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Parker Damon Lower School

Parker Damon Press 9.20.26

Posted Date: 09/20/26 (02:17 PM)
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Parker Damon Press

Parker Damon Lower School Family Newsletter

September 20, 2026
school
 
Parker Damon Families,

It has been a wonderful start to the school year, filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of a growing community across all of our classrooms. This week we had our first All School Meeting. Our music teacher Mr. M brought everyone together for a school sing-along.  Our PE teachers, Peter and Mr. Phinney, shared some entertaining skits that creatively highlighted the values of teamwork, communication, and perseverance.

Alongside our first school-wide event, students have been laying the groundwork for a successful year ahead.  All grade levels gathered with me and Ms. Carone to learn about school routines and our three, schoolwide expectations: Safety, Respect and Responsibility.  In classrooms, teachers have continued establishing routines, building connections, and exploring identity and community. These early experiences are helping students feel a sense of belonging and connection to their new school.

To help you connect with your child about their school days and hear what they’ve been learning, here are a few conversation starters you could try at home:

  1. What are your classroom rules or agreements?
  2. What are the three main expectations for all students at Parker Damon Lower School?
  3. What lessons did your PE teacher share during the All School Meeting?
  4. What is something new you noticed you have in common with a classmate?
  5. What are your biggest hopes and dreams for this school year?
 
Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who joined us for our Virtual Principal Coffee on September 11th. We had a fantastic turnout, and I  appreciate the feedback, suggestions, and thoughtful questions shared. As a follow-up, we have compiled a Q&A Document here addressing the most commonly asked questions from that session.

Looking forward, we hope to see you all at our Parker Damon Lower School Back to School Night on September 29th. This is an open house style event where you and your children can arrive anytime between 6:00 PM and 6:45 PM to visit classrooms and tour the building together.   Please see additional information here.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support in getting this school year off to such a bright start!
.
Best,
Christina Gavin
Principal, Parker Damon Lower School
 

Upcoming Dates

Acton-Boxborough honors an inclusive calendar. Please review the 2026-27 district calendar carefully to be aware of “no school days” and early dismissals throughout the year.  

September

  • Mon 9/21 - NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur
  • Tuesday, 9/22 - Picture Day
  • Tuesday, 9/29 -PDL Back to School Night

October
  • Saturday, 10/3 - Fall Festival and Book Fair, 11:00-2:00pm
  • Monday, 10/12 - NO SCHOOL, Indigenous People’s Day
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

Picture Day


School Picture Day for PDL is 9/22
  

DATE: Parker Damon Lower School Picture Day is Tuesday, September 22nd

Rain or Shine – photos will be taken regardless of weather!

All students will have their photo taken, whether or not an order is placed. Every student will also receive a complimentary class photo.


For Parker Damon Lower Picture day:
  • Paper orders have been sent home.
  • You may also order online at www.coffeepond.com. Or scan the QR code below.
Confidential financial assistance for school photos is available. 

General Questions about photos for PDL? Call our main office at 978-264-3371 or email pdl_main_office@abschools.org.
QR code
 
Sketch of School

Reminders

 
  • If you walk your child to school or walk them up to the front doors, please note that parents part ways and say goodbye to students at the entrance.  Parents may not walk students inside to their classrooms.   Thank you.
     
  • Continue to use Pick Up Patrol to report student absences, late arrivals, early dismissals, and any change with end of day dismissal plans.  Please note that changes after 2:00pm (or 12:00pm on early release days) need to be made through the office.  Call us at 978-264-3371.
 

PDL Back to School Night


  • When: Tuesday, September 29, 6:00–7:30 PM. Arrive at the time of your child’s grade level between 6:00 and 6:45 PM. You and your child(ren) will tour the classroom and the school at your own pace. The evening will conclude at 7:30 PM.
     
  • Student-Led Tours: This evening is all about connecting with your child in their learning environment.  Please let your child take the lead and be sure to visit all of their different classrooms and learning spaces.
     
  • Family Attendance: Siblings are welcome to attend. Families will remain together as a group throughout the tour.
     
  • Format: The evening is designed to be a friendly meet-and-greet and student-led tour rather than a presentation or an individual parent conference. Fall Conferences will be scheduled in October and November to discuss your child’s individual progress.
     
  • Schedule: The schedule will be staggered, and families can plan to visit their child's grade level classroom(s) and Specials rooms.  From 6:15 to 7:00pm, you may also visit Specialist staff, located in the Cafeteria.
     
  • Parking: Families are welcome to park in either of the Parker Damon School lots, the Admin Office Parking Lots, or the RJG parking lots.

BTSN schedule
 

School Council

School Council Nominations

Parker Damon Lower School is seeking interested parents to serve as representatives on the School Council. The School Council meets with me six times during the year to talk about school-related items, the School Improvement Plan, and ideas to make our school an even better place to be.  I am seeking three parent/guardian reps from Parker Damon Lower School.  Meetings will be held on six Thursdays from 6:00-6:45pm virtually. Anyone interested should send me an email with a brief bio and why you're interested in serving on the council. If I hear from more than three parents, we'll hold a virtual election. Thank you for stating your interest by October 2nd.   Email: cgavin@abschools.org.

Meeting Dates
  • October 22nd
  • November 19th
  • January 28th
  • February 25th
  • April 29th
  • May 27th
 

Maple Street Food Pantry

Could your family use a little extra support with groceries?
The Maple Street Food Pantry 
(formerly The Acton Food Pantry) is here to help.
21 Maple Street, Acton, MA 01720

Membership in the Maple Street Food Pantry is free. To make an appointment, please call or text: 978-440-0765. For all other inquiries, call 978-635-9295. If there is no answer, please leave your name and number, and someone will call you back.​

Shopping and client registration hours are:
Monday: 2:00-4:00 PM - Appointment Only
Tuesday: 9:00 - 1:00 PM - Appointment Only
Wednesday: 9:30 - 11:30 PM Drive-through - NO Appointment needed
Wednesday: 1:00 - 7:00 PM - Appointment Only
Thursday: 10:00 - 2:00 PM - Appointment Only
Friday: CLOSED

Don’t have a car? Call Cross Town Connect at 978-844-6809 and schedule a ride 24 hrs in advance (website: https://crosstownconnect.org/).

Or… Your child can bring a bag of food home from school every week. Just fill out the form your child's teacher sends home and return it to your child’s teacher. You can also email Ms. Carone at mcarone@abschools.org. 
 

Lunch and Breakfast

  • Lunch and Breakfast: As a reminder, the state of Massachusetts provides complimentary breakfast and lunch to all students. This includes lunch being served on Wednesdays. 
  • Extras: This is a friendly reminder that students will be charged for extra items not included in the free lunch or breakfast.
  • If you want more information about breakfast, lunch and other information from food services, please visit the Nutrition Services Welcome Back Letter on their website. A link to menus can be found here.
Menu
 
PDL logo

Contact info