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 13 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.
  • Art Project

    This fundraiser makes use of our children’s art work to create note cards, magnets, and other items for purchase. These unique items make fabulous gifts for grandparents and friends.
  • College Colors Day

    On College Colors Day (May 2024) we celebrate the senior class and their future plans! Family and friends gather for this fun, colorful reception honoring the Class of 2024. Volunteers help to organize, set up, and clean up the event.
     
  • Faculty & Staff Appreciation Days

    Several times a year, parent volunteers provide a variety of special treats to show our appreciation for all of our teachers and staff.
  • Festival Day

    This fun event has been an Athens Academy tradition for over 40 years and includes students, parents, teachers, and community visitors. The day begins with musical entertainment by Pre/Lower School students followed by a fun carnival with games and booths of all types. Family fun is the focus of this event with a day of activities that 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.
  • Preschool/Lower School Library Helpers

    Lower School Library Helpers volunteer in the Lower School library/media center, helping students find books, running the checkout desk, re-shelving materials, and assisting in the library workroom. Students love to see a parent or grandparent volunteer during their time in the library!
  • 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.
  • 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.

2023-2024 PSO Leadership

Officers & Executive Committee
Chair: Ramsey Bridges
Co-Chair: Anne Fair Woodward
PSO Coordinator: Sarah Gilbert
PS/LS Rep: Katie Ryan
MS Rep: Suzanne Kilgore
US Rep: Mary DeLoach
Athletic Advisory Rep: Julie Rhodes
Fine Arts Rep: Jordan Mixson
Bridges Rep: Tonnye Conner-White

Committee Chairs
ACAD Cares
Sarah Johnson (chair)

Art Project
Elaine Unzicker (chair) 
Melissa Nieto (co-chair)

College Colors Day (May 2024)
Katherine Alexander (chair)

Faculty & Staff Appreciation (September 26, 2023 & February 27, 2024)
Natalie Glenn (chair)
Becky Fletcher (co-chair)

Festival Day (April 2024)
Chair TBA
Candace Couch (co-chair)

Grandparents & Special Friends Day (November 3, 2023)

Anna Johnson (chair)
Shelly Pohlel (co-chair)

Holiday Decorating (November 2023)
Marie Gareau (chair)
Ashleigh Woodruff (co-chair)

Holiday Market (November 15-16, 2023)

Anne Fair Woodward (chair)
Kelly Foster (co-chair)

Preschool/Lower School Library Helpers

Ashleigh Woodruff (chair)
Lauren Ellison (co-chair)

Post-Planning Luncheon (May 30, 2024)

Catherine Warner & Shelly Pohlel (chairs)

Spartan 5K & Sprint (February 10, 2024)
Caroline Hanner & Hillary Savage (chairs)
Stacy Campbell (co-chair)

Uniform Resale
Anna Glaser (chair)
Lindsay Nelson (co-chair)

Welcome Committee

Catherine Warner (chair)
Katie Parks (PS rep)
Emmy Scruggs (LS rep)
Heather Lavender (MS rep)
Lisa Hollingsworth (US rep)
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 over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.