Community / Parents Association
The Grace Church School Parents’ Association exists to strengthen the bonds that make Grace a true community—those among families, between families and the school, and between the school and its neighbors. All parents and guardians are automatically members of the PA, and there are many ways to get involved—from attending events and meetings to chairing initiatives, serving as a Class Rep, or joining one of our many active parent groups.
The PA promotes family involvement in the life of the school by sponsoring and organizing events, supporting school initiatives, and creating opportunities for families to connect with one another throughout the year. PA leadership works closely with school administration to stay attuned to the needs of the community, and a dedicated team of grade-specific Class Reps serves as the bridge between PA leadership, the school, and the families in each grade.
Monthly PA meetings are open to all families and serve as a forum for connection, information, and conversation. Each year, the PA invites a distinguished speaker to address topics of relevance to parents and the broader Grace community. Past speakers have included New York Times bestselling authors Amor Towles, Jonathan Haight, and Jennifer Wallace; co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, Elyce Arons; new media entrepreneur Rachelle MacPherson; author and positive psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman; psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute Dr. Kathryn Keough; and educator and author Lily Howard Scott, among many others.
Grace is home to a number of active parent groups that bring together families around shared interests, identities, and commitments. Current groups include Grace Media Aware Parents (GMAP), the Sustainability Parent Group, Families of Color (FOC), the Jewish Parents Alliance Group (JPAG), Parent Gender/Sexuality Alliance (PGSA), and others. New groups form as the community grows and evolves—families are encouraged to get involved or reach out to PA leadership to learn more.
The PA organizes and supports a wide range of events throughout the year, some of which are long-standing Grace traditions and others that reflect the particular energy and interests of each year’s community. A few highlights:
May Fair
Grace’s beloved annual block party, now in its eighth decade, brings the entire JK–12 community together each spring for games, live music performed by Grace students and faculty, food, the traditional Maypole dance, and the Fun Run at Washington Square Park.
Holiday Fair
Each December, Tuttle Hall is transformed into a marketplace where JK–8 students shop for gifts for their loved ones—and for children and families in need—in a celebration of the joy of giving.
Book Fair
The annual JK–8 Book Fair invites students to browse, purchase, and celebrate their love of reading, with school spirit and community-building woven in alongside the books.
Parent Socials
Throughout the year, the PA organizes informal gatherings that give families the opportunity to connect with one another by grade and division, including events designed to welcome incoming families to the community.
Auction Benefit for Financial Aid
One of Grace’s most significant community events, the Auction Benefit brings the community together in support of Grace’s financial aid program.
Spirit Wear Sales
Grace gear is available through periodic in-person sales at both campuses and through the online Grace Spirit Wear store.
The PA depends on the time, energy, and creativity of our families to make Grace’s community life as vibrant as it is. Whether you have an hour to volunteer at an event or are ready to take on a leadership role, there is a place for you! For more information, visit the Parents’ Association Resource Board on GraceNet or reach out to the PA leadership team directly.
