Parker Periodical - May

May 4, 2026

Principal's May Message

Dear Parker Families,

Welcome back to another exciting year at Ellis D. Parker Elementary! We are honored to partner with you as we begin a school year filled with learning, growth, and success.

This year's theme, Rooted and Rising, reminds us that strong foundations in character, relationships, and academics help our students rise to reach their full potential. Through Excellent Instruction, our teachers are committed to providing engaging, high-quality learning experiences that challenge and support every learner.

We also recognize that parents are a child's first and most important teacher. The partnership between home and school is essential to student success, and we look forward to working alongside you to support your child's academic, social, and emotional growth throughout the year.

In addition, we will implement DoWEA's new Personal Portable Electronic Mobile Devices  (PPEMDs) initiative (pg. 7 and 8), which we have termed "Away for the Day" at Parker. Cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices should remain off and put away during the school day to promote focus, engagement, and meaningful interactions.

Thank you for your continued support of Parker Elementary. 

Together, we are Rooted and Rising through Excellent Instruction, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to student success! 

General Reminders

  1. No class changes will occur within the first 15 days of school. It takes time for students to learn routines and expectations. Class changes will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  2. We welcome parents to join their children for lunch. To allow students and staff time to establish routines and expectations, lunch visits will begin after the first two weeks of school. Thank you for supporting a smooth start to the school year!
  3. If you want your child to eat breakfast, he or she must be in the cafe in line no later than 8:17 a.m. If they arrive later than that, they will not have breakfast.
  4. All transportation requests must be submitted to the ParkerES.Office@dodea.edu. Teachers cannot address transportation changes.
  5. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher first. If you need to meet with admin you can schedule a time with our secretary, Ms. Hole.

Class Celebrations

While we do not hold birthday parties at school, parents may send store-bought cupcakes for their child's birthday. Please notify the teacher and Nurse Amber Williams at least one week in advance so allergy accommodations can be made. Treats brought without prior approval cannot be accepted by the front office.

Upcoming Events

Activities

Follow us on Social Media

DoWEA School Dress Code

Image showing dress code and location of armpit and mid-thigh

Students MUST wear:

  • Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
  • Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
  • Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
    • Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
    • Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed

Students CANNOT wear clothing with:

  • Language or images promoting violence
  • Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
  • Derogatory speech and/or imagery that targets groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head

* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress

* DoWEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoWEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

Attendance Policy

In accordance with the policy stated in DoWEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

  1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
  2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
  3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
  4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoWEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

  1. Personal illness;
  2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
  3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
  4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
  5. Religious holiday;
  6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
  7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
  8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
  9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoWEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day. Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

School Administrators

Name Position Details Phone
Jamie Schmittendorf Webmaster 334-369-7100

School Hours

School Hours Regular Hours ERD Hours
Office Hours 7:00 am - 4:00 pm 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
K - 6 Students 8:10 am - 3:10 pm 8:10 am - 2:25 pm
Pre-K AM Students 8:10 am - 10:55 am 8:10 am - 10:55 am
Pre-K PM Students 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm 12:30 pm - 2:25 pm
     

ERD (Early Release) is the Second TUESDAY of every month

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