for students up through K–8 will automatically power down and be unusable each night from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Technology Agreement & Acceptable Use
Whenever a district-issued Chromebook is in use, students are expected to follow our Technology Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy. Our filtering system monitors browsing and search activity to help ensure safety. Misuse will result in follow-up from district staff and may lead to discipline and/or restrictions on Chromebook use.
Examples of misuse include (but are not limited to):
Intentional tampering with the device
Attempting to bypass filters
Using proxies or VPNs
Intentional or attempted damage to the device
Using the device to violate the Student Code of Conduct outlined in each school’s handbook
We appreciate your partnership in helping students use technology responsibly, safely, and productively.
