Get Involved as a Parent
Palm Beach Day Academy is a true family school.
We consider our parents to be valued partners in each child’s education. Family involvement not only maintains the high standards of our school but also provides rewarding experiences for students and parents alike.
Parent School Council (PSC)
Parents are invited to show their support of PBDA through participation in PBDA’s Parent School Council (PSC). Volunteerism is a longstanding tradition at Palm Beach Day Academy and each year, there are various opportunities for every parent to get involved.
For a list of all parent volunteer opportunities available to those on both campuses for the 2022-2023 school year, please continue reading. For additional details on our PSC, please visit the ‘Parent Student Council’ Resource Board in your Bulldog Den.
PSC Meetings 2022-2023
All parents are invited to attend the following PSC Meetings, held at 8:30 a.m. and located on alternating campuses. Join us beginning at 8:15 a.m. for coffee and light bites before the start of each meeting.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, October 4, 2022 | Lower Campus Discovery |
| Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | Upper Campus Library |
| Tuesday, January 10, 2023 | Lower Campus Discovery |
| Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | Upper Campus Library |
| Monday, March 6, 2023 | Lower Campus Discovery |
| Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | Lower Campus Discovery |
PSC Executive Committee Contact List 2022-2023
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or suggestions.
| Title | Officer |
|---|---|
| President | Hayley Schapiro |
| Vice President (Lower) | Lauren Kenny |
| Vice President (Upper) | Elizabeth DeBrule |
| Secretary | Shayla McGuire |
| Programs Chairperson | Allyson Mashek |
| Programs VP (Lower) | Jennifer Lazzara |
| Programs VP (Upper) | Sarah Temple |
| Parent Representative (Pre-Primary and Primary) | Kalley Hoffman |
| Parent Representative (K-3) | Elizabeth Leeds |
| Parent Representative (4-9) | Jennie Adams |
| Head of School | Fanning Hearon |
| Past President | Christina Macfarland ’98 |
| Board of Trustees Liaison | Caroline Rafferty |
| School Liaison (Lower) | Martha Bjorklund |
| School Liaison (Upper) | Shana Dutkewych |
The mission of the council is two-fold: fostering communication among constituents of the school community and serving the school in non-academic functions, which are always family affairs.
Special Interest Committees ’22-’23
Book Fair Committee
The annual week-long Book Fair for Lower Campus students, as well as 4th and 5th graders, will be held this year from October 10 – 14, 2022 on the Lower Campus. PBDA has partnered with Scholastic to order books and displays for the Fair. The Committee is open to parents of students in all grades.
Halloween Parade Committee (Primary – Grade 3)
The annual Halloween Parade is one of the most anticipated Lower Campus events every year. The Halloween Parade is scheduled for Monday, October 31, 2022 at 8:45 a.m. The Committee is open to parents of students in Primary through Grade 3.
Winter Concert Committee (Grades 1- 3)
Students in Grades 1-3 rehearse for weeks in advance of the PBDA Winter Concert, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Volunteers primarily assist with prop design and set set-up for the concert, as well as costume and hair and make-up assistance for the students. The Committee is open to parents of students in Grades 1-3.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee
This annual Lower Campus tradition invites students’ grandparents or special friends to attend a special springtime presentation on campus followed by time spent with our students in their classroom. The event is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, April 6, 2023. The committee is open to parents of students in Pre-Primary through Grade 3.
Teacher Appreciation Week Committee
Parent volunteers organize this week-long event intended to share our love and appreciation for PBDA’s faculty and staff. The Committee works together to organize special treats, events, and gift card donations to each of PBDA’s faculty and staff. Teacher Appreciation Week is scheduled for May 1 – 5, 2023. The Committee is open to parents of students in all grades.
Bulldogs Care Committee
The Bulldogs Care Committee will focus specifically on helping those within our community who may be experiencing hardships or a life-altering event.
With relationships and community at the heart of everything we do at PBDA, we know that families would like to be able to support each other during times of need and times of celebration. Volunteers will help provide prepared meals or other support offerings when a fellow community member is faced with a death in the family, illness, personal challenges, celebration of the birth of a child, and more. The Committee is open to parents of students of all ages.
*If you or someone you know in the community may be in need, now or in the future, please contact [email protected] or email PSC president, Hayley Schapiro at [email protected] . All requests and support will be kept confidential.*
Communications and Volunteer From Home Committee
We recognize that some parents are eager to give their time and talents but are only able to do so from home and as their schedule permits. This committee is perfect for those who may want to bring their talents and skills to the table. We welcome parent expertise and assistance in PBDA event/around campus photography, graphic design, moderation of the PSC’s Google Group listserv, etc. This committee is open to parents of students in all grades.
Health, Wellness, and Sustainability Committee
This committee partners with school leaders to improve the quality of the lunch program, expand environmental education, and transition to safer, more sustainable practices on-campus. Committee members collaborate with the school chef, support the gardening program, seek out local farms and educational organizations for partnership, advise on key wellness issues, and fundraise for strategic initiatives.
As this committee is new, members will have the opportunity to shape an annual event designed to educate and engage the parent community on the committee’s priorities. This may involve a farm stand, bake sale, farm-to-table dinner, and more. The committee is open to parents of students of all ages.
Philanthropy and Development Committee
The Philanthropy and Development Committee is an events-centered opportunity to support volunteer needs. This includes assisting with Fundraising Events like the Golf and Tennis Tournament in December, February’s Giving Week which culminates in Field Day, and various alumni events.
Volunteers also serve as ambassadors of the Philanthropy team, staying educated on the many ways to give to PBDA and aid in the communication to parents in our community. The Committee is open to parents of students of all ages.
Spirit Shop Committee
Volunteers are needed to assist with the setup, sales, delivery, and cleanup of the PBDA Bulldog Spirit Shop. Volunteers are also asked to weigh-in on branded items to stock. The Committee is open to parents of students of all ages.