The Parent Association is a driving force at BSM
Parents Annie Smithmier and Theresa Deterding staff the spirit shop, which is one way that the parent association is prevalent within BSM.
The students at BSM may not know it, but many of the events they enjoy throughout the year are planned and organized by a single driving force: the Parent Association. The volunteer-run organization plans, prepares, and raises funds for events throughout the year that benefit everyone from students to teachers.
“The Parent Association builds community for parents and students through events and fundraising throughout the year,” said Ms. Sandra Smith, who joined in 2014 and is now the Parent Association President.
The Parent Association is responsible for a wide variety of events that support the school. Most of these are fundraisers to benefit the BSM community. “The money raised is used for facility updates, academic programs, and scholarships,” said Smith. Last year, the Parent Association donated $65,000 back to BSM.
The Parent Association and all its events are run entirely by volunteers. All parents of BSM students are in the organization and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ways. They can simply volunteer for events, which are advertised on the Knightly News, or they can take a bigger role in the Association by chairing events or becoming board members.
Events hosted by the Parent Association include the Homecoming BBQ, Father/Daughter Dance and Mother/Son event, Knightsbridge, and the Treasure Hunt Garage Sale. Knightsbridge, which takes place on November 3, and the Treasure Hunt in May are two of the most popular and profitable events; the Treasure Hunt alone raises about $20,000 each year. Other events like the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son events or the senior party are popular among students.
In addition to the large events, the Parent Association helps out at various other points. They provide refreshments at Knight School and open house events; support scholarships, retreats, and the alcohol and drug abuse programs; organize buses for senior high prom; and run several teacher appreciation events to support the faculty and staff at BSM. They are also responsible for staffing the Spirit Shop.
The Parent Association Executive and General Boards each meet once a month, and there are various planning meetings throughout the year to prepare for each event. All meetings take place at BSM.
Although many parents already volunteer for many of the Parent Association’s events, they are always looking for more help. “We are always in need of more volunteers and appreciate everyone’s talents and skills to make our events stronger,” Smith said.
