Dear Parker Families,

 

·         What do teachers see when they examine the work students hand in?

·         Where do the rubrics used for assessment come from and how are they used in evaluating student work?

·         What are the kinds of questions teachers ask themselves about progress and achievement in the absence of grades?

·         What is the relationship between a student’s portfolio and a gateway?

 

When a school’s assessment system relies on careful and deep consideration on the part of teachers and disallows easy judgments to be rendered with the mere stroke of a pen, the range of implications for teachers and their practice, and for the students who generate work, is immense. While assessment at Parker is likely to make increased sense to students and parents with each passing year students attend school here, there is real value in coming together as a community to both orient those new to and unfamiliar with assessment at Parker and to engage regularly in the process of looking together at student work.

Please join members of the faculty for a special community forum on Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm.  We will center our conversation on topics related to assessment and performance–based promotion at Parker.  That is: we’ll take some time to talk about the gateway process, answer questions, and quite possibly debunk a myth or two.  (“Is it true that my child doesn’t really need to worry about completing those assessments until she’s ready to gateway?”)

Following some conversation about promotion from division to division, we will devote significant time to the examination of student work.  We’ll gather around samples of the real work our students do, and discuss what we see, how the qualities of the work  relate to the stated expectations, and the role of teacher feedback in our hopes of creating a process that provokes and inspires students to achieve their best through their work.

Looking together at student work is not merely the focus for our evening next week.  It is a guiding practice for every teacher within our school.  When we dedicate ourselves to the continual development of students and expect that they repeatedly confront challenging work through a process of mandatory revision, we also commit to frequent public conversation of our assessment practices.  Teacher feedback at Parker is designed to enable and compel our students to take the next necessary steps in their learning, and so we are compelled, as their teachers, to share our thinking about the process of assessing student work and to welcome parents into that process.

Since the school’s inception, teachers and parents have gathered together in order to study the work our students produce.  And while it’s true we are a school invested in and practiced at gathering, there is a particular sense of cohesion and community when we put, quite literally, the kids and their work, in the center of our conversation.  When we talk about their learning and begin to share our hopes and thoughts about what happens within our classrooms and within the minds of our students, we usually end up learning, too.

Please make a special effort to join us on Wednesday evening.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Teri Schrader

Principal

 

Parker parents, Chet Gapinski and Bart Wendell, join Phil Campbell in serving as Parent Representatives to the Parker Board of Trustees. 

* * * * * * *

Report from the Parker Trustees Meeting –

October 14, 2003

In case you chose the Sox game over the Trustees meeting (in retrospect, was that the right choice?), here are the agenda items you missed:

 

1. Division II students, Erica Campbell and Lily Perkins-High, presented their progress on ‘The Food Connection,’ a food cooperative for the members of the Parker community.  A comprehensive plan has been compiled and researched over the past 6 months.  The Board will revisit this impressive plan in November after a Student Activity Account appropriate for this and other activities has been established.

 

2. The Department of Education (DOE) has just completed its compliance audit of special education documentation at Parker.

 

3. Parker is one of 15 national finalists for selection as a Mentor School with both potential recognition and a financial grant that would facilitate the outreach to other schools essential to the charter school mission.

 

4.  A group of students from Matt and Tassia’s Division I A/H class created a ‘living sculpture’ performance inspired by the book The Outsiders.  (Now how many board meetings have that at a meeting???)

 

5. Trustees approved unanimously this year’s curriculum overview.  A conversation followed about the issues involved in Parker meeting the needs of students who request advanced placement curriculum as well as comments about the high quality and sophistication of the existing program offerings.

 

6.    The groundwork for establishment of the Foundation for Essential Education, Inc. as a 501(c) 3 non-profit is almost complete.  The purpose of this new independent entity will be to work towards the long-term financial support necessary to maintain Parker’s mission and vision over the coming decade.  Potential priorities will be support for future building needs and as a vehicle for possible strategic partnership with other organizations.  The Foundation will work alongside but not overlap the Parker Essential Fund’s many activities.  A direct mail appeal to all present and past members of the Parker community to begin this financial campaign is planned for later this year.

 

7. The Teacher’s Center continues to provide monthly opportunities (‘Parker 101’) for visiting educators as well as forming close relationships with Leominster High School and The Academy for Journalism and Communication in Lawrence;  and lastly,

 

8.    Gym space is available to house the basketball team this year, but even with the terrific efforts of Mass Development and Devens, locating a future home court will be an ongoing agenda item.

 

Next Trustee’s meeting:  Tuesday,  November 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Submitted by Bart Wendell, Parent Trustee

 

Loaves and Fishes Drive a Success Thanks to You!

The members of Jim's advisory would like to thank the Parker Community for your generosity in supporting Loaves and Fishes during our recent food drive.  Thanks to your efforts, we were able to deliver nearly 100 bags of needed goods to the Loaves and Fishes Pantry.  These donations directly support the 300 families from nearby towns that rely on Loaves and Fishes to supplement their weekly shopping needs.  Thank you very much!

 

Many thanks to the family of Nick and Grace Losso for the beautiful arrangement of flowers in the office.

Mini-Grant Application Form

 

Please return to the PEF Box in the office by Friday, November 7.  We cannot consider applications submitted after this date!!

Dear Parker Community,

The PEF Board will be meeting in November to distribute funds from the upcoming Parker Essential Fund Auction.  If you have an idea for enriching the education of students at Parker, please fill out this form and return to the Parker office.  Questions?  Call Maryellen Grady

(978) 486-4064 or Joan Shankle (978) 779-6301.  Please remember to obtain Teri Schrader’s signature prior to submitting this to the PEF.  

 

Name:  _________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: ____________________ Evening Phone: ____________________

 

Project Title:   ___________________________________________________________________

Co-Sponsors  (if any):______________________________________________________________

 

A Brief Description of the Project and Benefit to Parker Students (add sheets if necessary): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Total Amount Requested: ___________________________

(Please attach an itemized budget for projects over $500 including 3 different estimates if applicable.) 

 

Adjustments that can be made if project is not fully funded: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

 

If this grant is awarded it is expected that the recipients upon completion will provide a written report or other tangible demonstration of how the grant money was used and the benefits to the Parker School.

 

If funded, I (we) agree to carry out the goals of this project in accordance with the description and budget contained in this application or in accordance with any adjustment which is subsequently approved by the PEF. In the event that we do not carry out this project for whatever reason, we agree to account for and return all unused funds to the PEF forthwith.

 

Sponsors Signatures:  ____________________   ____________________   __________________

                                                ________________________    ________________________   _____________________

 

Principal’s Signature  (Required): ______________________________________

 

October, 2003

Saturday, 18 - PSAT testing

Monday, 20 - Rescheduled photo re-takes from 9:00-12:00 in the main lobby (Please note date change)

Tuesday, 21 - Division I trip to Mt. Watatic

Thursday, 23 - Division I trip to Mt. Watatic

 

PLEASE  MARK  THESE  DATES!   (Subject to change)

 

October, 2003

Wednesday, 22 - Community Forum at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, October 24 - Halloween Dance - no guests 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Division 1 only)

Monday, October 27 - Health Advisory Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Room 26

Tuesday, 28 – Special Education Training for Parents Meeting in Room 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 29 - PLP Conference Day (no classes)

 

November, 2003

Saturday, 8 - P.E.F. Auction

Tuesday, 11 - Veterans Day - no school

Wednesday, 12 - Gift Wrap delivery

Thursday, 13 - Saturday, 15 - CES Fall Forum

Saturday, 15 - PLAN testing

Tuesday, 18 - Trustees Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 26 - Early Release (noon dismissal)

Thursday, 27 - Friday, 28 - Thanksgiving Break

 

December, 2003

Tuesday, 23 - Early Release (noon dismissal)

Wednesday, 24 - Wednesday, 31 - Holiday Recess

 

January, 2004

Thursday, 1 - New Year’s Day - no school

Friday, 2 - No school

Monday, 5 - Tuesday, 6 - Faculty Planning

Wednesday, 7 - Classes resume

Sunday, 11 - Enrollment Information Session (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, 13 - Trustees Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday  - no school

Sunday, 25 - Enrollment Information Session (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

(Snow date Sunday,  February 1)

 

February, 2004

Sunday, 1 - Snow date for Enrollment Information Session (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

Friday, 13 - Gateway Celebration - Early Release (1:30 p.m. dismissal)

Monday, 16 - President’s Day - no school

Tuesday, 17 - Friday, 20 - Winter Recess

 

 

Requests for Volunteers:

Help Needed	Email Address	Voice Mail Extension
**** Advisory Parent Representatives To provide support for each advisory and to maintain communication chain. Advisory Reps still needed for the following Advisories: Amy, Courtney, Dan, Dawn, Deb, Emily, Emma, Gena, Janice, Jim, John, Lorin, Melissa D., Tassia and Alyssa.	Debbie Osofsky    debbieo@parker.org
Division 1 MST is looking for parent chaperones for the Mt. Watatic hike on two different days, October 21 and October 23.  Parents should contact their child's MST teachers via email if they would like to go.
Help needed: PEF Auction needs YOU:  - Help soliciting local business donations  - Help with auction set-up and clean-up  - Student wait-staff	Carol Liasson:   ferris263@aol.com  Lori Purcell:  fpurcell@charter.net
Help needed: PEF Auction needs FOOD:  - Prepare food to be served at the auction  - Work with food set-up at the auction	Maryellen Gordon: MEDAVID@rcn.com
Looking for experienced Microsoft Access database designers.   Experience with administration, menuing, calendaring, forms, and action queries is helpful to provide assistance with modifications to administrative database.	Harry Jacobson      harry@parker.org	147
Library Volunteer Special help needed in the Library – Would you like to learn a new skill? We are looking for someone with computer skills, interested in helping with the cataloging process.  Training will be provided.  A commitment of two to four hours per week is needed.  Please contact Laurie Nehring or Maura Barstow as soon as possible for more information.	laurie@parker.org	130

 

**** We are actively trying to provide support for the above listed advisories.  If you have a student in one of the above advisories and would consider being an advisory rep, please contact Debbie Osofsky as soon as possible.

Damara's advisory is sponsoring a Division I Halloween Dance, Friday, October 24th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This is a fundraiser so please come and support our school.  We are looking for decorations and snacks to be donated.  Please bring in your donations to Room 14 by noon on Friday, October 24th!

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts choice block and a few Advisories are looking for donations of:

YARN of any kind

WHITE 100% COTTON clothes or cloth (any size ok)

RUBBER STAMPS of any kind

FELT or nice fabric scraps

8 mm Video Tapes

We are in desperate need of 8 mm video tapes should anyone be interested in donating some!!

 

Parker Classic Road Race - Parent Opportunity

Co-chairs needed to coordinate the Parker Classic Road Race, 2004.  Extensive coaching available throughout the year to organise and produce the May, 2004 race.   Anyone interested in more details please contact Islay Boeri at islay1@earthlink.net or phone Islay at (978) 724-0205.

 

 

On Monday, December 8 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Scott Prince from the Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority will present a workshop for  parents interested in learning more about the financial aid process.

The latter part of his presentation will focus specifically on the needs of parents of seniors, but the first hour is relevant for parents of any division student.

Scott is a dynamic presenter and makes sometimes dry material riveting.  We hope you will join us for this event.

 

About Standardized Testing:  The PSAT and PLAN

Parker is offering students an opportunity to practice for their college placement tests right here at school.

On Saturday, October 18, the PSAT (practice test for the SAT) will be given to interested sophomores and juniors. Arrive: 8:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, November 15, the PLAN (practice test for the ACT), will be given to interested sophomores only. Arrive 8:15 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT equally.  Some students find the content-based ACT more user-friendly than the reasoning-based SAT.  By taking both practice tests, they will have first-hand insight into which test they feel better reflects their strengths.

If you missed the registration materials that were available during school registration, have your child see Sue Whalley for a copy.  You can also call Sue or send her an email: swhalley@parker.org.

Tickets for admission will be distributed to students the Wednesday before the test.

 

There are a few upcoming dates we want to emphasize with parents of Division III students.  On Wednesday,

October 22, the parent forum on assessment will allow you the opportunity to learn more about the structure of

Division III courses, graduation requirements, and general standards for Division III work.  In addition to reviewing some basic practices in Division III, we will look closely at Division III level work in MST and A/H.  We encourage you to join us to get a closer look at the expectations we have for Parker students to graduate.  On Monday, October 27, seniors have their revised Senior Project proposals due.  And, on Wednesday, October 29, PLP conferences will happen.  Watch for a note or call from your child’s advisor to schedule this conference if you haven’t already done so.

Division III Course Updates: Lorin's Classes

In Biology we have been examining how organisms get energy from the food they eat.  We started with glycolysis and have worked our way through both fermentation and cellular respiration.  We will be doing a lab using an electron acceptor (DPIP) to measure respiration rate. 

 

In Chemistry we are finishing our bonding unit by looking at molecular geometry.  We started by learning how to draw structural formulas of molecules and have gone on to translate those into their three dimensional forms.

 

Division I MST

This week we have been gearing up for the field trips to Mt. Watatic next week.  Permission slips and $13 should already be in to the MST teachers, please send them on Monday if you haven't yet!  Block 1 students will be

going on Tuesday and Block 3 on Thursday.  The rain date for the trip is Friday (but let's hope for beautiful fall weather).

COW 4 was handed out today.  Students will be making field observations on Mt. Watatic and making inferences about the effects of weathering and glaciers on the land in the past 1 million years.  To practice for this, we have visited Shepley’s Hill in back of Parker looking for evidence of weathering.  Students have also modeled the effects of glaciers on land with mini-glaciers, blocks of wood, clay, sand and gravel.  They have learned a lot of new geological vocabulary which they will need to try to use effectively in their observations and inferences in COW 4.

In math, we have continued to work with three dimensional shapes: origami and mentally folding 2-D net drawings.  Students should have handed in revisions on COWs 1 and/or 2 today.

Please encourage your student to be proactive and come to weekly extra help sessions or ask questions if he/she is confused.

Division II MST

This week, Division II MST students received their first assessed assessments in both math and science. They should be working on revisions and meeting with their teachers if they need help with the revision process.  Please keep in mind that revision due dates vary from class to class.  This week, math classes continued studying transformations through

Geometer's Sketchpad Labs, class discussions and practicing translations, rotations, and reflections.  In science, students continued studying the cell and its organelles, finishing up with ICCA on Thursday.  A math assessments was given out on Friday, October 17 and is due the following Friday, October 24.

 

Division I A/H

 

After basking in the beauty of Becket (long live alliteration!!) students have regrouped by working on their Personal Memoirs this week.  Emma and Alyssa's, and Tassia and Matt's classes have a first draft due this Friday.  Blaze and Clay's papers are due on Monday.

Blaze and Clay's students performed their Living Sculptures today and have their artist's statements due next Tuesday, October 21.

Do we have more greasers or Socs at Parker?  We'll find out next week!  Weather Permitting -- Sunshine -- Division 1 students will have their Outsiders Sock Hop on this coming Monday.  The rain date is during academic time next Wednesday.  Students should come to school dressed in their Sock Hop clothes on whichever day the Hop is actually held.  We'll let you know what group is the most popular. The mystery King and Queen of the hop will arrive in regal form, 60's style!

Division II A/H

Last Friday, many of us went to a dramatic production of The Crucible at Boston College.  It was a pleasure to see so many parents and students at the show, and the teachers would like to thank the parents who assisted with car pools.  This week, we have begun work on the Oral Presentation/Content Assessment for Unit I.  Working in groups, the students are analyzing one scene from the play in depth.  Collaboratively, they will explore how and why dramatic conventions are employed by a playwright.  Theme, Characterization, Plot and Atmosphere are the four essential terms.  Each student will select one of these, and present a three minute OP to the class. 

Division I Spanish

Celebramos El Día De Los Muertos

The Day of the Dead is a centuries-old holiday, mixing ancient Aztec and traditional Catholic customs.  It is celebrated throughout Mexico and Central America.  In Mexico, the holiday lasts from October 31^st to November 2^nd.  During this time, people who have died are honored; their spirits are believed to visit the earth.

Altars are built in homes, and the markets are filled with special holiday foods.  Plays and parades are held in many places.  Often people celebrate in cemeteries.  When the holiday is over and the spirits have returned to the spirit world, the celebrants are happy and at peace, knowing they have made the souls of the dead feel loved and remembered.

Recipe for Pan De Muerto

Damara’s Division I students who did not attend the Becket trip, made this delicious bread during Spanish class on Friday, October 10^th.  We hope that you will enjoy making and eating this tasty traditional food with some hot chocolate!

¼ cup milk

¼ cup (half a stick) butter, cut into pieces

¼ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 package ACTIVE DRY YEAST

¼ cup very warm water

2 eggs

3 cups all purpose flour, sifted

½ teaspoon anise extract

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Bring milk to boil and remove from heat.  Stir in butter, ¼ cup sugar and salt.

In a large bowl, mix the yeast with the very warm water until dissolved and let stand for 5 minutes.  Add the milk mixture.

Separate the yolks and the white part of the eggs.  Add the yolks to the yeast mixture, but save the white for later.  Now add the flour to the yeast and egg. Add all remaining ingredients. Blend well until dough ball is formed.

Flour a pastry board or work surface very well and need dough for a few minutes.  Place dough ball in bowl and cover with a dish towel.  Let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes.  Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake bread for 30 minutes, take bread out of oven and brush with beaten egg whites, sprinkle sugar, and place back in 350 degree oven to bake an additional 30 minutes.

Serves 8-10 people.  Approximately 275 calories per serving, 8g fat, 44g carbohydrates.

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

Beginning this week and continuing into next week, Division One Spanish students are viewing the movie “Real Woman Have Curves” as part of the current unit on urban Chicano families.  This recent and critically-acclaimed movie is a coming of age story about a Mexican-American teenage girl who is struggling with some cultural conflicts.   We invite and encourage you to view the film at home (it is widely available at most video stores) if you wish. The movie is rated PG-13, as it does contain some brief but contextually important sexual content.  The movie also raises some substantive questions about body image.  However, students will not be focusing on these themes, as they are viewing the movie in order to discuss cultural tensions and stereotypes.  If you choose to view this movie at home, you may wish to discuss some of the other themes raised in more depth with your student.  Thanks

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

David's seventh graders are making a calendar using vocabulario de los numeros, dias y meses.

David's eighth graders are finishing their culture projects and preparing for the movie "Real Women Have Curves". 

Emily and Damara's eighth and ninth graders are beginning the movie "Real Women Have Curves".

Division II Spanish (Janice and Lisa)

Last week, students did a simulation in class to better understand the concept of supply and demand.  They also took a vocabulary quiz and were introduced to the Leer (Reading) project that  began in class this week on Tuesday and continued into class on Thursday.  There is also a component of the Leer assessment for students to work on at home.  The whole reading assessment is available on the Spanish link of the Parker website if anyone is interested in seeing it.

 

 

This week in Alan's classes

In Alan's classes, students practiced skills and played touch football during physical activity classes.  There was discussion about equal opportunity for students to play a variety of positions and the question of how much thought do we give to winning and losing.  Matt Smith (A/H teacher in Division I) came in to Division I classes and spoke to students about his decision making regarding being a vegan.  Matt also made connections to his running and the information that he had to access to stay healthy.  Division II students heard from two students who have made significant choices around their diet and exercise.  Students were assigned Chapter 7 from ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy’ and will answer questions on fruits and vegetables.

This week in Deborah’s classes

This week in Deborah's classes, students completed an open book "pop quiz".  This covered the material we have covered thus far in nutrition.  Students also completed a self-assessment relating to metabolic diet typing.  We

will continue to look at this way of eating next week as well as hearing from guest student speakers.  We have enjoyed the beautiful fall weather out doors playing kick ball.  For homework, students are to complete their metabolic typing assessment, read Chapter 6 from the packet and read up on their metabolic type.

This week in Laura's classes, we played Ultimate Frisbee, which we will continue through next week.  Do you think that Ultimate Frisbee will be an Olympic sport during our lifetimes?  In Health class, we heard from Matt

Smith, a Division I teacher, who spoke about his decision-making processes around his nutritional habits.  Students also received the rubric for the nutrition assessment project which will be due on either Thursday, 11/6 or Friday 11/7

(A-L; M-Z).  Please ask your child to show you the project; they might need your help!

Note to parents of Division I and Division II students who attended the overnight trips:  If your child did not pick-up his/her medication after the trip from the trip nurse, the medications are being stored in the Nurse’s Office.  Please let the school nurse know if you want your child to bring the medications home or if they should be discarded. 

WATER BOTTLE CONCERNS:  Sharing water bottles (or any beverage container or utensils) pose a potential health risk for students.  Students at Parker are frequently observed drinking from one another’s juice, soda or water containers.  This is a common cause of the spread of illness by saliva among friends, classmates and teammates. 

Some of the health consequences that can result from sharing water bottles include spread of infectious diseases such as colds and sore throats (including “strep throat”) but also some infections with more lethal consequences, such as hepatitis and meningitis.  So please alert your children in a non-alarming but cautionary tone, to the dangers of sharing water bottles and other eating utensils and instruments with others.  Our interest is not to cause panic but to simply keep kids, parents and teachers well informed.

Another recent research study has shown that reusing water bottles designed for one-time use is also a health concern.  Researchers at the University of Calgary collected 75 water bottles from elementary students. Significant levels of coliform bacteria—bacteria from feces—were found in 9% of bottles tested. Unclean hands were used to open the cap of the water bottle. High levels of bacteria that feed on other organisms (heterotrophic), like saliva and food particles, were also found in 13% of the samples. Saliva and food particles can get into the water bottle and if left sitting on a desk at room temperature for several hours, bacteria can grow to harmful levels.

These commercial water bottles are made with plastic designed and intended for one-time use. The water bottles sold in sporting good stores (i.e. Nalgene® bottles) are made from a more durable plastic. They are a better alternative and are designed to be used over and over. The opening of the bottle is wider making it easier to clean.

If you refill a commercial water bottle or any container for that matter, washing it every day is critical to prevent bacteria from contaminating this healthy beverage. Wash the bottle with hot soapy water, rinse well. Use a bottlebrush to clean in and around the neck of the bottle. Scrub the lids with a brush. Allow the water bottle and cap to air dry completely between uses.

Because of the narrow neck of most commercial water bottles, sanitizing your water bottle in the dishwasher isn’t the best option because water can’t get up into the bottle for a thorough cleaning.

Most people use their hands to open the caps of the water bottle. Another basic but important part of keeping your water bottle germ free is washing your hands well after using the bathroom! Using your teeth to open the cap might be a safer option than your hands. Water bottles can be safely reused if you wash your hands and the bottle well and often. 

Washing your hands frequently remains the number one preventative measure against disease and illness.  For additional information or concerns, please contact Mary Ann at the school.

 

The next meeting of the Parker School Health Advisory Council will be held on Monday, October 27^th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 26.  Agenda items include a report on the school foodservice program, Wellness curriculum overview and a report on a student run business, ‘The Food Connection.’ 

The mission of the Parker School Health Advisory Council (HAC) is to examine health, safety and environmental issues within the Parker Community, to provide recommendations to Parker’s faculty and staff including the Board of Trustees and to organize special events within the school that assist in meeting these objectives.  All past members of the HAC are encouraged to attend and we welcome any new members of the Parker Community (parents, students and faculty) to join our efforts.  Contact Mary Ann Gapinski (HAC Coordinator) for more information.

 

 

Did you check out a book in September?  Great!  We're glad you are taking advantage of the library resources!  If your books are still checked out, it's time for a return or renewal.  Overdue book notices will soon be sent out through advisories, so please turn in those books!  Thanks, Laurie and Maura

Special Education

Parent’s Rights Training

 

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

7:00 p.m.    Room TBA

Join us for the annual workshop on Parent’s Rights for parents of children with special needs.  In addition, we will be joined by Kathy Hewett, a psychologist who is conducting a needs survey and program evaluation of Parker’s special education services.  She is particularly interested in talking to parents about their children’s experiences at Parker.

Once again, we will offer parents the opportunity to form a Parent’s Advisory Council (PAC). A PAC is a parent-run organization that offers education, support and a forum for the discussion of Special Education trends and concerns.

If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, please contact Joan Shulman, School Counselor, joan@parker.org or (978)772-3293.

 

 

We are pleased to continue the Parker / Wachusett Mountain Thursday evening ski program. This year’s program is scheduled to run six consecutive Thursdays starting January 8, 2004.  Application packets containing all required information can be picked up in the Parker Office. The basic cost for bus transportation and lift tickets will be $148.00.  Equipment rentals and lessons are also available.

To keep our transportation costs reasonable, this year we will initially contract for one bus. Since it is possible that the number of applications received could exceed bus capacity, applications requiring transportation will be accepted on a first come, first serve, basis with the first forty-four (44) students guaranteed transportation. A second bus may be added if sufficient applications are received to cover the cost.

Please return your completed applications, along with payments to the School Office, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Please note: Wachusett Mountain REQUIRES that applications be signed by the parent or guardian.

For students wishing to ski or board “on their own”, you may take advantage of the school’s discounted rate and purchase a Century Pass for $189.00 through the Parker Ski Program.  Just return the completed application to the School Office with a note that the student is only purchasing a Century Pass.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 7. 

Jim DiGiorgio – Ski Program Coordinator, Email: digiorgio@charter.net

Fall Sports Update

 

Girls Varsity Soccer is having perhaps their best season ever.  With a record of 8-2-1, they are well on their way to the MIAA post-season tournament.

Boys Varsity Soccer, after four consecutive trips to the post-season tournament, is in the midst of a rebuilding season and has a record of 2-6-3.

Girls JV Soccer is still undefeated at 7-0-1, which includes a big victory over Bromfield this week!

Boys MS/JV soccer is definitely on the way up with a 5-5 record and a win over rival Littleton this past week.

GMS Soccer is also showing a vast improvement this season, as their 4-4-1 record indicates.

Cross Country (Girls 8-2, Boys 3-7) is gearing up for the Wachusett Invitational this weekend, and looking towards the District Championships.

I want to personally thank every student-athlete who has come out for a sport this Fall.  This season we have set a new participation record for athletics at Parker.  Thanks - Ben Benoit

Winter Sports Update

The official starting date for all basketball teams is Monday, December 1.  Captain’s practices for the varsity teams will begin on Monday, November 10.

REMINDER:  The following must be completed before participation:

1.        The Sports Health Information form must be turned in to Mary Ann

2.        A current physical exam (within the past 12 months) must be on file with Mary Ann.

3.        The $175 Sports fee must be turned in to the main office.

Sports Schedule

				Dismissal	Bus	Game
Date	Parker Team	Practice/Game	Location	from class	Leaves	Time	Pick-up
Mon., 10/20	Boys Varsity	Away vs. Monty Tech.	See website		4:00	6:30	9:30 atschool
	Girls Varsity	Away vs. Monty Tech.	See website		4:00	5:00	9:30 at school
	Boys MS/JV	Home vs. Tahanto	Rogers	2:45		3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls JV	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls MS	Home vs. Tahanto	Rogers	2:45		3:30	5:00 at field
	Cross Country	Away vs. Monty Tech.	See website	2:20	2:30	3:30	5:30 at school
Tues., 10/21	Boys Varsity	Away vs. Keefe Tech.	See website	2:05	2:15	3:30	5:45 at school
	Girls Varsity	Home vs. Blackstone	Rogers	2:45		3:30	5:00 at field
	Boys MS/JV	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:30 at field
	Girls JV	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls MS	Away vs. Carlisle	See website	2:20	2:30	3:30	5:45 at school
	Cross Country	Practice	School			3:30	4:45 at school
Weds., 10/22	Boys Varsity	No practice
	Girls Varsity	No practice
	Boys MS/JV	No practice
	Girls JV	Home vs. Lawrence Acad.	Rogers			3:00	4:30 at field
	Girls MS	No practice
	Cross Country	No practice
Thurs., 10/23	Boys Varsity	Away vs. Ayer	See website			7:30	9:00 at Ayer HS
	Girls Varsity	Away vs. Ayer	See website			5:30	7:00 at Ayer HS
	Boys MS/JV	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:30 at field
	Girls JV	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls MS	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:00 at field
	Cross Country	Practice	School			3:30	4:45 at school
Fri., 10/24	Boys Varsity	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:30 at field
	Girls Varsity	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:30 at field
	Boys MS/JV	Home vs. Ayer	Rogers	2:45		3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls JV	Home vs. Ayer	Rogers	2:45		3:30	5:00 at field
	Girls MS	Practice	Antietam			3:30	5:00 at field
	Cross Country	Practice	School			3:30	4:45 at school

 

FRANCIS W. PARKER CHARTER ESSENTIAL SCHOOL

& REGIONAL TEACHERS CENTER

49 ANTIETAM STREET  DEVENS, MA  01434-2129

TELEPHONE (978) 772-3293    FAX (978) 772-9494  PARKERSCHOOL@PARKER.ORG

                                                               

SPORTS HEALTH INFORMATION / RELEASE

 

Please complete and sign this form.  Your son/daughter CANNOT participate in any interscholastic sport unless this form is completed, signed and returned to the School Nurse prior to the start of practice. 

Your child must also have a current physical exam (within the past year) signed by your healthcare provider on file with the School Nurse before participating in any interscholastic sports.

 

Date of last physical exam:  ___________ (MUST BE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR).

 

________________________________________________________________________________

Last Name                               First Name                                                              Date of Birth

Home Address                        Town                                                                      Home Phone

Parents/ Guardians Name(s)                                                                                   Emergency Contact Number

Health Insurance                     Group Number                                                       Physician’s Name/ Phone Number

 

CHECK ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS:                                                                               

YES         NO                          PLEASE EXPLAIN ANY “YES” 

Allergies:                                                                 ___          ___                          RESPONSES:

Please List: _____________________                                                                   _______________________________                                    _____________________                                                                  _______________________________

Asthma                                                                  ___         ___                         ____________________________

Uses Inhaler                                          ___         ___                         ____________________________

Cancer                                                                    ___         ___

Convulsions/Seizures                                         ___         ___                         PLEASE LIST ALL

Concussions (Head Injuries)                             ___         ___                         MEDICATIONS TAKEN IN THE

Diabetes                                                                                ___         ___                         PAST MONTH:

Fainting Spells                                                      ___         ___                         ____________________________

Fractures                                                               ___         ___                         ____________________________

Heart Condition                                                    ___         ___                         ____________________________

Operations                                                            ___         ___

Past Injuries:                                                                                                         HAVE ANY OF THE

                Ankle                                                     ___         ___                         FOLLOWING EVER BEEN

                Back                                                       ___         ___                         DOCUMENTED IN CLOSE

                Hip                                                          ___         ___                         RELATIVES OF YOUR CHILD?

                Knee                                                       ___         ___                         Please Check:

                Neck                                                       ___         ___                         Sudden Death under age 40    ____

                Shoulder                                                ___         ___                         Convulsions                              ____

                Other                                                      ___         ___                         Bee Sting Allergy                   ____

Single Organ (ex. Kidney)                                   ___         ___

Wears Corrective Eye Lens (glasses)               ___         ___                         HEIGHT:                                _______

Wears Dental Appliance (braces)                     ___         ___                         WEIGHT:                               _______

 

I give my son/daughter permission to participate in interscholastic activities and to accompany the team as a member on its off-campus trips.  In case of illness or injury, every effort will be made to contact parents and/or guardians listed above.  In the event of an emergency that requires immediate medical attention, I give my permission to delegated school officials to secure proper treatment, including transportation via ambulance to the nearest medical facility, the administration of anesthesia and any other necessary medication to my child as determined by healthcare providers.  I hereby waive on behalf of the above named child and myself any liability of the Parker School, any of its agents or employees, arising out of such treatment.

 

Signature of Parent/ Guardian ________________________________________         Date____________               

 

Menus for October 20

 

Monday – Sauteed Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Corn

Wheat Bread & Butter

Fruit Dessert

 

Tuesday – Baked Fish patties

Rice Pilaf

Mixed Vegetables

Rolls & Butter

Fruit Dessert

 

Wednesday – Pizza Day

 

 

Thursday – All Beef Hot Dogs

Baked Beans

Carrot Sticks & Ranch Dressing

Fruit Dessert

 

 

Friday – Lasagna

Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes

Garlic Breadstick

Green Salad

Fruit Dessert