“The greatest change has been developing a schedule to create equal time for arts, music and athletics, emphasizing our mission and building a stronger overall program.” - Christi Cole, Assistant Head of Middle School
Earnie Graftom
Kristy (Gillingham) Keith ʼ02, who graduated as a “lifer” from Parker, is now a Grade 6 advisor and English teacher. Here, she leads a class in exploring the plot of a short story.
these levels of awareness so they will develop integrity, responsibility and self-discipline. For Ms. Cole, helping students build strength of character sums up what the Middle School and Parker strive to instill in each child. “My favorite memory was a World Language Week competition where my advisory had built a pretty sad chariot that we were supposed to race around the field. It fell apart in the first few feet, but the kids picked it up and carried it,” she said. “I feel like that epitomized what I want students to get out of their education at Parker—resilience, thoughtfulness, courage and teamwork.” Over the past 30 years, the Middle School has helped thousands of students transition from the Lower School prepared to meet the challenges of the Upper School.
Mr. Lang summed it up this way:
“With all that has changed, from buildings to schedules to the people, the constant has been the Parker family, as we are fond of calling ourselves. Parents, students, faculty and administration all work in partnership to create an environment where students can grow toward making a meaningful difference in the world.” SUMMER/FALL 2016 PARKER MAGAZINE
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