Family Connect
What is Family Connect?
Family Connect (formerly called Parent Link) is a Lake Country School (LCS) parent- and caregiver-run group whose mission is to build community among Lake Country caregivers (parents, guardians, and other significant adults), and between Lake Country caregivers and faculty/staff.
What do we mean by "Parent"?
For LCS' intents and purposes the word "parent" refers not just to a child's biological or adoptive parents, but also legal guardians and other significant caregivers to students at LCS. We have evolved much of our language to reflect families of all kinds in our community. Feel free to interpret the word "parent" as an umbrella term for the legal guardians and other significant caregivers of our students.
What does Family Connect do?
Family Connect organizes a number of programs and activities every year (see list below). Dates and times for all events are always listed on the school calendar and in the weekly Tuesday Memo newsletter.
For Adult Caregivers
Activities connecting adult caregivers to other adult caregivers.
Room Parents
Family Connect recruits 2-3 Room Parents for each classroom. Room Parents serve as an occasional resource to the classroom teacher, are a friendly face for families who are new to the school, and organize smaller events to build community and connection among families within each classroom.
Community Coffee for Caregivers
A monthly informal gathering on the LCS campus after morning drop-off for caregivers to have coffee and conversation. See upcoming dates on the All School Calendar.
LCS Parent Culture Happy Hour
A new spin on Book Club! Rather than committing to a book to read in advance, come to a brunch or happy hour with other LCS caregivers to swap recommendations on favorite books, podcasts, family activities, and other fun topics.
Great Great Gathering New Family Pre-Party
Families who are new to LCS have the opportunity to come to a casual happy hour reception at the school in the hour before the big fundraiser party, the Great Great Gathering, officially begins. Meet some people in a smaller setting and get your questions answered before the party starts!
Family Fun
Activities are for both kids and caregivers.
Winter Wanderland
Come meet Wander, the school’s mascot, and enjoy hot chocolate and a craft in the parking lot.
Valentine Making
Make use of a true abundance of craft supplies to make a valentine for your child(ren)! Children’s House has a tradition of displaying family-made valentines for each child in the classroom, but caregivers for children of all ages are welcome to come and craft.
Connecting LCS Caregivers and Staff
Activities connecting all LCS grown-ups.
Lunch & Learn
Monthly bag lunches with a member of staff who talks to caregivers about the work they do at Lake Country and answers questions. Caregivers have the option to attend either in person or virtually.
Staff Appreciation Snacks
Family Connect maintains a Sign-Up Genius for families to supply snacks for the staff room every week.
Bike/Walk/Roll to School
A parent-organized day, once in the fall and once in the spring, for people to ditch their cars and bike, walk, or roll to LCS! Neighborhood meet-up points are arranged for participants who are unable to bike/walk/roll the entire distance, or prefer to come in a group. This is always a popular day with both families and staff!
Who runs Family Connect?
All LCS parents/guardians are welcome to help run Family Connect! There are periodic steering committee meetings to organize and promote the events listed above. These meetings often happen following the Community Coffee for Caregivers, or on an ad hoc basis as needed. To join the steering committee, please email [email protected].
