Community
CWA Community
Learning is all about people.
It’s about the relationships a student forms with their peers and teachers. It’s about the support that parents and school leaders provide. The Charles Wright Academy community supports students in their pursuit of active, joyful learning.
Family Association
About the Family Association
Every family attending Charles Wright Academy is a welcome member of the Family Association. We actively seek meaningful ways for you to get involved in our community. From the annual Charlie’s Picnic every fall to the Jogathon in May, and events throughout the year, there is no shortage of fun opportunities to get to know fellow Tarrier families and to support the endeavors of your enrolled Tarriers. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year!
Family Association Purpose
The CWA Family Association is a friendly and inviting community of family volunteers. We aim to connect parents, caregivers, and families, through planning play dates, hangouts, and events that bring the community together. Our goal is to build connections based on trust and friendship that lead to school engagement and inspire active family involvement. As a part of Auxiliary Services within CWA, we serve the school through the time, talents & resources of our parents and volunteers.
Family Association Activities
Past Family Association activities include:
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Back to School Coffee
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Night Out at the Rainiers
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Tubing at Snoqualmie
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Roller Skating
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“Vibe” Bingo Nights
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CWA’s Annual Jogathon
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Restaurant Takeovers
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End of Year parties
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And More!
Volunteer with the Family Association
We would love to have you join our team of volunteers and help you get involved at a level that is comfortable for you and your schedule! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out CWA’s Volunteer Interest Form and someone from the Family Association will get in touch with you when opportunities arise.
The Spirit Store is led by the Family Association and is volunteer run. The CWA Spirit Store is open on most Wednesdays from 2:30-5, as well as during key events. Sign up for a shift here!
To volunteer in your child’s classroom or to learn more about additional opportunities by division, please contact your assigned division leadership.
What is the steering committee?
The Family Association Steering Committee is a team of dedicated volunteers who foster the connection between families, faculty, and our school. The Family Association differs from a parent union or a PTA in that we function under the school, not as an outside affiliate, nor do we influence school operations or academics. Additionally, we do not serve as liaisons for concerns about the school. Our focus is on building a supportive and joyful community through meaningful interactions and shared experiences. If you are interested in joining or would like to know more, please connect with the Family Association Steering Committee via email at familyassociation@charleswright.org.
Family Association Steering Committee for the 2024-25 School Year:
Family Association Steering Committee Chair: Surtida Shelton, P’30
Engagement Coordinator: Gordon Adams, P’30
Fundraising Coordinator: Gwen Hearn, P’36,’38
Events Coordinator: Dulce Ngo, P’29
Marketing Coordinator: Jake O’Neil, P’31
Volunteer Coordinator: MarcKia Wilson, P’31,’34, ’39
CWA Staff advisor: Colleen Borst, P’33, Director of Auxiliary Services
Grade-Level/Cohort Rep Program
Grade-Level / Room Reps play various roles in life at Charles Wright Academy. Most importantly, we ask Grade-Level / Room Representatives to:
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Fostering a welcoming, informative, inclusive, and engaging environment for all community members, especially families at the individual grade level.
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Supporting teachers by organizing and filling volunteer positions for various events and projects.
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Supporting cohort or divisional events through volunteerism.
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Encouraging families to engage with the school through participation in school-wide events and fundraising opportunities (ex. Jogathon)
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Serve as a “Goodwill Ambassador” for CWA by promoting CWA’s best interest and working to build goodwill in the community by remaining professional, friendly, and supportive of CWA.
Responsibilities of the Grade-Level/ Cohort Reps include:
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BGS and LS Grade-Level / Cohort Reps will coordinate with homeroom teachers to plan and execute classroom parties and support classroom events like field trips, etc., by coordinating volunteers, supplies, or other details as requested.
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MS and US Grade-Level / Cohort Reps focus more on supporting grade/cohort level and divisional activities, as needed and requested by teachers (socials, exam break snacks and activities, etc.). 11/12th grade reps will focus on supporting Senior Class specific activities (Senior sunrise, lunches, etc.)
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Assist the Family Association in recruiting volunteers for lower and all school activities and events.
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Communicate grade/cohort level or classroom-specific information to families on a consistent basis.
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Be a resource for families interested in volunteering or helping support their child’s classroom.
Grade-Level/ Cohort Reps work with faculty members and division liaisons to identify and support classroom and divisional volunteer opportunities. Division liaisons work with the Division Directors and the Family Association Steering Committee Volunteer Coordinator to identify and support divisional and school-wide volunteer opportunities.
Grade-Level/ Cohort Rep leadership for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year is:
MarcKia Wilson
Family Association Volunteer Coordinator ‘25
Beginning School
Liaison: Aluel Bol
Lower School
Liaisons: Anna Crosby, Lindsey Twombly
Middle School
Liaison: Claire Hollister
Upper School
Liaison: Eric Pederson
If you are interested in serving as a Grade-Level / Cohort Rep for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year, please reach out to MarcKia Wilson at familyassociation@charleswright.org.
An interest form to serve as a Grade-Level / Cohort Rep and Division Liaison for the 2025-26 school year will go out in April, 2025. One year terms start in June 2025.