PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Message from Principal Blagg

Good afternoon Parker Families:

We’ve had a wonderful week at Parker! Students have begun to engage with their new classes, and we are so impressed with how smoothly they are adjusting to new routines. For our fifth graders, learning to navigate the building is no small task, and they are doing so with confidence and positivity.

Of course, we also know that transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming. If your child is experiencing any challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher or school counselor. Dr. Autumn Dolan is our fifth-grade counselor, and Ms. Melissa MacIsaac serves as our sixth-grade counselor. We are here to partner with you and to support your child every step of the way.

Kindness Spirit Week and the Bionic Project

Next week, September 8–12, we will launch our first community-building initiative of the year. We are thrilled to welcome back the Bionic Project, an inspiring organization that promotes inclusion, accessibility, and the celebration of individual abilities.

Friday, September 12: The Bionic Project team will host assemblies for our fifth graders in the morning, sharing their powerful message of access, inclusion, and proactive compassion. In the afternoon, students will participate in soccer clinics where they will try adaptive equipment used by Nico and his fellow amputee athletes—a hands-on experience designed to build empathy, appreciation, and understanding.
Tuesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 11: Two-person teams from the Bionic Project will lead small-group workshops with our sixth graders. These sessions are designed to empower students to see themselves as agents of positive change within their community.

In conjunction with this visit, we will celebrate Kindness Spirit Week, encouraging students to show their Parker Pride by demonstrating acts of kindness and inclusion. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to express unity, build community, and embody the values that make Parker such a special place. Please see the flier with the Spirit Days below.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

This week’s SEL Block will also focus on inclusion, a core Parker value and a perfect complement to the Bionic Project’s work. Students will reflect on their personal strengths and challenges, and then explore ways to embrace and support those who may be different from themselves.

Family conversation starter:
Consider asking your child if they have ever felt excluded, or if they can recall a time they helped include someone who was left out. How did those experiences make them feel? These conversations can deepen empathy and help students connect classroom lessons to their own lives.

We look forward to a meaningful and uplifting week together. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support your child in any way.

Warm Regards,

Josh

IMPORTANT DATES:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Monday, September 8th thru Friday, September 12th - KINDNESS SPIRIT WEEK! See flyer below

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.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY

SMILE! School Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th. Picture forms envelopes will be sent home with your student on Monday, September 8th. Please check in with your student and follow instructions to fill out form. Please call the office with any questions.

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