Welcome Back, Parker Families!

On behalf of Parker PTO, I am so excited to welcome everyone to the 2025–2026 school year. We hope your family had a fun and restful summer, and we are thrilled to start another year of fun fundraisers and community events again.

Each month, our PTO newsletter will keep you connected to what is happening through the Parker PTO and highlight ways you can get involved. In this edition, you’ll find details about our PTO staples like the school store, Birthday Grams, free dress days, and our upcoming PTO meetings. If you are looking for ways to get more involved, you’ll also see opportunities to help the PTO for specific events, as we still have open event chair positions available.

The PTO plays an important role in building a strong school community, and we could not do it without your support. Whether you donate your time, donate items, or simply show up at events, you are making a difference for our students and staff.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead. We cannot wait to partner with you!

Jeanette Mueller

President@ParkerPTO.org

Need this information in another language? Click the Translate button in the top right corner of this newsletter to select your preferred language. This feature lets you read our updates in over 100 languages, ensuring every family can stay informed about our school news!

Necesita esta información en otro idioma? Haga clic en el botón Traducir en la esquina superior derecha de este boletín para seleccionar su idioma preferido. Esta función le permite leer nuestras actualizaciones en más de 100 idiomas, ¡asegurando que todas las familias puedan mantenerse informadas sobre las noticias de nuestra escuela!

To receive School Store items, sign up for Afterschool Enrichment Clubs, and see relevant forms for your student, you must update your student's grade and homeroom teacher in the directory. Here's how to do it:

1. Go to your directory page (you may receive a prompt to log in first). Use the "Update My Directory Information" button below as a shortcut.
2. Review your information on the first page and make any updates as needed. You are not done yet! Then scroll down and hit "Next Step>" at the bottom right of the page.
3. Update your student's information by following the steps on the page. When you are done, hit the "Save" button on the bottom right. 

For questions, please reach out to PTO Communications VP, Missy Friel, at CommunicationsVP@ParkerPTO.org.

Each grade level at Parker has its own class shirt, which is a t-shirt with the grade’s special design. These shirts are a fun way to show school spirit, create a sense of unity among students in the same grade level, and identify students and grown-ups when in groups.

Why do we have them?
Class shirts are especially helpful on field trip days. When each grade wears the same shirt, it is much easier for teachers and chaperones to keep groups together and identify students quickly in busy places. They also make for great photos and give students a sense of pride in their grade level.

Many families also find that class shirts are a comfortable and easy option since they are considered a part of school dress code.

When do we need to order by? 
Order by October 1st.

How do I order my students' shirts? 
Order Class Shirts using the links below. Note: if you can’t see the form, update your grade!

• Kindergarten: https://www.dpg3.com/parker (not from PTO) 
• 1^st grade: https://www.dpg3.com/parker1st (not from PTO)
• 2^nd grade: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/350290
• 3^rd grade: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/350292
• 4^th grade: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/350293
• 5^th grade: https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/350294

For questions, please reach out to PTO President, Jeanette Mueller, at President@ParkerPTO.org and PTO President-Elect, Crystal Laurie, at President-Elect@ParkerPTO.org.

The Parker School Store is run and fully supported by PTO volunteers and is your go-to place for Parker gear. You can find shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and other clothing items that let students show their school spirit.

All items sold in the school store are approved dress code pieces, which makes it an easy way to stock up on school-ready outfits. Every purchase not only gives your student gear they can wear with pride, but also supports PTO-funded programs and events for our school.

You can shop the store by logging into the PTO website, clicking on the Fundraising tab, and selecting School Store. Before shopping, please be sure to update your student’s homeroom teacher in your profile. If the homeroom teacher is not updated, we will have to hold your order until the information is corrected.

The school store is updating inventory.  A restock of some items will be available in about a month. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to PTO School Store Chairperson, Stephanie Jimenez, at SpiritStore@ParkerPTO.org.

We love celebrating birthdays at Parker! A Birthday Gram is a fun way to make your child feel extra special on their big day. Each Birthday Gram includes a goody bag delivered to the student’s classroom with a crown and treats, a birthday announcement during morning announcements, a Polaroid photo in a magnetic frame, and your child’s name in lights on the Parker marquee.

Details to Know:

• The provided photo shows an example of what you will receive with your Birthday Gram, but some items could change (for example, a fidget spinners instead of two notepads, a different sticker, a different type of writing utensil, etc.) 
• Sales for the 2025–26 school year are open now! You can shop the store by logging into the PTO website, clicking on the Fundraising tab, and selecting Birthday Recognition.
• Orders must be placed at least 2 weeks in advance (late purchases are not guaranteed)
• Cost: Only $25 per child; sibling discounts are available on our website
• Got a summer birthday? We can celebrate on your child’s half birthday!

For questions, please reach out to PTO Birthday Gram Chairperson, Sara Hewstom, at BirthdayGrams@ParkerPTO.org.

Free Dress Days are back for the 2025–26 school year! Students can trade their Parker Elementary Standard Mode of Dress for their favorite outfits on designated days (PTO Meeting Days) throughout the year.

Cost:

• $25 for the full year
• $5 for individual days

Dates:

• Parker PTO Meeting Days are Free Dress Days!
• This means free dress days are the following Thursdays: August 21, September 25, October 23, November 13, December 18, January 22, February 19, March 26, April 16, and May 21

Free Dress is a fun way for students to show their style while supporting Parker PTO. Please remember that all outfits must still follow school dress code guidelines, with flexibility on the clothing’s color, characters, etc.

You can purchase Free Dress Days by logging into the PTO website, clicking on the Fundraising tab, and selecting Free Dress Days.

For questions, please reach out to PTO Fundraising VP, Kelly Ray-Landschoot, at FundraisingVP@ParkerPTO.org.

Boo Bags are filled with fun tricks and treats, and they are a Parker PTO favorite fundraiser supported by Parker PTO Sponsor Tomfoolery Toys and Books.

• Boo Bags are only $20 and are filled with goodies worth about $40.
• After placing your order, you can pick up your Boo Bags beginning Thursday, October 23rd, at the PTO meeting.

If you cannot pick up your Boo Bag at the PTO meeting, we’ll communicate alternative pickup days and times closer to October.

A Parker favorite is back and better than ever! Afterschool Enrichment Clubs give Parker students the chance to explore new interests, develop skills, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment after the school day ends. Previous years’ clubs included activities like art, science, coding, sports, music, and more.

These clubs are designed to encourage creativity and help students connect with peers who share similar interests. Club times and fees vary by club, and more details will be shared when club purchases open on August 26 at 8 pm.

For questions, please reach out to PTO President, Jeanette Mueller, at President@ParkerPTO.org and PTO President-Elect, Crystal Laurie, at President-Elect@ParkerPTO.org.

Parker relies on the support of parents and caregivers to make our school events successful. We always need volunteers for both school-led and PTO-led activities.

To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up, visit the Volunteers page on the PTO website. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the school community and make a difference for our students.

For questions, reach out to PTO Volunteer Services VP, Laura Chung, at VolunteerVP@ParkerPTO.org

Register with HISD Volunteers in Public Schools (also known as VIPS) as soon as possible to save time before your first volunteer event! You will need to do this if you plan to attend field trips or any other school event.

Every new school year requires a new VIPS approval, so be sure to visit HISD's VIPS page to complete your training and registration. Registration for the 25/26 school year is now open.

Once you are approved, you will receive an email confirmation and the school will be able to see your approval in their system when you arrive to volunteer. When volunteering, you must present a valid ID.

Big thank you to Parker Volunteer extraordinarie Brittany Garmon for putting together a handy guide on how to complete your VIPS. Check it out 🔗here, and complete your registration using the button below.

We’re excited to kick off another year in the Parker Patch, and we need your help to keep our garden thriving! 

Join us for a Garden Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:00 pm in the Patch to learn how you can get involved. 

Our first Volunteer Work Friday will be September 5 at 7:30 am, once school begins. No experience is needed, just bring your helping hands and love for our school community!

All room parents are required to attend one of our upcoming meetings to get important information for the year. Please join us at a time that works best for your schedule:

• Monday, August 25 | 7:45–8:30 am upstairs in front of the piano/guitar rooms

• Monday, August 25 | 4:30–5:15 pm in the cafeteria

• Tuesday, September 9 | 7:45–8:30 am in the cafeteria

• Wednesday, September 10 | 4:30–5:15 pm in the cafeteria

Thank you for volunteering your time to support our classrooms. We couldn’t do it without you!

It’s the beginning of the school year, and you may be wondering what your teachers like, what they already have plenty of, and how you can make their day a little brighter. We have you covered! 

The Faculty and Staff page of the PTO website contains teacher favorites for all teachers (including Creative Core Rotation teachers & support staff) and Amazon Wish Lists.

As part of our We Heart Parker funds, the PTO also puts together monthly teacher appreciation events, so there are ways to show your appreciation either individually or toward all teachers and staff!

Socials are a fun way to bring our community together while raising important funds for Parker PTO. 100% of proceeds go right back to support our school!

Hosted by Parker families, socials can be designed for adults, kids, or both. Hosts set the date, price, number of attendees, and cover the cost of the event. Socials may be open to all families or tailored to specific grade levels.

Fall Socials will be held in October, November, and December.
Spring Socials will take place in February, March, April, May, and June.

Want to host a social? We’d love to help you make it happen!

Parker has a robust Lost and Found operation, run by Parker parent and caregiver volunteers (big thank you to Amanda Go for spearheading the Land of Lost and Found) and supported by our amazing front office staff. To help your child’s items find their way home, please label everything with your child’s first and last name. This includes water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, accessories, backpacks, and anything that can be detached from their body during the day. Labels can be as simple as a Sharpie or as fancy as fabric stickers.

How it works:

• Labeled items are checked by volunteers, who record the owner and return them to the correct classroom via the front office.
• Items without labels remain on the Lost and Found rack until the day after the monthly PTO meeting, when any unclaimed items are donated.
• Eyeglasses are kept in the nurse’s office, and jewelry typically stays in the front office.

Please note that items left outside, like on the playground, may not be recovered if exposed to weather, as damaged items cannot be brought inside. Our staff and volunteers do their best to protect belongings, but weather and full schedules can make it difficult.

Labeling your child’s belongings is the easiest way to make sure their things come home safely.

For questions, please reach out to PTO President, Jeanette Mueller, at President@ParkerPTO.org and PTO President-Elect, Crystal Laurie, at President-Elect@ParkerPTO.org.

Parker PTO is fully run by volunteers, and we could not do it without our dedicated community. We are always looking for more help, and joining as an event chair is a great way to get started.

As a chairperson, you are never on your own. The PTO leadership team is here to offer guidance, tips, and best practices to make your experience successful and enjoyable. It is a rewarding way to support our school, connect with other families, and help create memorable events for our students.

Join us for these openings:

• Chairs through President-Elect, Crystal Laurie
  • Teacher Appreciation: secondary to existing Chair, Amy Hageman
• Chairs through Fundraising VP, Kelly Ray-Landschoot
  • We Heart Parker
  • School Supply Packs
  • Auction: Event
  • Apex Fun Run Obstacle Course
• Chairs through Communications VP, Missy Friel
  • Website Updates
  • Social Media Posts
• Chairs through Volunteer Services VP, Laura Chung
  • Badges
  • PTO Volunteer Sign Ups
  • Room Parent Coordinator
• Chairs through Educational Programs VP, Mindy Samuelson
  • Family Night
  • Title 1
  • Student Council
  • Bingo Night
  • Trunk or Treat
• Chairs through Business Development VP, Annabel LaRocca
  • Event Sponsors

For questions or interest in a Chair position, please reach out to PTO President, Jeanette Mueller, at President@ParkerPTO.org and PTO President-Elect, Crystal Laurie, at President-Elect@ParkerPTO.org.

At Parker, there are no PTO fees. If you are part of the Parker community, you are automatically a PTO member! We host one meeting each month in the Parker Cafeteria, with the option to join via Zoom.

Childcare is provided, and free dinner is guaranteed for those who RSVP by the deadline. You do not need to RSVP to attend, but it helps us plan for meals.

During PTO meetings, we cover what the PTO does, how funds are allocated, ways we communicate with families, fundraising updates, opportunities to get involved, and upcoming events.

See all meeting dates, RSVP links, and Zoom information using the button below.

For questions, please reach out to PTO President, Jeanette Mueller, at President@ParkerPTO.org and PTO President-Elect, Crystal Laurie, at President-Elect@ParkerPTO.org.

Interested in advertising your business to Parker families and supporting the PTO? Learn more about Business Sponsorship opportunities using the link below or email Business Development VP Annabel LaRocca at businessdevelopment@parkerpto.org!