The
work of the Parents and Teachers (PAT) Association – of which all parents and
guardians are members – is vital to the health and success of the school. The
PAT leadership consists of the Co-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice
Presidents representing each division, as well as several committee chairs.
Early in the fall, the PAT enlists parents’ help for special events that are
sponsored throughout the year. These include the annual craft fair and
winterfest in December, the African-American Celebration in February, the
“Dinosaurs, Dolphins & Friends” winter concert, Family Day of Service in
April, the Spring Benefit, “Breakfast at the Prospect Park Carousel” and the
New Parent Dinner in May.
Parents
are enlisted to volunteer for work with the admissions office and on the
diversity, community service, and development committees. Parents may volunteer
to become Class Parents and help coordinate such class events as picnics,
potluck dinners, class trips and projects. The Division Heads have regular
meetings with their respective PAT Vice Presidents and Class Parents.
In
addition, the PAT sponsors a Speakers Series that brings distinguished authors
and lecturers to the school several times a year. Past speakers have included
Sara Lawrence Lightfoot, Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Robert Brooks, Ph.D.,
Rosalind Wiseman, and Josh Dorfman.