Parochial School: Gaining Strength Through Transition

It was difficult for parents at Saint Ann’s Academy to envision their school closing its doors for good. But in 2009, it looked as if that might happen. The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., saw little hope for the school’s future in light of dwindling enrollment numbers. And when it came to volunteerism and a sense of community, the outlook was equally dim for the school’s HSA.

After a transitional period with a new principal, a revamped HSA board took over and set an agenda based on three goals: Create activities to foster volunteerism and community, raise funds to enhance student education, and support Saint Ann’s staff along the way. The HSA’s pursuit of those goals earned it PTO Today’s 2011 Parent Group of the Year award for Outstanding Parent Group at a Private or Parochial School.

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Leaders first focused on communication with families. The group mailed a summer newsletter with contact information and an event calendar for the upcoming school year. Then early in the school year, parent leaders sent out volunteer interest forms and a guide that explained all of the opportunities for parents to help the school. “With the school community more aware of what the HSA does,...there was a noticeable uptick in volunteerism almost immediately,” says president Johanna Robinson.

The HSA also coordinated several events to get parents excited about being part of the school community. At the Grandparents Tea in February, students honored a grandparent or other special person in their life. Students and their honorees could have portraits taken. They also made pins and magnets as mementos to take home. In spring, leaders teamed up with the school’s art teacher to put together a huge student art show and auction with at least one contribution from every student.

As a result of its tireless efforts to create community, the HSA logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours in 2010 and had a 100 percent increase in fundraising income over the previous year. Even better, the school’s enrollment jumped from 135 to 185 students in prekindergarten through 8th grade. “We are poised and motivated to build on this year’s success,” Robinson says.

What the judges loved: The HSA instituted monthly play dates over the summer to allow rising preschoolers and kindergartners to get acquainted with other students and their families. Parents enjoyed having the chance to chat without the time pressures they have on school days.

Cool fact: Leaders have recruited bilingual parents at the school to translate the HSA’s weekly newsletter into Spanish.