Message from Principal Blagg
We had another great week at Parker Middle School!
THE BIONICS PROJECT
We were excited to welcome professional athlete Nico Calabria and the Bionic Project to Parker for grade 5 today. The Bionic Project aims to create a more inclusive world for everyone, regardless of physical ability. They dismantle disability bias, build empathy, and foster connection through education, story, and sport. The major themes discussed were defining the term disability, discussing Accessibility, and Recognizing Privileges. Nico challenged each student to help make Parker a more inclusive community. The assemblies were dynamic and empowering to our students and we are excited to have the Bionic Project back to visit with the 6th grade on Friday October 13th. see photos below
PRIDE DAY SCHOOL STORE
After a few years in hibernation the Parker Student Council will be re-established this year. One of the responsibilities the Student Council will take on is running the Parker School Store. The school store will open and run on the last Friday of every month. This will coincide with Parker Pride Day which will celebrate students who have been recognized by staff members for exemplifying our PRIDE values. (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Empathy) As tickets were awarded to deserving students, they are asked to fill out the ticket and put it in the appropriate Grade bucket in the main hall. On Pride Day four raffle tickets from each grade will be drawn. The winners will be announced in the morning announcements and prizes will be awarded. The prizes are gift cards to the school store. All students, however, can purchase items from the school store during lunches.
The prices of items will range between $.25-$5.00. We will need exact change for items, and to please have students bring in change or small bills? We will not use petty cash to exchange money at this time. More details about joining Student Council and other clubs will be coming soon!
PARKER PRIDE T-SHIRTS
We would like to offer Parker Pride T-shirts for students and their families for a minimal cost. We are working with the Lions Locker which is based out of CHS and is produced by the CHS Business Department and our high school students. The T-Shirts are produced at cost, selling for $10. Please find the link to order and purchase the tickets below. These shirts are completely optional but have all the team names on them and our theme for the year "Dream big, work hard, Make it Happen!" The design is included in the link below.
https://lionslockerchelmsford.com/product/parker-pride-student-t-shirt/
CHANGE FOR CHANGE
September is Child Cancer Awareness month and as a school community we are rallying around this tremendous cause. We are asking our students and staff to bring in spare change each day to support the efforts to eradicate childhood cancer. This drive will take place next week September 25 - 29. Each team will collect their coins in a team bucket and we are hoping that we can have a friendly competition among the teams to see who can raise the most funds. All proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund. Please see the link to more information that each student viewed in school today.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lvkwf2Ek2FmBlQdaVJuLVQ0YClElF0WQNblXTaNHUQY/edit?usp=sharing
Throughout the year we aim to embark on service projects and drives that aid others. We are dedicated to develop proactive compassion in our students. In doing so we aim to empower our kids to make a positive difference in the community.
PICTURE DAY INFORMATION
SMILE!! Picture Day is Thursday, September 28th, 2023. Pre-printed personalized paper order forms are being sent home with your students today. If you plan to order picture packages with the paper form, please remember to send it in with your student on picture day with payment. If you plan to order on-line then there's no need to fill out the paper form. Please feel free to contact the office or O'Connor studios by email customerservice@o'connorstudio.com.
SELECT CHORUS AUDITIONS
Come audition for Select Chorus on Tuesday October 17th after school in Rm 230! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/XraczDZhdixYgYsSA
Select Chorus is an auditioned ensemble that will meet before school on Friday mornings at 7:20am in which ALL students from grades 5 and 6 are encouraged to audition. Students sing more challenging repertoire, take on a greater leadership role, and get to take their singing to the next level all the while learning better to express themselves through their voice. Select Chorus also practices for District & All State Choruses and performs publicly at least three times a year.
Here is the graphic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-V0MsPdel_UExR5_HzmyDm5AM3oAuKkiyilDfwXNaXg/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks!
ATTENDANCE
To report a Student Absent:
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.
Thank you for your understanding.
FROM PARKER PTO
Parker PTO has some exciting activities coming up during the month of October! We will be looking for LOTS of parent volunteers to help with our some amazing school events, coordinating volunteers and promoting all of our PTO happenings. Be on the lookout for PTO emails and volunteer sign up in the upcoming weeks! If you are interested in volunteering for events this school year, don't forget to stop by CPS central office to complete or update your CORI form. Please save the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 11th: Day of Awesomeness! Students will be participating in a one of a kind obstacle course with their classmates. This event will occur during the school day. We will need LOTS of volunteers to make this day awesome for all. More details to follow along with volunteer opportunities the week of September 25th.
- Thursday, October 12th: An evening performance of Rob Surette, Hero Art. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see speed painter Rob Surrette create a masterpiece right before your eyes! This event will be offered for FREE to Parker and McCarthy families. Be on the lookout for a PTO email detailing this event.
- October 23rd-27th: Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Parker. This traditional book fair will be held during school hours for students. More information and volunteer opportunities to follow in the upcoming weeks.
- October 25th: Pizza, Paperbacks and Pumpkins 5:00-7:00pm. Spend the evening shopping at our Scholastic Book Fair, eating pizza in the cafeteria or view pumpkins aglow in the courtyard. You won't want to miss this Parker Middle School tradition.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: PTOParker@gmail.com As always, thank you for your continued support of our school!
Parker Middle School
Email: robinsond@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://parker.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 75 Graniteville Road
Phone: 978-251-5133