Community

Portledge Parents Association

To Our Portledge Family,
 
We are all aware that these times are “unprecedented” and we’re in “uncharted territory” so I won’t bore you with these overused clichés. Instead, I’d like to offer up a perspective that is fairly common sense, but I believe warrants some attention. During this quarantine, we may be “locked down” but we have to remember that we aren’t imprisoned.  True, we’ve lost some of life’s luxuries, but we’re free to get groceries, get take-out, read anything we desire, go for a drive, take a walk...  We still do have many freedoms. 
 
How many times have you heard yourself say, “If I only had more time” to do this or that. For most of us, we have an opportunity to accomplish something fulfilling, connect with our families, get to know ourselves better. It’s also a chance to become closer with our kids, to spend some quality time, teach life skills, and be a good example.  
 
I’ve always practiced gratitude, but these days I do so with ferocity. I’ve learned that in the face of adversity and negativity, gratitude can help me turn the corner and change the way I choose to perceive the world. There is so much to be thankful for! If we lead by example and demonstrate gratitude, love and maintain a positive disposition, and apologize for our mistakes, we will give our children the tools to be resilient adults with a “can do” attitude. It’s not always easy, but remembering that children often detect and embody the anxiety and fears of those around them should motivate us to keep any bad vibes in check.
 
More than ever before, I am grateful for our teachers and administration (and a full school day). They give of themselves authentically and compassionately. They truly have our children’s best interests at heart.  One thing has become crystal clear from this pandemic… we need our teachers more than ever before!
 
We are fortunate to have a community so full of dedicated and talented people.  I don’t only refer to our administration and faculty, but to the people with whom I get to work with on the Parents Association and the parents who feel compelled to get involved.  It is truly a pleasure collaborating with these parents who give of themselves without asking for anything in return. These parents know that participating in our school events is rewarding. We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to connect and foster relationships that enrich our school experience for our children. It also helps parents keep a finger on the pulse of Portledge and stay informed. I tip my hat to these parents and to the faculty who help us support our community.
 
For all that Portledge has done for us, we can show our appreciation by supporting The Portledge Fund. Professional development is critical to our future and your contribution will help provide our teachers with the tools needed to be cutting-edge in this new virtual world. 
 
In the words of my favorite band of all time, “A new day will dawn for those who stand strong, and the forests will echo with laughter.”   – Led Zeppelin
 
Please take care of you and yours,
 
Missy Halpern
Parents Association President
Max ‘24

Video Message from the PA President

Parents Association Leadership

List of 5 items.

  • Leadership

    PA PresidentMelissa Halpern
    Executive VPTiffany Terranova
    VP of CommunicationsShari Staiano
    VP of Equity,
    Diversity & Inclusion    		Ayesha Brantley

  • Lower School Class Parents

    Lower School VPJami Friedman
    Pre-Nursery
    Angelica Van Pelt
    NurseryZoë Schwam
    Pre-KJessica Chitty
    KindergartenJenni Lynn
    1st GradeVanessa Cruz
    Javier Cruz
    2nd GradeDeena Mehta
    3rd GradeKate Meier
    4th GradePaula Ligotti
    5th GradeAndrea Carlsen
    Tiffany Palagonia

  • Middle School Class Parents

    Middle School VPMaria Zografos
    6th Grade Marie Bahnik
    7th Grade Pattianne Schnabel
    8th GradeSima Carnevale
    Kim Leonard

  • Upper School Class Parents

    Upper School VP          Becky Schamis
    9th Grade Halley Bodian
    Cindy Neugebauer
    10th Grade Gwen Kugler
    Rey Mostafavi
    11th Grade Toni Bardong
    Kathleen Katzmann
    12th Grade Michelle Ort

  • Committee Chairs

    Auction ChairTBD
    Founders Day ChairsSharon Cleary
    Maria Gray
    Champions For Charity ChairMona Sanveren
    Dads' Den ChairCarl Huber '99
    Interschool Exchange ChairMaria Zografos

Volunteer Opportunities

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