Principal Welcome

Welcome to Parker Elementary. Parker Elementary is a PreK – 5th Grade school that serves 625 students. Parker Elementary seeks to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations for success of all students through developmentally appropriate instruction that acknowledges individual differences and learning styles with 50 amazing teachers and 40 support staff members. We have received the Florida 5 Star Award for the past two years. The 5 Star award looks at business partnerships, family involvement, a high volunteerism rate, student community service, and school advisory councils. It is a select award only obtained by a small percentage of the schools in the state.

Parker is also a great community school where the community works together to better every student. The connection we have with the City of Parker allows the school day and positive community relationships to extend outside the school day. We ensure that every student’s specific need is met, loved and cared for daily. Special events with school and community members are planned to give the best school experience that we can offer to our students. They will never know what to expect, staff dress up days, student reward days, the positive referral game room, as well as on going surprise behavior rewards for all students.

Students are provided opportunities to exhibit responsibilities and promote self-esteem. The students have the ability to join extra-curricular clubs and organizations. We offer an extra-curricular choir program that will perform at school events, but also in community activities and functions. The students will meet in the morning before school starting and have occasional practices after school as they approach performances and special events. Each of the last several years they have performed at the City of Parker’s 50-year celebration, Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Parades, as well as preforming a play at the conclusion of the school year. We have a group of 20+ students involved in the Junior Service Leagues’ Girls on the Run program. They meet twice a week with the cumulating event at St. Andrew’s state park or Sweet Bay Community for the 5K race. We have 2 Jr. Lego Robotics’ Teams that participate in expos showing of their creations from schools across the Panhandle at Gulf Coast State College. Additionally, every morning 60 students are a part of our Student Council, assisting students in the morning as they are going to class, eating in the cafeteria, playing on the playground. These students preform service learning projects from Can Food Drives, letter writing, and other community activities teaching the importance of being good stewards. In addition to the students participating in extracurricular activities, our Positive Behavior system and attendance incentives rewards students for outstanding behaviors and attendance. Monthly and quarterly events are held recognizing behavior, character, and perfect attendance. Razor scooters, pizza parties and lunch with administration are highlights of these events. Parker Elementary also has a positive reward game room for students that display behaviors above and beyond the normal.

The compassion and willingness to learn, listen, combined with the rich extra-curricular programs, along with the strong core academic base makes Parker Elementary a "Cool School"

Chris Coan, Principal