Parent and Guardian Engagement

It’s not just students who join Eastside Prep—parents and guardians are an equally important part of our school community.  We believe in creating a partnership between school and home that involves open communication and an intentional set of opportunities for parents to gather with faculty, staff, and fellow parents.

Here are events throughout the year that parents are encouraged to attend:

August

Grade-Level Picnics – The Association of Parents and Guardians arranges grade-level-specific picnics to provide an opportunity for families to connect with new and returning parents/guardians and students in their grades

Student-Parent-Advisor Conferences – Prior to the first day of school, students, parents/guardians, and advisors meet to discuss the upcoming year.

Fall Months

Association of Parents and Guardians Meetings – All parents and guardians of EPS students are automatically members of the Association of Parents and Guardians (APG).  Parents and guardians are invited to the PA’s four yearly meetings to hear about the PA activities as well as guest speakers.

Head’s Table Meetings – These small group breakfast and lunch gatherings are hosted by Sam Uzwack, Head of School. Parents will learn more about how the school works, including our fundraising efforts, and have the chance to ask questions.

Fall Harvest – This parent/guardian-only social event is a great way to connect with parents and faculty.

Parent Series – Parents/guardians of fifth/sixth graders, seventh/eighth graders are invited to two-part event events to learn more about topics affecting students in the Middle School.

Grade Level Coffees – Grade-level gatherings will be hosted by Dr. John Stegeman (Upper School Head) and Sarah Peeden (Middle School Head) periodically to discuss topics relevant to the grade level. Events may be held virtually or in person.

Back-to-School Night – Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to walk through their student’s schedule and hear from each of their teachers.

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Parents/guardians and students are invited to sign up for conference times to meet with faculty members to discuss progress in each class.

Winter Months

Parent Education – At least three times per year EPS will host parent/guardian education events (usually Association of Parents and Guardians Meetings – APG general meetings continue throughout the year.  In addition, grade-level representatives will host social events to help build community within each class.

Grade-Level Coffees – Events for specific grades (and mixed grade levels) provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss topics affecting students with fellow parents and school leadership.

Spring Months

Parent/Advisor Conferences – Parents/guardians and students are invited to sign up for optional conference times to meet with advisors to discuss progress or concerns.

Association of Parents and Guardians – APG general meetings and grade-level social meetings continue through the spring.

All of these events (and more!) will be announced in the school’s weekly email (emailed to all families each Friday).  Additional information and more details can be found on our current families webpage (updated regularly throughout the school year) and Inspire Magazine (published twice each year with insights into the school’s curriculum and plans).  We also highlight activities at the school through our Facebook page.

If you have any questions about parent events, please don’t hesitate to contact Vickie Baldwin, Director of Institutional Advancement.