A coeducational day school serving students JK-12

Parent Association

Our mission is to enhance the school experience for families by facilitating communication among parents, the school, the Board of Trustees, and the broader Latin community, promoting active volunteer participation, and sponsoring activities that foster community spirit.

-Parent Association Mission Statement

The Parent Association, Latin’s parent-run volunteer organization, is a welcoming and inclusive organization for all parents whose children attend Latin. Upon joining the Latin community, all parents become members of the Parent Association and are encouraged to participate in its myriad activities and opportunities. Hundreds of parent volunteers serve the school in many ways, including:

"Whether assisting students in school activities or participating in parent events….our entire Latin community benefits with your involvement!”

- President, Parent Association
Building Community
Through the New Families Committee, Latin parents arrange a friendly welcome and smooth transition for all new lower, middle and upper school Latin families. Inside the classroom, volunteers organize grade-level parent gatherings, classroom activities, and memory books for families. Parent volunteers also organize a book fair each fall and an all-school picnic each spring. Others participate in all-school service learning projects in the greater Chicago community.
Fostering School Spirit
The Parent Association plans and sponsors many celebrations throughout the year. During Homecoming & Reunion weekend each fall, parents organize the annual Romans Run race, plan fun family activities, and cook and serve a barbeque lunch. Each December, parents whip up their favorite baked goods for “Say it with Sweets,” a thank you event for Latin’s faculty and staff. Parent Association committees support the school’s athletic and performing arts programs throughout the school year.
Communication
Parent volunteers organize informative parent roundtable discussions to promote the academic, social and emotional well being of our children. These roundtables include programs related to effective parenting, child development, and other issues that foster our parents’ partnership with the school in developing responsible, caring citizens. Parent newsletters are published for each school division several times throughout the school year and contain valuable information about school events and grade-level activities. Parent Association leaders organize various meetings throughout the school year to facilitate communication between parents and the school.


Volunteer Opportunities


A community that is warm and inviting is part of what makes the Latin experience memorable for the school’s students and their families. Each year, hundreds of hard-working and enthusiastic parent volunteers come together to enrich our community and build enduring relationships.

Whether you have limited availability or are someone who is able to give more time – there are numerous volunteer opportunities from which to choose. We welcome your participation at any level and appreciate your commitment to helping Latin be the best it can possibly be.If you would like to find out more about any of these opportunities, please contact any Parent Association volunteer leader or the Development Office at 312.582.6040.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to the school!


SPECIAL EVENTS

ROMANS RUN

The all-school, all-family “Fun Run” is one of the highlights of Homecoming Weekend where everyone is a winner! Races and entertainment for the whole family, including hair spray, tattoos, a moonwalk, obstacle course and more, are all part of the fun in Lincoln Park. More than 75 volunteers are needed to bring the Romans Run tradition to life. There are plenty of ways to participate – from decorating and set up to organizing games or timing our Romans Runners – most requiring a one- to two-hour shift.

LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR
Each year the entire community is invited to the Lower School Book Fair to buy books in support of Latin. An ideal pre-holiday event (with gift-wrapping included) the Book Fair provides reading selections for all ages and tastes. The event is organized and run by parent volunteers both new to the Latin community and those who have enjoyed working for this event in past years. Join this enthusiastic group of parents in setting up, cashiering, or breaking down the event on the last day.

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL BOOK BUY BACK

Be the first on your block to get your hands on those great used books by volunteering at the annual Latin School Book Buy Back.

Volunteers are needed in the middle school to help sort and organize the books, and in the upper school to help students sell their books back to our vendor.


STORYTIME THEATER

To kick off the first night of Book Fair, Latin lower school students are invited to cozy up in their pajamas, snack on milk and cookies and watch a favorite story brought to life by a local theater company. Volunteers are needed to help set up the theater, staff the ticket sale table and work as ushers for this event.

 

ROMANS RAISE & REVEL AND SCHOLARSHIP DINNER

Romans Raise & Revel and Scholarship Dinner are our fundraisers to benefit the school’s academic, athletic, arts, and financial aid programs. They are among the most cherished events at Latin, and your help is needed. Latin’s fundraisers are an excellent way to dive into the community and have some fun – while providing significant support for the school.


ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

ADMISSIONS

The Admissions Office is excited to involve our parent community in the work of recruiting great students and their families to Latin. Help give tours of the lower school, volunteer at school fairs, contact applicant families to answer questions about various school programs, and more. (Please note: a brief training session is required for certain volunteer roles).

LATIN FUND AMBASSADOR

Connect with fellow parents, have fun, and help keep our school strong by volunteering for the Latin Fund. From making calls at phonathons to helping say thank you to our wonderful donors, there are so many ways to be involved. Last year, more than 60 parents volunteered, and together we set a new record of over 80% participation in annual giving. Help us reach new heights this year in supporting our extraordinary community.

ATHLETICS COMMITTEE AND TEAM PARENTS

Parent volunteers work directly with the middle and upper school athletics coaches to serve as team representatives. Come join in the fun and help with the upper school sports banquet, the middle school potluck, or volunteer as a team parent!


Contact Us

To find out more about our Parent Association, please contact Assistant Head of School Ryan Allen via e-mail or at 312.582.6032.