Dear GSFS Families,

A warm welcome to all families as we start this school year!

On behalf of the Parents and Caregivers Association (PCA), including committee members Josh Ferguson and SethTaft, we look forward to partnering with you to make this a safe, productive, and fun year.

One of the primary goals of PCA is to enhance our GSFS community by giving a voice to those parents and caregivers. The PCA sponsors meetings throughout the year to provide opportunities for dialogue and support, along with community-building and fundraising events. These gatherings looked different these past few years due to the pandemic, and this year we hope to meet in person as we return to an “in-person” community again!

We hope to represent all families and caregivers, and want to partner with you as there will be chances for your family to help with our events and programs .  We welcome your input and time, regardless of how much time you have to give. Every family is a member of the PCA and your tuition to GSFS includes your dues to support the PCA. Please reach out if you would like to volunteer and/or become a member of the PCA.

As a parent, I greatly appreciate that we have a special opportunity to affect our childrens’ education in a positive way. I feel secure in saying that we are developing the whole child. The academic, social/emotional and mental health of our children requires a balance that is sometimes challenging to achieve. We have a better chance at success when we act together.   

Our first meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, September 27th at 7:00 pm.  We hope you will join us to discuss plans for community building/fundraising events

and programming. We want your input to ensure a partnership with GSFS that meets the needs of our community. 

I would also like to remind you that on Wednesday, October 19th 6:00 pm the Parents and Caregivers Committee for Advancing Racial Equity in Our School (PCA CARES) will be meeting.  This vital committee supports GSFS families to promote the positive racial identity of our children and to develop skills to recognize and counter structural racism, unintentional racism and microaggressions, and to undo white supremacy. 

We hope to see you at the upcoming PCA meetings. Please feel free to reach out to the PCA with ideas, questions or concerns at pa@greenestreetfriends.org. I wish you and yours a safe, healthy and enjoyable school year. 

Warm Regards, 

Andrea Vaden-Harris 

(Ethan’s mom, 6th grade)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

pa@greenestreetfriends.org