The PSA was organized in 1990 to foster a greater sense of community among parents and to support school activities. Since then, it has become an integral part of the school and has enhanced many programs. All parents or guardians of GDS students are automatically members of the PSA and are encouraged to volunteer for various functions by completing the annual Volunteer Survey or by calling PSA officers.
The organization is led by two co-chairs serving alternating two-year terms. A secretary, treasurer, and coordinators for each school (Lower, Middle, and High Schools) complete the Executive Board. Funding for the PSA is through the school budget, voted on by the GDS Board of Trustees.
Teacher appreciation activities and the High School After-Prom are funded by donations from parents. Dates for the monthly meetings of the Executive Board, open to all, are posted on our online calendar.
The PSA assists in the planning and staffing of many events. School-wide activities that are supported by the PSA include coordinating the Volunteer Survey, organizing welcome functions for new families to GDS, Community Service activities, coordination of the Giant/Safeway receipt collection, library assistance, and sponsorship of teacher/staff appreciation functions, such as monthly breakfasts, curriculum night suppers, staff appreciation gifts and yearly luncheons. Communication is provided by the PSA Updates and the GDS Community Listserve. The at-home parent get-togethers help improve parent networking. At the Lower School, in-class parties, class trips, and overnight field trips require the support of the PSA. The Book Fair at the Lower/Middle School is staffed through the PSA. At the Middle School, the PSA assists at Global Awareness Day, grade-wide Community Service, concert receptions and school dances, and plans grade-wide functions outside of school. At the High School, the PSA organizes concert receptions, cast parties, the High School After-Prom, several sports banquets, senior banquet, and Homecoming activities.
All volunteers are valuable! We work with your schedule. Whether you can donate just a little bit of time or a lot, and whether you can come to the school or not, we are happy to have you be involved in whatever way works best for you. We welcome you and look forward to working with you.
Attending the monthly meetings is not at all required to be an active member of the PSA. Sign up to get our emails, and you will receive periodic updates and announcements about the PSA throughout the year.
We hope every parent will find a role in this school that was founded on the principle that parents have a primary part to play in their child's educational process.
Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers are a great resource for the School and are welcome and invited to be involved in any and every way possible that works with their schedules. To volunteer, parents can go online to the Volunteer Survey, or contact the PSA chairs listed at the front of the GDS phone directory and online. Everyone is welcome! Volunteers can serve as room parents and help with school activities such as community service, potluck suppers, and grade-level social activities. During such activities, parents work closely with classroom teachers and/or school administrators, other parents, and often the kids. In addition, parents who have special expertise or knowledge are asked to give lectures, share collections, and go on field trips. Parents are especially encouraged to volunteer for special events such as Country Market Day, the Spring Auction, and the Book Fair.
Parent Peer Groups
The purpose of parent peer groups is to bring parents together to exchange ideas about raising children. Answers cannot always be found nor problems always resolved, but it is important that parents have an opportunity to meet and share concerns about the development of their children. A representative of the school administration is present to listen and help with questions. This is not intended to be a forum for the discussion of school issues or criticism of the School. At times, in lieu of a peer group meeting, a grade level meeting may be called to discuss issues of parenting. These discussions may be led by a facilitator or a panel with expertise in a particular area.
GDS Survival Guides
For parents at the Lower School, Middle School, and High School. Brought to you by the PSA.
Phone Tree Templates
Templates are available online for lead room parents, who have the task of creating and distributing the phone tree for their class.
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