Family Participation
Every parent and caregiver holds a special place in our community. There are many ways to get involved with the school and build longstanding friendships with fellow Berkwood Hedge community members.
Families contribute to the school in a variety of ways - driving on fieldtrips, staffing the school library, serving on committees, helping with events, and volunteering their special talents. Families with two parents/guardians contribute 20 hours for the school each year, of which 5 must be devoted to school-wide development activities - activities related to fundraising, admissions, alumni, friends and family and community relations and outreach. Families with a single parent/guardian contribute 10 hours per year, 2.5 of which must be toward school-wide development activities. This commitment not only helps keep tuition more affordable but also involves parents/guardians in the life of the school.
School Committees
Parent committees focus on activities that enhance the quality of life at Berkwood Hedge. Every family is encouraged to support the school, earn work commitment hours, and get to know a group of dedicated fellow parents and caregivers by joining a committee.
Advancement Committee
The Advancement Committee is an active and vital committee that supports fundraising activities and the overall development of the school. The Advancement Committee plans and implements the Annual Fund Campaign, supports the Spring Celebration and Auction event, writes grant proposals, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding development work. The committee is run by the Director of Advancement and chaired by a Board member. It relies on parent support to ensure the success of fundraising activities through sub-committees, such as the Spring Celebration committee.
Green Team
Berkwood Hedge School values environmental sustainability. We strive to minimize the environmental impact of our operations and to promote environmental health in both our operations and curriculum. The Green Team’s role is outreach and education within the community and identifying ways to improve environmental practices on site and within our broader community.
Library Committee
The Library Committee helps staff the school library at lunchtime. Members read to students, and help them find and check out books. Parent volunteers partner with the school librarian to plan Author Visits, provide cataloging support, and ensure the library maintains and circulates a collection of books on curricular topics that recognize and celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, as well as books that excite, inspire, and delight students.
Native Plant Committee (Plant Patrol)
The Native Plant Committee plants and maintains a California Habitats/Oak woodland garden in the beds on the perimeter of the big yard, cares for our site, and beautifies our school.
Spring Celebration Committee
This is our biggest fundraising event of the year and brings the adults in our learning community together for an evening of great food, tasty beverages, and engaging entertainment to raise money for our school. Parent volunteers help with planning food, entertainment, decorations, and the silent auction.
Parent/Caregiver Educational Nights
These fun, community-building events take place throughout the year and include opportunities to learn new skills in the company of fellow community members, and hear from guest speakers who offer insight and expertise around parenting or topics of interest to many in our community. Past Parent/Caregiver Education Nights have included a metal arts workshop, restorative justice education, author and parenting expert talks.
Next Event:
JANUARY 9, 2025
Parent Education Night: 5 Kind and Clever Ways to Motivate Kids
6:30-8:00pm
Join us for this free educational evening event with author and parent education expert Vanessa Callaghan. Childcare available.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our families support our school in ways large and small every day, and there is never a shortage of volunteer opportunities. These can include simple errands and watering plants, to supervising activities like Open Art studio time and roller skating days.
