January 11, 2026

Middle of the year (MOY) testing began last week and will continue over the next couple of weeks with students across the campus with the following assessments:

• PreK students are being assessed using the CIRCLE assessment

• Kinder–2nd grade students are being assessed using the DIBELS assessments

This week, Parker students will participate in NWEA MAP testing. NWEA MAP is an adaptive assessment that measures academic growth. At Parker, we take MAP testing as seriously as STAAR, as it is a major indicator used to inform instruction, student support, and academic planning.

Testing Schedule This Week (Closed Campus Days):

• Tuesday (Jan. 13th): Math (Kinder - 5th)

• Wednesday (Jan. 14th): Reading (3rd - 5th)

• Thursday (Jan 15th): Science (3rd - 5th)

To support your child, please ensure they are well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Most importantly, remind students that their job is simply to do their best.

Because MAP is adaptive, students may see questions they have not yet been taught. This is intentional and helps us understand what students are ready to learn next. How students experience testing is often shaped by how adults talk about it. When we frame assessments calmly and confidently, we help students manage their own stress and approach testing with a healthy mindset.

Our students want to do well, and we love that about them. With your support, we can help them feel prepared, confident, and focused without unnecessary pressure.

Thank you for partnering with us to support our Parker Lions during testing week.

-Principal Carter

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

• Meeting: January 22 at 6pm
• RSVP by January 20

☐ Purchase Auction Gala tickets

• Disco Rodeo • Friday, February 27
• Early bird pricing available now

☐ Support Spirit Day at CoffeeTrend

• Tuesday, January 13
• 10% of sales benefit Parker PTO

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Jeanette Mueller
President, Parker Elementary PTO
www.parkerpto.org
832-987-2052 (PTO)

Piano Workshop

TODAY IS THE LAST to order an ad in the Workshop Concert program or order a t-shirt! Click here to place your order.

Suzuki Workshop

Program ads and t-shirt orders are due TODAY, click here to place your order.

Music Fees

We need your help. Only 33% (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