PARKER WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week of May 16, 2022
Brought to you by, Principal Shankland
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
Dear Parker Families,
I hope I see you at the Parker Family Fun Night today!! Next week, we have Parker Beautification on Wednesday after school from 2:30 - 5:00 pm. Come help us get the school cleaned up for spring!
We also have open house on Thursday night. You can check out the schedule (by team) for the night right HERE! Grade 6 families should also plan to attend the Nature's Classroom meeting starting at 6:30 pm.
See a photo below of Mr. Peledge stepping into action when we needed a lunch server! Thank you for jumping in, Mr. Peledge!
Consider adopting an RMHS senior...More details here!
Attention 8th Graders: Information about RMHS Football sign-ups is HERE.
Please see the calendar below for additional information/ planned events.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Shankland
Attention Boston Resident Families!
If your student plans to ride the late bus on Tuesday and/ or Thursday, please be sure to sign up HERE so the bus knows to stop at Parker at 6:05pm. Thank you!
After School Clubs (year long)
Math Team -
Meetings take place on Thursdays after school.
We The Change (WTC) -
Meetings take place every other Thursday. See more info & how to apply HERE. The next meeting is Thursday 6/2 at 2:35.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) - Meetings will be very other Thursday. See more info HERE. Next meeting will be 5/26 at 2:35.
Parker Service - Meetings will take place every other Tuesday at 2:35.
Next meeting will be 5/24.
Science Olympiad - Meetings will take place on Mondays from 2:45 - 3:45.
Parkapella - Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 2:40 - 4:00.
Helpful Documents
Use the links below to access important documents. These are also available on the school website and the portal.
- Staff Organization Chart
- Staff Directory
- 2021-2022 District Calendar (updated 3/22)
- 2021-2022 Parker Dates of Interest
- 2021-2022 Day Rotation Calendar
- MS Curriculum Guides
- Welcome from MS Health Offices
- Nutrislice Lunch Menu
MS Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results Presentation (Passcode: 1%tXR=29)
Absences/ Tardies
To report absences and/ or tardies please either call (781)944-1236 or email wspabsences@reading.k12.ma.us.
Upcoming Dates
May 16 - 20: Staff Appreciation Week! Thank you, Parker PTO & Families!
May 16 & 17: Gr 8 Math MCAS
May 18: Parker Beautification Day, 2:30-5:00pm
Come help clean up and make Parker beautiful for spring!
May 19: Early Release, 12:30 pm
May 19: Parker Open House, 7:00-8:30 pm
Save the date! Details to follow!
Nature's Classroom Meeting for current 6th graders regarding the trip next year will start at 6:30 pm!
May 20 & 23: Gr 8 STE MCAS
May 26: Jazz Combo during enrichment blocks for grades 7 & 8 (Thank you, PTO!)
May 31: Whole School Anti-Racism Assembly - Ball in the House: Black Music & American Music History (Thank you, PTO!)
June 2: Grades 6 & 7 Music Concerts (6:00 and 7:45 respectively)
Parkapella is also performing at the grade 6 concert!
June 3: Early Release Day, 12:30 pm
Allergy Move-Up Day for rising 6th graders
Grade 7 Dance (Tentative), 6-8 pm
June 6: Grade 8 Sculpture Field Trip (Sculpture Classes only)
Thank you, PTO!
June 8: PTO Meeting, 7:00pm (in-person) Agenda
Home of Kelly Malone (email for address - kelly.malone@gmail.com)
June 9: Grade 8 Music, Parkapella & Jazz Band Concerts, 7:00 pm
June 13: Move Up Day
June 14: Field Day
(Rain date June 15)
June 16: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony & Dance, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
June 17: Grade 8 Carnival (Thank you, PTO!)
June 20: No School - Observance of Juneteenth
June 21: Last Day of School, 11:00 am dismissal
Principal Search Update
Hi Parker Families,
I hope you are well! I wanted to provide a brief update regarding the ongoing principal search process:
- The Screening Committee is comprised of the following members: Erin Gaffen (School Committee Rep.), Sarah Marchant (RPS Principal Rep.), Heather Leonard (District Admin. Rep.), Jenny DiMuzio, Hannah Mulkern, Grace Therriault, Kaleigh Mehringer (Parker Staff Reps.), Vanessa Alvarado, Kaley Dee, Amy Koehler, and Tricia Therrien (Parker Parent Reps.). The Screening Committee will be tasked with reviewing applications, completing initial interviews, and recommending 2-4 candidates as finalists.
- Applications are due on May 17th. The Screening Committee will complete initial interviews on May 19th and May 20th.
- We are hoping to announce finalists by May 23rd and host staff and community interviews that same week. We will follow up as soon as we have the names of the finalists and a schedule and process for the final phase.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback as we move forward with the process.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Milaschewski
Parker Beautification: Wednesday, May 18
Please consider donating to support Parker with our Spring gardening. Donations can be dropped off at the front office on May 18th from 7:30am - 2:30pm. The event will run from 2:30-5pm. Thank you all so much!
Reading Public Library Events
Wee the People series:
1. Teen Talks: Anatomy of a Protest, Grades 6-12, Thursday, May 19 @3:30pm *Registration is encouraged
2. Wear Your Resistance: Exploring Images of Protest with Wee the People, Grades 3-5, Friday, June 10 @2pm *Registration is required
May events:
1. (Author Event) Tell Your Story with Comics with Cathy Johnson (*Grant program), Grades 6-12, Saturday, May 14 @10am. Author of The Breakaways series, often challenged or censored in libraries
2. Mindfulness for Kids series, Grades 3-5, Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 @4pm
4. Teen Meet Up: Origami with RESPOND, Inc, Thursday, May 26 @3:30. Respond, Inc has provided life-saving shelter, a crisis hotline, support services, training and education for victims of domestic violence and teen dating violence. RESPOND is a partner for the Library's Civic Hub grant.
June events:
1. Russian's War in Ukraine: The Human Cost (Virtual), June 6 @7pm
2. Adaptive Storytime, June 11 @10am
3. Rainbow Run for Pride, June 16 @3:30pm **More info to come
4. Summer Reading Kick-Off Picnic, June 24 @5pm **More info to come
Ongoing events:
1. Scribble Society - Writing and art magazine for grades 3-5. Meetings are held every other Wednesday at 4pm.
2. To Be Written - Literary Magazine for grades 6-12. Meetings are held every other Wednesday at 3:30pm.May Teen Programs at RPL!
SEPAC Update
We had a wonderful turnout for our business meeting this week! Thanks to all attendees, including parents, staff, administrators, and community representatives.
Reminder to please fill out this brief information-gathering survey for Sudeshna Chatterjee, Director for Equity and Social Justice.
SAVE THE DATE: End of the year SEPAC Social on Tuesday, June 14th. Location TBD.
Email us if you would consider hosting a small social for SEPAC members on your patio, deck, etc. More details on those to come…. make sure you’re connected to us!
Parker Health Update: May 6
This is where I will keep families updated on our weekly COVID case numbers and updates.
From Week of May 7 - 13: Reported Positive Covid Cases
Students - 4
Staff -
Please note that we are seeing an increase in our COVID, flu, and respiratory cases. Although we are mask-optional, we'd encourage people to wear masks at school, and be respectful of each other's choices. If your child is experiencing symptoms, please think about the greater community and make the choice to keep them home. Any families who would like test kits, please reach out to the health office. At Reading Public Schools we aim to be a welcoming, safe, and healthy community. Thank you for supporting us.
In addition, here is the most updated COVID FAQ.
We ask all staff and families to continue to monitor for COVID symptoms, and to use a rapid antigen at home test if symptoms develop. Please report any positive at home tests here.
Previously shared (yet still relevant) information...
Surgeon General's Advisory on Protecting Youth's Mental Health
Our Reading Coalition resources are available on the district website as well: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/readingcoalition/need-help/
Are you new to the Reading Public Schools?
Do you have questions about how things work at Parker and wished you knew a parent to ask questions? Hopefully, I can help you! My name is Maria Selvitelli. I’ve been a Reading resident for over 16 years. I have a 6th grader at Parker and a Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) graduate of 2020. My husband, Greg has been a Town Meeting Member for about 15 years. We have been part of the RPS since we moved here.
I’m happy to help you by being the “New to RPS” Liaison and answer any questions you have about the Reading Public Schools and Parker Middle School. If I don’t have the answers, I’ll help you find someone who can help. Are you not “New to RPS”, but have been wanting to ask about something and didn’t know who to ask…you’re welcome too! Send an email to NewtoRPS@yahoo.com.
Welcome to Reading Public Schools and I look forward to meeting you soon!!!
Maria Selvitelli
Parker PTO, “New to RPS” Liaison
Free Breakfast & Lunch!
Free meals will continue throughout the 2021-2022 school year! CLICK HERE for more information!
Snacks including bottled water and milk, not sold as part of a meal, will not be free because they are not included in the funding.
We are accepting free and reduced meal applications for other benefits families may wish to access such as sports, extended day, transportation or similar.
Application and Sharing Permission Form
Copies are also available in the Parker Main Office which is open from 8:00-3:00 daily.
Free/ Reduced Lunch Application - Financial Assistance
In a typical year, the cost of meals are free or reduced for those who qualify using the "Free & Reduced Lunch" application. The application actually has more benefits than just breakfast/ lunch. If families fill out the form, as well as the "Share" form, then those who qualify can also qualify for assistance for things like after school activities and field trips. So if you are someone who thinks you may qualify, please consider filling it out so that we can help you in various areas over the course of the year! We can't actually help without this form!
We are already planning field trips and financial assistance is only approved with this form!
Application and Sharing Permission Form
Copies are also available in the Parker Main Office which is open from 8:00-3:00 daily.
Friends of Reading METCO
A 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.
About Interface Referral Service
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Richele Shankland, Principal (x13301)
Jason Peledge, Asst. Principal (x13302)
Diane Finigan, Administrative Assistant (x13300)
Kate Shmulsky, Nurse (x13322)
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