Guided by shared goals and norms, Parker students in grades JK through 12 are engaging in a curriculum intended to spark honest, candid, and critical conversations. 

The Common Ideal of Character was created to foster civil dialogue in the Parker community as the country at-large prepares for the 2020 Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 3. Understanding that Parker community members have a diverse set of beliefs, values, and experiences, the School set out to provide opportunities to build skills for constructive conversations that strengthen bonds, rather than divide, especially as an election approaches.

“We walk boldly and humbly toward a racially just future where each one of us feels like we belong in the Parker community,” Head of School Kevin Yaley writes in his Letter to the Parker Community included in the initial version of the Lancers for Equity & Justice Action Plan. 

The plan, created in July, is an evolving framework for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work at Parker. “Francis Parker School is launching Version 1.0 of the Lancers for Equity & Justice Action Plan with the understanding that the Plan will operate in a perpetual state of growth, development, and iteration,” states the plan mission.

Parker’s Roadmap to Return to Campus was created this summer to actively plan for a safe return to on-campus learning for students and faculty. With all grade levels now permitted back on the Mission Hills and Linda Vista campuses, the School has officially moved to the next phase of it’s “Roadmap” initiative––Parker’s Roadmap to Remain on Campus. 

“We have been working tirelessly to return to campus,” says Parker Head of School Kevin Yaley. “It has been our mantra and driven everything we have done since the summer. We are now completely shifting our mindset from returning to campus to remaining on campus.” 

As Parker teachers prepare to return to the classroom next week, a major component of their professional development hours has been focused on social and emotional learning. 

All faculty spent six hours in virtual meetings focused on receiving support around how social and emotional learning and skill-building can be implemented into the classroom–especially within the Parker Blended learning model, where some students will log into classes virtually while others will receive on-campus learning in cohorts.   

I’m honored to serve as the 2020-2021 PA President. During this unprecedented time, I am astounded by the nimble ingenuity of the School’s leadership, faculty, and staff. I am grateful for their achievements in pivoting to create a robust online platform with which to maintain the storied Parker education, while keeping its community informed with honest, meaningful, and timely information.