PA UPDATE

The Parents’ Association has focused on many efforts this fall — showing gratitude to faculty and staff for their tireless efforts, keeping us all connected with activities, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

According to Parents’ Association President Megan Hogan, “From the moment we started distance learning last year, [Gaynor faculty and staff] have stayed focused, consistent, and haven't looked back for a second. They are doing a tremendous amount of work in the classroom, ensuring our children stay engaged over Zoom, and are making many personal sacrifices to educate students. In other words, they give much of themselves each and every day.”

The PA Leadership kicked off the thank yous by encouraging families to join them in a “gratitude pledge” to Gaynor’s faculty, specialists, staff, and administrators. Over 225 parents committed to reaching out at least once a month just to say thank you and show their gratitude.

The Parents’ Association’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee, Co-Chaired by Robin Geisler and Tim Mulvaney, also found a tangible way to honor Gaynor faculty and staff with an appreciation grab-and-go breakfast on November 18. According to the email sent to all faculty and staff, “Although we are unable to gather together as a community this year to host our traditional potluck breakfast, we still want to take a moment to reflect on the herculean efforts each and every one of you has accomplished. It is a privilege to have you educating, guiding, and supporting our children throughout the year.”

The Parents’ Association also continued their commitment to supporting Gaynor’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). On September 29, the PA hosted an online presentation titled, “Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Gaynor’s Racial Literacy Curriculum.” The presentation featured Dr. Scott Gaynor, Head of School, and Ms. Hogan, as well as members of the Employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (EDEIC), which includes Director of Student Life Sue Sortino, Librarian Dionne De Lancy, Assistant Teacher Jenine Gaynor, Head Teacher Audrey Schaefer, and Science Specialist Jacqueline Smith.

On December 15, the Parents' Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee invited the community to join Monique Vogelsang, Curriculum Specialist with Pollyanna, for a presentation titled, "Racial Literacy 101: Connecting the Classroom to Home Through the Power of Language." This fall, Ms. Vogelsang worked with the EDEIC to help define and launch its Racial Literacy Curriculum. She worked closely with Gaynor faculty and staff to help carefully and thoughtfully develop this curriculum, and the PA's DEI Committee was thrilled to have Monique join forces with the parent community to help expand their racial literacy and provide tools for navigating future conversations about race at home.