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Originally delivered on 12/7/2021 2:00 pm

SUBJECT: December: garden plans, cookbook, and more!

Even with reduced activity due to COVID-19 safety precautions, there are so many exciting things happening with the Parker PTO! Our first Trunk or Treat in October was a huge success bringing out more than 200 kids and raising nearly $1,800 for the PTO. Construction and planting is underway for the new Parker garden funded by the PTO! I encourage you to read below to learn about our plans for the11,000 square feet outdoor space. 

We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year for the first meeting of 2022! In the meantime, I hope everyone has a wonderful winter break!


Happy Holidays!

Trisha Kennedy, PTO President

Parker Garden

This fall, we began the renovation and construction of the outdoor space between the cafeteria and the 1st and 2nd grade wing. After surveying the teachers to learn how they might use the outdoor space, plans were developed to provide the three things teachers said they needed the most to get their classes outside: "shade, landscaping and seating."

Thanks to the generous support of our community, the space will feature an outdoor classroom, raised gardens for hands-on curriculum, a pocket prairie, tables for snacks/lunch as well as plenty of space for reading and journaling. Students are already developing a green thumb as they planted lettuce, strawberries, broccoli and more this month! 

Here is our schedule:

Phase 1 (Fall 2021): Start the garden (weeding, compost, planting), garden irrigation, shed Gravel pathways, shade structures, deck, seating

Phase 2 (Spring 2022): Flowerbeds, bird baths, habitats, garden entrance, Pocket Prairie 

Phase 3 (TBD): Composting station, rainwater collection, weather station, chicken coop

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped get the garden ready to plant! We couldn't have done it without you!

Submit your recipe for the Parker Elementary Cookbook

The PTO is looking for family recipes for our Parker Elementary (Digital) Cookbook. We encourage everyone to submit recipes for breakfast, sides, main dishes, or dessert from any and all cultures to share and enrich our community! 

Try to include the serving size, prep time, cook time, ingredients, and detailed instructions. A photo is encouraged, but not required. You can also include what region/area your recipe is from. All recipes need to be submitted by December 17.

We are also looking for student artwork for the cover. Please turn in submissions to the office by December 17. 

Access to the digital cookbook will be sold on the PTO website for a minimum donation of $3. 

Email all submissions and questions to fundraisingvp@parkerPTO.org.

Help us become a Gold Level certified Family Friendly School

We are so lucky to have such a strong community base, that we want our community to be recognized for all the hard work being done to support the school. Our goal is to become certified Gold Level Family Friendly School through the HISD Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE). Please complete the survey about the communication efforts of our school. 

Results will be presented at our Title One, Spanish Club Parent Meeting on December 10. 

Spirit Night

Leave the meal prep to someone else and enjoy a delicious meal at Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine. A portion of the sales will go back to Parker PTO and create additional funds for supplies, school equipment, technology, school events, and staff appreciation. 

Cafe Piquet, 5757 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401 

December 13 from 11 AM to 8 PM

Be sure to mention Parker Elementary when you order! 

Future Spirit Nights:

HS Green - January 12

Chick-fil-A- February 8

Pre-order the new Parker t-shirt

Check out the design of the new Parker t-shirt! We will be taking pre-orders in January to guarantee your kiddo's size! T-shirts will be $15. 

We Heart Parker

Support the educational and musical mission of our school by making a tax-deductible gift directly to the We Heart Parker campaign. A small yard sign will be given with any size gift. Due to the circumstances with COVID last year, tumblers may not have been delivered for gifts over $100. Please email fundraisingvp@parkerpto.org if you did not receive your tumbler last year. 

Stock the Teacher's Fridge

Let's show our teachers some love at the end of the semester by dropping snacks and drinks off in the community room from today to December 13. You can sign up for drinks and snacks here.  

Chair person needed for Enrichment Clubs

The PTO is looking for a chair person for the afterschool enrichment clubs for the spring. Please contact president@parkerpto.org if you are interested. 

Next PTO Meeting

We'll see you in January. Stay tuned for the date!

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