Parents Association

Officers

President-Elect
Lynelle Chang

Vice President - Volunteers
Jackie Shurslep

Vice President - Events
Ashleigh Donovan

Treasurer
Sari Winter

Secretary
Lise White

Chairs: Tilsa Gonzalez, Valentina Poghosyan
Date: February 24, 2024

The Arts Festival & International Fair is an annual event bringing together the entire Rye Country Day community to celebrate the arts and traditions from around the world. We gather to enjoy student works and performances, and the Parents Association hosts a delicious potluck lunch that features foods from around the world representing the heritage of many of our families. This is a day not to be missed!

Chairs: Jessica Anderson, Loren Dinger, Blair Metrailler, Tess Resman, Trini Leonard
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Athletic Booster Committee supports athletic events to build a strong student and parent fan base, increase game attendance and strengthen RCDS Spirit across all divisions. For the 2023/24 academic year, Boosters will focus on supporting three main athletic events: Fall Wildcat Weekend, Winter Wildcat Day and Spring Wildcat Day. Booster activities include: coordinating pre-event promotions (e.g. student raffles, student spirit banners, morning meeting presentations by varsity players, etc.); purchasing/distributing fan gear giveaways and premium fan gear sales; on site event support (e.g. fan gear distribution/sales, spirit photo booth, face painting/tattoos/stickers, raffle winner participation, student fun zone, etc.); coordinating with the Athletic Department, Parent Spirit Committee, Student Spirit Committee, Wildcat Den; developing additional RCDS Athletics Spirit activities. If you love sports and are a closet cheerleader, this committee is for you. GO, WILDCATS!

Chairs: Rebecca Brown, Lynelle Chang, Meghan Charles, Jaclyn Shanahan
Date: April 20, 2024

Join us for the Parent’s Association’s most anticipated social event and largest fundraiser of the year! On April 20, 2024, RCDS parents/guardians, employees and alumni will gather to celebrate and support our incredible community through dinner, music & dancing, live & silent auctions and more! This is a night not to be missed! There are many ways to support this important event. If you are interested in joining the benefit committee, donating an auction item or providing other support please email blueandgoldbenefit@gmail.com.

Chairs: Corey Kercher, Victoria Maggard
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Caring and Wellness Committee is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all RCDS families. Our mission is to offer support and assistance to families experiencing crises, such as medical conditions that impair family members, deaths in the family, or any significant hardships. In addition to providing caring support, we prioritize the promotion of wellness within our community. We encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle by offering resources and programming on topics such as mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness. Any community member can notify the Caring and Wellness Committee of a family who could benefit from RCDS support. Grade-level liaisons are also asked to keep us informed and we are always available to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. We will meet a minimum of two times per year and on a more frequent basis at times when community members require increased support. 

Chairs: Beth Chopra, Meghan Millowitz
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Faculty & Employee Appreciation Committee organizes events throughout the year to express gratitude for the people who work so hard to support our children. The committee organizes the annual Faculty & Employee Appreciation Luncheon in May, organizing food, décor, and gifts for faculty and employees. Over the course of the school year, the committee also plans other expressions of appreciation, including holiday and year-end gifts, food trucks, employee lounge treats and decorations, and more! All employee appreciation efforts are paid for by funds raised through the PA’s December and May employee appreciation appeals.

Chairs: Renee Levine, Denise Shah
Date: January 20, 2024

It might be cold outside in January, but warm-hearted fun goes on at the annual Family Skating Party. Skaters and non-skaters alike are encouraged to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun together with friends after Winter Break. What could be more fun than skating with Willy the Wildcat? Volunteer jobs include promoting the event and coordinating decorations and refreshments.

Chairs: Sharon Herzog, Tania Thomas, Anukriti Upadhyay
Date: 2023-24 school year

Is your student interested in participating in Performing Arts programs at RCDS? Friends of the Arts supports our talented student body, faculty, and staff by promoting and generating excitement for all arts events at RCDS. Volunteers help with publicity and hospitality for concerts, plays, and various other performances and cultural events. They also help organize the January Festival Chorus Luncheon, hosted a day prior to the Festival Chorus performance during the full day dress rehearsal for the cast, which includes students, alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends of RCDS.

Chairs: Katelin Berkowitz, Despina Gandhi, Jaclyn Shanahan, Lauren Steiner (boutique), Jessica Testa (boutique)
When: November 8-9

The RCDS Holiday Boutique & Book Fair is a beloved RCDS tradition, an important PA fundraiser and a great way for all parents/guardians to get involved! The event takes place annually in November and gives community members the opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping, discover new books, enjoy food and socialize with friends. This event raises a substantial portion of the PA’s funds. Outside vendors sell a variety of items such as clothing, jewelry, stationery, accessories, kids’ games, and more. We look forward to seeing you there!

Chairs: Christie Greear, Jennifer Christian
When: November 8-9

NEW this year, we will be offering opportunities for parents to socialize and kick off their holiday shopping during the Holiday Boutique & Book Fair. Stay tuned for details this fall!

Chairs: Elizabeth Norquist, Kelly Mulderry, Nina Alvarez
When: March-December 2023

RCDS welcomes more than 100 new students and their families into our community each year. Host families support a positive transition into the RCDS community through introductory phone calls, being a friendly face in the crowd, and acting as a point person for questions. Host Families are asked to invite new families to join them at PA events and to be available as a resource throughout the school year. The 2023 Host Family Program is already underway, but the PA will be looking for volunteers for next year’s program in early 2024. 

Chairs: Holly Bates, Denise Shah
Date: February 29, 2024

The Ice Cream Social is a beloved Lower School tradition! Immediately following the Grades 2-4 Winter Concert, all families are invited to enjoy ice cream sundaes and conversations with new and old friends. Volunteers are needed for planning, setting up, cleaning up, and scooping.

Chairs: Helen Lowham, Katie Stewart
Date: 2023-24 school year

Calling all scrapbookers and photo book experts! This committee captures memories of the Lower School academic year by putting together special photo books for each grade. Every book features a close-up of each child, as well as group shots and other surprises. Volunteers are needed in each grade (Pre-K through Grade 4) to collect photographs, create layouts, and coordinate ordering and distribution. The Lower School Photo Books are a special keepsake for families and an important fundraiser for the PA.

Chairs: Virginia Cocke, Alex Macleod
Date: 2023-24 school year

Are you looking for a great way to meet other parents/guardians and observe your child “in action” at school? Lunchroom volunteers help set up, serve, and clean up for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1. Skate tying volunteers assist children in Kindergarten through Grade 4 before and after their ice skating P.E. classes during the winter. 

Please note: Separate volunteer forms will be sent to parents/guardians to sign up for these opportunities at the start of the school year (lunch duty) and the start of the winter sports season (skate tying). 

Chairs: Ally Schwartz, Sarah Lusman, Kisha Harris
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Parent Admission Network works closely with the RCDS Admissions Office to create a warm and welcoming environment for our prospective families. Volunteers will help with various Admissions events initiatives (Open Houses, E-Meet & Greets, etc.). They will also make phone calls to newly accepted parents/guardians (by division) and attend new parent/guardian events in the spring. The PAN is an important partner to the Host Family Program, and it is possible for volunteers to be a part of both. Both committees serve to demonstrate and welcome families as members of our strong RCDS community.

Chairs: Alex Hagens, Sterling Thomas
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Parent Public Purpose Committee (PPP) supports the programs and activities designed to live out our motto, Not for Self, but for Service. The PPP encourages our young people to actively engage in all-family, community building, and partnership-driven programming, including the Can-Do Drive, the MLK Week of Social Impact, Days of Impact, and more. The PPP will help instill an ethic of doing good while exploring the “why” behind service: What are the deeper issues at play, how do we encourage asking questions about society, and what is our larger role in the community. This group will meet roughly once a month in the evenings.

Chair: Sebastian Gutierrez
Date: 2023-24 school year

The RCDS Community Connections (“RCC”) Committee supports the school’s active commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by offering a welcoming environment where families can gather to celebrate and support our vibrant and diverse community. The committee meets throughout the year and works closely with our Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Ali Morgan, to determine each year’s programming as well as support and promote sponsored events. 

Chairs: Grade 12 Liaisons (Sarah Coady, Susan Cohen, Ann Colin, Michele Stuart)
Date: 2023-24 school year 

The Senior Events Committee organizes a cocktail party in the fall for parents of the senior class, treats over the course of the year, the transition to college meeting, and the Senior BBQ in early June. The committee is chaired by the Senior Liaisons. All senior parents/guardians are encouraged to join the committee to help plan these wonderful events for the senior class and their parents/guardians!

Chairs: Sharon Herzog, Katie Stewart
Date: 2023-24 school year

This committee works with Heard in Rye (a group of schools and organizations in Rye) and the RCDS administration to identify and engage speakers who have expertise in a variety of parenting subjects. Committee members will also plan one or two events for RCDS parents to gather and discuss the speakers’ presentations. 

Chairs: Carrie Berg, Shelby Nhaissi, Vicki Whatley
Date: 2023-24 school year

The Spirit Committee promotes school spirit and builds community across all three RCDS divisions. Committee members organize fun and creative ways to build excitement around events and milestones over the course of the school year. Examples from recent years include Fun Fridays (music, dancing and spirit at drop off), Halloween decorating, Ugly Sweater & Valentines photo booths and March Exam treats. Parent/guardians volunteers from all three divisions are encouraged to join the fun!

Chairs: Jeanne Gryzwacz, Carrie Krow
Date: May 16, 2024

Each spring the PA hosts the Spring Luncheon & Annual Meeting for all parents/guardians to celebrate the end of the school year, as well as recognize parent/guardian contributions to the PA and the school community. This committee coordinates the location, invitations, menu, and décor.

Chairs: Ann Colin, Josephine Moore, Sarah Snell
Date: 2023-24 School Year

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Committee promotes the exploration and interaction of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics across all three divisions. This committee works with the RCDS Faculty Director of STEAM to support and generate excitement for STEAM events for students and parents throughout the year at RCDS.

Chairs: Sebastian Gutierrez, Katie Stewart, Audrey Vuong
Date: May 19, 2024

This kick off to Art & Innovation week involves hands-on STEAM activities, trivia, experiments, contests, and more! Kids (and adults) will enjoy dozens of different eye-opening, mind-expanding, toe-tingling, head-scratching activities spread out over two floors and classrooms of the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts. 

Chairs: Marlyse Haward, Emily Dorin
Date: 2023-24 school year

This committee promotes sustainability at RCDS and at home, working with the RCDS Director of Sustainability. The committee also organizes events throughout the year, which, in past years, have included film screenings, parent discussions and nature hikes. Topics covered in recent years include fast fashion, solar energy, organic gardening and composting, to name a few.

Chairs: Andrea Behrman, Virginia Cocke, Hanna Cohen, Greg Formato, Jen Mellet
Date: 2023-24 school year

Join the team at The Wildcat Den and help everyone gear up and show their RCDS pride and spirit! The RCDS school store is on the school website and conveniently located next to the Middle and Upper School cafeteria, allowing volunteers to observe the School in action. The Den also runs pop-up shops at RCDS events throughout the year (RCDS Block Party, Wildcat Weekend, new family events, etc.). The Den is where you go for RCDS logo clothing (Pre-K - adult sizes), accessories, physical education clothing, and other RCDS merchandise. Committee members are needed to work 2–4 weekday shifts per month on dates of their choosing OR to help staff the Wildcat Den booth at special evening and weekend events throughout the year. Have a knack for sales or fashion? This is the committee for you!