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At Ģ����ý, the Parents’ Association strengthens our community by connecting families, supporting faculty, and enriching student experiences. Through relationship-building events, volunteer efforts, and purposeful fundraising, the PA embodies our shared commitment to community and collaboration.

“We’re here to come alongside and support our teachers,” said Abby Lindeman P’38, PA co-president. “That’s our goal — to help them achieve their classroom goals, whether that’s funding a field trip, organizing a class party, or finding small ways to love on our students.”

For Lynn Shepherd P’26, P’30, P’33, PA co-president, being involved is about more than volunteering. It’s about connection. “The PA’s function is to bring the school together as a community,” she said. “It’s where parents come together to make a difference for our kids, our teachers, and each other.”

Every Ģ����ý parent or guardian is automatically a member of the PA — no dues, no sign-up required — and encouraged to participate, whether in the monthly meetings or events.

The PA currently meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Trianon and plans to add evening meetings at a restaurant. “If you can’t make meetings, you can still jump in to help with one event or just reach out to learn more,” Mrs. Lindeman said. “We’ll find a place for you.”

Through events like Welcome Coffee (pictured here) on the first day of school, Carnival (pictured above), CSA Farm Share, Holiday Market, Faculty and Staff Appreciation luncheons, and Soups & Hoops, the PA creates opportunities for families to connect and give back. The PA also hosts the Scholastic Book Fair.

“If there’s something you’re passionate about — whether it’s a Valentine’s event or a family service day — come talk to us,” Mrs. Shepherd said. “We’ll help you make it happen.”

Funds raised by the PA are reinvested directly in our teachers and students, with only event costs deducted, ensuring the majority of support benefits them. The PA’s largest annual fundraiser, Carnival, raised a total of $22,000 at the September event.

Each spring, teachers may apply for a PA grant to fund classroom equipment, such as STEM activities or biology lab materials, as well as experiential education opportunities, including tents or hands-on lessons led by outside experts, such as indigo dyeing in art classes (pictured here).

“If a teacher has something special outside the operating budget that will impact students, they can apply for a PA grant,” Mrs. Shepherd said. “We try to fund things that will be impactful for years to come. Sometimes it’s something big, and sometimes it’s as simple as a parent stepping in to help fill a need like donating a couch for an office.”

Band Director Brent Moorhead has received several PA grants that have benefited students across Lower, Middle, and Upper School. "New equipment gets students excited, and they appreciate knowing that people are investing in and supporting their passion for instrumental music," he said. "The band students and I are grateful for the generosity of our Parent Association. Their support goes a long way."

In recent years, the PA has funded a new tuba, bass drum stand, and drum set.

"Our drum set gets a lot of use, so when the PA provided the funds to replace our aging drum set, it was a much-needed boost to the program," he said. "Our Middle School and Upper School drummers couldn't wait to give it a try, and the Lower School drummers had a sudden burst of interest in the possibility of playing that instrument in the years to come."

The PA’s support reaches beyond the classroom, enriching both student programs and the parent community.

For Mrs. Shepherd, the Parents’ Association has been one of the most meaningful parts of her time at Ģ����ý. “I’ve made lifelong friends — people I never would’ve met otherwise,” she said. “It’s given me a better understanding of what’s happening around campus and the freedom to get involved in things that interest me.”

Likewise, the PA has been personally rewarding for Mrs. Lindeman. “I work from home, so this was a way for me to get out, meet other parents, and build real relationships,” she said. “It’s not just small talk — it’s community. We’re all doing life together.”

For longtime PA volunteer Wendy Woodbury P’31, involvement has been a nine-year journey of service and friendship. She’s been co-chair of Carnival, helped secure event sponsors, and donated food for faculty and staff appreciation luncheons. She’s also served as the PA’s contact for community outreach and support.

“I’ve organized meal trains for Ģ����ý families that needed some additional support during tough times, sent out sympathy flowers, gift cards for dinner, memorial wind chimes, get-well and recovery gifts, and food baskets for sad ad happy life events,” she said. “My family has even helped get kiddos to school while a Ģ����ý mom had early doctor appointments and needed a little extra help during her cancer treatments.”

What Mrs. Woodbury gains from being involved is simple: connection. “I’m a people person and have enjoyed getting to know so many people across the school community,” she said. “I love having a network of moms I can reach out to and want all families at Ģ����ý to feel that sense of community and pride. The community is what makes this school so special.”

For PA volunteer Mike Tasler P’32 (pictured here), the experience is both meaningful and fun. “Being part of the Parents’ Association has been a great way to stay connected — with the students, teachers, other parents, and everything happening around campus,” Mr. Tasler said. “I’ve helped out with events like Fall Adventure, Colorado Expedition, the Carnival, and the always-entertaining Pumpkin Drop. It’s fun to lend a hand where my skills fit and be part of the energy that makes those moments special.”

For Mr. Tasler, volunteering is also about staying engaged with the evolving life of the school. “You get to know people, stay in the loop, and see how the campus keeps evolving to meet the needs of the students and curriculum,” he said. “If you’ve got the time, just show up — there’s always something going on and always a place where an extra hand is appreciated.”

Beth Peters P’38, P’37, brings passion and purpose to her role as Class Coordinator Liaison. Now in her third year volunteering, she supports Early Childhood and Lower School class coordinators, attends monthly meetings, and helps organize events.

With a background in education and play therapy, she values the deep collaboration between parents and teachers. “By supporting, encouraging, and building up the Ģ����ý community, it is my hope that this benefits not just my children, but their friends, classmates, teachers, and our local community as well,” Mrs. Peters said.

New parent Alyssa Kavanaugh P’30, P’35 joined the PA when her sons started at Ģ����ý this past August and quickly discovered just how rewarding the experience could be. “Joining the Parents’ Association has been very beneficial for us,” she said. “Because the association is comprised of members from all divisions, you get the opportunity to connect with people you might not meet otherwise, and we now know so many amazing people through the organization.”

As a newcomer, she has found the PA to be a wealth of knowledge. “In meetings, we discuss upcoming events, get insightful information, and experienced members are happy to help newbies like me with questions or background information,” she said. “The greatest benefit of all is learning all the ways you can be involved in our Ģ����ý community.”

For Pamella Dickey P’36, being involved in the PA is all about giving back. She serves as a class coordinator, attends monthly meetings, and volunteers at as many PA events as possible.

“Community is everything. I gain knowledge of the inner workings of Ģ����ý and the PA, I build connections, and I feel that I’m an integral part of a community that gives back to our school,” she said. "If you're looking for a home of friendship, family, community, connection, and understanding, we are all here to support each other and to come alongside each other."

To get involved with the Parents’ Association or learn more, email hello@cssparentsassociation.org or visit .