PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Message from Principal Blagg

Good afternoon Parker Families:

We had a fantastic first week of school at Parker! The start of school often comes with feelings of excitement, joy, anxiety, and trepidation. We have been so impressed with how seamlessly so many of our students have handled the transition to a new school year, new teachers, and for our fifth graders, a new school! The students have spent the bulk of the first week learning the new routines and expectations while engaging with team building exercises to start building relationships and community. Next week we will start to dive into our core curriculum in earnest.

During our grade-level assemblies, we encouraged students to always put forth their best effort. As students progress through middle school, the academics will naturally become more challenging, and with that comes moments of struggle and perseverance. We want students to understand that challenges are part of the learning process and that asking for help is a sign of strength. All learners encounter obstacles at times, but what matters most is how they respond—with resilience, effort, and a growth mindset. We ask that you help reinforce this message at home by encouraging your child to do their best, seek support when needed, and embrace learning as a journey. Our staff is fully committed to guiding each student as they grow, learn, and thrive—while having fun along the way!

School Hours

The school day runs from 8:19AM - 2:40PM.

Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:00 using the lot off of Crooked Spring Road. Upon entering the lot off Crooked Spring Road, the drop-off line will have two lanes. This allows for a more orderly drop off while avoiding a backup onto Crooked Spring. Please see the map below and pay careful attention to the drop off area. It is unsafe for students to be dropped off anywhere but the drop area as there are many cars and moving parts in the back lot.
Students taking the bus to school will enter through the main lobby.
At the 2:40 dismissal, students taking a bus will exit through the main lobby.
All student pick-ups will take place in the rear lot off of Crooked Spring Road.
Students who walk or ride bikes, etc., can exit through the main lobby or exit to Crooked Spring.

*The morning drop-off and after-school pick up procedures tend to be very busy. Please be patient and understand that it will take some time to develop the routine with which people will become familiar and comfortable.

Please see the attached image showing the drop-off traffic pattern.

New Security Vestibule
We are pleased to share that construction of a new security entrance vestibule at Parker is nearly complete and will be operational after Labor Day. This system, already in place at Chelmsford High School and McCarthy Middle School, allows our staff to safely process visitors, tardy students, and dismissals in a secure environment. Please remember to bring a photo ID when visiting or dismissing your child. We are grateful to Dr. Lang and our district leadership for supporting this important enhancement, which reinforces our commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and nurturing school community.

Have a great long Labor Day weekend. I hope it is filled with family, friends, relaxation, and fun. Please reach out if you need support.

Warm regards,

Josh

IMPORTANT DATES:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Friday, August 29th - No School

Monday, September 1st - No School (Labor Day)

Tuesday, September 2nd - School Resumes

Thursday, September 11th - Open House for Grade 5 Curriculum Night 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 16th - School Picture Day

Wednesday, September 17th - Early Release Day dismissal at 11:10 a.m.

Thursday, September 25th - Open House for Grade 6 Curriculum Night 6-7:30 p.m.

BUS REGISTRATION

It’s time to register on-line to ride the bus for the 2025/2026 school year using MYSCHOOLBUCKS. Please view the Chelmsford Public School (CPS) website to register your student . Student ID number OR Student Date of Birth is needed to register. See link below for more information:

Bus Registration 2026

CPS FAMILY/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Parents,

Please see link below for the Chelmsford Public Schools 2025-2026 Family/Student Handbook for your reference. https://chelmsfordschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Family-and-Student-Handbook-2025-2026-FINAL.pdf

ATTENDANCE

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.

FROM PARKER PTO

Welcome Parker Families! Parker PTO has some exciting activities planned for the 2025/2026 school year! We will be looking for parent volunteers to help with some amazing school events throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for more information and volunteer sign ups in the upcoming weeks!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Parker PTO at PTOParker@gmail.com. As always, thank you for your continued support of our school!

https://pto.chelmsfordschools.org/parker-pto/

SEPTEMBER SKETCHBOOK SPECTACULAR

What is Sketchbook Spectacular 2025-2026?

It is a FREE art initiative open to artists of all ages in the Chelmsford community and beyond. All mediums are welcome, including drawing, watercolor, and collage. Participants are encouraged to explore prompts in their sketchbooks, but the prompts can also inspire free-standing artwork. Developed by Parker Middle School artist-educator Ashley Norman, this project is perfect for starting or maintaining an art practice throughout the year. A new calendar of prompts will be shared each month via school email and on Instagram@chelmsford_middle_school_art and @artedgeek.

Want to Share Your Work?

Email your art to normana@chelmsford.k12.ma.us