By Madeleine Nawrocki
Parker PA President
We welcome November, the season of gratitude. I want to express my thanks to all of the parent volunteers who contributed to making Homecoming 2019 and the Halloween Carnival enormously successful. These events would not be possible without each and every one of you!
Mark your calendars for two Parents Association-sponsored events:
Day of Giving, Dec. 3, 2019
This special day is a tribute to our beloved Parker teachers who form lasting connections with our children and inspire them to become life-long learners. Parker teachers awaken each child’s curiosity and empower them to explore who they are and who they want to become.
On December 3, we encourage you to make a gift, of any amount, to support faculty professional development and salaries and include a private note sharing your appreciation for Parker’s teachers. Your family’s gift allows teachers to attend conferences, pursue further education, and receive competitive salaries.
Our goal is to secure 900 donors in 24 hours! Please save the date.
Look for more information about the Day of Giving in the coming weeks from the School. A special thank you to our Day of Giving Chairs, Mark Arbogast, Jing Bourgeois, Jessica Effress, Stephen and Michelle Huber, Kathie Kim, and Claire and Frans van der Lee.
Parents Association Luncheon Meeting, Nov. 12, 12 to 1:15 pm
Continuing our focus on student health and wellbeing, the PA will host two experts, Dr. Beth McNeill, a medical sociologist and Co-Leader of Start School Later, San Diego Chapter; and Dr. Bhattacharjee, the director of pediatric sleep medicine at Rady’s Children Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at UCSD. They will discuss the science and rationale behind the healthy school start time, present available data on sleep deprivation and child health, and share information about sleep disorders that affect children of all ages.
After the presentation, the heads of the three divisions, Dr. Robert Gillingham, Mr. Dan Lang, and Dr. Monica Gillespie will participate in a panel discussion with our guest speakers. Bring your questions and engage in a meaningful conversation regarding student wellness.
Feel free to join us at 11:30 am on the Linda Vista Campus in Student Life Center, Casey and Marino Family Rooms to socialize with fellow Parker parents and partake in a light lunch and refreshments.
On this month of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I hope you all have the opportunity to enjoy family and friends. Take a moment to find the joy in expressing gratitude.
Happy November!
