GET INVOLVED!

Ridgefield Academy’s Parents Association (RAPA) is a dedicated group of parents who actively support the school’s mission, events, and fundraising efforts. RAPA fosters a welcoming and inclusive community by encouraging all RA families to participate in a variety of school-wide events and activities. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the school’s culture and programs, collectively contributing hundreds of hours each year.

RAPA’s leadership structure includes a President, Vice Presidents for each school division (PS, LS, MS, US), a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a New Family Ambassador. Board members collaborate closely with the Advancement Office and key administrators to facilitate effective communication between the school and parents. In addition to the Board, RAPA includes class/grade representatives, event chairs, and committee members. A list of current RAPA Board Members and Class Representatives can be found below.

For the 2026-2027 school year, openings will be available for Preschool and Upper School VPs, VP of Communications, and Class Representatives. More information on RAPA roles and responsibilities can be found below.

Roles & Responsibilities

President

Work with the administration and the Board to establish the organization's goals for the year.
Welcome all Board members and reps; share grade-level distribution lists with VPs.
Welcome new families and identify “buddy families,” attend and speak at the New Parent Reception.
Ensure events and activities reach financial and programmatic goals, consistent with the school’s overall objectives, policies, and procedures.
Work closely with the RAPA Liaison, ensuring regular communication between the School/administration and RAPA.
Conduct monthly RAPA Board, Grade Reps, and Open meetings.
Represent RAPA at various school functions and encourage fellow Board members and parents to do the same.
Oversee committees established for RAPA events.
Attend Board of Trustees meetings and make annual presentations about RAPA activities, fundraising, and events.
Provide support and guidance to the members of the Board regarding RAPA activities and responsibilities.

Treasurer

The Treasurer of RAPA is responsible for preparing a monthly balance sheet as well an income statement for funds raised and expenditures. The Treasurer works closely with the RAPA Liaison and RA Business and oversees Class/Grade Representatives funds, delivers petty cash as needed for events, manages all cash collection and consolidation of receipts and oversees deposits and disbursements. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual closing of the RAPA books each June. When the term of the Treasurer has ended, they will familiarize the new Treasurer with the financial condition of RAPA in June and in all cases prior to the start of the next school year. The Treasurer attends monthly RAPA Board meetings as well as the quarterly RAPA Open meetings.

VP, Communications

Attend monthly RAPA Board, Grade Rep, and Open meetings.
Prepare written minutes of these meetings for distribution.
Oversee the RAPA calendar and work with the RAPA Liaison and RAPA President to coordinate schedules.
Collect any RAPA-related updates for the RA Weekly and provide them to the School by noon on each Wednesday.
Work with the RAPA President, Board, and Liaison to prepare an annual report for the Board of Trustees.

VP, US/MS/LS/PS

Attend monthly RAPA Board, Grade Rep, and Open meetings, and be an active member of RAPA events.
Communicate on an ongoing basis with Class Representatives and act as a liaison among Class Representatives, the RAPA President and Board, and the school administration.
Work to build a strong community within each division; encourage Class Representatives to organize social gatherings for class parents.
Maintain regular contact with event committee chairs to ensure they have the help and resources needed.
Represent RAPA at school functions and encourage fellow Board members, Class Reps, and parents to do so as well.
Dedicate time to volunteer at and attend RAPA events, including but not limited to Book Fair(s), Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week, and the Holiday Bazaar.
Facilitate parent support of classroom and school-wide needs on an ongoing basis.
Work closely with the RAPA Liaison to ensure the successful execution of key events throughout the year.

Class Representatives

As a representative of all parents/families in the grade, attend monthly RAPA General Meetings (in person or via Google Meet). Review meeting minutes if absent.
Coordinate with the homeroom teacher(s)/advisor(s) at the beginning of the year to develop a sense of how they want class events, parties, and parent involvement to proceed. Obtain confirmation of student allergies and ask them to complete the “favorite things” form.
Communicate RAPA news, event details, and volunteer opportunities with class families.
Arrange social/informal meetups periodically.
Make every effort to attend RAPA activities and events; encourage participation from fellow parents.
Plan, organize, and host class parties, activities, and parent hospitality (i.e. coffee and snacks after a class play), as appropriate. Use class dues to support these efforts first, before soliciting parents to contribute materials, food, decorations, etc.
- If activities involve fundraising of any kind, connect with the Director of Advancement, RAPA Liaison, and RAPA President before planning or executing.
- If activities involve community service, connect with the Director of Advancement, RAPA Liaison, RAPA President, Division Head, and Service-Learning Coordinator before planning or executing.
Facilitate parent support of classroom and school-wide needs on an ongoing basis.
Adhere to the budget of $25 per student for activities, parties, etc., which is reimbursable.
Submit receipts monthly, when applicable, to the RAPA Treasurer to ensure timely reimbursement and accurate reporting of class dues balances. Reimbursements must be submitted within 30 days of purchase, except in June. Submit all year-end expenses before 06/20 for expenses to be recorded in the correct fiscal year.
Sales-tax exemption is available for RAPA purchases made for activities and events that benefit the School. The RAPA Liaison can provide the updated exemption certificates (New York and Connecticut) each year. The purchase(s) must be tied directly to an activity or purpose for the School.
Provide regular updates on grade-level activities and family feedback to the appropriate VP (PS/LS/MS/US) to be shared during monthly RAPA meetings.
Communicate feedback from families to the VPs and the President.
It is important that RAPA does not host too many fundraising events or reps ask for money that will interfere with the School’s fundraising efforts via the Annual Fund, a capital campaign, or other fundraising activities that might be underway. Class reps may not ask families for money for any reason without prior approval of the Director of Advancement, the RAPA Liaison, and the RAPA President.

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