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Two parents cooking food at an event.

Welcome,

Parents

MyDCD

When your family joins the DCD community, as a parent, you automatically become part of our Parent Association.

From lectures and book groups, to social gatherings, to learning opportunities, to affinity spaces and DEI groups, and school-wide events, we have many opportunities for you to get involved with the DCD community and meet fellow DCD parents.

The PA’s charter is to build community among parents, coordinate and encourage parent involvement at DCD, and enhance communication between parents and school. One of the hallmarks of our school is the eagerness of our committed parents to get involved!

When parents volunteer at our events, it not only helps the school but also greatly enriches the children’s experience. They love sharing their school community with their families. And along the way, it gives our parents an opportunity to connect and get to know each other in their child’s grade as well as throughout our community.

We understand that life is busy and that the amount of time that parents are able to commit to volunteer activities varies from family to family. Whether you are available for one event or on an ongoing basis, we welcome and appreciate the time parents are able to give.

A parent volunteer at an event with a student.
A parent working with donated items at an event.

Goals of the Parent Association

  • Organize parent volunteers to assist the school in areas where necessary
  • Create opportunities for parents to get to know one another and other members of the DCD community
  • Educate parents by providing speakers and programs on relevant issues
  • Work with the Head of School and faculty, as needed, to ensure clear communications between parents and the Administration
  • Aim to be receptive and responsive to the concerns of all DCD parents

PA Executive Committee 2022-23

President
Amy Starmer

Secretary | Treasurer
Donna Welsh

Class Parents
Tara McDonald

Communications
Whitney Cheever

Community Affairs | Service Learning
Mandy Susi

Functions
Jessica Sawyer

New Families
Stephanie Pearl

Two parents smiling at the camera at a parent volunteer event.

Branches of the PA

Class parents for each grade are responsible for organizing all class-related activities for one school year. Major responsibilities include Curriculum Night, class play, field trips, teacher assistance, and the class dinner. Being a class parent does not require being at school and can be done easily by email.

The purpose of the Communications branch of the Parent Association is to enhance communication between DCD parents and the School, and among parents. This includes updating bulletin boards, posting information in the Weekly eNews, and sending flyers home with students about special events. In addition, the Communications Chair manages the Parent Volunteer Database for the Parent Association.

The purpose of the Community Affairs branch of the PA is to encourage a strong sense of community among DCD’s diverse group of families. Community Affairs promotes connections among DCD parents and works toward the goal of ensuring that the School has a strong and positive presence in the broader community.

Parent volunteers from pre-K through grade 5, in conjunction with the service-learning coordinators, assist teachers and students complete community service projects in Dedham and surrounding towns by providing logistical support and encouraging student involvement.

The purpose of the Functions branch of the PA is to help organize the major non-fundraising events that occur during the school year including the Annual Meeting Dinner, Bingo Night, Trim the Gym, Skating Party, Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day, Sports Evening, and the Closing Exercises Reception. Chairpersons are selected and committees formed for each function. Throughout the year various committees are at work planning for upcoming events. Being on the Functions Committee is a great way to volunteer at DCD and participate directly in school activities.

The purpose of the New Families branch is to work with the PA and the School administration to help make new families feel welcome and included in the community from the moment they are accepted to DCD to the completion of the first school year. Working with host families, the New Families’ Representative helps make new families aware of key school events and traditions.

See Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities