Happy Robert C. Parker Day!

October 19, 2024
“I think we would all agree that the heart of the academic experience lies in the interaction between student and teacher.” ~Robert C. Parker

Every October, we dedicate one Friday to celebrating our namesake, Robert C. Parker, or as we affectionately refer to him, “Bob.” Bob was the principal of Emma Willard School from 1979 to 1986. He and his wife Marlisa, who directed the PreK-3rd grade Children’s School at Emma Willard, were an inspiration to the parents and teachers who wanted to continue that intentional education up through eighth grade. Robert C. Parker School opened its doors in 1991 as a place where experiential learning and the power of student agency drives our mission to engage each child in an ambitious and purpose-filled learning process.
Bob Parker began his teaching career in 1961 at the Brooks School in North Andover, MA, where he taught English and coached the varsity soccer and crew teams. From 1964 to 1979, he worked at the Groton School, where he served as chairman of the English Department, coached varsity crew and taught in the Lowell-Groton Upward Bound Program. Bob joined the Emma Willard School as principal in 1979, where he served until his death in 1986.

Bob was a dedicated and demanding teacher who valued and supported independence in his students. He was once known to hand work back to a student saying, “You’re better than this.” Bob believed that strong student-teacher relationships and experiences outdoors and outside the classroom were crucial to cultivating students who were invested in their learning. He felt strongly that this love of learning was the key to academic success.

As founding parents of Parker School, Susie Merrett and Joel Brainard, shared many years ago, “We knew Bob and Marlisa, through their vision of what a school could be. Bob Parker, as Principal of Emma Willard School and Marlisa Parker, as Director of the Children’s School at Emma Willard, created a learning environment where we discovered, as our children flourished, how wonderfully well their approach to education worked. Bob and Marlisa showed us that a school could be a place where students develop mutual respect, a love of learning, and an expectation that learning is exciting, interesting and fun. As parents, we saw how curricula could be integrated and connections made across disciplines so that learning was a part of life, not just a preparation for life. We named the school after Bob to respectfully acknowledge his extraordinary qualities as a teacher and educational leader – especially his ability to put his principles into practice. We wanted to create a school in which students would experience the enthusiasm, fun and enjoyment of learning which was so evident in Bob’s life.”

Our celebration today in honor of Bob began with a presentation from the 8th graders at our assembly. Our community then honored one of Bob Parker’s passions, time spent outdoors, by enjoying a buddy hike through the woods! We will conclude our day with our Leaf Run, another nod to Bob’s love of running, as a kick-off to our Annual Fund – which provides vital support for ongoing programming, scholarships, and the preservation & enhancement of our beautiful 77-acre campus! 
Bob Parker embodied integrity, passion for life, warmth, and vitality, fostering an environment where children embraced mutual respect and a love for learning. Thanks to Bob and his legacy, we continue to evolve in the spirit of progressive education by responding to our students, continuously adapting to meet their needs, and providing the most current, relevant, and innovative curriculum, teaching, and education. Bob’s love of nature continues to inspire our students and faculty today on our 77-acre campus. His belief in the power of student agency and experiential learning drives our mission to engage each child in a thoughtful learning process.