Parents Association

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| Mission | Goals | 2008-09 PA Officers | Parents Association Meetings |

The parents organization at SFDS is known as the Parents Association (PA), and each parent at our school is a member. The Parents Association organizes and coordinates parent involvement and events at the School, assists families in feeling connected to SFDS, helps organize parent education opportunities, and provides volunteer support throughout the school. If you're interested in getting involved, please read about PA volunteer opportunities.

Parents Association Mission

The mission of the Parents Association is to build an inclusive community at San Francisco Day School. The Parents Association does this through:

• outreach to families, teachers and staff
• promoting a culture of volunteerism
• fostering community-wide communication
• supporting Parent Education
• outreach into the neighborhood and beyond
  
  

Parents Association Goals

In all of our activities, the Parents Association acts in partnership with San Francisco Day School and supports its mission and policies

The main goals and objectives of the Parents Association are:

• Community building: Create an environment in which parents, through discussion and participation, share the diversity of their talents and experiences, and build a community.
• Coordinating parent volunteer activities: Support the volunteer activities of parents and recognize their essential contributions to the School’s success. The Parents Association conducts activities that support the School’s programs, build community, and raise funds.
• Information sharing: Provide parents with information, forums for discussion and skill-building programs regarding developmental, educational, and social issues facing children and families.
  
  

2008-2009 Parents Association Officers

The President of the Parents Association serves as an ex-officio voting member of the SFDS Board of Trustees.

Parents Association Meetings

The Parents Association hosts fall and spring all-school coffees each year and schedules open monthly meetings with specific agendas. These meetings provide time for discussion of topics of general interest, updates on school and volunteer activities.

Parent Group on Learning Differences
The Parent Group on Learning Differences supports the many SFDS families whose children learn differently. Monthly meetings are attended by parents and a member of the School’s learning resource department, and are focused on educating and supporting parents. All interested parents are encouraged to attend.

Parent Group Diversity
The Parent Group on Diversity is comprised of parents, faculty, and administrators who encourage and celebrate the diverse community at our school. This committee supports parents and promotes open discussion on issues of diversity and multiculturalism as they relate to the school community. Meetings occur on a monthly basis.

Parent Education
The Parent Education Committee plans and promotes parent education events. The committee presents speakers and forums to discuss topics related to parenting, children’s social development, and school life.

Parent Cafes
Parent Cafes are an opportunity for parents to gather to discuss SFDS social/emotional/behavioral issues with each other and with the school counselors.  We usually have a general topic for the Cafe as well as leaving time to address matters that parents raise for immediate attention.  At past Cafes we've discussed internet use, limit setting, balancing extracurricular activities, developmentally appropriate expectations and consequences, friendship patterns and much more.  

Special Events
The Development Office and Parents Association share responsibility for community events and fundraisers at the School. The School relies on the parent body for its volunteer efforts to create successful events. Pleae read more about our special events.

Please see the Community section of the SFDS on-line calendar for information on up-coming meetings.