Parent Body

The Parent Body is made up of all the parents of children enrolled in the school. Parents nurture and sustain the school through

• familiarizing themselves with the philosophy of Waldorf education

• contribution of specialized services and expertise

• membership on committees

• participation in the Parent Association and/or Parent Council

• social involvement (attending school functions, festivals, fairs, work days)

• class teacher support (field trips, parent meetings, class parents, volunteering in some classes)

• financial support

In nurturing the school's development, parents provide a mantle of warmth around the school. Participation in social activities and creating the festivals can be rich and rewarding for the whole family. All families are asked to regularly contribute time and energy to support school activities. A good starting point is completing the Parent Involvement Form (mailed to you each summer) indicating your areas of interest and skills. These forms become the basis for organizing parent volunteer work groups throughout the year.

Parent Roles & Class Parents

Each class needs to have at least one "class parent" for the school year. The class parent helps to communicate information to class families by means of phone and email trees. In addition, the class parent oversees the coordination of a variety of support services for the teacher, including organizing class outings, requesting drivers for field trips, and assisting in other ways. The school has a class task organization chart that is used, with the teacher's agreement, in several classes. Check with your class teacher, and ask Nancy Willis in the office if you would like a copy.

Parent Association Representatives

Each class should have at least one parent association representative who attends monthly meetings and takes any suggestions or concerns from parents to the association. She or he also reports association news to the parents during class meetings.

Committees and Work Groups

There are many committees and work groups that welcome, and in fact depend upon, parent participation. Committees have been involved in activities ranging from development and fundraising to parent communication. The office has a list of current committees, work groups, and volunteer opportunities. Please ask Nancy Willis if you would like a copy.

Other Volunteer Participation

Parent volunteers do many other tasks, including office assistance, purchasing and organizing first aid supplies, data input, library work, information technology assistance, catering preparations, and building and grounds beautification. Harvest Faire and May Faire Coordinators plan and oversee the fairs in conjunction with a faculty liaison and every class has its own coordinator. All families are asked to make practical contributions to the fairs. Parents also organize The Salon, our annual Spring Social and Auction event.

Additional adult activities and educational opportunities include the Young Child Program, arts and crafts workshops, parent education workshops and lectures, an anthroposophic study group, and an adult singing group.