Parents

Co-chairs Melinda Berkman P’28 ’32 and Lauren Addis P’33 organized the annual HSPA Fall Festival on Nov. 4 at the field on Panmure Road next to Haverford House. There were games, raffle baskets, and treats for the boys to enjoy.

Chair Khalifa Harding P’30 ’34 assembled the annual HSPA Perfect Present on Dec. 1 and 2 in the Lower School Multipurpose Room. A Lower School holiday tradition, Perfect Present offered Lower School boys the chance to shop for gifts for all of the people on their holiday lists.

On the morning of EA Day, Haverford families enjoyed a pancake breakfast hosted by the HSPA. Form I families and volunteers flipped pancakes, cooked bacon, and fueled the students and their families as they prepared for the big games.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE HSPA?

I wanted to show my boys how important their education was to me. It was also a chance to meet other families at Haverford and the opportunities sounded fun!

YOU RECENTLY CO-CHAIRED THE LOWER SCHOOL FALL FESTIVAL. WHAT WENT INTO ORGANIZING THAT EVENT?

The HSPA is a huge help in preparing volunteers to co-chair events. They were great about providing materials and guidance. When I first co-chaired it for my oldest son five years ago, they played a vital role in helping me understand how to run a School event. This year Lauren Anrig Addis P’33 and I collaborated with HSPA board members and volunteers to help make sure we successfully navigated an in-person event with COVID-19 still a concern. I had a lot of support from Kim Carter P’24, Amy Baker P’24 ’26, and the School’s Director of Parent Programs Dorothy Walker P’22 ’24 ’27.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING ALONGSIDE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL COMMUNITY?

In my opinion, meeting members of the School community is the best part of volunteering. Sharing a passion for the School and the importance of our community is an instant bond.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER PARENTS/GUARDIANS THAT ARE CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING FOR HSPA EVENTS?

There are a wide range of opportunities, some of which are time intensive and others more flexible, so there is something for everyone. And as a nice bonus it gives you a chance to see your son engaging with his classmates and the School community. READ ANY GOOD BOOKS LATELY?

Join the HSPA Book Club! Started in October, the HSPA Book Club is moderated by Colleen Scharpf P’27 and meets monthly. It is a fun way to connect with the Haverford School parent/ guardian community and meet new friends. The club meets in person in Nostrant Pavilion and also has a virtual option through Zoom. Books featured so far include The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. If you’d like to learn more, contact Dorothy Walker at dwalker@haverford.org.