At The Cushman School, we know that in our quest to help our children develop into future leaders, strong characters, life-long learners and Innovators of Change, parents are our strongest allies. All parents are automatically members of our Cushman parents’ associations by virtue of being a part of Cushman’s inclusive community. The Cushman School Parents’ Association (“CSPA”) and the Cushman High School Parents’ Association (“CHSPA”) are our parent-led organizations that are responsible for acting as the liaison between the parent community and The Cushman School’s staff, faculty, and administration as well as their support system. The CSPA runs the Classroom Room Parents, the Family Ambassador Program, Cushman Appreciation Week to celebrate our Faculty & Staff, the Cushman Athletic Committee and works closely with the Advancement Office in supporting school-wide events as well as helps promote 100% participation in the annual Cushman Fund. The largest fundraiser for the CSPA is Pizza Lunch for students to enjoy pizza on Fridays. CSPA funds are used for Faculty and Staff Appreciation and for purchasing things that benefit the students and community, such as picnic tables, filtered water fountains, playground equipment, activities for the High School students such as foosball, ping pong tables, and more. The CSPA parents vote each year on how the CSPA funds should be disbursed. The CSPA invites all parents to get involved! Opportunities range from fundraising, community service, social events, and participation in your child’s classroom. No effort is too small. Plus, most CSPA activities are so much fun that once you start volunteering you won’t want to stop. President: Marika Pine The Room Parent is the official CSPA representative for each class and the first line of contact for all CSPA events and projects. Serving as the liaison, the Room Parent keeps the avenues of communication open between the CSPA, the teachers, and the parents of their class. The Room Parent is also the coordinator for the “in classroom” events such as holiday parties and other fundraising events. His or her goal is to encourage good will, build friendships, secure volunteers and/or donations for school events, and communicate with the other families within the class. The Halloween Howl is one of the children’s most beloved events all year. The Howl allows a safe and fun environment for Cushman students, their friends and alumni to play, go on rides, eat and take home prize with proceeds benefiting our School. A dedicated team of parents is needed to help set up, run and dismantle the event which raises money and is great fun for the whole family. 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. Held in the Spring, Cushman Appreciation Week (CAW) is the opportunity for the CSPA and our individual families to show Cushman’s faculty and staff their heart-felt appreciation by hosting various events, food 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.
Partnering with Parents
Cushman Parent Associations
Our Leadership
CSPA Officers
Vice President: Gianni LaCapra
Treasurer: Ingrid Wahlstadt
Secretary: Tina Drosis
Liaison: Lisa Arvin
Activities And Volunteer Position Descriptions
