PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Good afternoon Parker Families:

We had a busy snow shortened week at Parker after returning from February vacation. The staff and students dove right back into their units of study. As I visit classrooms I am struck with the high level of engagement, curiosity, and joy present in so many classrooms. It is a credit to our fantastic staff who work so hard to create a nurturing and stimulating classroom learning environment.

ALICE Drill

Our school conducted our district safety protocol drill known as an ALICE Drill today. We worked in conjunction with the Chelmsford Police and Fire Departments who were on hand to observe our drill. The students and staff responded quickly and decisively using our options-based protocol . I know that practicing these drills can raise anxiety in our students, but it is vital to be prepared to act in the unlikely event the need should arise. I am proud of our students and staff for how seriously they conducted themselves.

John Morello - 6th Grade Presentation "Dirt" - Tue March 3

We are excited to present John Morello and his one man show "Dirt" to all sixth-grade students at the CHS Performing Arts Center on Tuesday March 3 during the school day. John is an actor who creatively tells stories, inhabits relatable characters, and asks questions in a way that respects his audience. Praised by the New York Times for this work that is both hysterical and touching, John creates honest conversations about mental health, addiction, bullying, poverty, and resilience.

Second Step - Social Emotional Learning

Both grade 5 and Grade 6 engaged in lessons focusing on Bullying and Harassment this week. Please find a brief summary of next week's lesson along with a conversation prompt that may open the door to some great dialogue with your child.

Grade 5: Standing Up and Staying Safe

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will evaluate each upstander strategy (speaking up, offering support, and telling a trusted adult) in depth, with an emphasis on safety. They’ll evaluate the safety of each upstander strategy in different situations and consider their own level of comfort with each strategy.

Question: Tell your child about a time you used one of these strategies in your life recently. Tell them how you decided which strategy to use.

Grade 6: The 6 R's of Bullying

Summary: In this week’s lesson, students explore a powerful set of tools that can help us understand and tackle bullying. These tools are known as the Six R's:

Question: Ask your child to recount a time that they have either experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment. Ask them how they navigated the situation and whether the tools they learned about today would have helped.

Preventing Loss through Education and Awareness

March 19 - 6-7 pm McCarthy Middle School

Please consider attending this powerful program focused on educating our students and families about the dangers of alcohol and prescription drug use. More information is below.

We are excited to announce Parker's 2nd Annual STEM Fair (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) on March 26. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to embrace inquiry and investigation in a fun and supportive setting. Students are encouraged to work in teams, pairs, or individually. The registration deadline to enter the fair is March 14. Please have your child sign up soon so they don't miss out on this great opportunity. More information can be found below.

STEM Fair Registration Form.

Have a great week everyone. Please reach out if you need support.

Warm regards,

Josh

Tuesday - March 3rd

Art Club–Ms. Annunziata–Room 4–Grade 6 Today

ASL-American Sign Language - Ms. Hamilton - Room 117

Festival Orchestra - Ms. Tiano - Room 8

Intramurals-Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Hardock, Ms. Olsson-GYM-GRADE 5-GROUP 5A

Jazz Band - Mr. Linsner - Band Room

Mindfulness & Crafts-Ms. Marino–Room 124

PLEASE NOTE RUNNING CLUB will NOT be meeting until the SPRING.

Wednesday - March 4th

Book Club - Ms. Beaudoin - Room 125

Homework Club - Ms. Hamilton - Room 117

Fitness Club - Mr. Lee - Fitness Room - New Group Names are posted on Bulletin Board

Intramurals - Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Hardock, Ms. Olsson- Grade 6 - GYM

Parker Cares - Ms. Rappaport - Room 109

Power Hour – Ms. Panneton - Room 213B

Seasonal Crafts/No Bake Club-Ms. Stutz - Room 107

Thursday - March 5th

Art Club - Ms. Annunziata - Room 4 - Group 5A

Festival Band - Mr. Linsner-Band Room

Game Club - Ms. Baillargeon-Library- GRADE 6 TODAY

Green Club - Ms. Engel & Ms. Merrill - Room PC4

Intramurals - Mr. McCarthy, Ms. Hardock, Ms. Olsson-Grade 5-Group 5B-GYM

Stand-Up Parker-Mr. Lee - Conference Room 240A

BEST BUDDIES, DRAMA CLUB, INTRAMURALS & YEARBOOK CLUB-Please check google classroom for schedule. ~THANK YOU

Monday, March 2nd thru Friday, March 6th - Spirit Week, see flyer below

Sunday, March 8th-"Spring Forward" don't forget to turn your clocks forward

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

Thursday, March 26th - STEM Fair 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. see flyer above for details

Tuesday, April 7th-Early Release Day-dismissal at 11:10 a.m.

Monday, April 20th thru Friday, April 24th - April Vacation Week

Monday, April 27th-School Resumes

BRRR!!! It's cold outside!! Parker students will still be going outside for recess/outside break every day, weather permitting. Please BUNDLE UP!! Remember to wear appropriate clothing, sweatshirts, warm coats, hats and gloves are recommended.

REMINDER - PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS SET A 2:15 p.m. CUT-OFF TIME FOR ALL STUDENT DISMISSALS AS IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY MEASURE THAT ENSURES A SECURE AND ORDERLY END TO THE SCHOOL DAY.

~THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION WITH THIS POLICY. Please contact the office with any questions or concerns.

DRAMA: Check schedule weekly for updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bkuEEpcdfAKv7FGLqdZp5EKnc6IKpymJmRHEf1-cKmE/edit?tab=t.0

SELECT CHORUS: See the Fall/Winter schedule here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a9Sa7k8JvjQ53aaZi0qA30pR6OBp4P3cG2-SuDQybTI/edit?usp=sharing

We only have about 50 yearbooks left for sale! Order yours before they sell out at https://yearbookforever.com/

No books will be available for sale in June...don't miss out on capturing this year's memories!

PTO UPDATE

Check out the below upcoming PTO activities. You can always reach us at ptoParker@gmail.com. Parker & McCarthy PTOs work collaboratively to provide community building activities, provide enrichment programs for our students and families and support our teachers. Upcoming events, activities and additional information can also be found on our new website.

🎟️💰 Calendar Raffle: Don't forget to get your RAFFLES!

There are only a few days left to participate in this fundraiser. All proceeds go to supporting enrichment activities for your kids and teacher appreciation events for the teachers. Thank you to our fantastic local businesses for their generous donations! Don't forget that for every for every 10 raffle tickets sold your student will be entered to win one of the four GRAND PRIZE ITEMS:

• $200 Amazon Gift Card
• Apple Airpods
• UGG super cozy soft blanket (2 chances)

You only have a few days left to get your raffle tickets! So buy and share TODAY via this link or scan the below QR code. Online sales end on Saturday, February 28th.

All middle school students are invited to audition and attend! This is our version of a talent show.

• Auditions take place between 3/30 and 4/10 Sign up via this link
• Groups acts encouraged
• Emcees needed!
• See the attached flyer for more information.

🪩✨ Get ready to GLOW!

Our 7th Grade Black Light Dance is happening on Friday, March 6th from 7:00–9:00 PM in the McCarthy Middle School cafeteria & gym — and it’s going to be a bright, neon-filled night of music, friends, and fun!

We are looking for some 5th and 6th grade parents to help us make this event shine! 💡

• Volunteers to help with setup, decorations, handing out glow items, chaperones, and cleanup
• A co-lead (or two!) to help coordinate the event alongside us

Whether you can give an hour or want to take on a bigger role, we would LOVE your support. These events don’t happen without our amazing parent community!

👉 Sign up to volunteer here. If you’re interested in co-leading the dance or have questions, just email pto.mccarthy@gmail.com — we’d be thrilled to have you join the team! 🪩

Let’s make this a night the kids will never forget! ✨

The Box Tops for Education app allows you to earn cash for schools by purchasing participating Box Tops products and scanning your store receipts or digital receipts. You can download the free app for iOS and Android devices, select your school, scan the receipt, and the app automatically identifies and credits your school for the products. Earnings are posted to the school's account and checks are sent to the schools twice a year.

1. Download the App: Get the Box Tops for Education app from your device's app store.
2. Select Your School: Choose a school to support, or find a school in need.
3. Shop: Purchase Box Tops products that have the Box Tops icon.
4. Scan Receipts: Open the app, tap "Scan," and take a clear, well-lit photo of your store receipt to earn cash for your school.
5. Earn: The app automatically identifies the Box Tops products and adds the earnings to your school's account.
6. Receive Funds: Eligible schools receive checks twice a year based on the earnings credited to their accounts.

WAYS TO EARN: Connected Accounts: Connect your account to participating retailers, like Walmart, to automatically earn when you buy eligible products. Bonus Box Tops: Participate in special promotions and sweepstakes to earn extra earnings for your school.

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.

Directions to set up your account and order:

1. URL Link: https://family.onlineordering.linq.com/
2. Sign up now: Email, create password.
3. School District: Chelmsford Public Schools
4. Student ID: This can be found on X2-Student's ID Number
5. Last Name: (You can also search and add siblings/family members at this time). Once this is completed, student's name should appear on page

1. School Menu-select online lunch ordering (all schools)
2. Scroll to week of half day/early release date (top right of page)
3. Find date, select meal option
4. Add item to cart/Select add to order
5. Click on shopping cart icon at top right of page
6. Click check-out
7. Select pick-up location: Elementary pick-up location classroom. Middle/High school pick up location cafeteria.
8. Place order

Wednesday, March 11th

Tuesday, April 7th

Email: robinsond@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://parker.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 75 Graniteville Road
Phone: 978-251-5133