b'make GDS a better place. They are both senior parents and we will miss them but hope that they will stay connected and involved as alumni parents. Congratulations to Ed Billingslea who was recognized as the Bengal Spirit award recipient.ALLOCATIONSThanks to the successful fundraising events from the 2019-2020 school year, the PA was able to allocate more than $25,000 dollars for various needs and projects on campus. This year, we funded a Marimba for the GDS Band Program, Upper School Classroom HOSPITALITY/CAMPUS LIFE Furniture, Mobile Library Shelves, Safety Services for the School, and new Middle School Signage.Thanks to Hospitality Chairs, Katie Egerton and Naomi Grant in Lower School; Heidi Gingerich and Sara Stroud in Middle School; and Rachel Britner and Sue McCartney in Upper SchoolTEEF (Teacher Enrichment Endowment Fund)for helping to organize monthly teacher appreciation events in eachOne of the highlights of the Parents Association is the opportunity Division. This was a wonderful way for parents in each division toto award TEEF grants to faculty for professional development. This show their ongoing appreciation to our amazing Faculty and Staff. year, we were excited to grant 10 awards to deserving faculty for Middle School Social Chairs, Leslie Burd and Stephanie Collinsunique and exciting learning opportunities.worked with the MS Student Council and teachers to plan a rockinKaren Collins - Suzuki Association of the Americas ConferenceDisco Social for Middle School students this fall. Stephanie Ezerman - Suzuki Association of the AmericasConferenceIn February, Katie Egerton and Naomi Grant did an incredibleKen Field - Certification for Strength and Conditioning Specialistjob of planning the All-School Teacher Appreciation Event. FamiliesIraida Fung - Grading with Equity Workshopfrom all divisions brought homemade quiche, muffins, soups, salads,Karen Lawyer - Green Mountain Coaches Workshopdessertsand more for this wonderful breakfast and lunch event. ItMelissa Lehman- Study Tour Program at Boulder Journey Schoolwas a great way to show our love for all GDS Faculty and Staff! Nancy Kerr Lynch - Library of Congress Teacher Summer InstituteScience Technology and EngineeringRebecca Parker - Germany, Austria and Switzerland Historic Sites Stephanie Sutter-Shoaf - Teacher Exchange Program, St. Jude School, TanzaniaAyesha Swinton - National Diversity Practitioners InstituteBEHIND THE SCENESThe Parent Advisory committees have worked throughout the year, serving as ambassadors for each grade and helping to communicate with Division Directors on behalf of families. Melody McDonald, Mary Ann Green and Liza Lee took great care of our families, faculty VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR and staff through their roles in leading PA Cares. We are grateful This year, during the last PA meeting, we honored two incredibleto them for ensuring that our families are acknowledged when they volunteers who have given so much of their time and talent over theare in need. This year, we also worked with several faculty and staff years. Laura Gasiorek 82, has served on the Alumni Board, chairedmembers to rework the by-laws of the Philanthropy Council. This the Fall Festival, chaired the successful fundraiser, Bengals, Boots andcouncil is made up of students, faculty, staff and parents and grants Bling, served on Parent Advisory Board, the Booster Club Board, thefunds received from the Bengal Dash for service related efforts Senior Task Force for the Class of 2020 and is the Chair of Studio 50.in our community. This year, the Council granted nearly $7,000 Michele Gordon has served three times on the Parents Associationtowards service efforts throughout the year, some of which benefitted Board, chaired Attractions, managed data entry for the GrasshopperCOVID-19 relief funds.event auction, served on the Parent Advisory Board, and the Senior Task Force for the Class of 2020. Michele also helps in many waysThe PA also worked with Diversity Consultant, Jada Monica Drew, behind the scenes and rarely says no when a need arises. Both of theseto determine ways that GDS parents can become more involved in women are selfless volunteers who have gone above and beyond toDiversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts at school. 56 | Summer 2020'