Park parents host a listserv on Google Groups, an easy-to-use format that provides a great way for the community to stay in touch. For instructions on how to join or change your subscription settings, please click on image.
Logging into the Veracross Parent Portal will allow you access to the Veracross Calendars. Your Household Calendar will display important events and dates that specifically affect members of your household. You have the ability to subscribe to each of these calendar feeds and have the dates imported directly into your online calendar system (Google, iCal, or Outlook). Try it out and know that you can always unsubscribe!
If you capture a great Park moment, share it with us! Send photos to Communications@parkschool.net. Also remember to follow us on social media! Park is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
All-School News
Park Parent/Guardian DEI Curriculum Night
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites you to join us for a Park Parent/Guardian DEI Curriculum Night on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 7-8 p.m. via Zoom. Join Park faculty and administrators as we share a glimpse into the curriculum and activities geared towards creating thriving, inclusive, and equitable spaces in our classrooms. RSVP using the link below. RSVP
Viva House
Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the Park community, we have maintained our goal of delivering 50 bags of groceries to VivaHouse each month since last Spring. This month, we are running very short on donations. In addition, we are trying to get ahead so that we can continue making deliveries through the summer. If you are able, please consider a donation to help us continue!
If you're able to contribute, please contact Missy Rohrbach at missyr@gmail.com or 202-494-0261, or make a donation via Venmo @Missy-Rohrbach (just note "VivaHouse" in the memo). PayPal, Zelle, CashApp and check are also options - please contact Missy for details.
Thank you so much for your support of this all-school community partnership!
Missy Rohrbach & Steve Murphy (Parent Coordinators)
Park Connects
Dear Parents,
The Parents’ Association is in the process of evaluating the parent discussion group experience of the Park Connects program for the upcoming school year.
We are forming parent focus groups across all levels of previous participation to inform modifications to the program, and thus, invite you to participate in one of the three focus group sessions scheduled on either May 17, May 20, or May 24. All sessions will begin at 7:30 p.m. and last for one hour.
The format will include asking participants a short list of questions about the program with ample time for open discussion and additional feedback.
Kindly RSVP here by May 14. The Zoom link will be sent out prior to the session.
We thank you in advance for your consideration.
With appreciation,
Stacey Kunar, President
Parents’ Association
Out of the Woods: a Mystery Without a Lead - Premiere!
Tune in for the premiere of Out of the Woods: a Mystery Without a Lead on Friday, May 8 at 8 p.m. This original Park Musical Mockumentary has all the comedy, mystery, and romance you could want. Meet the Queen of Hearts, the Hermit Hatter, and many other crazy characters as the student cast of a production of "9 to 5" searches the woods for their missing lead. You'll fall in love with the original music and songs as well as the characters as they become better people, find love, and figure out their place in the world. This film, shot and edited entirely by Park students, is suitable for all ages.
Film Panel Discussion — Black Art: In the Absence of Light
Tuesday, May 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m Join panelists Virginia Anderson, Park parent and Curator of American Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art; Jerrell Gibbs, a Baltimore-based artist whose figurative portraits affirm the multilayered experience of the African American diaspora; Darcy-Tell Morales, Park aunt and Managing Educator of Family and Teen Programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; along with co-moderators Courtney Rollins, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Park student Tamia Tabourn ’21, for a conversation about this important documentary. RSVP
Master Class with David Henry Hwang
Tuesday, May 25, 7:30-9 p.m The Park community has a wonderful opportunity to participate in a Master Class with David Henry Hwang, a Tony Award winner and three-time nominee, a three-time OBIE Award winner, and a three-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Hwang’s stage works includes the plays M. Butterfly, Chinglish, Yellow Face, Kung Fu, Golden Child, The Dance and the Railroad, and FOB, as well as the Broadway musicals Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida (co-author), Flower Drum Song (2002 revival) and Disney’s Tarzan. Upper School English teacher, Director of The Michael Cardin ‘85 Writing Center, and writer Angela Balcita will moderate the event. RSVP
Better Together Community Organization Pledge
Park’s leadership has taken the Better Together Community Organization Pledge (organized by Carefirst) in support of the COVID-19 immunization effort. The purpose of the pledge is to unite the efforts of regional organizations to achieve the target vaccination rates necessary to end this pandemic. By joining the pledge, we’ve committed to educating, encouraging, and supporting our employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine when they are able. We are happy to report that many Park employees have received the vaccine during Phase 1B, and we look forward to continuing support of our individual community members and the greater good. For further information about the pledge, and to see what other regional institutions are participating, go to https://www.carefirst.com/bettertogetherpledge.
Parents' association Park Stickers
Looking for a way to express school spirit on your electronic device, water bottle, lunch container, or notebook? Then check out six new custom Park stickers offered by the Parents’ Association! They come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes and are durable, weatherproof and dishwasher-safe. Purchase them individually or get all six for a discounted price! Your purchase supports Parents' Association speakers and grants, which support our whole community! Quantities are limited, so place your orders HERE
The Park School Store
It's back! Well — it's online! Park's new online school store offers an easy-to-navigate web page full of Park branded apparel for all your Park Spirit needs! Check it out and get some of your holiday shopping done early. Or get some spirit-wear for bundling up in as it gets colder out! Visit site
PARK MASKS
These days, school pride and safety go hand-in-hand! The Parents' Association is now offering Park School masks for $10 each. The masks are soft, double layer fabric, and have adjustable ear loops. They are non-medical grade. Click HERE to see a sample and to order. We have white masks now in addition to Brown! Thanks for supporting the PA!
Park's digital campus
The 2020–21 School Year Whether in person, virtually, or a combination thereof, The Park School is devoted to caring for our community and fulfilling our mission. This site, "The Park School Digital Campus," is a source of information and resources regarding the 2020-21 school year. Please check the pages frequently for the most up-to-date information. The Digital Campus can be found by clicking HERE
Lower School Announcements
Fifth Grade families
On Tuesday evening, May 11, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., you are invited to a virtual Middle School Parent Transition Meeting. The link to this meeting will be emailed to you from the Middle School office on Monday, May 10.This will be an opportunity for you to meet our Middle School Principal, Joshua Wolf, and our Dean of Students, Alpana Chhibber. You will learn about student schedules, activities, the advisory system, student orientation, and more. This is an informative session you will not want to miss. We hope that you can attend. Please RSVP by Friday, May 7, with regrets only to Lisa Helberg at lhelberg@parkschool.net.
On Wednesday,May 12, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.,current Park fifth graderswill experience the Middle School in our annual “mini-day" (Please note that while this event is intended for current 5th grade students, we will have an orientation for new students in August). During mini-day, students will have opportunities to meet with a panel of current students to talk about life in Middle School, experience several fifteen-minute classes and then finish their day with a question and answer session. The day promises to be a lot of fun.
Park Camps – REGISTER Now!
Our experienced staff welcomes children ages 3 ½–15 for an exciting summer full of adventures in the tradition of The Park School. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities on Park’s beautiful 100-acre campus. In addition to excellent camp leaders and counselors, Park faculty and activity guests enrich the camp experience by offering workshops in a variety of special programs, including sports and games, nature exploration, and music and movement. More information
cool/wet weather doesn't stop outdoor activities!
Please make sure to send your child/children with warm enough clothes to allow them to comfortably be outside for recess and other classroom activities! Thanks for your help!
Late Drop-off
Please drive down the bus circle to the 4th/5th Grade entrance. Please call the office (410-339-4195) and we'll let your child in.
Early Dismissal
Please come to the bus circle and come to your child's grade level entrance door Then, please call the office (410-339-4195) and we'll retrieve your child.
Important Dates
Monday, May 31 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Memorial Day
Middle School Announcements
6th Grade Students!
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity this summer? Middle Grades Partnership (MGP) might be the perfect opportunity for you!
What is Middle Grades Partnership? Check this out! Middle Grades Partnership (MGP) is a fun and challenging academic and enrichment program for Baltimore public and private middle school students to connect, engage, and collaborate while learning and playing together.
What are the benefits of participating? Great Question! What a wonderful way to meet new peers and come together to further your critical thinking, problem-solving and creative skills. You will also be a part of change and breaking down barriers that sometimes exist when we don't spend enough time getting to know peers from other communities.
What is the commitment to participate in MGP? OK, now this is really important...MGP is a 4-week commitment in the summer. This summer the dates are June 21st – July 16th 2021, 8:45am - 4:00 pm at Park School (You will provide drop off and pick up from Park, or if there is room, students can ride the bus from and to Belair-Edison School. Talk with Ms. Taylor if you would like to know more about that option.)
Here is something else to consider...MGP is not limited to just one summer. In order to achieve our goals for relationship building and breaking down the barriers, we really need you to commit to participating for 3 years. This means that if you participate, we would want you to participate for Summers 2021 (this summer), 2022, 2023.
What do you think? Are you interested in learning more? Click here for a two-page information guide that gives you more details about MGP. Please read it over with your parents.
Parents, if you think this is something your child would thrive in, and you and your child are ready to apply, please click here for your student to answer the application questionnaire.
Student Applications are due May 14th, 2021
THE MICHAEL CARDIN ('85) WRITING CENTER IS BACK!
Interested in talking with someone about your writing assignments? The Michael Cardin ('85) Writing Center offers 20-minute, one-on-one Zoom writing consultations. Our trained staff of peer tutors are available to talk with Middle and Upper School students during any stage of their writing process: reviewing assignment requirements, brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading. Request an appointment with a staff member of the Michael Cardin ('85) Writing Center. Complete this form, and we'll contact you ASAP. Questions? Email Angela Balcita at abalcita@parkschool.net
Important Dates
Monday, May 31 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Memorial Day
Upper School Announcements
Junior/Senior Prom
The Junior/Senior Prom is two and half weeks away and the planning committee is working hard to finalize the details of this time-honored tradition. Prom will be held on Park’s campus on May 22 from 7–10 p.m. Tickets are $40.00 per ticket and will go on sale next week. Students can pay with cash, check, or student accounts can be billed. Ticket prices include music, decorations, including a tent and dance floor, two food trucks, and help from Park’s Security and Facilities team.
THE MICHAEL CARDIN ('85) WRITING CENTER
Interested in talking with someone about your writing assignments? The Michael Cardin ('85) Writing Center offers 20-minute, one-on-one Zoom writing consultations. Our trained staff of peer tutors are available to talk with Middle and Upper School students during any stage of their writing process: reviewing assignment requirements, brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading. Request an appointment with a staff member of the Michael Cardin ('85) Writing Center. Complete this form, and we'll contact you ASAP. Questions? Email Angela Balcita at abalcita@parkschool.net
Let us know!
If you will be learning virtually on a day that you are normally in-person, please email usattendance@parkschool.net AND your teachers. To the extent that you can, please give us advance notice. We understand this is not always possible, especially if you wake up feeling ill. Thank you!
Senior college counseling information
Please make sure to update Scoir with any admission decisions that you have already received or that you receive in the coming weeks.
If you have yet to complete the College Counseling Questionnaire for Juniors, please do so immediately. Students can find the questionnaire on the Class of 2022 Google Classroom page. Once the questionnaire is submitted, each student will be assigned a counselor and receive an email containing a link to schedule an initial meeting with the assigned counselor. If you have already received an email with a meeting link, it's time to set up a meeting with your counselor.
Reminder for Parents/Guardians of Juniors
Please complete the College Counseling Family Letter, Financial Questionnaire and the College Counseling Confidential Release forms. These documents can be found on Park’s College Counseling homepage. Please email your completed documents to Wendy Stevens at wstevens@parkschool.net. College Counseling will arrange family meetings in early February.
