THE PARKER WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week of April 12, 2021
Brought to you by, Richele Shankland, Principal
How to Translate this Newsletter
- Portuguese: Na caixa preta na parte superior do boletim, selecione Traduzir Boletim informativo para escolher o idioma desejado.
- Spanish: En el cuadro de Negro en la parte superior del boletín de noticias, seleccione Traducir Boletín de escoger el idioma deseado.
- Arabic : في المربع الأسود في أعلى النشرة الإخبارية، حدد ترجمة الرسالة الإخبارية لاختيار اللغة المطلوبة.
- Vietnamese: Trong hộp đen ở phía trên cùng của bản tin, chọn dịch ký nhận để chọn ngôn ngữ mong muốn.
Swahili: Katika sanduku nyeusi juu ya jarida, chagua Jarida la Tafsiri ili kuchagua lugha taka.
A Message from the Principal
Only one week until vacation AND only two more weeks until we are full in person!! The staff and I are so excited to have almost all of our students in the building. Looking forward to lunches outside as often as possible (like we did this week)! We will be treating this like we are beginning a new school year, so we will take our time adjusting and getting used to it. If you need anything or have any questions, reach out to me, Mr. Norton, our guidance department or your teachers. We are all here to help and are invested in a smooth transition.
As we return full in-person on Monday, April 26, here are some of the details which I will update again next week:
- Starting April 26, school will be in-person from 7:50am-2:30pm, Monday - Friday.
- There will be early release Fridays at 1:00 pm once per month (April 30, May 7 and June 11).
- Students will enter school after 7:35 through their grade level doors (same as now).
- The general structure of our schedule will stay the same with some changes to specials and some special time will become enrichment (extension of content areas).
- We will continue with our small groups of 15 or less (6 ft distancing in those classrooms).
- Similar to now, students leave the classroom and go to another location for lunch, PE, art, special education services, band and chorus.
- Number of full remote students: Gr 6 (1), Gr 7 (9), Gr 8 (4)
- Full remote students may change small groups to keep full remote students together, when possible. Those families will be notified if they are switching groups.
- Lunch will remain in the cafeteria and gym. Students will be separated by clear Lexan plastic shields. Cohort A will be in the cafeteria and Cohort B will be in the gym.
- We will continue with mask breaks and frequent hand washing/ sanitizing.
- Students should bring a refillable water bottle and extra masks.
- We have a couple of parents who volunteered to help with supervision of enrichment blocks (classroom extension activities). Thank you & welcome to our staff!
- Time will be spent in advisory/ HR showing students the schedule, talking about transitioning to full in-person, what students need, etc.
- Students may need to get their computer from a neighboring classroom before starting their day. HR teachers will tell them where to get their computers from on the 26th.
- Last day of school is June 21 (11:00 dismissal).
- Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony TBD during the week of June 14.
A couple of other updates:
- Pooled testing: All negative pools this week! Starting next week, pooled testing will be on Thursdays at Parker.
- MCAS testing window is now May 17 - June 11. Stay tuned for specific grade/ subject dates.
Reminder - If your child is going to be absent or dismissed, please be sure to call the main office or simply email your child's name, grade and reason for absence or dismissal to wspabsences@reading.k12.ma.us.
Take care,
Mrs. Shankland
The Week Ahead
April 12 - 16 : Week B
Students can refer to their Week B Schedule for this week.
See the lunch menu HERE. Breakfast & lunch are FREE everyday for the rest of the school year!
Important Upcoming Dates:
April 11 - Parker Apparel Orders Due! (https://tinyurl.com/ParkerSpring2021)
April 14 - School Council Meeting, 5:30 pm (Handbook - Equity Audit)
April 15 - Current Grade 5 Enrichment Form Due (for grade 6 next year)
April 16 - Last day of Quarter 3
April 19 -23 - Vacation Week
April 26 - Return to school in-person full time (M-F)
April 26 - First day of Quarter 4
April 30 - Report Cards posted on portal
April 30 - Early Release Day (1:00 dismissal)
May 7 - Early Release Day (1:00 dismissal)
May 12 - School Council Meeting, 5:30 pm (Handbook - Equity Audit)
May 12 - PTO Meeting, 7:00 pm
May 28 - Teacher In-Service Day (No school for students)
METCO Director Search Information
Please see the link below inviting Reading school community participation in the METCO Director Screening Committee. It also includes a survey link for community and staff input on this search. If you have any questions contact Julia Hendrix or LisaMarie Ippolito.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aONNCzpxHCH9pLMDKmUO5kG4zduNKxptNXGu-GMWR0Y/edit?usp=sharing
Staff Spotlight by Parker PTO
The Parker PTO is spotlighting one of the wonderful staff members at Parker each week! We thought this would be a nice way for our students and families to get to learn more about Parker's staff.
This week's spotlight is Laura Fox. Thank you, Laura, for being our first spotlight and for all you do for the Parker Community!
What is your position at Parker? Spanish teacher
What is your birthday (month/day)? July 17
Where did you grow up? Tewksbury, MA
Please tell us about your family/pets. I have a husband named Jeff, a son named Collin (age 7), a daughter named Riley (age 5), and a dog named Harper (Vizsla mix).
How long have you worked at Parker? This is my sixteenth year!
What is your favorite part of your job? Having fun with my students in the classroom!
What are your favorite snacks? Ice cream, sweets in general!
What are your hobbies/what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Gardening, boating, fishing, pinning things on Pinterest, hanging out with my family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why? Someday I would like to tour Italy because that has always been on my list and I never did it back in my days of travel! I also wouldn't mind just sitting on a beach somewhere too though!
What was your favorite middle school memory or experience as a student? Middle school was a tough time for me and I just remember feeling very insecure and stressed out. I had a few great friends though and my favorite memories from that time involved sleepovers and way too much candy!
Gr 9 Information: RMHS Jazz/ Stage Band Auditions
RMHS 9th Grade Jazz/ Stage Band Audition Times are now open.
DATE: Saturday May 1st from 9:00-11:00am
PLACE: RMHS Music Suite. Enter through door #2 to the left of the main entrance to RMHS
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 23
For information about auditions please go to
http://rmhsjazzband.weebly.com/2021-2022-audition-music.html
You will find audition music, procedures, and audition times all on this website. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Mulligan at joseph.mulligan@reading.k12.ma.us
Parker Yearbook On Sale!
Parker Middle School’s full color, 48-page yearbook is now on sale. Yearbooks are $24 and will be sold online for a limited time only. This year was like no other! Order your keepsake to see how we have captured this crazy 2020-2021 school year in pictures and words.
Please read the following instructions.
Access the Pictavo store https://commpe.pictavo.com and search for Walter Parker Middle School.
Under “Shop My School” you will be prompted to enter your child’s name and homeroom. All payments must be made online. Yearbooks cost $24 plus a small service fee. The last day to order your book is May 6, 2021.
Lynn Lyons Podcast for Parents on Students Returning to Full in Person School
Here is the link to all of Lynn Lyons' Podcasts
Parker Apparel Sale!
The Spring Apparel Store is now open! Shop online to get your Parker gear, including tees, sweatshirts, pajama pants, 1/4 zip Sherpa fleece, shorts, and more! https://tinyurl.com/ParkerSpring2021
Order deadline is Sunday, April 11th, and items will be delivered to Parker in May. Be sure to note if something is a gift when ordering!
Questions? Contact Kate Grant: katefgrant@gmail.com
Coolidge Drama Presents...Sleeping Beauty! April 16 & 17!
The Coolidge Production of "Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose:, will be virtually broadcast on April 16 at 7:30 & April 17 at 3:00. The students, directed by Stephen MacDonald, have been working hard and long on the play, and are excited to share this amazing, virtual event with our Reading community! You can watch from any device, at any location, home or on vacation! Please consider joining us and showing your support of the arts in Reading.
Tickets for this virtual event ($10 per viewer), and more information about the play, can be found here: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43732
The group also has a Facebook page, which you are welcome to follow.
We hope to "see you" there! 🙂
District Health News
We are looking forward to having more students back in the building this month. We ask your continued support in keeping all of our students and staff healthy and safe while at school. There has recently been an uptick in cases in Reading and in Massachusetts, and we know that COVID variants have been found locally. Please remember to review the health screening and screen your children for any symptoms before coming to school.
Remind your children to wear masks properly and supply them with extra masks if needed.
Finally, as April vacation approaches, we ask you to follow the MA travel advisory.
District Special Education Office News
Dear Families,
The schools have been busy over the past few weeks prepping for the upcoming change to full - in person learning! We are looking forward to seeing more students in the building! We understand that this shift in the learning model can bring up additional questions about supporting your students and we would be happy to meet with individuals during office hours to discuss any questions or concerns.
Below, please find our office hours for the month of April. Please use the DOODLE Poll link to select a time to meet with us. We continue to enjoy these opportunities to meet with families on an individual basis.
Prior to your scheduled time, a ZOOM link will be sent to you via email. Please be sure to include your email address when you sign up!
If you have any questions regarding Office Hours, please contact Allison Wright, Director of Special Education @ Allison.Wright@reading.k12.ma.us.
Office Hours for April 2021
- Thursday 4/15 @ 9:30-10:30 am
- Tuesday 4/27 @ 2:00-3:00 pm
Link to the Doodle Poll to sign up for Office Hours:
https://doodle.com/poll/qywrhxnahz424rm3?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link
POOLED TESTING
It's not too late...If you would like your child to participate in the pooled testing program, please complete the following consent link located here: https://bit.ly/3oXiiSa
Students & staff at Parker who have completed consent forms will do self-swab tests on Thursdays.
Here is more information regarding the pooled testing in schools: https://covidedtesting.com/
and Dr. Doherty's powerpoint presentation.
Q & A about Pooled Testing
How do I know if my student is in a positive pool?
If you do not hear from us after pooled testing, your student is negative. We will be contacting students who are in a positive pool for retesting.
How will we/our students be notified of a positive pool? positive retest?
Students may be contacted via remind text or email. Parents will get an email to register with Project Beacon, the platform supporting antigen testing, if their child needs to be retested. Project Beacon will send out an immediate notification of test results once antigen testing is complete.
How and where will retesting occur?
Due to timing and logistics, it made sense to do follow up testing after school/before practice in the field house this week. That may continue to be the case. However, depending on when we receive test results, there may be opportunities for students to have testing done in the health office before or during school. If the health office is busy or there is an emergency, students would continue be tested after school.
Does my student need to quarantine if they are in a positive pool?
Not necessarily. So far athletes have been pooled in random groups by sport, so those in a pool are not all close contacts. Once a positive case is identified, close contacts are determined. (as a reminder, close contacts are those who are within 6 feet of each other for a period longer than 15 minutes over the course of 24 hours) As teams are formed, we will test by team, and If there are positive pools practice may be postponed until follow up testing can be completed. Because of the current distancing protocols at RMHS, most students in class with each other are not considered close contacts.
Reading Public Library - Upcoming Events!
Math Circles for Teens & Kids
Puzzles + games = Math Circle! Stretch your noggin' and have fun! Separate sessions for teens (gr.6-8) and kids (gr.4-5) led by RMHS graduate, Corinne (AKA The Math Aficionado). Offered monthly through May; advanced registration for individual sessions required. To learn more visit Reading Public Library's Event Calendar: https://libcal.readingpl.org/event/7609680
Girls Who Code *New Spring Session*
New for spring starting April 14! A 6-week virtual Girls Who Code: Coding Fundamentals Club. Aimed at new coders grades 6-12, it includes instruction and hands-on coding challenges. Join our sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world! #girlswhocode #sisterhood To learn more & register visit Reading Public Library's Event Calendar: https://libcal.readingpl.org/event/7602495
Peeps Diorama Contest: Power to the Peeple!
Participate in the library's first ever Teen Peeps Diorama Contest! Dioramas will be on display at the library for the public to vote on the winners of the Peeple's Choice Awards. And yes, there will be prizes!! Get started on yours over April Vacation! Learn more, including when you can pick up a kit to get started at Reading Public Library's Event Calendar: https://libcal.readingpl.org/event/7623015
SEPAC Update
Please join the SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) at our next business meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM!
New business to be discussed includes a presentation by Team Chair, Kelly DiCato, on the DESE Resource Guide to the MA Curriculum Frameworks for Students with Disabilities, followed by caregiver comments/questions; also a parent prepared presentation on local/regional community resources providing family education/advocacy, recreational opportunities, and summer camps, followed by a parent discussion regarding the same; and other items.
Please join us for these presentations and discussions and feel free to share any
additional resources that you think other parents may find helpful.
All are welcome!
This meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom.
Join us for our next VIRTUAL SEPAC MEETING on Tuesday, April 13th at 7 PM.
Meeting link: Join Zoom Meeting
All are welcome and ENCOURAGED to attend!
Connect with SEPAC by clicking these links:
· Join SEPAC's mailing list by emailing SEPACREADING@gmail.com
· Follow SEPAC on Facebook (please adjust settings so that you are sure to see our posts)
The mission of the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community.
RMHS Adopt A Senior
Many of you have been asking what you can do to make our RMHS seniors feel special this year. It's been an extremely stressful year for them with the school year shortened, events cancelled and challenges to make future plans. We would love your help to shower them with kindness! The Adopt a Senior program is a way community members can sponsor a graduating student and show them support. You will be given their name and address. You may drop a note, snack, gift, etc. to the senior to show them how much you care.
Please complete the Google Form with your information and we will match you with a senior.
If you have any questions, please email Classof2021RMHS@gmail.com
Thanks so much,
RMHS Class of 2021 Senior Events CommitteeA Therapeutic Resource for Families!
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support has partnered with Doc Wayne to bring an exciting youth therapeutic program to Reading students ages 5-18. You can learn more about Doc Wayne’s programming on their website or by watching this short video. If you have any questions about Doc Wayne’s services please contact Maggie Yuan, Doc Wayne Program Director, at myuan@docwayne.org. See below for the referral form and someone from Doc Wayne will reach out to your family directly!
Interest/ Referral Form for Group Therapy
Using a theoretical curriculum, which incorporates social-emotional learning and life skills, Doc Wayne offers innovative mental health programming. In addition to traditional individual therapy, Doc Wayne offers unique group therapeutic programs. Through these groups students:
- Have the opportunity and needed supports to become resilient and regulated individuals with positive adult and peer relationships
- Create positive relationships with teammates, friends, and family members
- Become confident and competent members of their schools and larger communities
- Achieve their highest level of academic success
Please CLICK HERE to find out more! All of Doc Wayne’s programming is being offered via telehealth due to COVID-19. If you have any questions please contact Sammy Salkin, Outreach Coordinator, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us.
Reading Public Schools Offer Free Meals In & Out of School!
FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS BOTH IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL!
Through the extension of the Seamless Summer Meal program, started in response to COVID-19, we are able to offer all Reading Public School Children FREE meals until the end of June.
What this means for your family–
- Your school-age children will receive a healthy breakfast (at Coolidge, Parker and RMHS only,) and lunch every school day, at no cost, in a safe and welcoming environment. This applies to students who are attending classes in school.
- Our other option for FREE meals for children, ages 0-21, in your home is meal distribution. This may include remote learners, participating in a hybrid learning mode, or any other children in your home. These meals will provide breakfast and lunch for each day, including weekends, at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm or Friday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.
Your family may participate in BOTH options. Students can eat at school and receive Meal Distribution for the remote days and weekend meals that your family is entitled to.
This program allows Reading School District to provide the most nourishing and appetizing meals possible for your children. When your children eat school meals, it helps the school system by providing federal funds to the district. The more meals we serve, the more funding we receive, allowing us to focus on providing wonderful, nutritious meals for your family. If your children have never participated in school meals, consider trying the program this year!
If you have any questions please contact Danielle Collins, School Nutrition Director, at Danielle.Collins@Reading.k12.ma.us or 781-670-2822
Free & Reduced Lunch Application -
The standard breakfast and lunch is free for all through the rest of this year! See the lunch menu HERE. It's also on the Parker website.
Virtual Clubs
GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance)
Email Ms. Gilbert if you are interested (sarah.gilbert@reading.k12.ma.us). Meetings take place via Zoom on Week A Mondays at 3:00pm.
We The Change!
We have a new name! Our name is a play on the start of the U.S. Constitution, while also driving home the idea that students have the voices and ideas of our future and can "be the change" we need. Interested students should reach out to the advisor, hannah.mulkern@reading.k12.ma.us, for more information.
Parker Service
Please reach out to kimberly.peterson@reading.k12.ma.us know if you're interested in joining! Meetings take place on Week A Tuesdays starting at 2:35pm.
BOLD
Do you want to learn about female empowerment? Join BOLD.
Please email- Riley.murphy@rdgstudent.com if you would like to sign up or hear more information about what BOLD entails.
Family Resources
Please be reminded of these amazing resources, if your family is in need:
- Reading Coalition’s Mental Health Resource List, Substance Misuse Resource List, and information on the Interface Referral Service has been updated and is available for all our families. The most updated version of our COVID-19 Resource is available on our website along with some additional resources. Please take a look if you need support for you or your family.
- Culturally Responsive Resource Hub link here.
- RPS District Resource Flow Chart linked here.
- Finding support to address substance misuse linked here.
- Mental Health Resource Sheet linked here.
- RPS Behavioral Health Resources linked here.
- Town of Reading: compiled resources linked here.
- St. Vincent de Paul linked here.
- Reading Food Pantry linked here.
- Project Bread link here.
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Richele Shankland, Principal (x13301)
Brendan Norton, Asst. Principal (x13302)
Diane Finigan, Administrative Assistant (x13300)
Email: richele.shankland@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: www.reading.k12.ma.us/parker
Location: 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA 01867
Phone: (781)944-1236
Twitter: @WSParkerMS