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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:[email protected]
DIVISION III UPDATE
Advisor: Jon E-mail:[email protected]
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: [email protected]
DIVISION III UPDATE
Advisor: Sue E-mail:[email protected]
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: [email protected]
DIVISION III UPDATE
Advisor: JohnBo E-mail:[email protected]
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
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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
[email protected] 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
[email protected] 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
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. [email protected]
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