Parker Family Update

The faculty and staff at Parker will continue to support and promote our PRIDE program aimed at recognizing students for their ongoing positive behavior and achievement. Our school's core values reinforce pro-social behaviors and teach students about the importance of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication & Empathy.

This important initiative started 13 years ago at Parker and continues to guide our school in a positive direction. By creating student leadership opportunities and fostering strong student/staff collaboration, we will continue to focus on our PRIDE values as we work toward common goals.

School begins for all students on Tuesday, August 29th. School hours are 8:19-2:40. Students being dropped off can enter the building beginning at 8:00AM (see below for drop-off/pick-up info).

Over the first few days, we will have a modified schedule (extended homeroom periods etc.) to allow students and staff to acclimate to the new school year.

I look forward to seeing all of our students at the grade level assemblies that will be held during the first few days of school.

I have included a link to the https://chelmsfordschools.org/calendar/ for your convenience and planning.

The school day runs from 8:19AM - 2:40PM.

• Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:00 using the lot off of Crooked Spring Road.

• Students taking the bus to school will enter through the main lobby.

• At the 2:40 dismissal, students taking a bus will exit through the main lobby.

• All student pick-ups will take place in the rear lot off of Crooked Spring Road.

• Students who walk or ride bikes, etc., can exit through the main lobby or exit to Crooked Spring.

*The morning drop off and after-school pick up procedures tend to be very busy. Please be patient and understand that it will take some time to develop the routine that people are familiar and comfortable with.

Please see the attached image showing the drop-off traffic pattern.

In order to provide a positive and engaging learning environment it is important that students are freed from unnecessary distractions. Cell phones and smart watches have proven to be a major distraction and source of anxiety and drama for students.

If students need to contact home, they should see their teacher/administrator to receive permission to use the phone in the classroom or office. Conversely, if a parent needs to speak with a student, the parent should call the school office. All cell phones should be off while in school. Any student using a cell phone while school is in session will have that cell phone confiscated by administration. A first offense will lead to a warning and the administrator will return the phone to the student at the end of the day. Second and subsequent offenses will result in the phone being returned only to the parent and/or further disciplinary actions.

We would prefer that all cell phones and smart watches remain at home. If the cell phone and/or smart watch accompanies your child to school then please reinforce the expectation that they BOTH will be stored in their backpacks and powered down. Any communication with your child should be conducted through the main office or will be accessed after school has ended for the day. We appreciate your support for this policy. It is our experience that when freed from the pull of their phones and social media students are able to concentrate, be fully present, and be active participants in their education.

Grades 5 : Thursday, September 12, 2023, 6:00-7:30pm

Grades 6 : Thursday, September 19, 2023, 6:00-7:30pm

In lieu of a meeting in the cafe before the event, I will send an introduction video that week providing an overview of Open House, along with some updates for the school year. I am confident that this will ensure that all families have the same information whether they are able to attend or not.

Each Friday, the office will send the "Weekly Bulletin" to all Parker families. This bulletin will feature a look at the week ahead so that you and your student(s) will be prepared. I also encourage you to follow me on Twitter & Instagram @ ParkerPrincipal for ongoing information updates on all-things-Parker.

I will send "Parker Family Updates" throughout the year as well highlighting different aspects of the school year.

Our after school clubs and activities program will get started around mid-October. These are a fantastic way for students to interact with their peers while meeting people with similar interests. We will offer a wide-range of programs again this year. I will send more information once the school year begins and I work with staff to determine what we will run and who will serve as the advisor(s).

Activities run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2:40-3:40. The activity fee gives students the ability to attend all 3 days and gives them access to the late bus. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!