Past Events

Join us for a special screening of She Dared to Dream: Ayanna Pressley, a 28-minute documentary short by NAACP Award-winning director Abby Ginzberg, celebrating the inspiring journey and work of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley ’92. The film will be followed by a conversation with Congresswoman Pressley about her journey from Chicago to the halls of Congress. This in-person event will be held at her alma mater, Francis W. Parker School. Space is limited, so reserve your ticket today!

Join fellow Parker community members as we collectively create a 125th Anniversary Commemorative Mural designed by Parker senior Sienna Holt and Faculty Member Kay Silva. There will be three opportunities to participate throughout the school year.

Since County Fair’s inception in 1902, this fall celebration has been an opportunity for students to make products, organize activities, and share them with the community. This event requires group cooperation and organization at every grade level and builds a sense of responsibility and ownership, giving each child the chance to contribute to the community through their efforts. Parents, guardians, and grandparents are invited to come to the fair.

Community members are invited to take a self-guided tour of the many works of art donated to Parker. Tour brochures are available at the Clark Street Entrance.

Parker is pleased to invite grandparents and special friends of Parker students in Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade to attend the Grandparent Breakfast at County Fair. County Fair is a traditional school-wide celebration where students make products, organize activities, and share them with the community. This event requires group cooperation and organization at every grade level and builds a sense of responsibility and ownership, giving each child the chance to contribute to the community through their efforts. Audience: Grandparents and JK-5 students

Join the Parker Alumni Association for the "Colonel Cup" 125th Anniversary Golf Tournament at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club! Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate and enjoy the tournament. $125 for non-student players, $85 for student players. Sponsorships available.

Parker is excited to head back to the Mile High City, and we hope you join us and Principal Dan Frank ’74 at the Denver Alumni and Friends Gathering!

Celebrate the 125th Anniversary opening day with students, faculty, and staff all week, culminating with the Back to the Future: Celebrating 125 Years of Parker County Fair.

Join members of the Parker community for a panel discussion on the topic of education and democracy. Featuring Jeanne Barr, Parker Faculty member and Parent Emeritus; Damian Jones, past Parker Assistant Principal, Parent Emeritus, Former Executive Director of High Jump and Head of School at the Center for Early Childhood; Rick Locke, former Parker Faculty; and Nate Pietrini, Executive Director of High Jump. Rufus Williams, Life Trustee and Parent Emeritus, will be the evening's moderator. The Stenn Family Civics Education Initiative supports Parker’s mission to educate for citizenship in a diverse democracy by funding guest speakers, student programming and faculty training that provides insight into the development and responsibilities of citizens, elected officials and governmental processes.

Parker Helping Hands welcomes the Parker community to roll up their sleeves to lend your time and energy to various social service organizations throughout the city of Chicago. We invite you to join us for a park clean up in the fall benefitting the Chicago Parks Foundation.

Francis W. Parker School is pleased to invite grandparents and special friends of students in Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade to bring their grandchild or special friend for a fun evening of dinner and a movie on Parker's campus. Students are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to add to the fun!

Parker's College Dinner Series is back for year two! Join Dean of Student Life Joe Bruno and Director of Alumni Relations Chuck Lira as they hit the road to reconnect with Parker alumni on college campuses across the country. This year's series begins at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, followed by Tulane University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with the possibility of additional schools and cities being added throughout the year. These complimentary dinners are a chance to catch up with fellow alumni, share your college experiences, and stay connected to the Parker community—wherever your college journey has taken you.

Since the school’s founding in 1901, Parker has begun each academic year with the Corinthians Morning Ex. For the first time in 125 years, Parker welcomes our entire community to participate in this tradition where our community reaffirms the community’s connections and commitment to one another. Prior to the Corinthians MX, join us for a commemorative 125 photo on the field and a community breakfast reception in the Bailey Garden.

Parker is hosting a special recognition event for members of the Colonel Club—those who have donated to Parker for five or more consecutive years—and members of our Anita McCormick Blaine Planned Giving Society. Invited guests will receive an email invite from Paperless Post with information about registering to attend.

Join our Parker Colonels for the 125th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration! Homecoming includes our annual Parade of Athletes, MX, and a special community tailgate hosted by Parker's Parents Association.

Parker's College Dinner Series is back for year two! Join Dean of Student Life Joe Bruno and Director of Alumni Relations Chuck Lira as they hit the road to reconnect with Parker alumni on college campuses across the country. This year's series begins at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, followed by Tulane University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with the possibility of additional schools and cities being added throughout the year. These complimentary dinners are a chance to catch up with fellow alumni, share your college experiences, and stay connected to the Parker community—wherever your college journey has taken you.

Try your luck with the Scholastic Bowl Team's "125 Daily Tossup." Questions will be on view daily on the front alcove monitor.