Welcome!
I hope you are enjoying the remaining days of a wonderful summer. I also hope you and your children
are ready and recharged for a new school year. As we prepare for another school year, we wanted to
share information and updates to ensure a smooth start to the school year. Please read the newsletter
for more information. As aways, reach out with any questions.
I would like to welcome back returning Parker families. Thank you to our returning families for your
continued partnership and support. I would like to also extend a warm welcome to our new families
who are joining the Parker community for the first time. We are thrilled to have you part of the Parker
family and look forward to the positive contributions you will bring to Parker. Welcome!
Here's to a great school year!
Margaret MacNeil, Principal
Parker Elementary School
First Day of School
The first day of school for grades one through five is Wednesday, September 6th. (More information
about the start of kindergarten is later in the notices.)The beginning of a new school year is an exciting
time for children, families and teachers. From a student’s perspective there are new teachers to meet,
new books to read, new friends to meet and new skills to master. It is certainly a time of hope and new
beginnings!
Important Dates
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First Day of School, Grades 1-5, September 6th
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Kindergarten Orientation, September 8th
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Welcome Back “Popsicles on the Playground”, September 8th
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First Day of School, Kindergarten, September 11th
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Open House, September 21st
Please refer to the Quincy Public Schools Calendar for more important dates, school vacations, etc.
Quincy Public Schools Back to School Guide
Quincy Public Schools has prepared a “Back to School” guide. The guide has information about using
Aspen, the school calendar, School Messenger, Information about Food Services, Health Services,
registration, etc. The link is below. Check it out; there is lots of helpful information. As always, please
reach out with any questions, 617-984-8710.
https://www.quincypublicschools.com/family_resources/family/back-to-_school_guide
Backpack Information
As you prepare to get ready for the first day, please remember that thanks to very generous donations
from Mass Bay Credit Union, all Parker students will be receiving a backpack the first week of school.
The backpack will be filled with school supplies for each student. If your child already has his or her
backpack for the fall or chooses to reuse their bag from last year the extra backpack and supplies can
remain at home.
Kindergarten Begins Monday September 11th
The first day of Kindergarten is Monday, September 11th. There will be a kindergarten orientation on
Friday, September 8th. Families will receive an email with an orientation time and their child’s
classroom. Beginning kindergarten is an important milestone for children and families. Welcome to our
kindergarteners and families.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival Procedure
School begins at 8:15 a.m. If a student arrives after 8:15 a.m. they should enter through the main front
entrance. Please do not arrive before 8:10 a.m. There will not be early morning supervision on the
playground.
Children will line up on the playground by classroom and grade level. Listed below are grade level /
door assignments.
Kindergarten – gym door
Grade One – gym door
Grade Two – playground door
Grade Three – playground door
Grade Four – playground door
Grade Five – playground door
Dismissal Procedure
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays school dismisses at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday is an early
release day and school dismisses at 11:55 a.m. Parents should pick up their children in the
playground. Children will be dismissed from the same door as arrival.
Thank you in advance for understanding! Thank you also for all of your cooperation with procedures
to maintain a safe and orderly environment for students.
School Breakfast and Lunch
Parker School will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students. Although all students at
Parker qualify for free breakfast and lunch, families are encouraged to continue to complete the free
reduced lunch application each year to receive other benefits from the state. Please refer to the QuincyPublic Schools website for more nutritional information, menus, etc.
As the saying goes, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” We encourage all Parker
students to begin the school day with a nutritious breakfast. Breakfast is available at school, free of
charge. Breakfast will be available in the cafeteria before school between 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. School
breakfast is a wonderful way to make sure your child has a balanced meal to start each day.
New Staff
Each new school year brings about change. This includes a few additions to our staff. We have added
a wonderful group of hardworking educators who I know will work every day to improve and enrich
the lives of our students. We welcome:
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Liz Overbeck – ELE Teacher
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Jodi Schaaf – STARS Para Professional
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Kylie McIntyre– STARS Para Professional
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Chris Batson – Kindergarten Para Professional
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Zoe Zhang – Kindergarten Para Professional
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Maggie Guarente – Special Education Para Professional
Back to School Forms
The first week of school students will bring home a red “Parent Welcome Folder”. This folder contains
important information and forms to return. Thank you for your cooperation in filling out the BLUE
forms as soon as possible (dismissal consent form, walking field trip, internet use, etc.) As always if
you have any questions, please reach out to either the office or your child’s teacher.
Open House
The Parker School Open House will be held on Thursday, September 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. I know
students will take great pride in showing off Parker to their families. In addition, Open House is a
wonderful time to learn more about classroom rules, homework expectations and curricular
expectations. I look forward to meeting families at Open House.
Thank You!
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We are excited for another year of learning, growth,
exploration and achievement together. Parker teachers have been busy preparing engaging lessons to
support each child to achieve their very best. With your partnership and support, we know it will be a
fantastic school year. Here’s to a great year ahead!
See You Soon!
I am very much looking forward to students returning and having the hallways filled with the hustle
and bustle that has been absent all summer. Old friendships will quickly be rekindled and new
friendships made. I eagerly look forward to greeting students and families again and hearing about
your children's summer adventures when school resumes! As always, if you have any questions or
concerns, please do not hesitate to call. The Parker office phone number is 617-984-8710 or I also can
be reached via email at [email protected]
See you soon!