Where Parents Are Actively Engaged
Nearly one hundred years ago, a group of parents searching for a school environment for their children that was small, progressive, and challenging came together to establish The Unquowa School. Their spirit of commitment to our fundamental ideals and the partnership of our faculty, staff and parents, lives on today in The Unquowa Parents Association, more commonly referred to as the UPA.
All Parents are Members
There are many positions and opportunities for parents to share their time and talent with the whole school community. All parents are, by definition, members of the UPA. We meet each month on Wednesday after assembly to discuss current projects and brainstorm for new ideas. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend because the UPA is the gateway to parental participation in our school. From classroom representatives to president of the UPA, there are many avenues for involvement in our children’s education. Each member of the UPA board strives to achieve a sense of community and fellowship that have become the hallmark of the Unquowa community, in addition to working to support – through both fundraising and volunteering – our school’s programming.
UPA Board
IDEA Committee
Mrs. Heather Winkelmann, Ms. Athena Adamson, Mrs. Anna Acunto, Mrs. Emily Bernstein
Co-Presidents
Mrs. Heather Winkelmann, Mrs. Melissa Howe
1st Vice President Lower School & 1st Vice President Upper School – Chairs of Room Representative
Ms. Elizabeth Hayes
2nd Vice President Ways & Means/Auction
Ms. Elizabeth Hayes, Mrs. Jenna Venditto, Mrs. Alison Roberts, Mrs. Karen Williamson, Mrs. Danielle Pitts, Ms. Byrne Pozzi, Ms. Lisa Kirsic, Mrs. Anna Acunto
Treasurer
Mrs. Robin Pompa
Recording Secretary & Planet UPA
Ms. Susan Breen
Gift Shop
Mrs. Jenna Venditto, Ms. Cheryl Bennett-Davidowitz, Ms. Athena Adamson, Mrs. Emily Bernstein, Mrs. Hillary Onthank
Green Committee
Mr. Daniel Iacovella, Ms. Vicki Hornbostel, Ms. Lisa Kirsic, Mrs. Danielle Pitts
Hospitality
Ms. Susan Breen, Mrs. Emily Bernstein, Mrs. Danielle Pitts
Nominating
Mrs. Alison Roberts, Mrs. Heather Winkelmann, Mrs. Melissa Howe
Community Service/Sunshine
Ms. Athena Adamson, Mrs. Alison Smith, Mrs. Emily Bernstein, Dr. John Michniewicz, Ms. Trisha Doyle
4th Grade Socials
Mrs. Emily Bernstein
5th & 6th Grade Socials
Ms. Susan Breen, Mrs. Jenna Venditto, Ms. Elizabeth Williams, Mr. Lloyd Mitchell, Mrs. Kirsten Murphy, Mrs. Anna Acunto
7th & 8th Grade Socials
Mr. Lloyd Mitchell, Ms. Melody Waterhouse, Mrs. Bridgett Di Bonaventura, Ms. Melissa Balmer
Sports Banquets
Mrs. Sandra Wilson, Ms. Elizabeth Hayes, Mrs. Emily Bernstein
Teacher Appreciation (Breakfast & Lunch)
Mrs. Heather Winkelmann, Mrs. Jenna Venditto, Ms. Melody Waterhouse, Ms. Melody Waterhouse, Mrs. Alison Roberts, Mrs. Jasmine Smith-Cruz
The Social Commitee/Wine Tasting
Ms. Elizabeth Hayes, Ms. Corti Cooper, Ms. Lauren Coakley Vincent
Fun and Fundraising
The scope of the UPA can best be summed up in two words: fun and fundraising. We host many school-wide events and endeavors that are designed to enrich our students’ educational experience as well as to foster a strong sense of school spirit. Whether it is school socials or athletic desserts for the children, or our annual gala and auction for the parents, our volunteers come together to support Unquowa. The UPA continuously helps to build our school’s future on the sturdy foundation of its history and tradition
Hanging in the Trees!
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
7th and 8th grade enjoyed the return of the fall student social at the Adventure Park. These social events sponsored by the UPA give the students time to connect, challenge themselves and enjoy the aerial experience of hanging in the trees! This is an event that is always enjoyed by all!
A Wicked Experience!
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Part of the annual UPA Auction & Gala are unique teacher experiences where students get to join students in fun adventures! This year, I was fortunate to offer a unique experience of travelling to New York City to see the Broadway play Wicked and get a tour of the backstage with none other than the Wiz himself, played by Alum Parent Michael McCormick. We were treated to seeing how the magic comes together and see the inner workings of one of the oldest Broadway theatres in New York City. The experience was one of a kind and magical! Check out the teacher experiences at this year’s Gala!
“A Plastic Ocean” Presented by the UPA Green Committee
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Friday, March 1st at 7PM the UPA Green Committee presents a screening of the award-winning documentary “A Plastic Ocean.”
This film explores the global issue of plastic pollution and the actions we can take to create change. All Unquowa families and guests are welcome!
Please note that this is not a drop-off event.
Bring something comfortable to sit on and your own reusable water bottle…or purchase one that night. Popcorn will be served!
Upper School Social Reaches New Heights!
Posted by Alyson Cahill
Last week, 6th-8th graders boarded a bus headed to Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk for their first after-school social of the school year! Students jumped, jousted, dodgeball-ed, and of course, enjoyed snacks (including all-you-can-eat pizza!) for two hours. It was a fantastic way to end the week! Many thanks to the chaperones and UPA for helping make this outing possible!
Fourth and Fifth Grade Social
Posted by Carlene Gordon
Fourth and fifth graders were treated to the annual fall social on a recent Friday afternoon in the Unquowa gym. Students were greeted with an ice cream bar filled with goodies that would please Willie Wonka Countless combinations of sundae treats were created. Then it was off to the prop stand, where students donned silly glasses, bold mustaches and sparkly hats. Students had fun at the photo booth striking many poses and then tested their flexibility in a giant game of Twister. The highlight of the social was presented when the music started and the DJ was sure to teach all the latest dance moves. A great time was definitely had by all. A special thank you goes out to the parent-lead social committee for putting together an afternoon our students will not soon forget!
Centennial Gala & Auction…What A Night!
Posted by Kate Haviland
Our celebration of Unquowa’s first 100 years just keeps going! Parents, alums, grandparents and friends came together last weekend to raise a glass (or two!) and funds at the UPA’s Centennial Gala & Auction.
And what a party it was! We had it all … live jazz, fabulous food, a bellini bar, games, a matching challenge from the Board of Governors and an incredible collection of auction items! It was wonderful to have so many Unquowans, past and present, join us. Our community showed their Gator Pride by raising funds for the school in record numbers…thank you all!
Here’s to the next 100 years!
