The PGA is always seeking to strengthen our partnership with the school, to better serve our shared community, and work more closely with the dedicated professionals who bring a deep and rich educational experience to our children every day.
PARENT GUARDIAN ASSOCIATION
Every Redwood Day School parent and guardian is a member of the Parent Guardian Association. This is your organization!
Participation in the Parent Guardian Association (PGA) is a fantastic way to make new friends and engage with our close-knit community of families and educators. The Parent Guardian Association's mission is to:
- Build community and organize activities that enrich the Redwood Day experience for students, parents, faculty, and staff;
- Promote volunteer opportunities, parent education programs, and school events that foster community and encourage participation;
- Support the School’s mission, philosophy, and strategic plan;
Facilitate communication between the parents and guardians and the School; and - Sponsor fundraising initiatives to augment the School’s resources.
Each year provides an abundance of reasons to get involved with the Parent Guardian Association; this year is no exception. The opportunities are varied, truly something for everyone. Whether you have a little time or a lot, you will find your involvement to be personally rewarding and a great way to share your child’s experience. Every volunteering contribution, large and small, is deeply appreciated.
If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact PGA Co-Presidents Jason Culbertson and Emma Purdy.
2025-2026 PGA OFFICERS
| Jason Culbertson | Co-President |
 Parent of Ronan (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Co-Vice President, Room Parent Professional Experience: UX Designer Personal Statement: "Being a part of the Redwood Day community has been such a joy for our family the last two years and helped to create a close community for us in Oakland. Joining the PGA will allow me to give back to that community as well as help have a positive impact on all the kids at Redwood Day." |
| Emma Purdy | Co-President |
 Parent of Smith (Class of 2032 ) and Hunter (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Co-Vice President, Friday Coffee, Room Parent, Social Coordinator Professional Experience: SVP & Deputy General Counsel at Penumbra, Inc. Personal Statement: "As we enter our fifth year as part of the Redwood Day community, I couldn't think of a better way to support the school that is serving as such a wonderful foundation for our children than to serve as a member of the PGA board. I look forward to working with all of the other Board members, parents, guardians, teachers, and administration in this capacity!" |
| Teresa Surichamorn | Co-Vice President |
 Parent of Owen (Class of 2026) and Cara (Class of 2029) Redwood Day Involvement: Middle School Co-Coordinator, 3-5 Representative, Classroom Volunteer, Fall Festival, Generations Day, Book Fair, Pizza Friday Professional Experience: Marketing and Data Analytics at The Clorox Company Personal Statement: "The strong sense of community and inclusion is what brought our family to Redwood Day, and that is also the greatest gift we receive from this community season after season. Our kids are challenged, supported, seen, and thriving as a result of the Redwood Day community, and that is what motivates me to give back and engage in whatever way is possible." |
| Lauren Webster | Co-Vice President |
 Parent of Maddie (Class of 2031) and Sally (Class of 2029) RD Involvement: Auction, Room Parent, Social Coordinator Professional Experience: Technology Investment Banker Personal Statement: "I have enjoyed my involvement in the Redwood Day community, as a volunteer in planning the auction and supporting my daughters' class community as a room parent and social coordinator. I am excited to contribute to the community in a new way as a PGA Officer and learn more about the important role the PGA serves in building community at Redwood Day." |
| Betsy Jones | Middle School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Parker and Jack (Class of 2028) RD Involvement: Lower School Coordinator, Room Parent, Faculty & Staff Appreciation Professional Experience: Marketing Consultant Personal Statement: "Being a PGA Officer is a great way to contribute to a community I care so much about." |
| Deborah Schlosberg | Middle School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Leo (Class of 2030) and Max (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent, Social Coordinator, Jewish Affinity Group Professional Experience: Director, Pro Bono Program at UC Berkeley, School of Law Personal Statement: "I wanted to join the PGA board to help support the school that has been such a warm and welcoming community for our whole family. Volunteering in this way only provides greater opportunity for connection with RD faculty, staff, families, and students." |
| Brandon Maslan | Lower School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Sydelle (Class of 2031) RD Involvement: Auction, Social Coordinator Professional Experience: Leadership/Executive Coach and Team Workshop Facilitator Personal Statement: "I value this community and the world of Redwood Day. It is one of a kind and truly exceeds our highest hopes for a place our child can flourish. A great group of parents is a gift and it is reflected in the children they raise and the way they show up in class for these amazing teachers." |
| Alyssa Witten | Lower School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Marlowe (Class of 2029) and Avery (Class of 2026) RD Involvement: Room Parent, Pizza Friday, Faculty & Staff Appreciation, Generations Day volunteer Professional Experience: Audit Director Personal Statement: "I have loved being part of this community for the last 8 years, volunteering and supporting wherever I can in various roles. Becoming a PGA Officer makes me excited to step up my involvement and dedicate more time to building this wonderful community." |
| Elaine Kwei | Financial Coordinator |
 Parent of Dylan and Emmett (Class of 2032) RD Involvement: Generations Day Professional Experience: Financial Advisor, Investment Management Personal Statement: "We feel so fortunate to be a part of the special Redwood Day community that recognizes and celebrates every student and their family. I'm excited to work with the PGA to build even stronger connections and community." |
PGA OFFICER DESCRIPTIONS
The Redwood Day Parent Guardian Association officers are composed of current Redwood Day Parents and Guardians and the Head of School. Please see a detailed description of the Board positions below.
| rOLE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Co-Presidents | Manage the PGA programs to meet the objectives of the PGA. Preside over and set the agenda for PGA meetings. Represent the PGA at Redwood Day key events, including but not limited to Fall Festival, Generations Day, Auction Party, Fun Run, etc. Limited speaking role at LS New Student Orientation, MS Orientation, Back to School Night, and Auction. Collaborates with the VPs and the School to select recipients of the PGA Faculty and Staff Grant Program. Serve as Ex-Officio Members of the Board of Trustees and attend monthly meetings, Trustee Retreat, and Trustees Day. Ideally have served as Officers for at least one year prior to becoming Co-Presidents. Serve as an officer in a limited advisory capacity as President Emeritus the year following presidency. |
| Co Vice-Presidents | Work alongside the Presidents as trainees and advisors. In the absence of or by request of the Presidents, assume leadership of the PGA. Represent the PGA at Redwood Day key events. Collaborate with the Presidents and the School to select recipients of the PGA Faculty and Staff Grant Program. Ideally will step into the Co-President role the year following the vice presidency. |
| Middle School Co-Coordinators | Help recruit, train, and support the Middle School Room Parent team. Ascertain how best to support the Middle School in collaboration with Administration. Respond to questions about the PGA and develop strategies to increase parent participation and community involvement. Plan the fall Middle School Mixer with support from the Room Parents. In partnership with the LS Co-Coordinators: facilitate Room Parent Orientation; set up and help manage Sign Up Genius to support the work of the Room Parents; oversee the Nominating Committee process, including the formation of the Nominations Committee; plan the PGA Hello, Goodbye event in the spring; plan the all-school potluck after Step Up. |
| Lower School Co-Coordinators | Help recruit, train and give ongoing support to the Lower School Room Parent team. Ascertain how to best support the Lower School in collaboration with Administration. Respond to questions about the PGA and develop strategies to increase parent participation and community involvement. Plan the fall Lower School Mixer with support from the Room Parents. In partnership with the MS Co-Coordinators: facilitate Room Parent Orientation; set up and help manage Sign Up Genius to support the work of the Room Parents; oversee the Nominating Committee process, including the formation of the Nominations Committee; plan the PGA Hello, Goodbye event in the spring; plan the all-school potluck after Step Up. |
| Financial Coordinator | Serves as the point person for Room Parents regarding their class/grade level budgets, specifically the collection and allocation of Lower and Middle School Teacher's Funds. Organizes budgeting tools for Room Parents and sends timely reminders about faculty gift-giving. |
| President Emeritus | Serves in an advisory role to the Co-Presidents and the PGA as a whole. Provides insight and advice as a knowledgeable member of the PGA. Attends PGA meetings and events and, upon request, assists officers in performing their roles. |
In addition, all officers:
- Attend PGA meetings and all PGA activities and events as they can, acting as ambassadors for the PGA and the School.
- Serve as a liaison to at least one committee, helping recruit volunteers with the support of the Room Parents. Must attend at least one planning meeting for each committee and give updates on the committee at PGA Meetings in the absence of a co-chair.
- Participate as a member of the Nominations Committee to help recruit, communicate with, and place PGA officers and committee chairs for the following school year.
Volunteer Today!
GET INVOLVED AT REDWOOD DAY
| Parent Guardian Association (PGA) |
| Every Redwood Day parent and guardian is part of the Parent Guardian Association—a vibrant community dedicated to enriching the Redwood Day experience. Our mission is to foster connection, promote volunteerism, support school initiatives, and strengthen communication between families and the School. Your involvement, big or small, makes a difference. Join us in creating lasting memories and supporting our students’ journey. |
| Volunteer Opportunities |
Engage with our community through a variety of events and activities, including:
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| Become a Leader |
| Step into a leadership role by organizing events like the Auction, coordinating class activities, or representing your class in the Parent Guardian Association. Your involvement helps strengthen our vibrant community. |
| Signature PGA Events |
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Hundreds of hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers come together each year to enrich the Redwood Day School community. The Redwood Day Parent Guardian Association is the vehicle that provides these important volunteer opportunities. Whether you have limited availability or are someone who can give more time – there are numerous volunteer opportunities from which to choose. We welcome your participation at any level!
Redwood Day uses SignUpGenius (SUG) to manage classroom and all-school volunteering opportunities. Please take a moment and sign up for FREE! Once logged in, you can see all the volunteer opportunities as they become available.
See below for a more detailed description of our volunteer opportunities.
| COMMITTEE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Auction Party (March 28, 2026) and Online Auction (March 28-31, 2026) | The Redwood Day auction party and the online auction are the PGA’s cornerstone fundraising events. The funds raised help support both the work of the PGA (Fall Festival and other community events) and the School (tuition assistance, teacher development grants, assemblies), and, most importantly, our children. The auction party provides an opportunity for parents, guardians, and adult friends to come together as a community and simply celebrate. Volunteer opportunities range from leading a team, securing donations, editing item descriptions, and organizing a hosted event to planning the party! Chairs: Susie DePianto and Jennifer Driscoll |
| Book Fair (December 8-12, 2025) | The annual Redwood Day Book Fair is an opportunity to support the school while you shop for great books. Students will also have the opportunity to shop during the school day. The Book Fair presents an extensive and diverse variety of books from which you will surely find perfect gifts for friends and family, your child(ren)’s classrooms, and, likely, quite a few for yourself! Volunteer opportunities include cashiering, staffing, set-up and breakdown, and support at associated events. Chairs: Ariela Fedorov, Kate Holekamp, Anagha Sreenivasan, and Chris Keh |
| Community Caring | The Community Caring Committee helps support our immediate Redwood Day community when a family is in transition or crisis by mobilizing volunteers for support via meals, childcare, rides, and more. The Committee also helps support our larger Oakland community through activities like the OUSD back-to-school supply drive, meal packing event, and organizing other volunteer and service learning opportunities for our families. Chairs: Dorothy Lee and Jason Purdy |
| Digital Wellness | The Digital Wellness Committee helps broaden the conversations among families to consciously harness the digital world by leveraging Redwood Day's participation in the Connected Schools Program offered by Common Sense Media. They communicate to the community about hosted webinars and discussions and act as liaisons for parent education events. Chairs: Diana Pasquali and Heather Patterson |
| Diversity in Action* | This Committee supports the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Diversity in Action maintains a strategic partnership with the School supporting Heritage celebrations and Adult Affinity Groups for our parent/guardian community. They also help promote and represent the Redwood Day community at DEIB events such as the Oakland Pride Parade, Black Excellence, and Parent Education evenings. Chair: Anhthu Le |
| Faculty & Staff Appreciation | The Faculty & Staff Appreciation Committee exists to show our faculty and staff just how much they are respected and appreciated. Volunteers bring snacks, organize luncheons, and acknowledge birthdays, holidays, and National Teacher Appreciation Week with special treats and honorings. Chairs: Sumi Cate, Lisa Crounse, Caitlin Pakzad, and Marcia Peck |
| Fall Festival (October 18, 2025) | The Fall Festival is a longstanding Redwood Day tradition for the whole family. On a Fall Saturday, we come together on campus to play with and get to know each other. Various volunteer activities include event planning, setup, clean up, and shifts at various activity stations and games. Chairs: Nairobi Kim, Yogi Gamper, and Nancy Wang |
| Friday Community Coffee | Redwood Day invites everyone for coffee, community, and conversation most Friday mornings throughout the school year. Every grade will have the opportunity to sign up to help by picking up pastries and assisting the chairs with setup and clean up. See the calendar for the full list of dates. Chair: Patrick Davies, Peter Marietta, and Andrew Smith |
| Generations Day (November 21, 2025) | Generations Day is an event that welcomes grandparents and special friends to learn more about Redwood Day and their student’s experience here. Volunteers help set up, greet guests, serve refreshments, guide visitors on campus, take pictures, clean up, and offer assistance as needed. Chairs: Gening Liao and Barrie McClune |
| Lost and Found | The Lost & Found Committee helps keep our campus organized by regularly sorting through lost items, returning labeled belongings to students, and coordinating the donation of unclaimed items. This committee plays a key role in promoting responsibility and sustainability within our school community. Chairs: Sandra Lee Lawson and Lisa Marietta |
| Room Parents/Grade Parents | Room Parents (in the Lower School) and grade level parents (in the Middle School) coordinate directly with their teachers and administrators, as well as their fellow parents, to recruit volunteers for in-class/grade needs (field trip drivers, library volunteers, etc.), and school-wide events, purchasing teacher gifts, and more. Chairs: PGA Lower School Co-Coordinators Brandon Maslan and Alyssa Witten, and PGA Middle School Co-Coordinators Betsy Jones and Deborah Schlosberg |
| Social Coordinators (one for each grade) | The Social Coordinator helps build community within your grade by organizing a handful of informal gatherings throughout the school year for parents/guardians, students, and families—ideally a mix of all three. This role is more about sparking ideas, spreading the word, and encouraging others to host than planning every detail or attending every event. Gatherings can be as simple as coordinating meetups at existing community events like festivals or seasonal outings. The goal is to create a few opportunities each year for connection outside of school, with flexibility for how often your grade chooses to gather. |
| *RD Diversity in Action FAQ |
Q: What is Diversity in Action? Diversity in Action supports the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Diversity in Action maintains a strategic partnership with the School, supporting Heritage celebrations and Adult Affinity Groups for our parent/guardian community. Diversity in Action also helps promote and represent the Redwood Day community at DEI events such as the Oakland Pride Parade, Black Excellence, and Parent Education evenings. Q: What types of things does Diversity in Action do?
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Volunteer Today!
