Principal Rubino's Weekly Update

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I wanted to start off with a thank you to all of you for kicking off teacher appreciation week on Friday with a staff breakfast! I know that the PTO has a month of activities planned and on behalf of the Parker staff, I wanted to thank you for making everyone feel so loved!

This Tuesday I plan to host a Coffee and Conversation via Zoom at 9 a.m. I will be talking about the new exploratory courses offered to students for next year, so please join me. I will be hosting another longer Zoom session, which will be recorded and shared with families, on this topic later this month too. Stay tuned for the date and time!

Mark your calendars; Don't forget to join us this Wednesday for Parker beautification! Right after school on Wednesday, May 8, student leaders and anyone who wishes to join the efforts will mulch and plant flowers in front of the school. It's a wonderful way to bring the entire Parker community together. We are in need of some items to borrow to help make this work such as a wheelbarrows, etc. If you are able to contribute, please click here. If the weather looks to be a washout, we will hold the event right after school on Thursday, May 9. I'll email on Monday regarding any changes to the date.

As a reminder, we have an early release this Friday for staff professional development. Finally, math and science MCAS tests are just around the corner. I will be sending home an email early next week with details around that. Attendance on those dates is extremely important, so please do your best to be present and in school on time. Testing dates are below.

As the year draws to a quick close, we have so many fun events planned. Please see below for all the upcoming activities and join us when you can! I will continue to update the list, so please check back here for the most recent information.

Please read on for important dates for the week ahead and beyond.

This Week:

• Tuesday, May 7
• Coffee and Conversation with Principal Rubino via Zoom at 9 a.m.
• Topic: Pathway Exploratory Courses
• Zoom Link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84997881056
• Wednesday, May 8
• Parker Beautification - Right after school - Postponed to Thursday, May 16
• Come join Parker Leaders and Student Council as we mulch and plant flowers in front of the school. It’s a community event, so feel free to bring your family along to help!
• Friday, May 10
• Early Release at 12:30 (Staff Professional Development)
• Saturday, May 11
• BLACKTOP GAMES / PAINTING: Please join us to paint 4-squares and a few other outdoor games on Parker grounds @8am! (Raindate: Sat. 5/18) Bring your creativity and/or painting know-how, we will provide paint and brushes. If you're interested in finding out more, please reach out to parkerptopres@gmail.com.

Looking Ahead

• Monday, May 13
• Title 1 Family Math Night - 6 p.m. in the Parker cafeteria
• If your children have received Title 1 Intervention with Mr. Ruscak, please join us for a family night of math fun. Pizza will be served! Email bryan.ruscak@reading.k12.ma.us if you plan to attend.
• Wednesday, May 15
• Math MCAS (all grades)
• Thursday, May 16
• Math MCAS (all grades)
• Parker Beautification - Right after school -
• Come join Parker Leaders and Student Council as we mulch and plant flowers in front of the school. It’s a community event, so feel free to bring your family along to help!
• Friday, May 17
• Parker Family Fun Night - 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18
• Join Reading METCO at the Boston Kite and Bike Festival - 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• 1 Franklin Park Rd; Dorchester, MA (on the Playstead Pierpont Road)
• Tuesday, May 21
• Grade 8 Science, Technology Engineering MCAS
• ELA iReady (grades 6 & 7 only)
• Wednesday, May 22
• Grade 8 Science, Technology Engineering MCAS
• Cribbage Tournament - After school in the Parker cafeteria
• Thursday, May 23
• Early Release for students (12:30 p.m.)
• Multicultural Night - beginning before Open House at 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Featuring food from Del Sur Empanadas and T'AHAPS 529
• Parker Open House - 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 28
• Grade 8 Civics Performance Task MCAS
• Math iReady (grades 6 & 7 only)
• Wednesday, May 29
• Franklin Park Zoo Field Trip Grade 6 (Unity)
• Thursday, May 30
• Spring Concert Grade 6 at 6 p.m.
• Spring Concert Grade 7 at 7:45 p.m.
• 8th Grade Field Trip to Kimball Farm
• Friday, May 31
• Franklin Park Zoo Field Trip Grade 6 (Synergy)
• 2nd Act Performance - Grade 8 @ 1 p.m. (more info to come)
• Monday, June 3
• Grade 8 Civics End of Course MCAS
• Move Up Day - starting about 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 5
• Grade 8 Class Picture at 1 p.m.
• Thursday, June 6
• Spring Concert Grade 8 at 7 p.m.

Last Week of School

• Monday, June 10
• Field Day
• Talent Show
• Tuesday, June 11
• Field Day (rain date)
• Wednesday, June 12
• Science Expo Day - 8:15 to 12:30 p.m.
• All School Enrichment - Hagarmania Extreme Science at 1 p.m.
• Thursday, June 13
• Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony followed by the dance
• Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and dance ends at 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 14
• Last Day of School

To access the 2023-2024 District Calendar, click here.

To access the Cultural Holidays Calendar, click here.

Some members of the Parker Student Council had an opportunity to participate in the Empowering Girls Conference in Newton, MA. The event, hosted by District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, featured Director Lauren Protentis, National Security Council at the White House. Students from Coolidge Middle School also accompanied Parker students on the field trip.

• Title 1 Family Math Night - 6 p.m. in the Parker cafeteria
• If your children have received Title 1 Intervention with Mr. Ruscak, please join us for a family night of math fun. Pizza will be served! Email bryan.ruscak@reading.k12.ma.us if you plan to attend.

Parker Middle School will be holding its annual in-school Talent Show on Monday, June 10, 2024! All students with a specific talent (singing/dancing, comedy, etc.) are encouraged to sign up to participate. For students who are looking for other opportunities to be a part of the talent show, we will need a few emcees, a technology coordinator, and one or two students working backstage to ensure the show runs smoothly. Any students who are participating in the talent show must be in good standing with our school’s core values (kindness, community, & personal best) and following all rules of the student handbook. In addition, students who are participating in the talent show must attend all after-school rehearsals leading up to the day of the talent show. The rehearsal dates will be on Mondays from 2:40 pm- 3:40 pm beginning on April 29, 2024.

If you would like to be a part of Parker’s Talent Show, please email Ms. McKay (kasey.mckay@reading.k12.ma.us). Please include your name(s), your talent/skill, and links to music you will be using if you are an act.

We look forward to seeing all of the different talents within our Parker community!

Join Reading METCO for our Family Kite and Bike day on Saturday May 18th from 12:00pm-3:00pm at 1 Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, MA, 02121 (on the Play SteadPierpoint Road). There will be free kites for children, face painting, balloon animals, pizza, Reading METCO t-shirts and more. We hope to see you there!

Click the photo above to register for a webinar to help families engage in conversations with their teens around mental health.

Middle School students, come learn some basics of robot building with the Reading Memorial high school robotics team. We have created a game course and will help you build a robot to play the game. Absolutely no experience needed!

Open to all 8th graders and to 7th graders with a strong interest in Robotics. The program will be on Monday, May 20 and Thursday, May 23 at 3:00 at the high school. (Participants can show up as early as 2:40.)

Space is limited to 20 students; more than that will be added to a wait list for a potential session the following week. (Priority will be given to the 8th graders.)

Please use this link to sign up by May 8. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRa82R99ANUkWzbdJvCXIDKqNlai9lbAVMEZwEu97oHkxdKA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Email questions to: Robockets.4761@gmail.com

📌 PTO MEETING: Join us for our next meeting, Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Parker Middle School and via Zoom. Take a sneak peek at our upcoming agenda. All are welcome!

📌 PTO ROLES: The Parker PTO is looking to fill a few coordinator roles for the next academic year and we’d love to have you join us. Grab a friend and volunteer together! Reach out for more information if you’d like to help plan:

• Restaurant Night: Plan occasional restaurant nights with local eateries
• 8th Grade Activities: Help plan our celebration in the spring

Email to join the crew! parkerptopres@gmail.com

📌 STAFF APPRECIATION: It’s staff appreciation month and our chance to show our gratitude to the dedicated educators at Parker Middle School. While middle school teachers and staff may not typically receive gifts from families like in elementary school, we have the opportunity to honor them with tokens of our appreciation. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR DONATIONS SO FAR!

THERE’S STILL TIME TO HELP!

1. Volunteer / donate with Sign Up Genius: https://tinyurl.com/parkerstaffappreciation24 We’re still looking for things for the break room. Your time and support are invaluable in making this a success!
2. Donate to our GiveButter fund: givebutter.com/staffroom Help fund the luncheon and other fun treats we are giving the staff by donating to our GiveButter campaign. Your contributions will ensure our Parker staff feels valued and celebrated throughout the month.

If you have any questions please contact Kristen Granara at kgranara@comcast.net.

Thank you for joining us in honoring the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. Together, let's make Staff Appreciation Month unforgettable for the educators who shape our students' lives every day!

A sneak peek of last Friday’s Staff Appreciation Breakfast:

📌 PARKER BEAUTIFICATION: Spring has sprung and we’re going to spruce up the Parker grounds! Please join us on Wednesday, May 8 from 2:30-5pm (raindate: TH 5/9) to plant and mulch, or lend us your tools (please label so they can be returned). Donation signups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4A62EAAFBC52-49029078-parker#/

📌 BLACKTOP GAMES / PAINTING: Please join us to paint 4-squares and a few other outdoor games on Parker grounds on Saturday, May 11 @8am! (Raindate: Sat. 5/18) Bring your creativity and/or painting know-how, we will provide paint and brushes. If you're interested in finding out more, please reach out to parkerptopres@gmail.com.

📌 PARKER PTO SPRING FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Join us Friday, May 17 from 5:30-7 on the King Street lawn. Bring a picnic, and join us for lawn games, pizza, cotton candy, music, snacks and catching up with friends! Rising 6th graders and families are welcome! *FREE*

SAVE THE DATE!

- PARKER BEAUTIFICATION: Wednesday, May 8, 2:30-5pm (raindate: 5/9).

- 4-SQUARE BLACKTOP PAINTING: Saturday, May 11 @8am (raindate: 5/18).

- SPRING FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Friday, May 17, 5:30-7pm. Rising 6th graders and families are welcome!

- MULTICULTURAL NIGHT: Come join in this exciting new event! Families are encouraged to participate by sharing your background, Thursday, 5/23, 5-7pm. PTO is providing empanadas from Del Sur Empanadas in Reading!

- PARKER AT THE RED SOX: Tuesday, 6/4/24. Tickets sold in January.

- HAGERMANIA (ALL-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT): Parker students will be treated to an Extreme Science program on Wednesday, June 12. They’re going to end the school year with a BANG! Check it out: https://hagermania.com/extreme-science-school-assembly/

📌 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED:

• Email: parkerptopres@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkerPTO
• Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO
• Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage - access all of our info, agendas and meeting minutes.

Parker Middle School is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Multicultural night on Thursday, May 23rd from 5 - 7 PM, which is the same night as Open House. However, the event begins one hour prior to Open House so that families can attend the event and then visit other classrooms. Our World Language teachers will have tables setup representing both Spanish and French speaking countries in the cafeteria. In addition, we would like to extend the opportunity for all students’ backgrounds to be on display as well by inviting families to participate if interested.

Please complete the attached google form Here if you would like to participate in either of the 2 options as follows:

• Display only - Students will create tri folds representing your country of origin for display in the cafeteria on multicultural night

• Display with Table Participation - Families will be provided their own table to introduce their country, culture and background to the school community through traditional clothing, flags, instruments, music, art, typical dishes, interesting facts, etc.. Students will create the tri fold display during advisory to assist.

Multicultural night is the perfect time to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Parents, students and teachers are all invited to be part of this exciting event!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Taranto or Ms. Santiago at maria.taranto@reading.k12.ma.us or jerika.santiago@reading.k12.ma.us

School Attendance: As you know, school attendance is extremely important and matters every day. In our attempt to communicate proactively with families regarding attendance, we have been sending out letters to families if your child has more than five absences (regardless of whether they are considered excused or unexcused). Absences are considered excused if your child is sick or has a medical appointment. We do ask families to provide documentation from your health care provider if there is an extended absence due to a medical reason. As we work through what works best to maintain this ongoing communication with families, we have decided to pilot a monthly attendance letter to all families. This letter will be sent through the portal at the beginning of the month and will outline all of your child’s absences. Assistant Principal Story will reach out to families directly to set up attendance meetings if your child has exceeded 10 absences.

Please mark your calendar for the following dates for MCAS testing:

• ELA 6 - 8: Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10

• Math 6-8: Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16

• STE 8: Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22

• Civics 8 performance task: Tuesday, May 28

• Civics 8 end of course test: Monday, June 3

It's important that students are present in school on the days of MCAS testing.

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!

Visit the SEPAC WEBPAGE

Sign up for our mailing list

Follow SEPAC on Facebook or Instagram

The New IEP Presentations:

Reading Public Schools will implement the new IEP in the fall. Please join us for an opportunity to learn what changes to expect and to ask Student Services your questions. The presentation will be held both in person and virtually.

More information about the new IEP can be found here.

If you have a child on an IEP, we recommend that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with what the new IEP form will look like.

Understanding the New IEP Form in Massachusetts: Article Published by Mass General Hospital for Children and Lurie Center

Wednesday, May 8th, 6PM (In Person - Location: Distance Learning Lab at RMHS)

This will be a presentation for families to review DESE's NEW IEP Improvement Project to include the school’s timeline for rollout, what the new forms look like and what to expect for any adjustments to the team meeting process.

Location: Distance Learning Lab at RMHS. This room is on the 4th floor. Parents will take the elevator to the 4th floor and follow signs to the Distance Learning Lab. We will also have people directing until just after 6pm.

Please register for this presentation so we can be prepared with how many families will be attending as we need to be sure to accommodate a large crowd if needed.

Please Click Here to Register for the May 8th In-Person Presentation.

Thursday, May 9th, 12PM (Virtual)

This will be a presentation for families to review DESE's NEW IEP Improvement Project to include the school’s timeline for rollout, what the new forms look like and what to expect for any adjustments to the team meeting process.

Registration required to receive the zoom link.

Please Click Here to Register for the May 9th Virtual Presentation.

Tuesday, May 14th, 11-1PM (In-person at Northern Bank’s Community room or join virtually)

Come have lunch with other SEPAC families and some members of the Reading SEPAC Board. SEPAC will provide cheese pizza. Feel free to bring optional potluck sides or your own brown bag lunch, especially if you or your loved one has a special diet. Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you will be joining us.

A picnic blanket will be set up with toys for any kids who want to join and don’t need a chair. Feel free to bring other toys your child wouldn’t mind sharing with others.

This will be an informal monthly gathering on the 2nd Tue of the month just to hang out with other SEPAC families.

Space is limited to 8 adult seats in person and unlimited virtually.

Please Click Here to Register for the May SEPAC Lunch Meetup.

We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.

Past Events:

Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

Transition Presentation

• For parents and caregivers whose child has an IEP and will be transitioning (between schools, grades, levels, or are new to the school district)

Extended School Year (ESY) Presentation Recording

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation Recording Available on the Reading SEPAC Website

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form

Recently, the MA DPH updated the COVID guidelines. Here are updated guidelines that pertain to staff and student absence who have any respiratory illness, including COVID.

You may begin to resume normal activities with precautions if:

1. You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines; AND
2. Your other symptoms are improving.

You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.

For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, take these extra precautions:

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.

For the complete guidelines, go to this site.

"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."

Principal

Dr. Jill Story

Assistant Principal

Email: rochelle.rubino@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/parker/
Location: 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-1236
Twitter: @WSParkerMS