PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Good afternoon Parker Families:

It was another busy week at Parker. The warmer temperatures allowed for some much-needed melting of the ice and snow which opened up more areas for fun at recess. The students continue to work hard at building skills and independence as they engage in their studies. We have refreshed the book vending machine at school with some fabulous new titles. The books only cost $2 as our amazing PTO has defrayed the cost for our students. Whether the kids buy their books here or elsewhere we encourage them to read. It is the single most impactful activity to improve comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and written expression. Reading also helps students broaden their perspectives and make sense of their world.

Youth Art Exhibition

It was tremendous to view the works of our talented Parker artists at the Annual K-12 Youth Art Exhibition on Wednesday at the Chelmsford Public Library. Under the direction of Ms. Dawnmari Annunziata and Ms. Ashley Norman, our Parker students were showcased and celebrated by the community along with the other schools in the district. The exhibition was truly inspiring. Kudos to our amazing artists and their talented teachers!

Second Step - Social Emotional Learning

We will start a new unit on Empathy and Kindness in Grade 5 and will continue our unit on Developing a Positive Sense of Self in Grade 6. 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: Empathy in the Community

Summary

In this lesson, your child will describe how empathy can help someone identify and solve a problem in their community.

Try This at Home

Point out something that has changed for the better in your neighborhood recently. Ask your child why they think that change is helpful. Point out how empathy might have helped someone decide to make that change.

Grade 6: Multiple Guiding Principles

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to use multiple guiding principles when making a decision.

Question: Ask your child about decisions they’ve made where they used or could have used their guiding principles.

STEM Fair - March 27

We are excited to announce Parker's first STEM Fair (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) on March 27. 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.

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

Warm Regards,

Josh

Important Dates:

Until MARCH 31st - SNOWMAN CONTEST see details below

March 3rd through March 7th - Community Read-In

Thursday, March 6th-DISTRICT WIDE PAJAMA DAY & BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH DAY-SEE NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

Wednesday, March 12th - Early Release Day - dismissal at 11:10

Friday, March 14th - "Pi Day"

Thursday, March 27th - STEM FAIR

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Congratulations to our talented Parker Artists whose artwork from Ms Annunziata and Mrs. Norman's Studio Arts classes were chosen for the 2025 Chelmsford K-12 Student Art Exhibit which will be on exhibit at Chelmsford Public Library for the month of March.

Elizabeth Grann, Grade 5, "Nezuko"

Phoebe Loban, Grade 5, "The Lucky Flower"

Carson Kim, Grade 6, "Alfred"

Corin McMillian, Grade 6, "Sunset on the Orange Lake"

Ezrah Kostanski, Grade 6, "The Lost Light"

Grace Camire, Grade 6, "Autumn Day"

Emma Souza, Grade 6, "Autumn Leaves"

Matthew McConnell, Grade 6, "The Swimming Spot"

Ryan Oliveira, Grade 6, "Color Through the Trees"

Nate Howarth, Grade 6, "Tree by the Sunset

IN ADDITION TO THE ART WORK ON DISPLAY AT THE CHELMSFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY THAT IS VIEWED IN-PERSON, WE ALSO HAVE MANY PIECES CURRENTLY DISPLAYED AS PART OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ART EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL EXHIBIT! Click the link below to view:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P9j7QZLG-yCkPY6Mqb49x3opSM-M1oGDzqvzH25PytA/edit?usp=sharing

Order your Yearbook Soon!

Don't miss out on the chance to remember this year in photos. Our Yearbook Club has been working hard to make this the best yearbook ever.

We only have about 10 yearbooks left and they are selling fast! No yearbooks will be available for purchase in June. Online pre-orders are the only way to purchase your book.

Please visit Yearbook Forever to order.

Parker students are invited to create a STEM project for the 1st Annual Parker STEM Fair! This is a fun event intended to nurture the children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math. There is no judging, but a STEM fair official will visit every project and talk to each child about their topic.

Please see attachment below for more information and details. STEM Fair Registration Form

To redeem School Dollars, all shoppers need to do is enter the unique printout code and store number on the Hannaford Helps Schools program website and select their school. Each School Dollar printout has a QR code that will bring shoppers directly to this link, ensuring that redeeming School Dollars is as easy as possible. Please note that the in-store collection tower has been eliminated. However, schools will be able to turn in School Dollar printouts. Just send into the Parker Main Office.

The Lost and Found racks are chock-full of your students stuff! Coats, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, water bottles and much more. Please ask your students to check it out for any lost or missing items. All unclaimed items will be donated over the April break. ~ Thank you

Yoga Club will be held on Thursdays for the rest of the school year. If you're student is interested, please sign up here, https://forms.gle/dUfVGoBazZFnFg8Q8. There are spaces available, students will be notified through google classroom. ~Thank you.

Our after-school programs will start on Tuesday, October 15th. The Activity Fee is $50 per student. To pay PLEASE CLICK ON LINK My School Bucks or send in cash or checks made payable to Chelmsford Public Schools and turn into your child's homeroom teacher. The activity fee allows students to take full advantage of any clubs they wish to attend. The after-school activities run from 2:40-3:40 on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday throughout the year. Students also have the option of taking a late bus home. The routes are posted in the school and will not be posted publicly. We will work with students and the drivers to be sure students take the correct bus home. Since we only have 8 late buses, for both McCarthy and Parker the stops tend to be more spread out than the “regular” bus runs. After activities, students who are not taking a bus will exit the school into the Crooked Spring Road lot and can be picked up there.

See Clubs & Activities BROCHURE here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10fSdKRgUuamin-mEgMJbeLrUcsHo7dLMiSVEMC6RtLU/edit?usp=sharing

Tuesday - March 11th

Art Club-Ms. Annunziata - Room 4 - GRADE 6 TODAY

ASL-Ms. Fitzgibbons-VIRTUAL- join google classroom from home code:yqtuwha

Drama - TECH WEEK

Festival Orchestra – Ms. Tiano-Room 8

Fitness Room - Ms. Currier - Fitness Room

Homework Club-Ms. Larrabee-Library

Intramurals- Mr. McCarthy-GYM- GRADE 5 TODAY

Jazz Band - Mr. Linsner - Band Room

Mindfulness & Crafts- Ms. Marino - Room 124

RUNNING CLUB is back!- Ms. Baker & Mr. Suleski-meet in the Band Hallway

Wednesday - March 12th

NO CLUBS TODAY - Early Release Day-dismissal at 11:10 a.m.

Thursday - March 13th

Art Club–Ms. Annunziata–Room 4 GRADE 5 - GROUP 5B TODAY ONLY

Drama -TECH WEEK

Festival Band - Mr. Linsner -Band Room

Intramurals-Mr. McCarthy-GYM-GRADE 6 TODAY

Stand-Up Parker – Ms. Mikk – Conf. Room 5

Yoga- Ms.Macallister-Fitness Room

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.

The Parker and McCarthy Middle Schools Present the "ShowBoat" Talent Show on Saturday, May 10th, 2025! To sign up for auditions, scan barcode below.

Parker PTO is working hard to provide and promote community building activities for our students and families. Check out a few highlights below:

📅 Parker Calendar Raffle: Thank you to all that sold calendar raffles! Any student that forgot to send in their raffle envelope should bring it down directly to the main office as soon as possible. Winners will be announced daily on Parker Middle School Parents Facebook page and prizes will be sent home daily with students. Congratulations to this week's winners: Ashley Duff (3/1), Tuppi Fernald (3/2), RJ Ciardi (3/3), Kim Jolicoeur (3/4), Erika Wissinger (3/5), Joanne Rich (3/6) and Jerry Nastari (3/7).

🏃🏽‍♀️ Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole: Registration is now open for the Spring Season of Girls on the Run (GOTR) and Heart & Sole! Girls on the Run (Grades 3-5) and Heart & Sole (Grades 6-8) are more than just running programs—they empower girls through engaging lessons that blend physical activity with essential life skills. Each season builds confidence, fosters friendships, and culminates in an exciting 5K celebration! Practice begins on March 31st @ Center School. Grades 3-5 practice on Monday & Wednesday. Grades 6-8 practice on Monday. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for your child to grow, run, and have fun! Click the link to secure your spot today. https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/SPRING25Reg?sid=7b561ffc46b547d5b051322c761588e1

🗓️ PTO Meeting Thursday, March 13th @ 6:30 pm in McCarthy Library:

Join us for our monthly PTO meeting! Parker & McCarthy PTOs work collaboratively to provide community building activities, provide enrichment programs for our students and families and support our teachers. We encourage any middle school parent/guardian to join us to learn about upcoming events and activities throughout the school year.

⚽ 🏈 ⚾ i9 Sports Spring Season Programs: i9 Sports is offering weekend outdoor flag football, soccer, t-ball/baseball, & multi-sports programs for kids ages 3-14 at Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford (open to families from anywhere to register for!) beginning Saturday, April 5th. Sign up using the promo code “MSLions!” at checkout and not only will you save $10 OFF the season registration price but you will also be supporting our school. For more information, see attached flyer or visit i9Sports.com.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to McCarthy PTO at parkerpto@gmail.com Thank you for your continued support of our school!

Best,

Parker PTO

Dear Parents and Families --

To better estimate the demand for lunches on half days, CPS Nutrition utilizes online lunch ordering for HALF DAYS ONLY.

For the upcoming half day Wednesday 9/18/24 orders must be received by Friday 9/13/24.

2024-2025 CPS Upcoming Half Day/Early Release dates

● 3/12/25

● 4/1/25

If you would like your child to have lunch on future half days, the online ordering is open for you to go ahead and select those dates. Set Up Your Account Now

Directions to set up your account and order: 1. URL Link: 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- Child’s student ID number

5. Last Name: (You can also search and add siblings/family members at this time). Once this is completed, the student's name should appear on the page.

How to order meals

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

Click on the link below to view the MARCH Lunch Menu:

https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/webmenus2/#/view?id=6798fac3c73df342cb17ea4f&siteCode=3370

Email: robinsond@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Website: https://parker.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 75 Graniteville Road
Phone: 978-251-5133