Building Community with BPA

4/1/2026

Dan McNickle, Community Relations Manager

At The Barstow School, community is not just something we talk about—it is something we actively build together. One of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our community is through volunteering with the Barstow Parents’ Association.

Family Traditions and Impactful Programs
BPA plays a vital role in strengthening this sense of community and belonging on our campus. Did you know that every Barstow parent or guardian automatically becomes a member when their child enrolls at Barstow? Working together across divisions, the organization supports faculty, staff and students through events and programs that enhance the overall school experience. From promoting school spirit to organizing opportunities for connection, BPA serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that everyone feels informed and included.

Our Annual Programs

Each year, BPA brings the community together during celebrations and programs that are memorable, impactful and unique to Barstow. These include the First Day of School Parent Coffee, Harvest Fest, Trunk or Treat, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Teacher Appreciation Week and the monthly Gratitude Cart for faculty and staff. These events — which serve students and families in every grade and division — rely on parent leaders and volunteers to be successful. This spring you can raise your hand to be part of this valuable school organization.

Opportunities to Serve
Serving on the BPA Executive Board is a rewarding way to deepen your involvement and help shape experiences that define the next school year. Open positions for the 2026–2027 school year include:

President, who provides overall leadership and direction.
Vice President Finance/Ways and Means, who oversees budgeting and fundraising efforts.
Vice President Records & Technology, who manages communications and organizational systems.
Division Vice Presidents, who represent and support families within each school division.

Each role offers a unique opportunity to contribute your skills while getting to know and working collaboratively with other engaged parents. No experience necessary — just a willingness to serve and an excitement for our shared work of educating students in mind, body and character.

A Call for Nominations
If you are looking for a way to make a meaningful difference, consider stepping into a leadership role with the BPA. The nominating committee is currently accepting nominations — both self-nominations and nominations of others — through April 14, 2026. Members of the nominating committee are Terri Patel, Sam Cook, Dipin Rai and Molly Westphal. The nomination form is available here. Your participation can help continue the strong tradition of partnership and support that benefits every student at Barstow.

Back

- BPA volunteers plan and staff Harvest Fest eavery fall.
- The parent-led organizations supports faculty, staff and family connections at The barstow School.
- Lower school BPA volunteers and room parents help organize annual holiday parties for Halloween, Valentines Day, Winter Break and more.
- In January, BPA gathers students and parents for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
- Trunk or Treat has become an annual BPA favorite!
- Upper school BPA volunteers plan winter homecoming events.
- The BPA year begins with a back to school parent coffee after families drop off students for the first day.