:: Friends Academy ::

Officers
Class Representatives
Committee Chairs
Volunteer On-line
Meetings Calendar
Guide to Our Quaker School

All parents, new and returning, are invited to review the following descriptions of Events and Committees and to volunteer on-line throughout the year. Service to our immediate and larger community is an integral part of parenting at a Quaker school and sets a wonderful model for our children. In addition, there is no better way to meet other families and build community.

VOLUNTEER ON-LINE

Complete the form below and check off any parent council positions, committees or events you would like to participate in below. To submit the form, please click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

First Name:
Last Name:

Phone:
E-mail:

Notes/Comments (if you are nominating another parent, please indicate so below):

OFFICERS

Members of the Executive Committee work as liaisons with the administration and principals in regularly scheduled monthly meetings to keep lines of communication open, to share ideas and concerns, and to make special plans or social arrangements for students. Click here for a detailed description of slate openings and responsiblities or the nominating process. Note: The LS, MS and US Secretaries do not serve on the Executive Committee.

I would like to be considered for the position of:

Executive Vice President
Treasurer
LS Assistant Vice President
LS Secretary

MS Assistant Vice President
MS Secretary
US Assistant Vice President
US Secretary

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

Class Representatives play a vital role in three areas:

the overall Parent Council events

the school/division in which their grade falls

and their specific grade

Click here for a detailed description of responsiblities.

I would like to be considered for the position of class representative for:

Playgroup
Pre-K
Kindergarten
1st Grade

2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
9th Grade

10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade

ALL SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Chairpersons appointed by Parent Council President

Team Parent Committee Member

Fall, Winter or Spring Sports Season

The team parent will be responsible for communicating with the head coach to determine any specific team needs that would require volunteer help, to distribute contact information for each team member and his or her parents and to coordinate game snacks for both home and away games.

Beautification Committee Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Beautification Committee is an adjunct to the grounds crew in enhancing certain areas with plantings, adding to the overall landscaping plan of the campus.

Cultural Arts Committee Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

Cultural arts provide enrichment beyond our children’s academic education, and it is the responsibility of this committee to research and coordinate events to accomplish that goal. The committee attends cultural arts exhibits and gathers information from other sources in order to present proposals to the Parent Council and Administration. It assists in the selection process and staging of events.

Green Committee Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing
Committee: Faculty, students and LS, MS & US parents

This expanding committee will strive to support the Green Campus Initiative wherever possible. The Parent Council chairperson will facilitate communication regarding new agenda items.

Gift Wrap Sale Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing, kickoff in October
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

Committee places brochures in LS backpacks (MS and US parents are instructed to review catalog on-line). All parents will place their orders on the Innisbrook website, and items will be shipped directly to the home. Committee members will visit Parent Council meetings periodically to showcase seasonal items available for purchasing on-line, (I.e. Holiday and birthday gift wrap, magazines, school supplies and spring holiday items).

Head of School’s Reception for New Parents Committee Member Chair

When: September
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Head of School’s Reception takes place on a Sunday in September immediately following an introductory Meeting for Worship for families new to Friends Academy. The reception is an opportunity for parents of new students, Parent Council Representatives, and members of the administration to come together at the beginning of a new academic year. The Committee plans, organizes and oversees the event.

Fall Fair Cookout and Bonfire Committee Member Chair

When: Friday night of Fall Fair and Homecoming weekend (Preparation: September)
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

This committee plans the Friday night barbeque. They order food and drinks early in the month, set-up the cooking stations that day and then cook that evening for the Friends Academy families.

Fall Fair and Homecoming Committee Member Chair

When: September 27-28th (Preparation: May-September)
Committee: LS, MS, US & Alumni parents

Parents set-up for the Fair earlier in the week and then offer their services the day of by volunteering time in one of our many kiddie, food or sale booths. It is an opportunity for the entire school community to get involved and meet new families. Full participation insures the success of this fun-filled family event.

Family Community Service Project Committee Member Chair

When: October-May (one designated Saturday each month)
Committee: LS, MS & US families

Parents and children will come together in the Commons to make sandwiches that will be delivered to local shelters.

Parent Breakfast Committee Member Chair

When: October
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

Friends Academy parents gather together to have breakfast and socialize together. This is also the perfect opportunity to welcome the newer members of our community. Parent-to-Parent mentors are asked to personally invite their new families to sit with them at this breakfast. This is the only purely social event that Parent Council hosts for parents. The committee organizes the entire morning, including venue, menu, decorations and entertainment.

Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee Member Chair

When: April (Preparation: February- April)
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Parent Council hosts a luncheon on campus to demonstrate our great appreciation for the faculty and staff. In addition to planning the menu and decorations, the committee will set-up and serve that day. Some parents also provide homemade desserts.

Book Fair Committee Member Chair

When: April (Preparation: January-April)
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Book Fair is a time for the entire school community to celebrate the joy of reading! Each class (and their parents) will have the opportunity to purchase books. The committee works at set-up, check-out and breakdown during the days of the Fair.

The Wind in the Willows Café Committee Member Chair

When: April
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Café works independently of the Book Fair, and offers snacks and refreshments for sale at the Fair. Donations of baked goods are coordinated by the chairpersons.

Parent-to-Parent Committee Member Chair

When: April- ongoing
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The purpose of this important function is to reach out to new families and help both the parents and students assimilate to the Friends Academy community. The chair and co-chairs work closely with the Director of Admissions to provide a "buddy program" for new families. Each new family is contacted by a veteran parent "buddy" prior to the opening of school in September and throughout the school year.

Plant Sale Committee Member Chair

When: May (Preparation: March-May)
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Plant Sale provides the perfect opportunity to plan for your flower garden and Mother’s Day. A variety of annuals in hanging baskets, pots and flats can be purchased the days of the sale. The committee oversees the publicity, orders and staffing.

Dinner and Auction Committee Member Chair

When: April (Preparation: January-April)
Committee: LS, MS & US parents

The Spring Dinner and Auction is a terrific event that has the Parent Council, Alumni Association and Development Office joining forces. Parents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees and friends are invited to a dinner and auction in the evening. The committee plans, organizes, and oversees the dinner and auction. This is a major fundraising event for Parent Council.

UPPER SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Chairpersons appointed by Upper School Vice President

Winter Concert Committee Member Chair

When: December
Committee: US parents

The Upper School Choir, Strings, Band and Jazz Band perform in December. The entire Friends Academy community is invited. A Chairperson and several assistants decorate the Performing Arts Center, and arrange a reception following the performance.

Spring Concert and Art Show Committee Member Chair

When: May
Committee: US parents

The Upper School Choir, Strings, Band and Jazz Band perform in May. The entire Friends Academy community is invited. A Chairperson will arrange a reception following the performance.

Ice Cream Social Committee Member Chair

When: April
Committee: Senior parents & Seniors

The Ice Cream Social takes place during the evening Book Fair Kick-Off. The committee organizes the sale of pizza, beverages and ice cream for the families attending the Book Fair. The proceeds go to the Senior Class for their Prom.

Junior Prom Committee Member Chair

When: April (Preparation: January-March)
Committee: Junior parents, Juniors & Faculty

The committee helps juniors and their advisor organize the Junior Prom which is held at Friends Academy. Fundraising and decorating are planned. The parents help to decorate the Commons on the day of the Prom to transform it for their special night.

Spring Varsity Sports Day Committee Member Chair

When: May
Committee: US parents

Upper School parents prepare a barbeque for Friends Academy and visiting sports teams.

Senior Brunch Committee Member Chair

When: June (Preparation: October-June)
Committee: Senior and Junior parents

Graduating seniors, their parents, the faculty, staff and administration are invited to this last get-together before Commencement, traditionally coordinated by parents of the graduating class but staffed that day by Junior parents. Graduates are given "goody bags" as gifts from Parent Council. The committee sends invitations, coordinates food, collects RSVPs and decorates.

Pre-Prom Committee Member Chair

When: June 11th (Preparation: October-June)
Committee: Junior parents

The Pre-Prom Committee organizes the gathering of all seniors, their dates and families at Friends Academy for a reception prior to the Prom. The committee works throughout the spring organizing invitations, decorations, set-up and food.

Senior Prom Committee Member Chair

When: June (Preparation: October-June)
Committee: Senior parents, Seniors and Faculty

The purpose of this committee is to provide an excellent opportunity for seniors to share a final memorable evening with their classmates. The committee assists the seniors and their advisor to plan and organize the event. They choose the venue, plan invitations, flowers, the menu, DJ, party favors, photographer and arrange transportation for the entire class and their dates.

Commencement Reception Committee Member Chair

When: June
Committee: Junior parents

This reception is held following the Commencement ceremony and is sponsored by parents and supported by US students. The committee plans the reception from start to finish.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Chairpersons appointed by Middle School Vice President

Refreshment Committee Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing
Committee: One representative from each MS class is needed.

This committee is responsible for coordinating and serving the refreshments at the Middle School dances, concerts, cast parties, sports nights and other events as necessary.

Inter-School Exchange Committee Member Chair

When: Ongoing

Friends Academy joins five local independent schools to form the Inter-School Exchange.It is a joint effort to establish a network to link resources as well as different groups within each school. The Friends representatives attend meetings to assist in implementing and coordinating all programs.

Middle School Family Night Committee Member Chair

When: February
Committee: MS parents

Middle School students and parents spend a fun evening together participating in a pre-planned activity. Previous years' events have including square dancing and ice skating. The committee is responsible for organizing the event and providing refreshments.

LOWER SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Chairpersons appointed by Lower School Vice President

Coat Drive Committee Member Chair

When: October/November

The Coat Drive is a Lower School tradition. Families bring in jackets and coats, which may be gently used but clean, to the Lower School lobby "Community Service Corner." The committee promotes this activity, collects the coats and donates them to needy children.

Mitten Tree Committee Member Chair

When: November/December
Committee: LS parents

The Mitten Tree is another Lower School tradition. Children bring hats, mitten, scarves and toiletries to decorate a tree on display in the Lower School lobby "Community Service Corner."

Holiday Tag Craft / Toy Drive Committee Member Chair

When: November/December
Committee: LS parents

Students and their families create holiday tags to personalize and accompany items donated to the Mitten Tree and the Toy Drive, as well as their own family gifts, while enjoying light refreshments. The price of admission is one toy. The committee will plan and oversee the event.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee Member Chair

When: Spring
Committee: LS parents

This event invites grandparents or special family friends to spend quality time with the students in the Lower School. The Committee works with the LS administration to create a schedule of events for the day, then, prepares by collecting guest addresses from parents, mailing invitations to guests, reserving needed space on campus i.e. the theater, making parking arrangements, organizing parent volunteers, arranging refreshments, setting up a greeting area, and creating a program for the guests. The day of the event, the committee sets up refreshments, greets and direct guests, cleans up refreshments and donates any left-overs to an area shelter.

Spring Concert Refreshments Committee Member Chair

When: May
Committee: LS parents

The committee is responsible for coordinating, serving and cleaning up the refreshments at the Lower School Spring Concert, seeking help from class representatives whenever possible.