Community

Parent Service Organization

Welcome to the Parent Service Organization!

The Athens Academy Parent Service Organization (PSO) is a dedicated group of parent volunteers who work with the school’s administration to enhance the quality of programs and academic life offered at Athens Academy.

Parental involvement at Athens Academy began with the founding of the school in 1967 and continued with the formation of the PSO in 1983. Since its inception, the PSO has provided a structured program of support for parent volunteers to share their time and talents for the benefit of Athens Academy. All Academy families are part of the PSO and are encouraged to contact the chairperson of any PSO-sponsored event to become involved.

Opportunities to Get Involved

List of 12 items.

  • ACAD Cares

    As part of the ACAD Cares program, the PSO provides meals to Athens Academy families in distress including those experiencing a death in the family, major surgery or prolonged illness, traumatic relocation, and more.
  • College Colors Day

    On College Colors Day (May 2027) we celebrate the senior class and their future plans! Family and friends gather for this fun, colorful reception honoring the Class of 2027. Volunteers help to organize, set up, and clean up the event.
     
  • Faculty & Staff Appreciation Lunches

    Every September and February, the PSO organizes and provides a special lunch for faculty and staff as a thank you for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
  • Festival Day

    This fun event has been an Athens Academy tradition for over 40 years and includes students, parents, teachers, and community visitors. Family fun is the focus of this event, with a day of activities including games, face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts, food trucks, and other treats. We're excited to promote school spirit and provide an open campus for visitors to visit Athens Academy in a casual atmosphere.
  • Grandparents & Special Friends Day

    Each fall, students in grades K3-6 welcome and entertain grandparents and special friends. A morning program features musical entertainment, and following the performance all guests are invited to visit in the classrooms. This event brings many visitors to the Athens Academy campus and is truly one of the most special days of the year!
  • Holiday Decorating

    Parents are always eager to help decorate the Athens Academy campus with greenery, wreaths, and Christmas trees in early December.
  • Holiday Market

    Artists and artisans from all over the region participate in this fun market, offering everything from handmade jewelry and scarves to home décor and pottery. Volunteers man the hospitality suite and offer support to vendors throughout the day.
  • Post-Planning Luncheon

    Held on the last day of faculty post-planning week, this luncheon features a casual, catered meal for all the School’s employees. Employee service recognition and presentation of PSO donations to the school are part of this event.
  • Spartan 5K & Spartan Sprint

    Held every year in early February, the Spartan 5K has been an Athens Academy tradition for over 30 years! The race follows a course through the adjacent neighborhoods and ends at the main Spartan Lane gate. Participants include Academy students, parents, and family members as well as runners from all over Georgia. The one-mile Spartan Sprint fun run is held following the Spartan 5K. Walkers are welcome in both events.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week

    This committee was added to the PSO last year to provide a more meaningful and well-timed celebration of our faculty and staff. Rather than observing Teacher Appreciation Week during the nationally recognized week in May, when the end-of-year calendar is especially busy, Athens Academy celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week in February. Working alongside the PSO Coordinator, committee members and volunteers plan and carry out a week of thoughtful events and treats to honor our outstanding teachers and staff in each division.
  • Uniform Resale

    The PSO is pleased to offer uniform resales periodically throughout the year. Donate your gently used uniforms to the bins in the Sinkwich Spartan Center, the Chambers Center, or the Lower and Middle School division offices.
  • Welcome Committee

    Our Welcome Committee volunteers help new families learn what to expect on the first day of school, answer their questions, and make connections and new friends! They serve as an important resource for our newest Spartans.

2026-2027 PSO Leadership

Officers & Executive Committee
Chair: Robin Burnett
Co-Chair: Alexis McCumber
PSO Coordinator: Sarah Gilbert
PS/LS Rep: Anna Morris
MS Rep: Caroline Loftin
US Rep: Meghan Garrard
Fine Arts Rep: Ramsey Bridges

Committee Chairs
ACAD Cares
Jess Eady (chair)

College Colors Day (May 2027)
Lauren Gober (chair)
April Allen & Margaret Platter (co-chairs)

Faculty & Staff Appreciation (September 29, 2026 & February 23, 2027)
Maggie Keel (chair)
Karmen Petrie (co-chair)

Festival Day (April 24, 2027)
Stefi Vanstekelenburg (chair)
Mary Beth Laflin (co-chair)

Grandparents & Special Friends Day (November 6, 2026)

Courtney Emerson (chair)
Lauren Moore (co-chair)

Holiday Decorating (November 2026)
Emily Rose Terrell (chair)
Christian Williams (co-chair)

Holiday Market (November 18-19, 2026)

Lauren Ellison (chair)
Sarah Doherty (co-chair)

Post-P
lanning Luncheon (May 28, 2027)
Marie Gareau (chair)
Cameron McElreath (co-chair)

Spartan 5K & Sprint (February 6, 2027)
Kelsey Davis & Melissa Doster (chairs)
Jennifer Baker (co-chair)

Teacher Appreciation Week (February 26-27, 2027)
Mallory Stephens (PS rep)
Lindsay Grahl (LS rep)
Jill Shuler (MS rep)
Kelly Foster (US rep)

Uniform Resale
Anna Glaser (chair)
Allison Haber (co-chair)

Welcome Committee

Natalie Glenn (chair)
Carrie Magruder & Erica Baumwald (PS reps)
Lorraine Stewart & Ashley Woodruff (LS reps)
Laura Hixon & Laura Beth Guest (MS reps)
Julie Caldwell & Meghan Garrard (US reps)
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For 60 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.