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Cushman School Parents Association (CSPA)

At the Cushman School our parent teacher association is the CSPA (The Cushman School Parent Association). As with most schools the major goal and responsibility of the CSPA is to act as the liaison between parents and the school’s administration. The CSPA not only supports the administration, it is responsible for supporting the teachers and staff of the school. In the classroom, the CSPA representative (Room Parent) communicates with other parents in organizing class events, class parties and other school events. The Board Parent sits on the CSPA Board which meets once a month to discuss and implement fundraising events that will happen throughout the school year. The funds raised by the CSPA are funneled back into the school to help the teachers and the students. Last year, the CSPA installed new filtered water fountains and helped fund the new basketball court.

The CSPA is an important adjunct to the well rounded education that Cushman provides and to the School’s fundraising and community service activities. But to meet its objectives, all parents are encouraged to participate in CSPA activities. The commitment of time to the school through participation in the CSPA serves as an example for the children of the importance of volunteering for the collective good. There are many different levels of participation in the CSPA which fit the differing schedules of all parents. There are opportunities ranging from fundraising, community service, social events, and participation in your child's classroom. All these things are important to parents and the entire Cushman family. No effort is too small and all help is greatly appreciated. As many of our parents already know, once you participate, you will want to continue to do so.

The following is a description of CSPA events, positions and committees. Every parent is strongly encouraged to volunteer.

CSPA ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Board Parent

Role: The Board Parent is the official CSPA representative for each class and the first line of contact for all CSPA events and projects. Serving as a liaison, the Board Parent keeps the avenues of communication open between the CSPA, teachers, Room Parents and parent of the class. His or her goal is to encourage good will, build friendships and communicate with the other families within the class. At least one Board Parent is needed per class.

Duties:

To attend all monthly CSPA meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month.
To meet with the homeroom teacher to formulate a general plan for activities during the year.
To coordinate and find volunteers for specific school events:
- Pizza Lunch Club
- Harvest or Halloween Howl and Bazaar
- Annual Picnic
- Cushman Jog-a-thon
- Plus other special events
To reach out and communicate with parents (i.e. introductory welcome letter, talk at Parents’ Night in the classroom, personally welcome new parents) and to properly thank parent volunteers throughout the year for their help.

Room Parent

Role: The Room Parent is the coordinator for the “in classroom” events such as holiday parties and other fundraising events. At least one Room Parent is needed per class.

Duties:

To coordinate and communicate events and class parties established by the teacher within the classroom such as:
- Holiday Toy Drive
- Halloween Party
- Valentine’s Day Party
- End of Year Party
- Plus Other Special Events
To assist the Board Parent whenever help is needed with fundraising events (above).

Pizza Lunch Club

The Pizza Lunch Club serves pizza lunch to all Cushman students who pay to participate every Friday that is not a half day. This is great for parents (who don’t have to pack lunch), students (who love pizza) and the CSPA (it is the biggest fund raising activity of the year). Since the Pizza Lunch Club has become so popular, parent volunteers are needed on campus each Friday from 8:30 am through noon to ensure its smooth operation.

Harvest Howl and Bazaar

The Harvest Howl is one of the children’s most beloved events all year. The Howl allows a safe and fun environment for Cushman kids, their friends and alumni to play, go on rides, eat and take home prizes. The Harvest Howl also includes a bazaar of outside vendors (jewelry, handbags, t-shirts, etc.) who donate a portion of their sale proceeds to our school. Beginning in 2010, the Howl will include a silent auction to bid on “teacher for the day” and classroom gifts. A dedicated team of parents is needed to help set up, run and dismantle the event. Many volunteers are greatly needed for many aspects of this important event which raises money and is great fun for the whole family.

Annual School Picnic

This event, held annually on a Saturday in February, is when families, teachers, school faculty and kids all come together to share a fun-filled day of relay races, games and food for the whole family. The picnic is a great gathering for both parents and children to enjoy an afternoon of sports, games, food and fun. Volunteers are needed to set-up and clean-up, run games, sell food, man booths and much more!

Cushman Appreciation Week

Held in the Spring, Cushman Appreciation Week is the opportunity for the CSPA and individual families to show Cushman’s faculty and staff their heart-felt appreciation by hosting various events and activities, the most popular of which has become the Wednesday potluck lunch provided by Cushman families. The committee will come up with creative ideas and organize the week accordingly. Volunteers are needed to implement a successful week.

Cushman Cares

Cushman Cares is the school-wide community service project of the CSPA. The three big Cushman Care events are: “Used Book Donation Drive” (September), “Holiday Gift Drive” (December) and “Children’s Clothing and Stroller Drive” (April). You will be hearing more information about our upcoming projects.