P.A. CONNECTION

By Meghan Barksdale, P.A. President

On behalf of the 2022-23 Parents’ Association (P.A.), I would like to welcome our entire GSL community to what is an exciting 75th year! I am grateful to serve as President of the P.A. this year, along with fellow Executive Board officers and parents Ann Pretzer, Treasurer; Allison Musick, Secretary; Trinh Johnson, Middle School VP; Anna Blair, Lower School VP; and Amy Golden, Preschool VP. All GSL parents are a part of the Parents’ Association, where our purpose is twofold. First, we want to create a strong bond amongst our parent community that aligns with our school’s mission. Second, we aim to raise money through key activities and events such as Charleston Wrap, the Anchor Auction, our Trivia Event, and Spirit Wear sales. Additionally, we sponsor other events that have become traditions here at GSL – including Teacher Appreciation Day, the Father-Daughter Dance, the 8th Grade Italian Dinner, and the Mother-Son Event. Many thanks are due to Laura Davis, the 2021-22 P.A. President; under her leadership the P.A. raised more than $82,000 last year! These funds help to fill teacher wish list items, which directly benefit instruction and student experiences in the classroom. Select items the P.A. has been able to provide in past years include SMARTboards, library books, Chromebooks, musical instruments, and enhancements for outdoor spaces. This fall, I am excited to report we had total sales of nearly $13,000 at our Back-to-School Night and School Picnic Spirit Wear sales. Future Spirit Wear sales will

2022-23 Parents’ Association Executive Board: Middle School VP Trinh Johnson, Treasurer Ann Pretzer, President Meghan Barksdale, Preschool VP Amy Golden, Secretary Allison Musick, and Lower School VP Anna Blair

be announced in the weekly eNews, so please watch for additional opportunities to participate. Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser, which concluded in September, earned just over $22,000. Please visit the P.A. webpage under the Student Life tab on the GSL website for a complete list of events, their descriptions and chairs, and how you can help. Our parent volunteers are vital to the GSL community, and our P.A. traditions help make the GSL family what it is today. Thank you so much for supporting the Parents’ Association. Go, Saints!