Principal Notes

04/24/2015

Good Morning, the third quarter has ended and report cards were posted to Edline on Friday before the break.  Teachers had a very productive early release on Thursday and Professional Day on Friday (04/16-17/2015).  As part of the Blueprint for Educational Excellence Conference, Parker hosted a site visit for teachers and school leaders from around the state.  Our visitors were toured by student leaders; they spent time in classes, and participated in a reception in the library media center before attending the conference in the afternoon.  The visitors had the opportunity to talk to students, teachers and administrators about the wonderful programs and initiatives that are happening here at Parker, and in the district.  The visitors were very interested in the wide-spread use of technology during instruction, and especially by students in classes.  They were most impressed and spoke at length about the school culture and the relationships that students have with teachers.  One of visiting teachers reported that she wished her school community was as connected to students as them seem to be here at Parker, certainly nice feedback for our faculty and staff.  We look forward to students returning on Monday.  If you have any questions about grades, or if we can help with anything please drop a note.     

The Anti-Defamation League and the World of Difference Program

On Friday, April 17th, 15 students from both Parker and Coolidge attended the ADL's A World of Difference Youth Congress 2015 at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston. This year's theme was "breaking barriers".  Students heard from Senator Elizabeth Warren and athlete Kathrine Switzer, the first female to run the Boston Marathon in 1967 before women were allowed to participate.  In the breakout sessions that followed, we had four Parker student leaders facilitate a middle school workshop made up of students and teachers from around the state of Massachusetts on the topic of breaking barriers. The four students, featured in the picture below are Lucie, Portia, Julia, and Alex.