Parent Involvement
Why parent involvement matters
Paideia parents have always shown up — in small and big ways that make a lasting impact. Children notice. Teachers feel supported. Families grow closer to one another. And the community is stronger as a result.
Whether it’s reading to a class, shelving books in the library, helping with a school event, or just saying hello in the hallway, the time parents devote on campus adds up. It sends a message to students that school is a shared space, one where people pitch in, look out for each other, and care deeply about learning and growing together.
How parents get involved
There’s no “right” way to participate. Some parents take on ongoing roles. Others jump in when a teacher sends a quick note for extra help. Many start small — and discover they love it.
Parent Spotlight
As a school founded by a group of parents, Paideia has always recognized the essential role parents play in shaping our school’s community. Paideia continues to encourage and support the active involvement of all parents in the life of the school.
![Parent Spotlight: Brittney Gove]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760378388/paideia/p6mnlqov5wgvadyzerqv/brittney_gove.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760378388/paideia/p6mnlqov5wgvadyzerqv/brittney_gove.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760378388/paideia/p6mnlqov5wgvadyzerqv/brittney_gove.jpg","width":800}])
Brittney Gove shares how her involvement has impacted her experience as a Paideia parent.
![Parent Spotlight: Dave Darling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752507564/paideia/tkavbi0g1ryhpqleddxr/Dave_Darling_spotlight.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752507564/paideia/tkavbi0g1ryhpqleddxr/Dave_Darling_spotlight.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752507564/paideia/tkavbi0g1ryhpqleddxr/Dave_Darling_spotlight.jpg","width":770}])
Dave Darling reflects on his time at Paideia as he transitions to being an alumni parent.
![Parent Spotlight: The Bhandaris]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738958520/paideia/npyogfiu8azs4twweley/Bhandari_main_image.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738958520/paideia/npyogfiu8azs4twweley/Bhandari_main_image.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738958520/paideia/npyogfiu8azs4twweley/Bhandari_main_image.jpg","width":800}])
When Taneal (Tanny) and Smitha Bhandari’s daughter Maya started Paideia Half Day in 2017, the couple quickly jumped into volunteering, understanding that being on campus and helping out is an essential part of the school’s culture.
![Parent Spotlight: Heidi Hill]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732043921/paideia/bc3ggjsoofiyeuct0mdz/heidi_hill_main.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732043921/paideia/bc3ggjsoofiyeuct0mdz/heidi_hill_main.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732043921/paideia/bc3ggjsoofiyeuct0mdz/heidi_hill_main.jpg","width":800}])
Since coming to Paideia, Heidi has actively volunteered with archives, Pi Bites, Pi Care and Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. As a remote contractor editor, Heidi has found that setting aside time weekly to volunteer on campus and work with others has helped her feel less isolated and more connected to the community.
![Parent Spotlight: Ashley Daniel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724787086/paideia/xnnqyjgibinea8pmgwxp/PythonParent1_AshleyDaniel.jpg","width":1800}])
When Ashley Daniel’s daughter Zoe ’25 started at Paideia in ninth grade, she looked to parent involvement as a way to build connections and community.
Here are just a few ways to lend your time and talents:
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Helping out in the classroom
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Supporting athletics and performances
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Volunteering at community events like the Fall BBQ or Grandparents & Special Friends Day
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Assisting with library and lunch duty
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Serving on committees or affinity groups
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Sharing professional knowledge or creative skills
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Simply being present — cheering from the sidelines, attending a class gathering, or warmly welcoming a new family
Everyone belongs
Every parent — no matter how much time you have or how new you are to the community — is welcome. There are many ways to get involved, and we’ll help you find a good fit. Your presence, in any form, is meaningful.
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Meet the Parent Involvement Team
Kellie Bruce
Director of Parent Involvement
Caroline Cook
Class of 1986
Assistant Director of Parent Involvement
We're here to connect you with opportunities, answer questions, or just say hi.
We look forward to seeing you around campus.
Current parents can access the parent portal and the Parent Sign Up Center, below.