A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.

As partners in building a healthy school community, our parents are essential. In fact, parents make up the majority of our committees. Parent involvement in school activities energizes and nourishes the health of the school. Your participation matters in so many ways. It enriches the experience not only for your child but also for your family and the entire WSSL community.

There are several ways to get involved. Contact the Administrative Coordinator if you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved at WSSL.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Waldorf School of St. Louis. We thrive when our community of parents, teachers, and friends help accomplish the many tasks that are a part of operating a school. As a result, everyone benefits in ways both tangible and intangible: Waldorf education is made available to the children of St. Louis, tuition can be kept lower, and parents find a warm community life where their skills are needed and appreciated.

Each parent at WSSL is expected to contribute at least 15 hours of service throughout the year. All parents are asked to identify how they may assist with the many different types of volunteer opportunities at The Waldorf School of St. Louis, from participation in a fundraiser to chairing a committee.

The WSSL Faculty is honored and excited to be on this educational journey with you and your child(ren). We know you have high expectations of us as a school for your child’s experience and education. In order to build a healthy school community, we need to hold high expectations for our parent body as well.

What WSSL expects from you as a parent:

• Parents are expected to engage in healthy communication, both written and spoken, with all members of the community.

• Parents are expected to uphold the Commitment of our Community’s shared values and model the Code of Compassionate Conduct, as outlined in our school discipline policy when engaging with any adult or child in the school community.

• Parents are expected to read the school handbook and its yearly updates and be aware of and follow the school policies and procedures as outlined within.

• Parents are expected to attend the annual All School Meeting and classroom parent meetings.

• Parents are expected to uphold our media policy, which states children shall have screen-free school weeks.

• Parents are expected to adhere to a media-free and appropriate dress code when at school or when attending school-sponsored events.

• Parents are expected to participate in the festival life of the school.

• Each parent is expected to volunteer 15 hours per school year. Volunteer

  opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attend a Helping Hands Work Day

  • Serve on a committee

  • Assist at an outreach event

  • Help with a fundraising event

  • Support a festival

  • Clean classrooms and common areas

Through committee membership and related service opportunities, parents are able to contribute to the school and its success through their professional/personal skills and interests. Standing committees include Finance, Grounds, Outreach, Personnel, Campus Advancement, Development, Fundraising Events, and Operations. See a full description of each active committee here.

The Room Parents are intermediaries between the faculty and the parent body, supporting the teachers and involving parents more closely in the life of the class. They may assist the teachers with parent meetings, festivals, and class trips, as well as special class activities and initiating the class phone tree for critical communications. Room Parents are generally available to help teachers with practical matters. Each teacher selects a Room Parent prior to the start of the school year.

Each family is expected to participate in two workdays for the school year. These workdays are essential in maintaining safe and beautiful classrooms and grounds for our children to enjoy. Each workday will have a project leader who will manage the tasks both inside and outside of the school buildings. Everyone plays a vital role in the workdays at WSSL. Teachers submit requests for special projects to the Operations Committee for completion; members of the committee organize the workday and ensure that all necessary materials are in place. Families (and students!) work together all day to cross items off of our list.

Typically, two annual fundraisers (Auction, Holiday Faire, etc.) are hosted by WSSL each year. These events allow the opportunity to socialize as adults, invite friends and family to support the school, and close the gap between our tuition income and annual expenses. The Annual Fund Campaign is also a critical part of our financial picture. Please plan ahead to make a gift to The Waldorf School of St. Louis.