THE PARKER WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week of September 14, 2020
Brought to you by, Richele Shankland, Principal
How to Translate this Newsletter
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- Spanish: En el cuadro de Negro en la parte superior del boletín de noticias, seleccione Traducir Boletín de escoger el idioma deseado.
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- Vietnamese: Trong hộp đen ở phía trên cùng của bản tin, chọn dịch ký nhận để chọn ngôn ngữ mong muốn.
A Message from Principal Shankland
On behalf of the entire Parker staff, I am excited to welcome all new and returning families to the 2020-2021 school year! We are really looking forward to finally meeting students in-person and/or virtually this week.
On Friday, you should've received an email from your child's homeroom teacher with information about how to access homeroom (via Zoom) on the first day and information about orientation. If you did not receive that email, you may contact your child's team leader (email addresses below). Schedules with links to all classes will be shared with students and explained in homeroom on Tuesday. At that point, students will be able to always access their schedule with days, periods, times and links in their HR/ADV google classroom. This is where they will start their day every day.
On Monday morning, the portal will be available to families as well, so you can see which classes/teachers your child has. Please note the schedule on the portal does not include Fridays (since this is different than the other days). For Fridays, Week A follows a Mon/Wed schedule and Week B follows a Tues/Thurs schedule.
Unless you have been contacted by the school and informed otherwise, all students are FULL REMOTE until further notice. For families who chose full remote, your students are placed with a group of students until we move into a hybrid model. Information regarding in-person orientations is below.
Homeroom and period attendance will be taken. Even while remote, please be sure to call the absentee line at (781)944-1236, then dial 2 if your child is tardy or absent and the reason. Thank you for your help with this!
Finally, if you are interested in reviewing and advising our School Improvement Plan by joining our School Council and meeting monthly, please contact our PTO presidents via email at parkerptopres@gmail.com by September 18. Our PTO will then run an election and provide the results.
Enjoy your final days of summer!
Take care,
Mrs. Shankland
The Week Ahead
Week A (only need to know this for Fridays)
We will run our Week A schedule (except for your child's orientation day).
Students who are in the building full time should arrive to school daily at 7:50 in order to be ready for homeroom/advisory at 8:00. Please enter through the main entrance.
Re-entry Procedures (document created by committee of staff, parents, students, admin)
Monday, September 14:
- Teacher Professional Development
Tuesday, September 15:
- First Day of School!
8:00 AM - Join your HR via the Zoom link emailed to parents (and returning grades 7/8 students. Extended HR until 9:15 to get set up/access schedule and then follow links in schedule to attend rest of Tuesday classes until 2:30.
- Gr 6 Cohort A Team Merrill Orientation
Wednesday, September 16:
- 8:00 AM - Join your homeroom via the Zoom link on your schedule
Follow regularly scheduled Wednesday classes until 2:30.
- Gr 6 Cohort B Team McCabe Orientation
Thursday, September 17:
8:00 AM - Join your homeroom via the Zoom link on your schedule
Follow regularly scheduled Thursday classes until 2:30.
- Gr 7/8 Cohort A Orientation (Team Costa & Team Olivo)
Friday, September 18:
8:00 AM - Join your homeroom via the Zoom link on your schedule.
Follow the Friday Week A classes on your schedule (shortened periods) until 12:00.
Specials are asynchronous and activities will be posted on Google classroom on Fridays. If your child has not met with one of those classes yet, they would not be expected to access that work. This Friday, they would check M/W specials for activities.
- Gr 7/8 Cohort B Orientation (Team Peterson & Team James)
Team/Cohort and Homeroom Group Information
To view your (child's) team and homeroom teacher on the portal, you can:
- Log in to the Portal
- Click "More..." to the right of your name
- Click on the "School" tab
- Click on the "Demographics" tab
When we do move to a Hybrid schedule, the following are the in-person cohorts:
Week A In Person/ Cohort A
- Team Merrill (6)
- Team Costa (7)
- Team Olivo (8)
Week B In Person/ Cohort B
- Team McCabe (6)
- Team Peterson (7)
- Team James (8)
Orientation This Week!
We are excited to provide an in-person opportunity for students to meet their teachers face to face, to participate in some getting-to-know-you activities, to get familiar with the school (grade 6), to receive any books and supplies, and to make sure technology is up and running.
On your child/ren's day of orientation, they will NOT have regularly scheduled classes.
If your child is in-person full time, they will ONLY be in school for the hours of orientation.
If your child will NOT be attending the in-person orientation, please contact the team leader listed below (email addresses provided).
Goals of Orientation:
Connection/ Getting to Know You
Technology Introduction/ Trouble shooting/ Logging In
Obtaining Supplies/ Books/ etc.
Opportunity for Teachers to Introduce Themselves
Students Should Bring:
Mask
Water bottle
Pen or pencil
Notebook
Backpack/cinch sack
General In-Person Orientation Guidelines:
Your only obligation on your orientation day is to attend orientation; there are no other classes planned for that day.
Students are welcome to arrive starting at 8:20 (AM) and 11:50 (PM) - report to the back field to the sign with your HR teacher's name on it.
Students will be dismissed at the designated time. Please organize a timely pickup. No loitering, please.
Tuesday, September 15: Team Merrill (Gr 6 Cohort A)
Team Leader: Julie Merrill (julie.merrill@reading.k12.ma.us)
AM Session: 8:30 - 11:00
Rachel Weeks (M1), Meg Kiser (M2), Alison Sanchez (M3)
PM Session: 12:00 - 2:30
Matthew Williams (M4), Kasey McKay (M5), Lauren Iannacci (M6)
Wednesday, September 16: Team McCabe (Gr 6 Cohort B)
Team Leader: Kristopher McCabe (kristopher.mccabe@reading.k12.ma.us)
AM Session: 8:30 - 11:00
Jennifer Blackmon (Mc1), Connie Quakenbush (Mc2), Amy Bettencourt (Mc3)
PM Session: 12:00 - 2:30
Tammy Jones (Mc4), Donna Martinson (Mc5), Eric Goldstein (Mc6)
Thursday, September 17: Teams Costa & Olivo (Gr 7/8 Cohort A)
Gr 7 Team Leader: Jane Costa (jane.costa@reading.k12.ma.us)
Gr 8 Team Leader: Steve Olivo (stephen.olivo@reading.k12.ma.us)
AM Session: 8:30 - 11:00
Gr 7: Bill MacIndewar (C1), Andy Spinali (C2), Jenny DiMuzio (C3)
Gr 8: Nancy Fowke (O1), Auri Musselman (O2), Marissa Varey (O3)
PM Session: 12:00 - 2:30
Gr 7: Jamie Walsh (C4), Ariana Esdra (C5), Leah Cristi (C6)
Gr 8: Robyn Ferrazzani (O4), Brian Cormier (O5), Grace Therriault (O6)
Friday, September 18: Teams Peterson & James (Gr 7/8 Cohort B)
Gr 7 Team Leader: Kimberly Peterson (kimberly.peterson@reading.k12.ma.us)
Gr 8 Team Leader: Brian James (brian.james@reading.k12.ma.us)
AM Session: 8:30 - 11:00
Gr 7: Caitlin Carter (P1), Chris Twomey (P2), Jessica Muise (P3)
Gr 8: Brigid Rodin (J1), Sarah Gilbert (J2), Elizabeth Bean (J3)
PM Session: 12:00 - 2:30
Gr 7: Eric Hiltz (P4), Kaleigh Laventure (P5), Hannah Mulkern (P6)
Gr 8: Meg Powers (J4), Ashley Silvey (J5), Laura Fox (J6)
Sample Remote Learning Schedule (Gr 7)
Sample M - Th Schedule
Friday Week A
Friday Week B
2020-2021 School Supplies
When we created the School Supply list last spring, we certainly didn't anticipate that we would be returning to school in a remote or hybrid model. While the list is still a great list (see below), there are some additional things to think about:
- Students who are in-person full time should bring their own headphones. If they don't have them, we will supply them, but typically students like their own that they are comfortable with. Headsets or earbuds with a microphone are recommended for all students, as they eliminate noise/ distraction when attending remote meetings; the microphones also improve sound quality.
- When remote, students may choose to get materials as needed.
- Art supplies for home! https://sites.google.com/view/roppleparkerart2020/supplies
- For future planning...When hybrid, students will NOT have lockers to start the year to reduce congestion in the hallways. Students will therefore go directly to their assigned classroom with their backpacks, and will have access to their backpacks all day.
- When hybrid, each subgroup will have a pre-assigned classroom that will be their home base. I strongly suggest that each student keep a pencil bag or small plastic box of supplies in the classroom so that they always have what they need (rather than carrying it home each day). This should be labeled with the child's name.
Please note: Students do NOT have to order the brands listed if shopping on their own.
Introduction to Parker Guidance Staff
The Role of Middle School Psychologists/ Counselors
- Middle school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self- management, and social skills.
- Middle school counselors do not work in isolation, rather they are integral to the total education program.
- Middle school counselors collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning, and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.
- Direct counseling services include instruction and support.
- Indirect services include consultation, collaboration, and referrals.
Accessing the Psychologists
Dr. Kimberly Bernazzani
kimberly.bernazzani@reading.k12.ma.us
Parker number 781-944-1236 X 319
Mrs. Ann Ozanian
Parker number 781-944-1236 x 318
Google voice number (during remote times) 978-276-4311
Office hours available for in-person/virtual meetings with students, parents and/or staff.
Contact school psychologist to schedule meetings.
From the Health Office
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back! The Covid-19 pandemic has created many new concerns and challenges. As your school nurses, we are committed to providing students and staff with a safe and healthy learning environment. Please take a few minutes to read the important information in this letter as we prepare for this academic year.
School Protocol:
Staff and students must wear masks/face coverings. Specific time will be allotted by teachers for mask breaks during the day; these times will be physically distanced and follow safety protocols
Masks must be 2-ply cloth. Research has shown that the following options do not provide adequate protection so cannot be used: neck fleece, neck gaiters, bandanas, knitted masks, masks with vents.
Please test the fit of your student’s mask. It should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly over the mouth and chin. It should not gape on the sides. Make sure your child can breathe comfortably wearing their mask.
Practice putting the face mask on and taking it off while avoiding touching the cloth. Help your student recognize the importance of avoiding touching their mask while they are wearing it.
Health Information:
To prevent illness outbreaks, staff and students with any illness must stay home. We will err on the side of caution in our mission to keep everyone healthy and to keep schools open.
Every day before your student leaves home please note any of the following symptoms:
A cough or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
A fever of 100°F or higher or chills
A sore throat or headache
Muscle or body aches
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Congestion/running nose – not related to seasonal allergies
Unusual fatigue
New loss of taste or smell
In addition:
• Has your student been in close contact with anyone with suspected or confirmed Covid-19?
• Has your student had any medication to reduce a fever before coming to school?
The student must stay home from school if the answer to any of the above questions is “yes.” If you are not sure whether your child should stay home, please contact the school nurse to discuss your child’s condition before sending your student to school.
Illness Protocol:
If a child is suspected to be ill with Covid-19 symptoms while at school, the following steps will be taken:
The student will be evaluated by the school nurse
If the nurse’s assessment confirms likely illness with symptoms consistent with Covid-19, the student will be cared for in an isolation area in the building
Parent or guardian will be asked to pick up their student within 30 minutes.
Parent or guardian will be directed to have their student evaluated by a physician and tested if necessary, and will follow guidance for isolation if test is positive. If warranted, contacts of the student will be notified.
If a provider makes an alternative diagnosis, student may return to school following the recommendations for the diagnosis and school protocol.
In order to protect students and staff, it is imperative that there be a timely dismissal plan for all students. Parents must provide a plan that ensures pickup within 30 minutes. Be sure to update all contact information in the parent portal and make updates when it changes.
Start of school information:
We will require all immunizations per the CDC schedule. Additionally, it is required that all students receive an annual flu vaccine by 12/31/2020.
A physical exam with vision and preferably a hearing screening is required for kindergarten entry, and students new to the school. Kindergarten entry also requires a documented lead test.
Please provide documentation for annual physical exams, required in grades 4, 7 and 10.
Documentation of a telehealth visit may be accepted until an in-person appointment can be scheduled.
Telehealth appointments are not accepted as sports physicals.
Back to school preparation:
Please practice hand hygiene at home and talk to your student about the reasons for keeping hands clean. Hand washing will be a routine part of their school day.
Hand sanitizer will be used when it is not possible to wash hands
Label all materials, including your student’s masks, with permanent marker. Send in a labeled container that your student will use to hold their mask during mask breaks and snack/lunch
Students must bring a filled water bottle to school every day.
Special Education Administration: News
Office Hours with Special Education Administration
During the extended closure in the Spring of 2020 office hours were offered to families and we would like to continue to offer virtual office hours with Jennifer Stys, Director of Student Services and Allison Wright, Assistant Director of Student Services. Office hours is a time for individual families to discuss questions and concerns regarding the implementation of their student’s IEP, their progress or to share positive feedback. If you are interested in attending office hours, please sign up for a 15 minute block via the link below. The dates/times of office hours are as follows:
- Friday 9/18, 10-11 am
- Wednesday 9/23 9-10 am
- Tuesday 9/29 2-3 pm
Link to DOODLE Poll for Student Services Office Hours for the month of September
Special Education Support:
If you have any questions about your student’s IEP or services please reach out to our building Team Chairperson, Leander Corman at leander.corman@reading.k12.ma.us.
Reading SEPAC
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is gearing up for a robust year of supporting our kids and building on last year’s increased engagement.
SEPAC and Parent Resources:
The SEPAC will be offering a basic special education rights training on October 13 at 7:00. More information will be coming about this important event.
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.
Food Service: Director, Danielle Collins
While the return to school this fall is not what any of us envisioned, I want to assure you the Reading Schools Food Services is working hard to create a welcoming and safe environment to provide healthy meals for all Reading Public Schools students. We are so excited to provide our students with nourishing and nutritious meals that will support them, both in school and at home.
There will be some significant changes to the Food Service program this fall. The primary one is related to the payment system. In March, when our schools closed because of COVID-19, the USDA (the federal agency that oversees the nation’s school lunch and school breakfast program) allowed all schools in the US to provide meals at no cost to all students and then they extended that provision through the summer. A second extension was announced on August 31st and is set to expire on December 31st or when funds run out. What this means is ALL students will eat for free through this USDA extension period. All students, regardless of eligibility are able to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every academic day until December 31st. We understand the vital importance of providing meals at no cost for all students across our community during this unprecedented time. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has requested that the USDA extend free meals for all students for the entire school year. However, no decision has been made by the USDA.
Families should still submit a household application to determine eligibility for free and reduced price school meals in order to qualify for any additional benefits as well as have a seamless transition when school meals transition to a paid school meal program. Therefore, we strongly encourage families to complete an application for free and reduced priced meals as soon as possible. The application is available to download at Reading.k12.ma.us under Food Services.
In addition, we also encourage families to apply for SNAP benefits. SNAP provides monthly cash benefits (on an EBT card) to purchase groceries for eligible families. To apply for SNAP, visit DTA Connect at https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ or call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Families approved for SNAP are directly eligible to receive free meals at school.
Meal Distribution will be provided each Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:30 pm and Friday from 11 am – 12 noon at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School. Please reach out with any questions you might have. Your children are the reason we love our jobs and we are here to make sure that they are fueled with good food and ready to learn!
After School Opportunity
Do you want to learn about female empowerment? Join BOLD.
Using media literacy and mentorship we will empower girls to use their voices for positive change. Girls will learn from high school students about media literacy while discovering and developing their voices and capacity for action.
Meetings will be over zoom and include both Parker & Coolidge students.
Please email- Riley.murphy@rdgstudent.com if you would like to sign up or hear more information about what BOLD entails.
Thank you,
BOLD
Family Resources
Please be reminded of these amazing resources, if your family is in need:
- RPS Behavioral Health Resources linked here.
- Town of Reading: compiled resources linked here.
- RCASA and Mental Health Support linked here.
- St. Vincent de Paul linked here.
- Free & Reduced lunch access: sign up here.
- Reading Food Pantry linked here.
- Project Bread link here.
- Residential Financial Assistance (Rent/Mortgage) link here. (New resource! Check it out!)
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Richele Shankland, Principal (x301)
Brendan Norton, Asst. Principal (x302)
Diane Finigan, Administrative Assistant (x300)
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