Parents' Association

At USM, the Parents' Association (PA) is more than a traditional parent-teacher organization. It's a meaningful way for parents to connect, get involved, and help strengthen our shared commitment to student success. Best of all, every USM parent/guardian is automatically a member. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to share their time, talents, and expertise. To get involved, please email pa@usm.org.

The Parents' Association

  • serves as the foundation for a cooperative and inclusive parent body and encourages the Common Trust;
  • engages and mentors parents as volunteers and stewards of the school; 
  • provides financial support for the school’s programs and capital improvements; 
  • collaborates with faculty and administration on shared objectives; and 
  • represents the parent body and its viewpoints.

135

Leadership Volunteers

18K

Hours Volunteered Each Year

650

Attendees at Grandparents and Special Friends Day

$225K

Raised During Holiday Shops

Parents' Association Purpose Statement

The University School of Milwaukee Parents' Association provides a community for parents and guardians to actively support and be involved with the University School of Milwaukee, as well as be a liaison between the administration and the parent community.

Every parent or guardian is a member. The USM PA is an organizational umbrella under which parents collaborate and share their time and talents to enhance the University School experience for students, parents, faculty, and staff.

The Parents' Association serves as the foundation for a cooperative and inclusive parent body and encourages the Common Trust values of respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness; engages and mentors parents as volunteers and stewards of the school; collaborates with faculty and administration on shared objectives; and represents the parent body and its viewpoints.

Firmly rooted in a rich tradition of involvement and support, the Parents' Association continually cultivates programs to best serve the needs of our evolving school community.

2025-26 Executive Committee

President: Kathleen Miller
President-elect: Kimberly Weissgerber
Treasurer: Katie Wood
Secretary: Victoria Teerlink
Immediate Past President: Shelly Farrow
PS/LS Coordinator: Megan Nazaret
PS/LS Coordinator: Jessica Lane
MS Coordinator: Swetha Ramakrishnan
US Coordinator: Katie McGregor
Communications Coordinator: Grace Buzzolini
Family Events Co-coordinator: Maureen Bazelon
Family Events Co-coordinator: Val Hopper
Volunteer Coordinator: Sara Manning
Parent/Family Relations Coordinator: Kaela McKeon

A selection of bow ties, bottle openers, pens, and other trinkets on display at a vendor store during Holiday Shops.

Holiday Shops

Since 1976, Holiday Shops has been the largest annual fundraising event at USM. This week-long event attracts vendors from around the world to USM to kick-off the holiday shopping season. Experience the magic of Holiday Shops.

A grandmother smiles while watching her grandson address his class.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

A time honored tradition, and a day loved by those who are young and young at heart. Grandparents and Special Friends Day gives students a chance to share their school with their grandparents and other loved ones.

A student smiles as a volunteer puts a traditional African hat on her head.

Global Enrichment Festival

Each spring, the Parents' Association hosts the Global Enrichment Festival, a day-long celebration of cultural diversity and global citizenship. The festival features booths representing dozens of nations, a stage for cultural music and dance performances, and a cafe featuring global cuisine.