Watershed Parent Association (WPA)

The Watershed Parent Association ensures that parents have opportunities to be an integral part of the Watershed community. The WPA facilitates community among Watershed families, strengthens the partnership between the parent community and the school, and helps Watershed be the best it can be through fundraising, staff appreciation efforts, outreach, and events.

Membership

All parents/guardians are considered members of the Watershed Parent Association. There is no membership fee. What’s the best way to get even more involved? WPA leadership opportunities include the WPA Chair, Parent and Committee Leaders, and Parent Ambassadors. The roles and responsibilities of WPA leadership positions are as follows:

Chair

The Chair of the WPA facilitates smooth planning and execution of WPA activities, sets the tone of the group, meets monthly with the Director of Development & Communications, and establishes WPA goals and the annual calendar in collaboration with the Director of Development & Communications. The 2024-25 WPA Chair is Kari Wheeler P’22, ‘25.

Parent Leaders and Committee Chairs

Parent leaders are volunteers who provide valuable support to the Watershed community throughout the school year and act as the primary communicators to the broader parent community about WPA activities, events, and projects. Some years the WPA forms committees. Past committees have included, the fundraising committee, the social/community committee, the educator support committee, and the parent education series committee.

Parent Leaders and Committee Chairs help plan and execute the following:

• Social/Community: WPA sponsored parent events including monthly coffees, hikes, happy hours and more welcome all parents to the Watershed community, whether new to independent schools or longtime veterans!

• Fundraising: WPA fundraising* initiatives including the grocery card program and local retail & restaurant ‘shop/dine for Watershed’ nights. *note: WPA fundraising supports WPA teacher appreciation initiatives, parent education programs, and other WPA efforts.

• Teacher Support: WPA-driven appreciation efforts to support teachers throughout the year, including breakfast or lunch, family casseroles, drink of choice, and end of year gifts.

• Education Series: WPA-funded speaking engagements on various topics.

Parent Ambassadors

Parent Ambassadors support the Assistant Head for Enrollment Management with Watershed’s outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts. Parent Ambassadors are a select group of parents who are excited to share the value of a Watershed education with prospective families and external audiences. Parent Ambassadors help with and support the following:

• Meet regularly with the Assistant Head for Enrollment Management to receive information and updates about what is happening at Watershed.  

• Prospective parent connection and outreach:

  • Being available by phone or email for questions, sharing your student’s experience, and discussing the unique aspects of Watershed’s program and community.  

• Help plan and attend the New Family Event in July. 

• Call all new parents in September/October of each year to check in and offer support. 

• Attend Admissions Open Houses.

• Attend external school fairs and other outreach/recruitment events as needed. 

WPA Events

Ongoing

WPA Retail Partners Program - Learn more about these easy WPA fundraising initiatives that are no additional cost to you!

Monthly Coffees - Meet with the WPA and other parents at Watershed for coffee and conversation each month, from 8:15-9:15am!

What’s the best way to find upcoming events? Check the parent Google Calendar and FridgeNotes!

Past 2024-25 Events Include

Welcome to the new school year ice cream social, WPA-sponsored fall advisory dinners, October fire pit & s’mores at Anderson Farm, monthly coffees, EverEve shopping fundraiser, and more!

Thank you!

Thank you, parents, for helping give Watershed students the best independent school experience in Boulder County!