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We have had only fifteen days of school in 2015, but so much is happening already! Here is a glimpse of what is going on at Parker.
Expertise and Ideas Wanted!
Asking good questions and finding real solutions is the basis for scientific inquiry at Parker. The tools can be as simple as paper towel tubes and duct tape, or as complex as CAD software and 3D printers. Science studies may connect to our 77 acres, class themes, or a student's curiosity. The Capital Region and our school community are filled with experts and innovators in science and technology. To expand the conversation and ideas around science at Parker even further, we we are convening Mini-summits with an extended Parker community. We will also ask for input and ideas on Face Book and through emails.
 Planet Parker coordinator Jamie Crouse and science teacher Kate Perry have reached out to local professors, engineers and tech innovators to come to Parker for open discussions in the next two months. For parents, we are convening two times to come together: February 4 from 5:00 - 5:45 PM or February 5 from 9:00 to 9:45 AM. We will share what is happening now at Parker, and dream about what "could be". Everyone is invited! I hope we will generate connections, ideas, and opinions that will lead to even more interesting directions for our budding student-scientists and for our community. By bringing together our combined expertise, ideas and connections, We can dream ever bigger - and smarter - for Parker. I hope you will join in the conversation!
Reveal!
Students have decided on this year's thesis topics. As always it is fascinating to
 | Presenting a mock trial about police brutality and resisting arrest, 8th graders had to think on their feet.
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see the wide range of eighth graders' interests. They will now embark on research, refining a thesis statement, writing, revising, and preparing an oral presentation.
- Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Endangered Animals: The Common Causes and Attempts to Recover Damaged Populations
- Virtual Currencies: Benefits and Dangers to Banking
- Unifying Dynasties of Early China
- Gender Equality and the Struggle for Empowerment through Education Read more
Parker Grad Creates Top App 
Have you heard the news about Jesse Pickard '98? The app that was created by his San Fransisco company Elevate Labs, was named by Apple as the Best free iPhone app in 2014! You can read all about this personal brain trainer app and how Parker helped Jesse find a passion, in this recent Times Union article.
Nestle in with a Good Read A love of reading starts early at Parker. Our first Reading Pop-In was lots of fun. Parents and guests joined students for a good read. Here is a bit about how students are developing as readers and writers: Pre K:
The grocery store and shoe store are rich with opportunities for emerging literacy. Read more on classroom blogs: Pre K 3, Pre K 4. K-1: Studying owls is a fascinating way to increase skills in reading and writing for a purpose. Read  more. 2-3: Literacy circles are all the rage in 2-3. Read more. 4-5: Mystery literature as well as the Mysteries of the Universe (a science study) excite curiosity. Writing presidential raps takes good language control. Read more. 6-7: Shakespeare and Lord of the Flies are definitely good reads on snowy winter days. 8: See thesis topics, above!
Enjoy the snow! Fondly,
Meg Taylor
Head
286-3449 ext 101
mtaylor@parkerschool.org
Parker Perspectives
Don't forget!
Mini Summits about Science
Wednesday, February 4 5:00 - 5:45 PM
Thursday, February 5 9:00 - 9:45 AM
Email me if you can't come but you have ideas, questions or connections to share.
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