January 18, 2026

We are proud to share outstanding academic progress from our students following our Middle-of-Year NWEA MAP assessments in Reading, Math, and Science.

Across all tested areas, Parker continues to demonstrate high growth and high achievement, reflecting the collective effort of our students, teachers, and families.

Math

• 69th percentile in growth

• 80th percentile in achievement

• 5 out of 6 tested grade levels scored in the 61st–80th percentile or higher for growth

• All grade levels increased by six or more points in achievement

• 3rd and 4th grade moved from 61st–80th percentile to >80th percentile from fall to winter

Reading

• 67th percentile in growth

• 78th percentile in achievement

• Every grade level scored at or above the 60th percentile for growth

• Achievement increased from fall to winter across all grade levels

• A special shout-put for 2nd grade, who earned the highest growth and reached the 80th percentile

Science

• 72nd percentile in growth

• Achievement increased from the 74th to the 82nd percentile

• Every grade level scored at or above the 66th percentile

• All grade levels grew three or more points in achievement

As we move into the next phase of the school year, our focus will remain grounded in student data.

• Students who are below benchmark will receive targeted, intentional interventions designed to help them reach grade-level expectations.

• Students who are meeting or exceeding benchmark will engage in extension and acceleration, with increased exposure to higher-level content, deeper thinking tasks, and opportunities to apply learning in more complex ways.

This next stretch of the school year is especially important. When students are already achieving at high levels, continued growth requires intentional planning, strong Tier 1 instruction, and purposeful extension opportunities.

Our instructional teams will use assessment data to ensure that every student receives exactly what they need; whether that is reinforcement, support, or acceleration.

Education is much like tending a growing plant. You may not see progress every single day, but with consistent care, strong instruction, and the right conditions, growth begins to show and that is exactly what we are seeing across Parker.

These results show that our students are not only meeting expectations, they are continuing to grow academically at high levels.

We are incredibly proud of our students and thankful for our teachers’ dedication and our families’ continued partnership. Together, we will continue to build on this momentum and support every learner as they grow.

-Principal Carter

Last week was our first week removing the cones during carpool since we had the artwork done and we are proud to share that our students did an excellent job following expectations.

As we continue this transition, we want to take a moment to remind families of several important carpool safety expectations. These procedures are in place to protect our students, families, and staff and must be followed at all times:

• No cell phone use in a school zone. Please remember that the entire carpool area is considered a school zone.

• Remain in your designated lane. Vehicles should never cross over the yellow painted area. This space is a student crosswalk and must remain clear at all times to ensure student safety.

• Please show respect to staff and students who are assisting during morning arrival. They are there to help keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.

• Follow staff directions carefully. Our team members are simultaneously managing traffic flow and safely escorting students across the crosswalk.

We appreciate your cooperation and partnership as we work together to keep arrival safe for everyone.

-Gina Garcia, Assistant Principal

Ten lucky students were invited to tour the Contemporary Arts Museum with resident artist, Janice Warren on Saturday. These fifth graders (and one sibling) toured the art on display by Tomashi Jackson and then created collages inspired by the artist. The CAMH is hosting a family event on January 24 from 1-4pm if your family would also like to tour and create collages.

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- Julie Dickinson, Art Instructor

3rd-5th Grade Parents,

Join us for STAAR Night on Wednesday, January 28th. Teachers will be leading sessions discussing what students should expect on the STAAR and share strategies and resources kids can use at home.

We'll have childcare for school aged students downstairs so parents can focus on the teachers' sessions. Pizza will be provided before the sessions in the cafeteria from 5:30-6. Please use the QR code on the flyer or click here to RSVP so we have enough pizza available.

**Note, this is a new date! We will no longer have STAAR Night on Thursday, January 29th as previously scheduled.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Heather Grosso at hgrosso@houstonisd.org

- Heather Grosso, Teacher Specialist

Respect means viewing others positively, recognizing their worth, dignity and rights.

It involves treating people with consideration, courtesy and understanding.

Week 1- This week, show respect by listening actively to others.

When someone else is talking, be present, listen actively with no judgement. Wait for others to finish their ideas before you ask questions or share your thoughts.

Week 2- This week, show respect by using polite language.

Use kind words when you talk about yourself, to others or about others.

Week 3- This week, show respect by acknowledging others’ perspectives. Listen to others, share your thoughts politely, and accept that it is okay to have a different opinion or perspective.

Week 4-This week, show respect by being courteous.

Show your manners, use kind language like please and thank you. Be courteous and considerate by respecting other people’s space and feelings.

-Mrs. Susan Carlock, Counselor

☐ RSVP for the January PTO Meeting
📅 January 22 at 6:00 PM
RSVP by the morning of January 20

• This is also a great opportunity to stop by and check the Lost & Found for any unlabeled items.
• RSVP by the morning of January 20
• This is also a great opportunity to stop by and check the Lost & Found for any unlabeled items.

• Early bird pricing is available now

• A tentative schedule is now available on the website, with the final list shared online and at the PTO meeting on January 22.

Music Fees

We need your help. Only 34% (1 out of 3 families) have paid their music fees, and the program depends on your support. Pay here or download a paper form here.

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Julie Doyle-Madrid (She/Her/Hers)

Executive Director

Parker Friends

julie@parkerfriends.org

www.parkerfriends.org

832-910-7761