Introduction and Impact - Francis Parker School

Introduction and Impact - Francis Parker School You Power Parker. 2024–2025 Report on Philanthropy As we reflect on the past year of giving, we are reminded of what makes Parker so special: our shared commitment to excellence , our belief in the power of education , and a strong culture of giving back It is your engagement and generosity that bring Parker’s mission to life. Thank you. We thank our donors for their generosity and are honored to list them in the 2024–2025 Report on Philanthropy. Francis Parker School is supported by families who understand that their giving makes a Parker education possible for every student. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Parker education; it is our strong endowment and families who make annual gifts that advance our mission. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this report. The Giving section recognizes donors who made new gifts between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, in support of the following areas: 2024-2025 Giving (current-use operating needs: Day of Giving, Gala, Senior Class Gift), Endowment Giving (restricted endowment funds), and Programmatic & Restricted Giving (annual initiatives, board-designated, Robotics, etc.). If you have questions about your donor recognition or would like more information about giving opportunities, please contact advancement@francisparker.org and a member of the Advancement Office will reach out to you personally. For information, visit www.francisparker.org/giving This year, we’re excited to share the Report on Philanthropy in a new, fully digital format. Moving away from print helps us reduce our environmental footprint and ensures that more of our resources go directly to supporting students and programs. It’s one more way we’re honoring your generosity and caring for the world we share. Loading from Vimeo... As Head of School Scholars, we are encouraged to dream big, explore the world, push boundaries, and believe we can do anything we set our minds to. Attending Parker has opened countless doors of growth and challenge to motivate us to live life by being responsible, and to always care for others. Head of School Scholarship Recipient Spotlight on Professional Development: Bringing Professional-Level Filmmaking to Parker Students Cole Godvin, Visual Arts teacher for Grades 6-12, is working hard to develop the Motion Media program at Parker into the premier creative filmmaking experience at the Upper School level. This past year, Parker’s professional development program allowed Cole to attend the Film and Video Teachers Workshop at Maine Media Workshops and College in Rockport, ME. She dove deep into the best equipment, training, projects, and methods for creative expression while studying  with a renowned Harvard University professor and documentary filmmaker. LEVELING UP STUDENT EQUIPMENT AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION Cole chose this professional development experience with a few goals in mind. The training fully accomplished her first goal—to gain an up-to-date understanding of the latest equipment. She stated, “We had extensive discussions about equipment. We talked about the best equipment for different program goals, the best ways to train students on equipment, and how best to handle checking in and checking out filmmaking kits.” Now, she feels confidently keyed into current best practices and choices to help Parker students choose and use the best tools for their projects. Cole’s second goal was to bolster her ability to give Parker students the best artistic education in the discipline. During the course, the group discussed at length how to cultivate students’ visual storytelling skills, how and when to screen films for inspiration and instruction, and how best to structure a syllabus depending on the course’s ultimate aims. Since the training, Cole has used ideas and materials from the in-depth workshop to rethink the Upper School curriculum for Motion Media classes at Parker, taking care to apply the best takeaways and techniques. The Parker Motion Media Program will greatly benefit from the insights, updates, and new ideas that Cole learned during the Film and Video Teachers Workshop. AN EVEN BIGGER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR MOTION MEDIA AT PARKER While Cole’s experience at the Film and Video Teachers Workshop was the best PD experience she’s ever had, she’s excited to bring even more back to her classroom and students in the future. On her list is the National Association of Art Educators Convention where she can learn from other art educators to strengthen Parker’s programs even further. Each year, Parker invests $340,000 in faculty professional development, which is funded through donations received on Day of Giving (held this year on November 29). When our community invests in faculty professional growth, they can cultivate their passions and curiosity. By providing teachers with the tools to thrive, our students thrive. Cole’s training at Maine Media Workshops is just one of the inspiring moments Parker faculty have experienced recently, thanks to our community’s generous support. read about Spotlight on Professional Development: Bringing Professional-Level Filmmaking to Parker Students Amplifying Student Voice Ignites School Spirit For over a year and a half, visitors to the Linda Vista Campus witnessed the evolution of the Parker Forward project from demolition to completion. The project began with the School’s commitment to Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies and a strong vision for a campus hub that supported that initiative. Members of the Parker community worked together to ensure the spaces foster the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students throughout the construction of the updated Silberman Family Student Life Center, Douglas Aquatic Center, Vassiliadis Commons, and Vassiliadis Athletic Center. Parker’s Director of Athletics Mahina Hannemann-Gago, Ph.D., wanted the project to stay true to the Parker value of Students First—emphasizing the need for a strong student voice to be visible throughout the new spaces. . To accomplish this, Mahina supported the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC), a representative body of interscholastic athletic and club programs, as they worked with Parker’s External Relations team to create wall graphics, artwork, and branded designs for the new spaces. External Relations team members attended SAAC meetings and held focus groups to bring student visions to life. “I am so happy to see that our student voices were so readily heard by Coach Mahina and the rest of the admin who made our ideas possible,” said Evan Bohne ’25. During these sessions, over 30 students worked together to identify keywords they felt represented the Parker Community. A few of the most mentioned words included pride, spirit, dedication, and commitment. The group’s overall energy was aligned with the unofficial Athletics mantra, “Our Family vs. Their Team.” Over the course of their monthly meetings, SAAC helped design and create the Legacy of Champions wall in the hallways outside the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, along with the slogan “Champions Play as One Parker.” They approved the student photo canvases hanging in the halls leading to the Athletics Office Suite, which will be cycled out regularly to include new photos of current Parker student-athletes with equity in mind. They assisted in the specialty lighting design of the hype tunnel and also came up with the idea for a spirited Lancer medallion near its entrance. SAAC plans to start the tradition of student-athletes touching the medallion for good luck before big games, thus encouraging Lancer spirit and in-game commitment. “It took us several meetings to decide on three large items: to implement gradient lighting in the hype tunnel, a wall of our achievements that we could walk by every day, and something we could touch before games,” said Evan, “But still, within the next meeting, we got to see the first versions of our ideas. After a few more meetings, we settled on the designs we have now, which can be seen all around our new facility.” The time, effort, and creativity that SAAC students committed to designing these spaces led to a demonstrable growth in student pride and a deeper sense of community and belonging. “It was amazing to be able to see our ideas come alive in the new space,” said Sophie Hart, Class of 2026. “I love how the new building reflects the students’ vision of Parker Athletics, creating a space that feels like home.” The building is customized for current student sentiment and activities, leading Parker’s students to use the spaces intentionally, as a sense of school spirit permeates throughout. Olivia Teates ’25 said, “Walking through the hype tunnel and into our new locker rooms for the first time, I felt really grateful and honored that our voices were heard. There are so many small touches throughout the facility that are really exciting and unique, and it’s amazing that we student-athletes got to play a part in the process.” That increase in Lancer pride was felt during events held throughout the year in the Silberman Student Life Center, such as the All-School Opening, pep rallies, senior nights, and Homecoming activities. At the October 2024 Spirit Week Pep Rally, Middle and Upper School students came together in the Vassiliadis Athletic Center. Monte Duval, Class of 2027, an Associated Student Body (ASB) member and Upper School Spirit Director hosted the pep rally and hyped up students over the loudspeaker on the floor of John Herman Court. "During the pep rally, I felt a bit nervous, curious, but mostly excited…I was joined by the entire Parker community: friends, classmates, and teachers, all standing, participating, and genuinely showing their school spirit,” Monte explained, “This building is the fantastic finale to the Parker Forward project, and I’m confident that this new space will support our school, our values, and the community we strive to be—a connected, spirited, and above all, unified community—as far as the mind can see.” Olivia Brennan, Class of 2026, echoed Monte’s sentiments, “You could really feel how excited everyone was to finally be able to use the new gym. I think it was awesome and a great example of Lancer spirit when everyone was cheering for their grade during the competitions,” Olivia said. “Not only did it showcase the good sportsmanship that Parker students have, but it also made me excited and hopeful for our student sections at future home games in the new gym and pool.” At Girls Volleyball Senior Night, senior student-athletes celebrated as they ran through the hype tunnel while “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC blasted over the loudspeakers, and their teammates and families cheered from the stands. “Running through the tunnel on Senior Night was such a fun experience,” said Avery Meiselman ’25, “I was so grateful that my fellow seniors and I got to be the first ones to run through because we experienced the construction process first-hand throughout our high school careers and running through the tunnel marked its culmination.” Afterward, they were gifted leis to commemorate their time on the team, another decision made by SAAC that ensures student voices and preferences are heard in Parker traditions. Including leis in the Senior Night experience was an initiative students sparked that was inspired by the Native Hawaiian tradition of celebration. The lei is an expression of love, respect, and honor—aligning with keywords SAAC members identified in early focus groups and perpetuating the Lancer legacy of teamwork. Parker looks forward to future events in the updated Silberman Family Student Life Center, Douglas Aquatic Center, Vassiliadis Commons, and Vassiliadis Athletic Center. The completion of the Parker Forward project provides the community with facilities, programs, and faculty that support meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities for healthy minds and healthy bodies. Its shared spaces and student-influenced design nurture Parker’s inclusive community and allow students, faculty, and staff to come together more frequently as One Parker. read about Amplifying Student Voice Ignites School Spirit Leaving a Legacy for the Future of Parker Robotics “These kids blow me away each and every day. They actually give me hope for the future,” said Tom Wetherald about his volunteer work with the Parker Robotics program. A former Parker parent, Tom has been a Robotics mentor for an impressive seventeen years. “I thought it was completely insane,” he said about his first impression of Robotics, back when his son Ian ‘11 joined the program. “Then I went to the competition…and I was just completely blown away.” Seeing what actually went on during Robotics—the skill, hard work, and ingenuity required—made him realize that there was a lot “more going on than a bunch of 17-year-olds with screwdrivers.” From there, Tom asked program manager and beloved Parker faculty member Ryan Griggs if he wanted help, and he’s been heavily involved ever since. “In his junior and senior years, my some was the co-captain of the team. And then he graduated, and I failed to do so,” he recalled with a laugh. “These kids blow me away each and every day. They actually give me hope for the future.” “He was the first adult to offer me a hand in developing our robotics program…which has been a true blessing for our program,” said Ryan. “He routinely demonstrates to us all what the program is all about and is always willing to offer support, guidance, mentorship, and encouragement.” Now, Tom spends most afternoons and evenings helping run the Robotics programs at Parker—guiding students in students from Lower School all the way to Upper School in everything from using computer numerical controlled mills to honing leadership skills to staying safe in the lab. “I think he’s one of, if not the best, example of what a mentor should be like,” expressed one Robotics student. “It’s been really cool to watch so many students mature,” he explained about working with the same kids year after year. In line with Parker’s mission, Tom’s ultimate goal is to “inspire one or these kids or more to become one of those true outside-the-box thinkers,” in the hopes that it’ll help them make a meaningful difference in the world one day. After many years of volunteering with Parker Robotics, Tom and his wife Sydney chose to include the program in their estate planning, setting up a fund to support students now and in the future. “As far as I’m concerned, Robotics is the most important thing going on at the Middle School and High School level in science and technology instruction,” he emphasized, adding that including Parker Robotics in their estate planning is about “giving back and contributing to a program I really believe in.” As Tom starts his eighteenth year as a team mentor, he’s excited to continue executing the five-year plan created by the mentorship team in conjunction with the students. With his dedication in the classroom and his family’s generosity for the future, Tom is ensuring that the next generation of innovators will always have the tools—and the inspiration—they need to succeed. read about Leaving a Legacy for the Future of Parker Robotics Ms. Maggie Miller This curriculum gives students room to explore, practice, and apply their skills to real-life problem solving. That strong foundation in algebra opens doors to every Upper School math course. Ms. Lauren St. John Lopez Using the interactive panel helps my students collaborate because they can seamlessly build on each other’s ideas. Ms. Zuri Walker The new course guides students to take ownership of their behavior, figure out what works best for their specific environment, and have the tools to make wellness a focus throughout their lives. Ms. Erika Assadi I’ve built deep relationships with experienced leaders at independent schools, which has helped me define and grow my leadership style and skills and implement them in my new role. Miguel Cooper I’m being a lot more intentional about teaching the phonetic structure, where it comes from, and why we craft the language in certain ways. Mr. Joseph Kurz The method emphasizes students listening to each other as much as speaking their own thoughts, which helps them gain confidence, a sense of agency, and empathy for their fellow citizens Dr. Rai Wilson We can reach people's minds, but being there—smelling a place, feeling a place—can reach their emotions too. Those are the experiences and learnings that stay with them. Monic Sandels Monic Sandels 6-12 World Language Teacher PD Experience Courageous Leadership for Emergent Bilingual Students Conference “A student quote from this conference made a strong impact on me, ‘Just because our English is broken doesn’t mean our minds are,’” says Monic Sandels about her experience attending the Courageous Leadership for Emergent Bilingual Students Conference. The conference focused on effectively supporting emergent bilingual students in terms of equity and excellence. “The conversation challenged me to continue in my ongoing growth, not only as faculty but also as a part of the Parker community, to better serve each of our students,” Monic emphasizes. Ryan Griggs Ryan Griggs 6-12 Teacher, Head of Parker Robotics PD Experience Battlebots World Championship VII “Being immersed in an environment where everyone was passionate about STEM and robotic endeavors allowed us to rekindle and reaffirm our intent to build towards significant STEM goals for Parker,” says Ryan Griggs about his experience attending the Battlebots World Championship. Watching robot battles and connecting with other robotics professionals allowed Ryan and Dawn Levy, another Parker Robotics mentor and faculty member in attendance, to gain clarity on the future of the robotics experience at Parker. Ryan and Dawn walked away with actionable ideas for increasing team collaboration and honing students’ problem-solving skills. Laurie Brae Laurie Brae Lower School Librarian PD Experience "What's New in Children's Books" Course “My experience in the ‘What’s New in Children’s Books’ course deeply informed my purchasing decisions as I strive to ensure a robust collection of books for our Lower School students,” says Laurie Brae. Put on by the Bureau of Education and Research, the course provided Laurie with information on the best children’s books published last year and strategies for motivating students to get involved with and stay excited about reading and writing. Laurie has already started integrating new materials and ideas into the Lower School Considine Library this year. Sarah Blalock Sarah Blalock Lower School Art Teacher PD Experience California Art Education Association Conference “This will round out the Lower School art program and add enriching and exciting experiences for the kids,” says Sarah Blalock about her experience attending printmaking workshops at the California Art Education Association Conference. The conference supplied her with several ways to translate the art of printmaking into the Lower School art studio, and she’s currently building up a collection of supplies to expose Parker students to various printmaking techniques. Lower School students’ creativity and artistic skills will bloom even further with these new activities. Make a gift Give Now