PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Good afternoon Parker Families:

It was another busy week at Parker. We are so excited to come together as a community to celebrate Martha Robertson and her students as they perform this weekend in the Wizard of Oz musical. The McCarthy auditorium will be filled to capacity as the fifth-grade cast will perform Thursday night and Friday night at 6 pm and the sixth-grade cast will have two shows on Saturday at 2pm and 6pm. The students are passionate, joyful, and full of talent. Special thanks go out to all the parents who have helped out behind the scenes with costumes, make-up, set construction, and carpooling. We are in for a real treat.

MAEA President's Award - Excellence in Art
Congratulations to art teacher Dawnmari Annunziata whose student Carson Kim's artwork has won "MAEA President's Awards!" Carson (grade 6) will have his work exhibited in the national Youth Art Month Exhibit as part of the National Art Education Association Convention, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky this year from March 19-21. This is an incredible honor and so richly deserved! We are so proud of Carson and thank Ms. Annunziata for her passionate and skilled guidance she has provided all our students. See below for more information.

Second STEP - Social Emotional Curriculum

We continued our SEL curriculum this week with our fifth grade students beginning a unit on Empathy and Kindness while our sixth grade students continued their unit on Developing a Positive Sense of Self. Please find a brief summary of this week's lesson along with a conversation prompt to discuss 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. The STEM Fair will offer an opportunity for students to demonstrate their natural curiosity, ingenuity, and spirit of investigation. Many of our students have chosen to work in pairs and teams which also helps to develop collaboration. The STEM Fair will run from 6:30-8pm with officials circulating around the fair posing questions and engaging the students in rich discussions. We hope to see you there!

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

“Scuba Diving in Paradise”

This was an experience that I will never forget. I chose this as my special place because it was a time I spent with my mother when we went to Hawaii. It was a surreal moment scuba diving and seeing the fish and turtles. This was my favorite memory of my Mom because it was a moment I had shared with her. ~Carson Kim

It is with great honor to share with you all the 2025 Massachusetts Art Education Association President showcased choice award favorite to represent the best of grade 6 artwork in Massachusetts. Is our very own CARSON KIM whose artwork will be exhibited at the National Art Education Association Convention in Kentucky. We are so proud of you Carson!

This art project was based on a moment in my student's life that they felt amazing, happy, excited, filled with all positive emotions that they felt deep in their hearts and often think back upon as a really great memory. Students then created their full composition about their special place showing where they were when they felt these positive emotions. After completing the artwork students complete two written reflections. One about their own personal artmaking journey creating the art piece and a writing piece where they give the artwork a creative title and explain why this place is so special to them. ~ Art Educator: Dawnmari Annunziata

Important Dates:

Thursday, March 27th - STEM FAIR

ENDS MARCH 31st - SNOWMAN CONTEST see details below

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Massachusetts General Law c. 71, s. 57 requires all publicly enrolled students in grades 5 through 9 to receive annual postural screening for scoliosis. Postural screening is essential as your child is going through his/her most rapid growth rate during 5th-9th grade. During this time, early detection of spinal curvature can create opportunities for the easiest treatment to correct the growth of the spine. These screenings are generally part of your child’s annual physical examination with their primary care provider. However, we will conduct scoliosis screenings at school to ensure all students meet this requirement.

Postural screenings will occur during all PE classes from Friday, April 11th through Thursday, April 17th. I will screen all the girls, and Mr. McCarthy will screen the boys. All screenings are done individually, and student privacy is provided for. We ask that female students wear or bring a bathing suit top on the day of the screening; sports bras may cover the scapula and obscure the visualization of the spine and therefore are not optimal. Males will be asked to remove their shirt to ensure appropriate visualization of the bare back to properly see the curves of the spine. If your child is not comfortable participating in this screening during the school day, you may decline the screening by contacting the school nurse. We recommend, in this case, contacting your health care provider to ensure they have been screened at their annual physical.

If your child has recently had a scoliosis screening by their primary care physician, and you would like to excuse them from this screening, please email the school nurse. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse at kamenidesl@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. Please put Postural Screening in the subject line of the email.

Lisa Kamenides, MSN, RN, NCSN

School Nurse kamenidesl@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

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 25th

NO ART CLUB Art Club-Ms. Annunziata - Room 4 - GRADE 6 TODAY

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

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 26th

Book Club – Ms. Beaudoin – Room 125

Dungeons and Dragons–Ms. Engel–Library-GRADE 6 ONLY TODAY

Festival Band - Mr. Linsner-Band Room (on Wednesday this week and next week 4/2)

Fitness Club – Ms. Fitzgerald – Fitness Room

Game Club–Ms. Baker-Library GRADE 5 ONLY TODAY

Power Hour – Ms. Panneton – Room 213B

Thursday - March 27th

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

Intramurals-Mr. McCarthy-GYM-GRADE 6 TODAY

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

Yoga- Ms.Macallister-Fitness Room

Fun Best Buddies Event "BUDDIES vs. BADGES". On Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the McCarthy Middle School Gymnasium. Please show your support and come join us in cheering on the students! See flyer below.

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 create and promote community building activities for our students, staff and McC families. We have lots of fun spring activities to do in the upcoming weeks. Check out a few highlights below:

📅 Parker Calendar Raffle: Thank you to all that sold calendar raffles! Winners are announced daily on Parker Middle School Parents Facebook page and prizes are sent home daily with students. Student participation grand prize will be announced on Monday, March 31st. Congratulations to this week's winners: Rick Cockley (3/17), Molly Mcmahon (3/18), Tiffany Larry (3/19), Kystal Ficara (3/20) and Robert Neville, Sr (3/21).

🏈 Massachusetts Pirates April 12th: Join your middle school friends for some high-flying IFL action as the Mass Pirates look to defend home field against Fishers Freight on Saturday, April 12th at 7 PM! A portion of every ticket will be donated to the Parker & McCarthy PTOs and used for end of year festivities! Click link to purchase tickets:

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Parkermccarthymiddle27

🏒 Boston Fleet April 26th: Join your middle school friends for some hard-hitting PWHL action as the Boston Fleet look to defend home ice against the Toronto Sceptres on Saturday, April 26th. Start time is TBD at the moment. A portion of every ticket will be donated to the Parker & McCarthy PTOs and used for end of year festivities! Click link to purchase tickets: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Parkermccarthymiddle3

⚽ 🏈 ⚾ 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.

👟 2025 Parker Pride Run Lace up those sneakers! The 2025 Parker Pride Run is on Sunday, May 18th @ 9am. Early bird pre-registration of $20 available until April 19th. All are welcome to participate! Registration includes: event t-shirt, swag bag, drinks and snacks at finish line and raffle tickets. Event t-shirts only available for pre-registration. Prizes awarded for top three finishers for various grade levels and adults. Click link to register for the event:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Chelmsford/ParkerPrideRun

⚾ Middle School Night at Fenway: Join Chelmsford Middle School Families at Fenway Park on May 6th @ 6:45 P.M. to see the Boston Red Sox vs.Texas Rangers AND watch McCarthy students perform the national anthem! Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased via the following link: https://givebutter.com/RedSox2025 Tickets will be "tossed" to your MLB Ballpark App closer to the game day. Please write down which email address you use to order these tickets as that is the email address we'll use to "toss" you your tickets.

🥏 Boston Glory: Join your middle school friends for some high-flying professional Ultimate Frisbee™ at any 2025 regular season home game (April - August) at Hormel Stadium in Medford. Save $5 on general admission and $5 of every ticket will be donated to the Parker & McCarthy PTOs! Use code CHELMSFORD25 or click the link to purchase tickets: https://shop.bostonglory.com/discount/CHELMSFORD25

♻️ E-Waste and Recycle Day: Save the date: Saturday, May 3rd 8:00 am- Noon. Center Elementary School and McCarthy Middle School PTOs are partnering to help you get rid of junk items that aren't easily disposed of in the trash (appliances, furniture, lawn equipment, grills (no propane), TVs, etc). This is a great way to support our schools--just drive through, donate a small fee & then leave your junk! Please see flyer for more information and click link for volunteer opportunities: E-Waste Volunteer Link

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to Parker 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

● 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