Parents' Association

University School of Milwaukee’s Parents’ Association (PA) exists to involve parents in activities that support the school community. Every parent is a member. The PA is an organization umbrella under which parents collaborate and share their time and talents to enhance the USM experience for students, parents, and staff. Firmly rooted in a rich tradition of involvement and support, the PA continually cultivates programs to best serve the needs of our ever-evolving School community.

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

$215K

Raised for USM 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.

2023-24 Executive Committee

President: Julie Sellars
President-elect: Shelly Farrow
Treasurer: Devree Molnar
Secretary: Ryan Hertel
Immediate Past President: Cathie Torinus
Preschool Coordinator: Gabrielle Wagor
Lower School Coordinator: Stephanie Handler
Middle School Coordinator: Kathleen Miller
Upper School Coordinator: Christine Hogan
Communications Coordinator: Swetha Ramakrishnan
Community Connections Coordinator: Jen Schoon
Community Connections Coordinator-elect: Maureen Bazelon
Community Connections Coordinator-elect: Val Hopper
Volunteer Coordinator: Jen Mell
Volunteer Search Coordinator: Yulia Jigalina
Office Administrator: Patricia Kauffman

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.