Parents' Association
A Message from La’Shone Fullerton, President, Parents' Association
Parents’ Association Annual Report
School Year 2018-19
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
~ Barack Obama
As the Parents’ Association (PA) began its 2018-19 school year, it was facing an era of change. Change can be either difficult to digest, or met with great enthusiasm. I am pleased to say that enthusiasm prevailed! The Parents’ Association experienced a pivotal year repositioning itself as an inclusive part of Wooster school, and dissolving it’s long standing 501 (c) (3) entity. Now considered as an equal branch of Wooster along with administration and the Board of Trustees, this was definitely a bittersweet move by letting go of what used to be, facing changes with a little angst, and heavily embracing positive outcomes as a result. The repositioning committee met on a monthly basis to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Meanwhile, parents patiently supported the on-going evolution. Wooster continues to have a strong network of involved parents continuously working behind the scenes volunteering, promoting community and supporting common interests among families of the school. Amidst the changes, the Parents’ Association and active parents successfully delivered another year of wonderful opportunities magnifying purpose and unifying our Wooster Community. This is what makes Wooster such a special place for all of us.
The PA continued with monthly morning meetings, relocated to the Dining Room for a fully charged breakfast, where parents could hear about the many happenings on campus involving our children, and how they could get involved as volunteers. In lieu of the March morning meeting, the Parents’ Association, along with the Office of Annual Giving and Community Relations, teamed together for a special Wine Tasting evening at Ancona’s Wine Shop in Ridgefield on March 29. This change of venue set the stage for generating more socially oriented community based activities where parents could and were eager to connect. The harmony and rapport generated during this evening helped the Annual Appeal attain its evening goal all while parents enjoyed finely chosen provisions for their tasting pleasure.
Parents continued to fully support Wooster in the giving of their time. The Parents’ Association cultivated parental involvement for philanthropic ventures through the Center for Social Impact, rallied support for school spirit through the Wooster Spirit Club, seeked creative support for the Arts, Music, and Theater departments and, of course, promoted vast support for our highly anticipated Annual Parents’ Association Sponsored Gala.
The Annual Gala will continue to be the one major annual fundraiser from the Parents’ Association. This lively event, hosted on the Wooster campus for a 4th year, continues to increase in success every year. The theme was perfect for the occasion and our transition: “Celebrate, Connect, Contribute. You belong at Wooster.” It was a most enjoyable evening full of entertaining bidding wars, food and fun while raising funds in support of our children. You definitely experienced that special feeling of belonging on campus that night. Proceeds from this event have been planned for campus enhancements such as the Verdery Learning Commons, upgrades to the science building, new space for the Bridge Program and expansions for the Coburn room.
In summation of being the change that we seek, this remarkable school year would not have been possible without the full support of enthusiastic, dedicated parents offering up their time, talent and contributions in making the 2018-19 school year a success. As I turn over the gavel of Parents’ Association President to our new President for 2019-20, Rebecca Carreras, I can honestly say that the future of the Parents’ Association is in very capable hands for a productive future and even greater successes in the coming year. I would like to extend a hearty thank you to the Parents’ Association Executive Board, Wooster Board of Trustees, Wooster School staff and administration and all parents for your patience, continued support and commitment in making Wooster the place where we all belong.
Respectfully submitted,
La’Shone Fullerton
Former Parents' Association President
2018-2019 Executive Board:
President: La’Shone Fullerton
Upper School Vice President: Cheryl Blamires
Middle School Vice President: Ashleigh Nelson
Lower School Vice President: Rebecca Carreras
Vice President Communications: Paula Elfont
Secretary: Jodi Felton
Treasurer: Annette Aspillaga