PARKER WEEKLY BULLETIN

Good afternoon Parker Families,

We had a fantastic week at Parker Middle School. The students have embraced their new schedules, teachers, and teams. It is heartening to see our students forge new relationships with students and staff. In my daily visits to classrooms, I see investigation, collaboration, dialogue, and healthy debates. We are working to develop our students into more independent learners who gain the skills necessary to earn success. They are well on their way. When your child completes homework and studies for assessments, encourage them to work independently. It is healthy to struggle a bit before getting assistance as it develops those problem-solving skills so crucial to independence and success.

Change for Change

We are excited to embark on our first service-learning project of the year next week from September 30 - October 4. Next week we are asking students to bring in change to be deposited on buckets based on your child's team. All money raised will go directly to the Jimmy Fund to support kids with cancer. We are seeking to convey the power of individual participation towards a cause greater than ourselves with this fun initiative. The goal is for every child to contribute to this worthy cause. No amount is too small as the message that everyone can make a difference is the ultimate goal. We are including a friendly competition among teams with the team that raises the most for the Jimmy Fund winning an extra recess. All students are encouraged to wear their team colors next Friday October 4 in celebration of our school and this great cause.

Parker Artists of the Month

I am excited to announce our September Artists of the Month. Each month our amazing Art teachers Dawnmarie Annunziata and Ashley Norman will choose two outstanding artists to celebrate. Their art will be displayed in the main lobby for the month. This month our honored artists are:

Grade 6 - Carson Kim

Grade 5 - Ava Novaco

Congratulations to Carson and Ava on their achievement. We are so proud of you!

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

Warm Regards,

Josh Blagg

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Monday Sept. 30th through Friday, October 4th - Change for Change Fundraiser to benefit the Jimmy Fund see flyers here: CHANGE FOR CHANGE

Monday, October 21st through Friday, October 25th - PTO Scholastic Bookfair

Thursday, October 31st - Costumes for a Cause - more information to follow

After school Clubs & Activities are coming soon. Clubs & Activities run from 2:40 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. Late buses will be provided on those days. Please check next week's bulletin for more information.

Happy Friday Parker Families! Parker PTO has some exciting activities planned for the school year! We will be looking for parent volunteers to help with some amazing school events throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for more information and volunteer sign ups in the upcoming week! Check out a few upcoming activities below:

📆 PTO Meeting Thursday, October 10th @ 6:30 in McCarthy Library: Join us for the first PTO meeting of the school year! 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.

📚 Scholastic Book Fair The Scholastic Book Fair will be coming to Parker library October 21st-October 25th. Students will have the ability to shop during school hours. Each year we ask parents to help staff the fair during school hours so students can shop. Volunteer responsibilities include running cash registers, stocking shelves and helping students purchase items. More details to follow including online shopping link and volunteer sign up in the upcoming week.

🎃 Pizza, Paperbacks and Pumpkins Each year, Parker students and staff are invited to enter a free pumpkin carving contest. Families are invited to view the pumpkins aglow in the courtyard, stop in the library to shop our Scholastic book fair and visit the cafeteria to purchase a slice of pizza. This event is Parker FAVORITE! Please save the date: Wednesday, October 23rd 5:30-7:00 pm. More information including volunteer sign up and pizza family meal deal.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Parker PTO at PTOParker@gmail.com. As always, thank you for your continued support of our school!

We have two big auditions coming up at Parker Middle School. All are welcome to sign up for an audition! Please be sure to note the time commitments of both before taking an audition slot however.

Parker Drama presents: "Wizard of Oz" youth edition. Auditions will take place after school Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday October 15-17. For more information on how to sign up for an audition, how to access google classroom, and time commitment, please see this flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Zfp_EMHPlbcuTs-nymwRrRgVi2i3yq_92J7RlszLho/edit?usp=sharing

Select Chorus is a small group of singers who perform publicly at least 4 times a year. Select Chorus is a place where you can take your singing and musicianship to the next level with a group of dedicated musicians. We practice before school on Fridays at 7:20am. Sign up for a solo audition slot on Tuesday or Wednesday after school October 1st and October 2nd and then attend our group audition on Thursday October 3rd. Sign up and find more information using this google form: https://forms.gle/Kdu1zWjkstFDTGrQ7

Water bottles are a very popular item with our students. Almost every student in the building brings a water bottle to school. We have water filling stations located throughout the building. It is highly recommended that students label their water bottles. Either with initials on the bottom using a permanent marker, a special sticker, or any unique marker so the student can identify their water bottle. Thank you for your help.

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

● 9/18/24

● 10/24/24

● 11/20/24 (Elem & MS Only)

● 11/27/24

● 12/12/24

● 1/14/25

● 2/6/25

● 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 September Lunch Menu:

https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/webmenus2/#/view?id=66bb7cdae96f1e3b974947e0&siteCode=3370

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