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 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.
Meet the UPA
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 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.
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
Unquowa UPA Fall Update
Posted by Jacqui Mudre
From our lovely first-day-of-school Welcome Coffee, on through the fall, the Unquowa Parents’ Association has been busy creating fun-filled gatherings for our wonderful Unquowa community.
The UPA hosted a Parents’ Night Out at Elicit Brewing Company in Fairfield, where the whimsical Cirque Kikasse performed. We sponsored the Upper School Fall Socials: fifth and sixth grade classes enjoyed an after-school DJ/dance party, and seventh and eighth grade students took to the ropes courses at the Discovery Museum’s Adventure Park.
The Community Service Committee held a Halloween Costume Drive to benefit nOURish Bridgeport bringing in over 100 costumes to give to children in need, and our annual Food and Coat drive was combined this year with our enthusiastic first and fourth grade students proudly delivering the coats and non-perishables directly to the Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport. Thank you to all who contribute so generously to these meaningful drives to support our community.
The Gator Goods Committee offered merchandise at Founders’ Day, featuring new golf and mini umbrellas, and have moved toward BSN Sideline’s website, with greater accessibility for families and alumni to purchase spirit wear. Visit: Unquowa.org/gator-goods/
And the highlight of the season was The Social Committee’s friendraiser: The Ultimate Gator Dreamhouse BBQ Bash! Guests stepped into a transformed Unquowa gymnasium, a backyard party at the coolest house on the block. From gathering around the fire, to sharing stories at the picnic tables under twinkling lights, the evening captured the joy of friendship, community, and those true moments that make us feel at home. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff, parents, and friends who put in time and care to plan, set up, sell raffle tickets and take down the event; and to Kindred Spirits & Wine, A Pinch of Salt, Sound Coffee, Peacock Alley Cocktail Club, and Sweet P Bakery for the delicious treats and drinks that filled our bellies and warmed our hearts. This night was a beautiful reminder of the “unafraid spirit” that defines our community—the willingness to show up, collaborate, step outside our comfort zones, and build connections that truly make the world a better place.
Our deepest gratitude to all of our UPA members, chairs, and volunteers for all they do—the community we enjoy here at Unquowa is unparalleled, and we love fostering it with you.
– The Unquowa Parents Association
Giving Tree at the UPA Auction
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Click here to go to the auction site to buy tickets, preview items and give to the Giving Tree!
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!
