Principal Rubino's Weekly Update
W.S. Parker Middle School Newsletter; Sun., March 10, 2024
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Dear Parker Families,
This week has been an incredible week at Parker Middle School. Almost 100 students participated in the Parker musical, Shrek Jr., which was truly phenomonal. It's always such a source of pleasure and pride to see our middle school students on stage or working behind the scenes coming together as a community to create a production that entertains audiences. I was able to attend two of the performances and it was equally as lovely to see our Parker community of families, students, and educators supporting each other as audience members, helping out at the concession stands or selling raffle tickets. Thank you to our students, teachers, parents, and families for putting into action our core vaules of kindness, community, and personal best. Check out some photos below from one of the dress rehearsals this past week.
This week our 8th grade civics teachers, Ms. Nancy Fowke and Mr. Chris Twomey, invited a superior court judge to Parker. All of our 8th grade students had an opportunity to meet and learn from Judge Patrick Haggan, who, prior to becoming a judge, had been a prosecutor for the Aaron Hernandez trial. It's always rewarding for students to be able to see how what they are learning about in class can turn into a career later on in life. Check out some photos below.
This weekend Parker's Science Olympiad is off at a competition. We wish our Science Olympiads the best of luck and know they will work hard to make Parker Proud.
Sixth grade students enjoyed an educational field trip to the Museum of Science and the Omni Theater. Check out the photos below.
As a reminder from last week, the survey on parent/teacher conferences will remain open for one more week. If you haven't had an opportunity to share your thoughts, please do.
As another reminder, we will be holding a math pathways informational Zoom on March 19 at 6 p.m. The meeting will include building administration, district administration, and middle school math teachers. To join, click on this link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/86248791930
Please read on for important dates for the week ahead and beyond.
Monday, March 11
Ramadan begins
Grade 5 Family Information Night, School Tour & Scavenger Hunt
Begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium (Parker Student Council should arrive by 5:30 p.m.)
All incoming grade 6 students and families welcome!
Tuesday, March 12
PTO Meeting @ 7p.m.
Hybrid - in person and via Zoom
Zoom link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/89440949482
Friday, March 15, 2024
Playin' for Parker - 3 v 3 basketball tournament to raise funds for the PTO and food for the local food pantry. Please email PE teacher, Mr. Doug Gibbs, for more information.
Monday, March 18, 2024
No School Students - Staff Professional Development Day
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Math Pathways Info Night
Via Zoom at 6 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/86248791930
Friday, March 22, 2024
Sixth grade dance: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
All School Enrichment Sponsored by the PTO
Tuesday, April 9
ELA MCAS all grades
Wednesday, April 10
ELA MCAS all grades
Thursday, June 13
Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony followed by the dance
Begins at 6 p.m.
To access the 2023-2024 District Calendar, click here.
To access the Cultural Holidays Calendar, click here.
Sixth grade dance tickets on sale during lunch
This week the Parker Student Council will start collecting money and taking names of students attending the grade 6 dance, which is scheduled for Friday, March 22. The cost of the dance is $5 a person. Students will vote on a theme for the dance later this week.
Judge Haggan visits with grade 8
Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggan visits with 8th grade students to teach them about the court system, which is part of the 8th grade civics curriculum.
AWOD honored by school committee
Last week, members of Parker's A World of Difference and Parker Leaders received honors from RPS School Committee for their work as leaders of change in the Parker school community. Kudos to a job well down and keep up your continued efforts.
Scenes from Shrek Jr!
Grade six visits MOS & Omni Theater
New bell schedule for 2024/2025
During the 2024/2025 school year, Parker Middle School will be utilizing a new bell schedule. With this new bell schedule, we will be increasing class times to 52 minutes per period. Currently, our periods are 48 minutes per period. As a result, the advisory class will meet once a week on a Wednesday, but for 30 minutes. While we are reducing the overall number of advisory blocks, the longer period of time will enable students and teachers to have in-depth conversations and activities on a particular topic rather than the starting and stopping of a topic throughout the week. Homeroom will take place for 6 minutes each morning. Students will still be able to access their lockers and classrooms beginning at 7:40 a.m. each morning. Students will be expected to be in their homeroom, seated for attendance at 7:50 a.m. Parents, caregivers, and students, please fill out this survey to share feedback on the proposed bell schedule for next year.
Order your Parker spiritwear now through March 17
Shop online to get your Parker gear (with new styles!), including tees, sweatshirts, pajama pants, and more!
https://tinyurl.com/ParkerSpring24
Order deadline is Sunday, March 17th, and items will be delivered to Parker in April.
* Be sure to note if something is a gift when ordering! *
All items are made to order and are final sale. Please check sizing chart measurements before ordering.
Questions? Contact Kate Grant: katefgrant@gmail.com
Parents and caregivers workshops from the Child Mind Institute
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
One of the biggest challenges of raising children is managing the emotional fallout.
We want the best for our children, and sometimes it can feel as if you can never do enough. Informed by research, our caregiver programs teach practical strategies that can be used immediately in everyday life and are appropriate for parents, grandparents, nannies, or other caregivers.
- New! Mindful Self-Compassion Course for Caregivers
Six-week virtual course to help caregivers learn self-compassion practices that promote emotional wellbeing, healthy habits, and satisfying personal relationships.
LEARN MORE ▸
- Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training℠ (BEST)
Interactive training for parents and caregivers to help manage problem behaviors in the home.
LEARN MORE ▸
- Parents of Anxious Children and Teens (PACT)
Interactive webinar series providing families and caretakers with evidence-based, practical strategies for supporting children and teens ages 3-13 struggling with anxiety.
LEARN MORE ▸
Registration open for the Reading Police Youth Academy
Here is your chance to learn more by joining the free youth academy. Program is open to Reading students only and runs from July 29 - Aug. 2; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics covered include: physical fitness, training, Internet safety, criminal law, investigations, motor vehicle law, CPR, defensive tactics, K9 unit, public speaking, SWAT team and more. If interested, reach out to the Reading PD or SRO Vatcher for more information.
News from the PTO
📌 PTO MEETING: Join us for our next meeting, Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at Parker Middle School and via Zoom. Take a sneak peek at our upcoming agenda. All are welcome!
📌 PARKER APPAREL SALE: Open now through Sunday, March 17 https://tinyurl.com/ParkerSpring24 See more info above in newsletter!
📌 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!
- ALL-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT: Parker will be visited by Len Cabral, a storyteller of folktales & legends from around the world on Thursday, 3/28/24 - http://www.lencabral.com/
- 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
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.
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 starting in February 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!
Do you have a child who is on an IEP, a 504 plan, or with special needs. If so, the Reading SEPAC exists for YOU.
Please fill out this brief, anonymous survey to help your SEPAC Board to plan for the 2024-2025 school year. It should only take a few minutes.
This school year we brought speakers to the Reading community on important topics such as executive functioning and anxiety based in large part on what parents highlighted in the annual survey, so it’s very important to make sure your voice is heard.
We also want to hear from you on how we are doing in meeting our community’s needs and what more we can do to improve Reading SEPAC.
The survey results will be discussed at the next Reading SEPAC Business meeting on April 2nd at 8:45AM.
Extended School Year (ESY) Presentation
Tuesday, March 19th, 6-8PM (Virtual)
Please join us for an information session on the Extended School Year (ESY) presented by Kymberly Bryson (ESY Coordinator) and Student Services.
This presentation will be hosted virtually and you must pre-register to receive the zoom link.
Please note that the previously published zoom link will change and a new zoom link will be emailed to registered individuals only.
Daytime SEPAC Business Meeting:
Planning for the next school year and reviewing the survey results.
Tuesday, April 2nd, 8:45AM (Virtual)
School Transition Workshops:
For parents and caregivers whose child has an IEP and will be transitioning to a different school in Reading or who is new to Reading.
Thursday, April 11th, 12-1pm (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 24th, 6pm (In Person - location TBD)
The New IEP Presentations:
Wednesday, May 8th, 6PM (In Person - location TBD)
Thursday, May 9th, 12PM (Virtual)
Past Events:
MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation Recording will be Available soon on the Reading SEPAC Website. Please check back.
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
Nurse Kate's Corner
As we are in the midst of cold and flu season, we are also seeing an increase in COVID cases. Please be aware that there are masks and COVID test kits available in the health office for all students, families and staff. Please see our COVID protocols here, and information about the flu here. Please feel free to reach out to Nurse Kate with any questions. Our next vaccine clinic will be held at Coolidge middle school on Friday January 5th from 2-5 pm.
The Parker Middle School will begin Annual Screenings including Postural, beginning next week. The purpose of Postural screening is to find early signs of possible spinal problems in children in grades 6-8. It is not a diagnostic service but a program to identify young people who should have further medical evaluation. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take the child to a physician as a precaution. The majority of students exhibit no findings. If nothing unusual is found, we will not be contacting you again until the screening next year.
Annual State mandated screenings include:
Grade 6: postural-scoliosis
Grade 7: postural-scoliosis, hearing, vision, height/weight
Grade 8: postural-scoliosis, sbirt
For postural screening please send students in clothing (during PE days) that will help support visualization of the spine. Students should be checked with their backs bare. Boys should be bare to the waist; girls should wear two-piece bathing suits or shorts and a halter.
There is an alternative to opt out. If you do not want your student to participate, please email/submit a written request specifying which screening(s) to omit and submit current documentation of screening by their health care provider.
Parker screenings opt out link: https://forms.gle/bkUS6Anz3cPmxptE8
Please see the links for state information about school health screenings, immunizations and school exclusions: https://www.mass.gov/lists/school-health-screening,https://www.mass.gov/info-details/school-immunizations#school-and-camp-requirements-,
Chart reviews will continue to update immunization records, parents can upload updated vaccinations and documents directly on the snap health portal.
Grade 7 & New Students: Tdap & Meningococcal vaccines are required for the start of 7th grade, and the district requests an updated physical.
Reading Public Schools Snap Health Portal: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/health-services-83f6862d/snap-health-portal-7580ab3a
Health offices can be reached via the health portal, or email/phone.
In Health,
Nurse Kate
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