1

FRANCIS W. PARKER CHARTER ESSENTIAL SCHOOL

& THEODORE R. SIZER TEACHERS CENTER

49 ANTIETAM ST, DEVENS, MA 01434

TELEPHONE (978) 772-3293 FAX (978) 772-3295 www.parker.org

Friday Announcements Date: November 10, 2011 .

Dear families,

Clean up, clean up,

Everybody, everywhere.

Clean up, clean up,

Everybody do your share.

My kids learned this song in preschool a few years ago, and I found myself

happily humming it last weekend at Parker‘s 4th Annual Yard Sale. This

yard sale, which serves as a fundraiser to offset the cost of publishing part

of the yearbook in color each year, has come a long way since we pulled it

together for the first time in 2008. I have always been particularly fond of

the yard sale, since it presents such a win-win-win scenario. Parker

families get ―rid‖ of things they no longer want or need, all sorts of folks

(from our school community and beyond) get to buy all sorts of interesting

and useful things for below bargain basement prices (95% of items sell for

$1), and then we donate all the leftovers to community non-profits who use

the items to propel their own good work in the community. Oh, and not to

mention that the yearbook raises more than $2000 each year!

But, beyond this general appreciation for the annual benefits of the yard

sale, this year I was particularly pleased (hence the humming) at how much

community effort was dedicated to the behind the scenes work of the yard

sale. Anyone who has laid eyes on the yard sale knows that set-up and

clean-up of the event make for no small task. In one afternoon, thousands

of items have to be sorted and arranged on the 50 or 60 tables that have to

be moved to the gym -- and one day later, we have to do it all in reverse,

sorting and packing all the remaining items, moving the tables back to their

proper homes, and then sweeping up the detritus so it looks as if we were

never there! This year, the entire affair was done in record time; we

effectively had the entire gym set up by 4pm on Friday afternoon

(everything after that was just tinkering!) and then we were broken down

and cleaned up on Saturday in about 90 minutes. Wow!! So, this letter is

to send many, many, many thanks to all the parents/guardians, students,

and faculty who contributed in any way to the yard sale. Whether you

pitched in a hand with set up or clean up, donated items, or bought a new

treasure for yourself, we appreciate your support. There are many ways

people contribute to the Parker community, and of course, we appreciate all

of them. But, I thought you might like to know that I left the weekend

feeling like people had indeed ―done their share.‖ It made me sing!

With appreciation,

Deb Merriam

Academic Dean (and Yearbook Advisor!)

Inside this Issue

The Parker School play

―12 Angry Men‖ 2

Parent Information Session

(Div. 2 new Gateway requirements) 3

Calendar/Thank you 4

Division III Update 5-8

MST Update 9

A/H Update 10

Spanish & Wellness Update 11

News from the Library 12

Lunch Menu 12

News from the School Counselor 13

News from the College Counselor 14-15

The Campus Visit 16

Notes from the Health Office 17-18

Sports Updaate 19

Wachusett Mt./Parker School Ski Club 20

Can You Help? 21

Photography Contest 21

Upcoming Events 22

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The Parker School

presents

“12 Angry Men”

Where: The Parker School

When: Thursday, Friday and

Saturday, November 17, 18, 19

Time: 7:00 p.m.

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A Parent Information Session

on the

Updated Division II MST Gateway Requirements

Thursday, November 17th at 6:00 p.m.

Dear Parker Parents,

The Division II MST faculty worked this past year to clarify the gateway portfolio require-

ments. These expectations help faculty and students keep track of student progress in meet-

ing Division II standards, and are also used in determining a student‘s readiness to gateway

into Division III.

Please join the Division II MST faculty at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 17th for a pres-

entation and discussion of the newly revised Division II MST gateway portfolio require-

ments. Students in their first year of Division II MST program will be the first group to be

impacted by these changes, while students in their second year will still use the previous re-

quirements.

During the forum we will introduce why we felt a revision of the requirements was needed,

present the new documents, and explain how they will be used together with students. Stu-

dents will be learning about these changes in school, but they are welcome to attend the fo-

rum as well.

We are excited about how these changes will help students more easily understand and meet

Division II expectations.

Please contact your child‘s teacher if you have questions about the forum before Thursday,

November 10th.

Best regards,

Barbara, Dawn, Jen, JP, Kris, Nathan, and Diane

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November, 2011

Fri., 11 — Veterans‘ Day observed (no school)

Weds., 16—PEF meeting at 7:00 p.m. at school

Weds., 16—Parker PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Thurs., 17—-Parent Info. Session on updated Div 2

MST Gateway Requirements at 6:00 pm

Thurs—Sat 17-19 The Parker School presents

―12 Angry Men‖ at 7:00 p.m.

ESSENTIAL

QUESTION FOR

2011—2012

What is our Impact?

COMING SOON

CALENDAR

PLEASE MARK THESE DATES! (Subject to change)

November, 2011 (Continued)

23 Early Release (noon dismissal)

24-25 Thanksgiving Break

December, 2011

3 SAT test (not held at Parker)

3 PLAN test at Parker at 8:15 a.m.

10 ACT test (not held at Parker)

13 Board of Trustees meeting 6:45 p.m.

23 Early Release (noon dismissal)

24-31 Holiday Recess

January, 2012

1 New Year‘s Day

2 Holiday

3 Faculty planning (no classes)

4 Classes resume

Many thanks to the family of Sara Giordano for

their donation of notebooks and folders to Student

Services.

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So far in Art with a Message, students have been learning and practicing skills around making artwork and develop-

ing content. In our Line Drawing Artistic Expression Assessment, students worked with pen and ink to explore mark

-making as a means of creating a range of values and the illusion of three-dimensionality. Students have also worked

to develop observational drawing skills in watercolor, color pencils, oil pastels, and graphite. Through Art 21 and

Inside the Artists Studio students have learned about the artwork and processes of contemporary artists such as Jes-

sica Stockholder, Oliver Herring, and Ursula von Rydingsvard. Currently students are preparing images that hold a

personal meaning and working to hone the content of these drawings into a series with a common thread running

throughout.

The beginning of this semester in Voices has focused dually on synthesizing readings through our journals and creat-

ing pieces of visual art. As a class we have been reading and responding to Upton Sinclair‘s The Jungle, specifically

in how Sinclair raises awareness in hopes of social change. Students have been working to develop collage skills

including how to create emphasis and the illusion of depth in order to effectively illustrate thematic ideas present in

our reading work. In reading assessments, students have made connections with themes and the implications of one

voice speaking for many. We are about to read The Color Purple by Alice Walker and incorporate quilt-making into

our collage repertoire while learning about the quilters of Gee‘s Bend.

Both classes recently went on an art adventure to MASS MOCA in North Adams to explore large scale contemporary

installations. We even used finger weaving on the bus ride to create a piece of public art for Parker to mirror the con-

tinuum of learning!

______________________

On this Wednesday, a hundred plus people joined the Class of 2012 at Parker on Wednesday evening at Community

Feedback Night. Seniors are looking for many different things for their project including:

Interesting/ Relevant Sources

People who have interesting experiences in the general field of study

Potential mentor leads

Words of encouragement

Questions

For those of you who were unable to make it, we would like to ask for your feedback in this forum. Please read the

following list of Senior Topics. If you feel that you might be a useful resources, contact the appropriate advisor and

we will forward the information to the student. E-mail Example:

Subject: Bike Repair

Hello Parker Senior,

My name is ___________. I am friendly with the owner of a local bike shop who I bet would be an interesting

source as you are figuring out the direction of your senior project. Please e-mail me at __________ or call me at

_________, and we can talk about it and I can provide you the contact information.

Or:

Subject: Buddhism

My name is __________. Interesting project. I am connected with a local temple and would be happy to talk to you

about my experience with Buddhism. My e-mail is _____________.

Thanks in advance for getting involved! Continued . . .

DIVISION III UPDATE

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Advisor: Todd E-mail:Tsumner@parker.org

DIVISION III UPDATE

Advisor: Jon E-mail:jchurchill@parker.org

Topic Area Student Name

Deaf Culture Nellie Agosta

Sculpting (Chainsaw and Other) Kevin Amici

Indigenous Rights Emily Anderson

Group Dance Choreography Sarah Burnett

Art and the European Renaissance Annie Campbell

Emergency Medicine Ben Grigglestone

Fiction Writing Jessica Hone

Mindfulness James O‘Loughlin

Groove (Bass Guitar) Ben Pugh

Paleontology Anthony Sisti

Sharks Mitch Tepe

Topic Area Student Name

Home Renovation Dan Blute

Writing Screenplays Katy Carr

Music Profession Sara Fahey

Choreography and Social Justice Ally Felton

Chef/ Baker Jackie Gagnon

Guitar Building Sam Lindemer

Converting Other Genres to Comics/Cartoons Rob Mayo

First Impressions Erin McNulty

Birding Meghan McNierney

Caste in Modern India Janavi Mohan

Freestyle Skiing Nate Nieva

Energy Recapture in Autos Keith Rossi

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Topic Area Student Name

Female Running Biomechanics and Injuries Ainsley Carman

Volunteerism and Art Journaling Sami Dokus

What does it take to fly a plane? Kyle Ford

Video Game Soundtracks Doug Gandle

Firearms/Gunsmithing Brian Harrington

Magic: The Gathering Nick Hattwick

Electromechanical Pinball Nick Herbert

The Sideshow Act Jenn Hone

Photography Tyler Pineiro

Drawing people feeling emotion Caitlin Quinones

Building a greenhouse, sustainable agriculture Michael Sushchyk

Forensic Science Hallie Yarmus

Advisor: Ruth E-mail: rwhalen@parker.org

DIVISION III UPDATE

Advisor: Sue E-mail:smassucco@parker.org

Topic Area Student Name

Sustainable Gardening Maggie Dugan

Revolutions Greg Dumas

On-line Communities Geneva Faraci

Concert Photography Eliza Kessler

Fire Spinning and the Maori culture Aaron Meneghini

Entrepreneurship and Independent Movie Theaters Lilly Muffoletto

Stonemasonry Cameron Richards

Songwriting Elissa Shea

Happiness Kate Stafford

Gender Identity and Drag Performance Graham Stanley

Maple Syrup Production Michael Wilkins

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Topic Area Student Name

Hip hop music production and sampling Ben Gill

Becoming a better artist Matt Shoemaker

Volunteering abroad for sustainable development Michelle Graham

Beekeeping Maeve Grady

Skydiving David Cowley

Opera and opera singing Sarah Dugan

Blacksmithing Michael Cicchetti

Video game design Katon Bingham

Integrative medicine Allison Cava

Fashion design/dress creation Sadie Panetta

American food – what is it? How do I make it? Ryan Shaw

Wilderness survival Jimmy Gagnon

Advisor: Matt E-mail: matt@parker.org

DIVISION III UPDATE

Advisor: JohnBo E-mail:jbohannon@parker.org

Topic Area Student Name

Comedy to communicate a message Keaton Brandt

Freestyle skiing Katie Brew

Home cooking Elsbeth Crowe

Firefighters Zack DeVincentis

Building canoes Rocky Ethier

Fun, leisure and wellbeing Jenna Gagnon

Primate social behavior and interactions Kayleigh Kane

Professional video gaming Jared Karuzis

Computer programming using Java Aaron Krieger

Bonsai Cameron Swanson

Developing fluency in Spanish Sondra Tamilio-Awed

Animal cognition and problem solving Jane Weinstock

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MATH, SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY

Division I MST We are wrapping up our Geology Unit over the next

week or so. It is interesting to note that earlier in the

semester we were standing on Mt. Watatic taking in

the big picture by looking at exposed bedrock and

the profiles of distant mountains and that, now, we

have shifted our focus to an almost microscopic

level by smashing rocks and picking apart the pieces

and trying to take in the structure of Earth at a very

small scale. The Challenge of the Week (COW)

that deals with this latter, more minute focus, is

called, simply, "ROCK COW".

COW #3, "ROCK COW", is due on Tuesday,

November 15th.

Request for donations: If you have a hand lens

(handheld magnifiers) that you could part with, we

will take any donations of this basic tool of science.

(During the study of rocks and minerals many of the

ones we have are getting awfully scratched, so

maybe you could help replace them. Thanks!

Before Thanksgiving break we will be doing a little

unit of study that we call "Arctic Week". It is a

cross-domain unit that focuses its curriculum on

things having to do with the Arctic region. MST

classes will study the region and the animals that

live in it. There will be some research by each stu-

dent into an arctic animal and its place in the food

web. This is a fun unit that many students relate to

because of their general love for animals. We like

it, too, because it introduces some facts and topics

that will later help them in their understanding of

Inupiat culture, when studying human cultures in

AH.

Request for donations: If you have maps of the

polar region, Alaska, or northern Canada please

send those in. Also, if you have any artifacts of in-

terest about whales, musk ox, seals, migratory birds,

or about Inupiats, Eskimos, and other peoples of the

far north, please contact an MST teacher or an AH

teacher about sharing them with us, or coming in to

talk about what you know! Thanks!

MATH, SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY (Continued)

Division II MST Just as a reminder, there will be a parent informa-

tional meeting next Thursday, November 17th at

6:00 p.m. to discuss the new gateway portfolio

requirements. Parents are invited to attend with

their students.

Also on the 17th, during lunch, students who are

interested in a January 2012 MST gateway need to

attend a mandatory lunch meeting to receive im-

portant information about the gateway process.

Students who do not attend, will not be eligible for

a January gateway.

This week we continued to look at the evidence for

evolutionary theory, specifically how anatomical

characteristics and an understanding of embryo-

logical development can relate to organisms.

There is currently a science assessment that stu-

dents are working on that is due next week. We

will be moving into looking at how biochemical

evidence (DNA and proteins) support evolutionary

relationships. This work will take us into a sophis-

ticated laboratory experience where students will

use electrophoresis to separate fish proteins, and

then use the data to figure out which fish are most

closely related.

In math, we‘ve continued to move forward in our

quadratics unit. This week we split into 6 groups to

apply our understandings to some real world prob-

lems. Kids worked collaboratively to solve their

problems and present their solutions to the class.

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.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Division I A/H This week, students have continued to learn about

the American Revolution, with particular focus on

the people of the Revolution. They were asked to

stretch their thinking through a written response on

the topic of who they considered to be the most

influential character in establishing American inde-

pendence. They also participated in a fishbowl dis-

cussion on the topic of whether the colonies were

justified in declaring their independence from

England with issues like slavery still unresolved.

Students are rising to this level of critical thinking

and using their notes to support their opinions.

Also this week, we have begun learning about the

Supreme Court and have been practicing strategies

for reading the cases students will be arguing in our

classroom Supreme Court. It is an exciting time of

delving into history!

ARTS & HUMANITIES (Continued)

Division II A/H Students in Division II AH have finished their ex-

tension classes and are moving into their study of

the US Constitution. We are beginning with a se-

ries of videos and lectures about the Constitution,

and students will have daily quizzes based on the

videos and lectures. They will also have short

written responses as homework each night. The

first response is due Monday, November 14th.

There will also be a short quiz that day! The entire

listening assessment will be completed by Tues-

day, November 22. Please remind your student to

check in with extension teachers about when work

will be handed back and when revisions are due!

From Stacy & Rachel’s advisories:

We are hosting a Hunger Banquet on Wednesday,

November 16th to raise awareness for hunger.

Most of the Division 2 advisories will be

attending and we need food donations to make this

happen! We would appreciate any donations you

are able to send in, no later than MONDAY,

November 14th. We need:

Prince regular spaghetti

Uncle Ben‘s white rice (not instant)

Cans of red kidney beans

Jars of plain red pasta sauce (no meat)

Bottles of apple juice (no juice boxes,

please!)

Your child can bring donations to room 42

(Rachel) or room 6 (Stacy).

THANK YOU for helping us raise hunger aware-

ness!!!

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SPANISH

7th grade Spanish Class ¡Hola! This week in Spanish, students practiced

their knowledge of subject pronouns in Pelota

Práctica (―Ball Practice‖). They learned essential

speaking phrases like ¿Hablas español? (―Do you

speak Spanish?‖). Finally, los chicos worked in

pairs to write, practice, and perform a skit: a

conversation between a viajero ("traveler") and a

native Spanish speaker who have miscommunica-

tion. Los estudiantes enjoyed their work as they

creatively designed dialogue to capture their audi-

ence‘s attention.

¡Gracias por una semana tan bonita!

División 3 Spanish Class Do you drink coffee at your house? Do you

all "run on Dunkin?" How do you drink your

coffee? Black from a travel mug? With cream or

milk or sugar? Are you alone when you have cof-

fee? What time of day do you tend to have

it? This week students are continuing to "meet"

people from Latin America and hear about how and

when they have coffee, and learn about the impor-

tant cultural norms that coffee is a part of.

Next week we will be working on a listening

assessment in which we get to hear how coffee is

important in the life of a woman who lives in

Mexico and it should be done by Friday at the end

of class.

WELLNESS

Alan’s Wellness Class In Alan's classes, students self assessed with their

Behavior Change Projects and then read about and

discussed stress. Students thought about what

causes them stress and then thought of ways to

reduce stress. Following this, we practiced stress

reduction through quiet meditation and then with

humor.

All classes worked on push ups, played Pirate Ball

and then played the next game on their survey.

Deborah’s Wellness Class This week in Deborah‘s classes, we enjoyed the

recent warm weather outside. Students chose to

play touch football or spent 40 minutes walking.

Some students needed to continuing working on

their letter of intent for the behavior change pro-

ject or start it due to an absence.

We will not have Health this week, although next

week we will have 2 classes.

On Thursday we will be in room 41 working on

strategy development for the behavior change

project and on Friday students will be researching

how their change can benefit their emotional/

mental health.

Laura’s Wellness Class This week in Laura‘s classes, we continued to

learn about how ‗stress‘ affects our bodies and

practiced some ways to cope with stressors in our

lives.

Next week we will continue progressive relaxation

and meditation exercises, as well as heading to the

computer lab to do some research around our be-

havior change projects.

In physical activity classes, we enjoyed the

weather on the Frisbee Golf course behind Devens

and will start Touch Football next week.

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MENU - November 14—18

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

November 11 is Veterans Day. Please remember to thank a veteran for his or her service. If you are at the school, check out the display outside the Library. Thanks to Kristina Ladd for her generous donation of books to the Library.

Judy Gibson is still pulling beautiful lettuce from Parkers garden for the school salads and wraps. YUM!

Breakfast Special Lunch Entrée Vegetable and Sides

MON Muffins Chicken Caesar Wrap Broccoli Cheddar Soup Veggie Tray, Orange Wedges

TUES Danish Burgers Baked Potato Wedges Creamy Coleslaw, Fresh Fruit

WED No Breakfast CHEESE PIZZA Baby Carrots Cookie, Fresh Fruit

THURS

Cinnamon Rolls

Oriental Sesame Chicken & Noodles

Broccoli Brown Rice, Chilled Pear

Slices

FRI Scones Pasta w/ Meat sauce Mini Salad Garlic Breadstick, Fresh Fruit

A selection of Entrée Salads and Wraps available daily

Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Daily

Full Lunch - $3.50 or $17.50 week includes- Entrée & Vegetable, All sides, Milk or Juice

Full Breakfast - $1.50 or $7.50 week includes - Breakfast Item, A Piece of Fruit, Milk or Juice.

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NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR ~

Sheila Kelly, M.A.

Area Lectures

For information on upcoming lectures in the Westford area, please use the following link:

http://www.westford.com/wpc/events.htm

Helpful Resources

Families for Depression Awareness ~ Visit online at www.familyaware.org. This organization‘s purpose

is to: help families recognize and manage the various forms of depression and associated mood disorders;

to reduce stigma associated with depressive disorders; and to unite families and help them heal in coping

with depression.

The Child Anxiety Network ~ Visit online at www.childanxiety.net. Anxiety disorders are one of the pri-

mary mental health problems affecting children and adolescents today. Given the wide range of stressors

associated with growing up, it is important that our children have appropriate skills for coping with anxiety

and other difficult emotions. The Child Anxiety Network is designed to provide thorough, user-friendly

information about child & adolescent anxiety. It is also designed to provide direction for those who are not

sure where to turn when they think their child or a child they know may need professional help to cope with

anxiety.

Parents Helping Parents ~ Visit online at www.parentshelpingparents.org. For over 35 years Parents

Helping Parents has been a place for Massachusetts parents and caregivers to reach out for support. [They]

know that parents need support for themselves in order to support their children. All services are free, con-

fidential, and anonymous. Parents call the Parental Stress Line, a 24-hour parent helpline, and attend

weekly Parent Support Groups for ongoing parent support. No parenting problem is too big or too small to

reach out for help.

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At this point in the college admissions process, seniors should be completing applications and essays and

sending them to their schools. They should also confirm that their teachers who are writing their letters of

recommendations have all the necessary information to be able to submit those letters to the colleges by the

deadlines. Seniors should check with the schools on their list for instructions on arranging interviews and

for applying for financial aid (using the FAFSA and Profile). It is very important to meet all financial aid

deadlines. All Request to Send Records forms are due to me one month before the admission deadline for

each school. All seniors need to apply to at least one school by DECEMBER 1 (this should be an admission

and a financial safety school). See or call me with any questions that you have about the process (978-772-

3293 x144).

Reminder: The deadline for the December 10th ACT is November 4th. Register at www.act.org.

All seniors who have not yet met with Catherine to review their college list and discuss their application

plans should sign up for an appointment asap.

Financial Aid:

Seniors will be learning the ins and outs of financial aid during Senior Seminar classes next week.

Please remember to pay attention to financial aid deadlines for individual schools. It's fine to call schools'

financial aid offices and see if they require additional forms besides the FAFSA (administered by the gov-

ernment). Some schools require the Profile form, administered by the College Board.

The website for the FAFSA is www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can't submit it until January 1, 2012, but you can or-

der a PIN now. Both parent and student need individual PINs (electronic signatures). Applying now is bet-

ter than doing so in December. Save the PINs in a safe place, because you will need these numbers each

year your child is in college and applying for aid.

Don't use fafsa.com, it is a scam site.

The website for Profile is www.collegeboard.com

Click on Pay for College (green button), then, on the left side, click on CSS Profile. Mid-way down the page

is a list of participating schools. If your child's school is not on the list, they don't use the Profile.

NEWS FROM CATHERINE YATES, M.A.

COLLEGE AND TRANSITION COUNSELING

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FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE—Catherine Yates

Remaining College Visits this Fall

NOVEMBER

George Washington University, Wednesday, November 30 at 9:30AM

See the schedules posted on the College Counseling bulletin board and sign up so that you can meet with

admissions officers from the schools of your choice. There will be approximately 32 colleges coming to

Parker this fall. Div 3 students, be sure to sign up! This is a great opportunity to learn more about those

schools and to show your interest, which can help you in the admissions process.

When attending a college visit, students should consult with their teacher before missing any classes.

Sophomores The practice test for the ACT---the PLAN---will be offered at Parker on Saturday, December 3 at 8:15am.

Students who previously registered will get a reminder slip the week before the test.

For the PLAN be sure to bring a calculator and 2 #2 pencils! You can also bring a snack.

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Print this out and take with you.

The Campus Visit

School____________________________________City__________________, State____________Visit Date__________________

Planning: Location of Admissions Office______________________________

Tour Time:____________________Date____________________Phone______________________

Interview Time:_________________________Date___________________Phone_________________

On-Campus Impressions

The Campus Tour (Guide‘s Name) ____________________________________________________________________________

The Interview: Do you need one for this school? If so, perhaps you‘ll need to schedule it beforehand. _______________________

Discoveries while on campus (facilities, student center, resources)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Overall Assessment

Worth remembering (extracurricular activities, politics, arts, ecology, music, new construction, social life or lack of social life)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What I like most about this school:______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What I like least about this school:______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of students?_________________________________________________________________________________________

Athletic facilities____________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Housing___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Does the school have what I am looking for?______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Would I feel comfortable here?_________________________________________________________________________________

FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE—Catherine Yates

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NOTES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE

Announcements Announcements

Parker Basketball starts November 28- rosters have been created and many students are missing cop-

ies of current physicals. If your students has signed up for basketball please make sure they have

turned in a current physical dated October 28, 2010 or more current to the school nurse. Students

will be notified at information meetings during school this week. Paperwork must be complete before

students are allowed to participate per MIAA rules.

Looking for a flu shot? If you are still interested in getting a flu shot: options include going to

your primary care provider or looking for a local clinic using the following link: http://flu.masspro.org/clinic/

I really need school nurse subs who can work Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. It is

okay to sign up and only be available on a specific day of the week. The hours are 830am to 330pm

except Wednesday which ends at 130pm. School nurse subs must be MA licensed RN’s. School nurse

subs are used to cover days when the nurse is out of the office. Subs can also cover field trips which

require a nurse. If you have questions please contact me in the nurses office or to apply please see

Michelle McKenna in the business office.

Continued . . .

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NOTES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE

Health Office Donations:

.

Thank you to all the families who have helped get the health office off to a great start this year and to

those who support the school health program with generous donations throughout the year.

Items we still need:

Healthy granola bars

3-5 oz. disposable cups

Thank you,

~Vicky Ladd, RN, MSN

Parker Nurse

vladd@parker.org

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SPORTS UPDATE

CONGRATULATIONS to Parker's Varsity Sports Teams! Please come and support the Cross Country team in the District

Championships!!

The Boys Cross Country Team (undefeated, ranked #19 in the State) and Girls Cross Country Team (only 1 defeat) will race in the District Championships at the Gardner Municipal Golf

Course on Saturday, November 12.

Boys at 10:30 a.m. and Girls at 11:30 a.m.

Directions below from the Parker School to the Gardner

Municipal Golf Course,152 Eaton Street, Gardner, MA 01440:

1. From Parker go to Route 2 West

2. 6.5 mi/26.5 km. Take ramp onto RT-2 W toward

Leominster/Fitchburg.

3. 4.9 mi/7.9 km. Take exit #24B/RT-140 N/Ashburnham/

Winchendon onto W Main Street (RT-140).

4. 0.4 mi/688 m. Turn left onto Green Street.

5. 0.3 mi/439 m. Turn right onto Eaton Street.

6. Your destination on Eaton Street is on the left. The trip

takes about 37 minutes.

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WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN/PARKER SCHOOL SKI CLUB

Ski Program Parker Ski Program is designed for students to purchase ski lift tickets and passes through the Parker Ski Program.

We are happy to purchase Gold Silver and Bronze passes for families and will guarantee the passes are ready to be picked up on opening day!

The deadline for getting applications back in to the office is next Friday, November 18, which will not leave much time to get all applications to the mountain on time for Opening Day, so it is im-perative that application get in ASAP. We will not take any applications after this date unless prior ar-rangement have been made.

The bus is specifically chartered for students who have purchased passes through the Parker Ski Program.

If by chance families have made other arrangements and have already purchase tickets and want their child to ride the bus, there might be a way to handle this. Please feel free to call Jean and we can try to work it out. 978-300-5454

There is always an option to get a second bus for students who only want to purchase the bus ride, this will depend on number of application submitted.

All applications are numbered when returned to office, so get them in ASAP to assure your child’s space on the bus. Should you have any questions, please contact Ski Coordinator Jean Winship at (978) 300-5454

CHAPERONES NEEDED!

We are looking for chaperones for the upcoming ski program at Wachusett. The skiing begins on Thursday, January 5th and runs for eight weeks, not including February vacation. Chaperones receive free skiing and a ride on the bus to the mountain. Also Wachusett offers a Chaperone Appreciation Day on December 17 and 18th and then again on March 3 and 4th. This is a great way to get in your volunteer hours for Parker. Please contact Jean Winship (978) 300-5454 if you are interested.

Ski Program Update There is still space on the bus so get your applications in to the school as soon as possible. The deadline is Friday, November 18.

21

CAN YOU HELP BE A

PHOTOGRAPHIC JUDGE?

Do you or someone you know have

photography experience?

If so, would you be able to help judge the

1st ever Parker photography contest!

Please contact Kathryn Wheeler at

kgw1194@gmail.com if you would be inter-

ested in judging photographs submitted

for the contest.

Thanks so much! Details of the competition

will follow.

Parker has enrolled in the Register

Tapes for Education Program for

2011-2012! Through this program we can receive educa-

tional equipment for free by saving our regis-

ter tape receipts from surrounding Donelan’s

Supermarkets.

The program begins September 1, 2011 and

continues until March 31, 2012. We are

hoping to reach our goal of $60,000.

Please bring your register tapes to the box in

the main lobby located on the lobby window

labeled “Register Tapes for Education.” No

amount is too small...every little bit will bring

us closer to our goal!

Please contact Fiona Giordano by email at

fgiordano@verizon.net with any questions!

CAN YOU HELP?

DONELAN’S REGISTER TAPES

Do you like photography? Do you like

Parker? Then enter in the 1st ever Parker

Photography Contest! All you need to do is

submit a picture taken at Parker via email to

Kathryn Wheeler at

kathrynwheeler11@gmail.com!

The winning photograph will be framed and

hung in the Parker lobby. Only one photo per

student, submission deadline is Thursday

December 15th.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are to be

announced Wednesday December 21st.

If you are a staff member, student, or

parent interested in judging, please email

Kathryn (above). Happy photographing!

PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST!

We are looking for all colors of raw wool,

differently sized needles for felting and the

foam/rubber pads that are used for under-

neath the projects. If you have any supplies

at home, and can donate some for our choice

block, they are much appreciated!!

Please drop off at the main office, or you

can send them in with your child to Laura

Warner. Lauraw@parker.org

Can you contribute supplies for a

NEEDLE FELTING choice block?

22

UPCOMING EVENTS

January, 2012

1 New Year‘s Day

2 Holiday

3 Faculty planning (no classes)

4 Classes resume

8 Enrollment Information Session (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

10 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

11 PEF meeting at 7:00 p.m. at school

12 Mentor Breakfast 9:00—10:30 a.m.

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (no school)

18 Parker PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m. 22 Enrollment Information Session (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

23 Faculty Planning (no classes)

24 New semester begins

February, 2012

14 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

17 Early Release (noon dismissal)

20 President‘s Day (no school)

21-24 Winter Recess

March, 2012

7 Spring Conference Day (no classes)

11 Daylight Savings Time begins

13 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

14 Noon dismissal then Classes until noon

Then Faculty Planning 12:30—4:00 p.m.

14 PEF meeting at 7:00 p.m. at school

18-21 NEASC visit

24 Parker PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m.

April, 2012

10 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

11 Senior Exhibition Night 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

11 Parker PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m.—Annual Meeting and Officer Elections

13 Early Release (noon dismissal)

16 Patriot‘s Day (no school)

17-20 Spring Recess

May, 2012 3 Noche Sabrosa 7:00—8:30 p.m.

7-11 Senior Exhibition Week

8 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

16 PEF meeting at 7:00 p.m. at school

17 Parker PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m

20 PEF Road Race and Springfest

25 Early Release (noon dismissal)

28 Memorial Day (no school)

June, 2012

6 Graduation (6:00 p.m.) Noon dismissal

12 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:45 p.m.

15 Last Day of Classes (Noon dismissal)

18-20 Faculty Work Days