GSPO Building Community

As we look toward a new school year and welcome many new families to campus, we thought it would be a great time for an overview of what the Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization is and what we do!

What is the GSPO?

The Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization (GSPO) helps support the school each year in valuable community and fundraising efforts, bringing the best to our students, faculty, and staff!

Who are the members?

Each parent at GSES is automatically a member of the GSPO. You don’t even have to sign up!

What is the GSPO “Board” and how is that different from the GSPO “Executive Board” and the GSES Board of Trustees?

All GSPO events and activities are spearheaded by members of the GSPO “Board.” There are typically around 50 parent volunteers that comprise the GSPO Board. Each volunteer holds a particular office in the GSPO for one school year. The GSPO Board meets monthly to plan events for the school/community.

The GSPO Executive Board consists of the GSPO President and Vice Presidents. All GSPO board members fall under one of these VP categories. For the 2023-24 school year, the executive board members will be:

President: Amanda Koch

Vice President of Fundraising: Alice Case

Vice President of Activities: Izabela Florence

Vice President of Finance: Lauren Dunwoody

Vice President of Communications: Jill Blanton

The GSES Board of Trustees is entirely different, and separate from the GSPO. The GSES Board of Trustees is comprised of up to 22 elected individuals; parishioners, non-parishioners, current parents, past parents, and members from outside the Good Shepherd community. They represent the governing body of the school and are responsible for the wellbeing of Good Shepherd into the future.

What does the GSPO do?

• Raises money for school improvements via large-scale fundraisers such as Carnival and the Spring Auction, and smaller events like grade-level social FUNdraisers, Super Dads opportunities and the used uniform closet.

• Raises money that goes directly to GSES employee Christmas bonuses through the annual Christmas Collection.

• Raises money that goes directly to faculty/staff to support projects, ideas, and professional learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional budget via Read-A-Thon.

• Celebrates faculty/staff via appreciation luncheons and trimester treats.

• Organizes outreach and service projects, like the Angel Tree Toy Drive.

• Promotes school spirit and community building by planning events such as the Back to School Party, Guest Speaker series, monthly birthday table and end of year grade level parties, and assists with Festival of the Arts and pep rallies.

• Hosts the spring seventh and eighth grade dance and celebrates our eighth grade graduates with individual portrait gifts for each family.

How do GSPO’s fundraising efforts, listed above, differ from the GSES Annual Campaign and Legacy Gift?

The Annual Campaign fundraising effort is run by the GSES Advancement Office and supported by a committee of parent volunteers. Every year, the Annual Campaign supports a specific need at the school. Past campaigns have funded projects such as the remodeling of Nichols Hall, scholarships, and the courtyard turf at the center of our campus. For the 2022-23 school year, the GSES Annual Campaign raised money for improvements to our theater, studio art, and music departments. The Legacy Gift is part of the Annual Campaign that is designated from eighth grade families to the school. Eighth grade students vote on the project to be funded each year as their legacy.

What has the GSPO raised money for in the past?

Past GSPO projects include turf in the courtyard, activity buses, a community garden, and the recent renovation of the CCL lobby including privacy pods!

This all sounds great! How can I get more involved with the GSPO?

The GSPO needs volunteers all year long to assist with various events and initiatives. To sign up to volunteer, scan this QR code. We invite you to join us in this special part of our school community!