Principal Rubino's Weekly Update
W.S. Parker Middle School Newsletter; Sun., April 21, 2024
How to translate this newsletter
In the black box at the top of the newsletter, select Translate Newsletter to pick the desired language.
· 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.
Dear Parker Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating April school vacation week. My children and I spent a few days visiting my parents in Florida, which was a nice change of pace.
As we return from school vacation week, administration will be hosting grade level assemblies during advisory to remind students about behavior expectations during the last months of school. We will also be introducing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to encourage students to embody Parker's core values of kindness, community, and personal best in their daily interactions with staff and peers. Students will have opportunities to earn rewards both individually and as a group as they display these characterstics in action. More to come on this!
Please consider joining Parker Leaders, Student Council, and the Parker PTO for the annual Parker Beautification Community Event. Right after school on Wednesday, May 8, student leaders and anyone who wishes to join the efforts will mulch and plant flowers in front of the school. It's a wonderful way to bring the entire Parker community together. If the weather looks to be a washout, we will hold the event right after school on Thursday, May 9.
- Grade 6 Families, please remember to select a world language course for seventh grade. This should be completed ASAP and by Friday, the latest!
- Grade 7 Families, tickets will be on sale for the grade 7 dance during lunches this week. The cost is $5 per student. The dance will be held on Friday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students will vote on a theme on Monday and Mrs. Rubino will announce the theme during lunch on Tuesday. Please see below regarding rules/procedures for the 7th grade dance.
- Grade 8 Families, on May 30, students will participate in an end-of-year field trip to Kimball Farm. More information to come from eighth-grade teachers after April school vacation. The PTO donates money to this trip to keep the cost per student minimal. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Rubino. This year's moving on ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 13 beginning at 6 p.m. A dance will follow the ceremony.
Please read on for important dates for the week ahead and beyond.
This Week:
- April 22 - April 30
- Passover
- Wednesday, April 24 - Friday, April 26
- Quebec Trip for Grade 8 French students
- Spanish Field Trips for Grade 8 Spanish students
- Friday, April 26
- Grade 7 Dance; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Looking Ahead
- Wednesday, May 1
- Last day to order Parker yearbooks
- Tuesday, May 7
- Coffee and Conversation with Principal Rubino via Zoom at 9 a.m.
- Topic: Pathway Exploratory Courses
- Zoom Link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/84997881056
- Wednesday, May 8
- Parker Beautification - Right after school
- Come join Parker Leaders and Student Council as we mulch and plant flowers in front of the school. It’s a community event, so feel free to bring your family along to help!
- Friday, May 10
- Early Release at 12:30 (Staff Professional Development)
- Wednesday, May 15
- Math MCAS (all grades)
- Thursday, May 16
- Math MCAS (all grades)
- Friday, May 17
- Parker Family Fun Night - 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Incoming grade 6 students and families are welcome
- Tuesday, May 21
- Grade 8 Science, Technology Engineering MCAS
- ELA iReady (grades 6 & 7 only)
- Wednesday, May 22
- Grade 8 Science, Technology Engineering MCAS
- Thursday, May 23
- Early Release for students (12:30 p.m.)
- Multicultural Night - beginning before Open House at 5 p.m.
- Parker Open House - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 28
- Grade 8 Civics Performance Task MCAS
- Math iReady (grades 6 & 7 only)
- Wednesday, May 29
- Franklin Park Zoo Field Trip Grade 6 (Unity)
- Thursday, May 30
- Spring Concert Grade 6 at 6 p.m.
- Spring Concert Grade 7 at 7:45 p.m.
- 8th Grade Field Trip to Kimball Farm
- Friday, May 31
- Franklin Park Zoo Field Trip Grade 6 (Syngergy)
- Monday, June 3
- Grade 8 Civics End of Course MCAS
- Move Up Day - starting about 1 p.m.
- Thursday, June 6
- Spring Concert Grade 8 at 7 p.m.
Last Week of School
- Monday, June 10
- Field Day
- Tuesday, June 11
- Field Day (rain date)
- Wednesday, June 12
- Science Expo Day - 8:15 to 12:30 p.m.
- All School Enrichment - Hagarmania Extreme Science at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, June 13
- Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony followed by the dance
- Begins at 6 p.m.
- Friday, June 14
- Last Day of School
To access the 2023-2024 District Calendar, click here.
To access the Cultural Holidays Calendar, click here.
Robotics Program Open to Grade 8 and Grade 7 Students - Space is limited
Middle School students, come learn some basics of robot building with the Reading Memorial high school robotics team. We have created a game course and will help you build a robot to play the game. Absolutely no experience needed!
Open to all 8th graders and to 7th graders with a strong interest in Robotics. The program will be on Monday, May 20 and Thursday, May 23 at 3:00 at the high school. (Participants can show up as early as 2:40.)
Space is limited to 20 students; more than that will be added to a wait list for a potential session the following week. (Priority will be given to the 8th graders.)
Please use this link to sign up by May 8. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRa82R99ANUkWzbdJvCXIDKqNlai9lbAVMEZwEu97oHkxdKA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Email questions to: Robockets.4761@gmail.com
Grade 7 Dance Friday, April 26
This Friday, Parker Student Council will host a dance for grade 7 students. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dance ends promptly at 8 p.m. If you need to dismiss your child prior to 8 p.m., please email Mrs. Rubino with the name of the student(s) and the person who will be dimissing the children. If you dismiss your child early, please bring a photo ID.
All school rules apply at the dance, which means that cell phones will not be allowed to be in use during the dance. Students should either leave their phones at home or keep them in their pockets. We will have pizza and water available for students.
The theme of the dance will be announced on Tuesday. Please note, this is for decorative purposes only. Students are not required to dress as the theme unless they wish to do so and are encouraged to come dressed as they would for a typical school day.
Students can still purchase tickets for the dance by signing up during lunches. Students will not receive a paper ticket; rather, their names are checked off so we will know they will be in attendance.
Finally, the dance is for Parker students only. Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Rubino with any questions.
Order your Parker Middle School Yearbook!
Parker Middle School’s full color, 48-page yearbook features
portraits of your friends, teachers and administrators, school
events, groups and clubs. This keepsake will leave you with a
lasting memory of your 2023-2024 year. All grades are represented.
Please read the following instructions.
1. Access the Pictavo store https://buytheyearbook.pictavo.com and search for
Walter Parker Middle School. There are known issues purchasing from phones.
2. 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 5%
service fee. The last day to order your book is May 1, 2024.
3. Students will receive yearbooks in homerooms before the last day of school. Our
8th grade students will receive yearbooks on the day of their class signing.
News from the PTO
📌 PTO MEETING: Join us for our next meeting, Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Parker Middle School and via Zoom. Take a sneak peek at our upcoming agenda. All are welcome! 📌 PTO ROLES: The Parker PTO is looking to fill some roles for the next academic year and we’d love to have you join us. Grab a friend and volunteer together! Reach out for more information if you’d like to help plan: Email to join the crew! parkerptopres@gmail.com
📌 STAFF APPRECIATION: As Staff Appreciation Month approaches in May, it's our chance to show our gratitude to the dedicated educators at Parker Middle School. While middle school teachers and staff may not typically receive gifts from families like in elementary school, we have the opportunity to honor them with tokens of our appreciation.
Here's how you can help us celebrate Staff Appreciation:
- $10 Target Gift Cards: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/parker.middle.pto Purchase $10 Target gift cards for us to gift to staff. Please click the link to order from to order from our registry BY MAY 3rd. Please choose “MAIL” as the delivery method, and “Parker MS PTO’s Community Registry” as the delivery address. If you prefer, you can drop your gift card(s) at Parker Middle School or Kristen Granara at 36 County Rd, Reading.
- Volunteer / donate with Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45A9AF2CA1F94-49072527-parker Use our Sign Up Genius to donate goods or lend a hand. Your time and support are invaluable in making this a success.
- Donate to our GiveButter fund: givebutter.com/staffroom Help fund the breakfast, lunch, and other fun treats we are giving the staff by donating to our GiveButter campaign. Your contributions will ensure our Parker staff feels valued and celebrated throughout the month.
If you have any questions please contact Kristen Granara at kgranara@comcast.net.
Thank you for joining us in honoring the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. Together, let's make Staff Appreciation Month unforgettable for the educators who shape our students' lives every day!
📌 LOOKING FOR HELP - CREATIVITY NEEDED! We're seeking people with skills to help paint 4-squares and a few other outdoor games on Parker grounds! Bring your creativity and/or painting know-how. If you're interested in finding out more, please reach out to parkerptopres@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE!
- SPRING FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Join us Friday, May 17 from 5:30-7 on the King Street lawn. Bring a picnic, and join us for lawn games, pizza, cotton candy, music, snacks and catching up with friends! Rising 6th graders and families are welcome. *FREE*
- MULTICULTURAL NIGHT: Come join in this exciting new event! Families are encouraged to participate by sharing your background, Thursday, 5/23, 5-7pm.
- PARKER AT THE RED SOX: Tuesday, 6/4/24. Tickets sold in January.
📌 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED:
- Email: parkerptopres@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkerPTO
- Instagram: @ParkerMSPTO
- Parker PTO webpage: tinyurl.com/ParkerPTOpage
Previous information that is still relevant
Registration Open for Session 5 of After School Activities
Parent Listening Session to Support Middle Schoolers
RSVP - CLICK HERE
April 30th Reading community parent listening sessions to support middle schoolers
The Reading Children's Cabinet is hosting parent listening sessions to discuss best practices to support our middle schoolers so they are empowered to thrive socially and emotionally! Community Listening Sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 30th from 9:30am - 10:30am and 6pm - 7pm at Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA 01867. Please complete this form to RSVP for one of the listening sessions.
RSVP form for Reading Parent Listening Sessions
For additional information, please contact Barbara Best at bbest@gse.harvard.edu.
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024, 06:00 PM
Reading Public Library, Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, USA
METCO Sweatshirts
Interested in purchasing some METCO swag? Families and community members have been asking about METCO sweatshirts, and now is your chance to get one! Click here to order a METCO sweatshirt in black, mint or classic Reading red! Orders will close on April 16th and there is an estimated 2-week turnaround for orders placed. When completing the form, please list your school address as shipping address. All orders will be delivered to the school and you will be notified when they are ready for pickup.
Teen Programs at the Reading Public Library
Join us for Multicultural Night
Parker Middle School is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Multicultural night on Thursday, May 23rd from 5 - 7 PM, which is the same night as Open House. However, the event begins one hour prior to Open House so that families can attend the event and then visit other classrooms. Our World Language teachers will have tables setup representing both Spanish and French speaking countries in the cafeteria. In addition, we would like to extend the opportunity for all students’ backgrounds to be on display as well by inviting families to participate if interested.
Please complete the attached google form Here if you would like to participate in either of the 2 options as follows:
Display only - Students will create tri folds representing your country of origin for display in the cafeteria on multicultural night
Display with Table Participation - Families will be provided their own table to introduce their country, culture and background to the school community through traditional clothing, flags, instruments, music, art, typical dishes, interesting facts, etc.. Students will create the tri fold display during advisory to assist.
Multicultural night is the perfect time to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Parents, students and teachers are all invited to be part of this exciting event!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Taranto or Ms. Santiago at maria.taranto@reading.k12.ma.us or jerika.santiago@reading.k12.ma.us
Attendance Reminders
School Attendance: As you know, school attendance is extremely important and matters every day. In our attempt to communicate proactively with families regarding attendance, we have been sending out letters to families if your child has more than five absences (regardless of whether they are considered excused or unexcused). Absences are considered excused if your child is sick or has a medical appointment. We do ask families to provide documentation from your health care provider if there is an extended absence due to a medical reason. As we work through what works best to maintain this ongoing communication with families, we have decided to pilot a monthly attendance letter to all families. This letter will be sent through the portal at the beginning of the month and will outline all of your child’s absences. Assistant Principal Story will reach out to families directly to set up attendance meetings if your child has exceeded 10 absences.
MCAS Testing Dates
Please mark your calendar for the following dates for MCAS testing:
- ELA 6 - 8: Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10
- Math 6-8: Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16
- STE 8: Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22
- Civics 8 performance task: Tuesday, May 28
- Civics 8 end of course test: Monday, June 3
It's important that students are present in school on the days of MCAS testing.
News from SEPAC
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!
Follow SEPAC on Facebook or Instagram
Transition Presentations:
Thursday, April 11th, 12-1pm (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 24th, 6pm (In Person at the RMHS Library Media Center)
Registration for virtual event, April 11th, 12-1pm
Registration for in-person event, April 24th, 6pm
The New IEP Presentations:
Wednesday, May 8th, 6PM (In Person - location TBD)
Thursday, May 9th, 12PM (Virtual)
We reviewed the survey results at our last meeting. Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey. If you did not get a chance yet, it’s not too late to submit as we will use this as a reference point to plan for next year.
Past Events:
Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Webiste:
Extended School Year (ESY) Presentation Recording
MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation
Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation Recording Available on the Reading SEPAC Website
Review tiered system of supports and provide examples
Outline effective communication channels with your team and school
***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form
Nurse Kate's Corner
MA DPH: Updated COVID Guidelines
Recently, the MA DPH updated the COVID guidelines. Here are updated guidelines that pertain to staff and student absence who have any respiratory illness, including COVID.
You may begin to resume normal activities with precautions if:
- You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines; AND
- Your other symptoms are improving.
You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.
For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, take these extra precautions:
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.
For the complete guidelines, go to this site.
METCO Updates
Reading Public Schools is a METCO DISTRICT
"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."
Reporting Absences, Dismissals, and Tardies
Please take the time to read through the handbook to review our policies regarding school attendance.
The best way to report any attendance issues (absence, tardy, or dismissal) for your child is by sending an email to the Parker absentee line – wspabsences@reading.k12.ma.us
Please make sure to give us:
Student Name
a reason for the absence or tardy
expected date of return
for dismissal, the name of the person who will be dismissing your child
🍃🏵 🍃🏵 🍃🏵 🍃🏵
Resources and Documents for Families
About us
Principal
Dr. Jill Story
Assistant Principal
Email: rochelle.rubino@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/parker/
Location: 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-1236
Twitter: @WSParkerMS