By Dr. James Jordan
Dr. Jordan is the Head of School at ESN.

At Episcopal School of Nashville, our focus goes beyond the books! We believe in building a strong, involved community, and at the heart of this vision is our amazing Parents’ Association (PA). If you’re new to our community or a long-standing member, it’s my pleasure to share the essential role our PA plays at the school and the many ways to get involved this year.

Leadership of the PA

The PA is an all-volunteer organization and is dedicated to helping make our school even better by providing support to faculty and staff, hosting events, and creating community among our families. This year’s PA President is Kate Pilcher, who also served as the president when the school was located on the Woodland Street campus. To ensure a smooth partnership between the PA and the school, LaTerra Davis, our Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, serves as the PA liaison. Having been at the school since it opened in 2016, LaTerra has seen the PA grow and evolve, and she appreciates the “vital support our Parents Association provides at our school and the community.” She particularly enjoys attending PA hosted events, such as the end of year picnic. Dr. Deatrice Swett, our former PK-8th grade Principal also echoes the importance of the PA: “Involved parents have a greater appreciation for the challenges teachers face in the classroom. Teacher efficacy and teacher morale is lifted and they feel appreciated. The Parent Association at ESN helps increase home and school communication, brings the school and families together and builds trust.”

Engaging with East Nashville

Being part of the East Nashville community is a point of pride for us. From participating in last Saturday’s Tomato Arts Festival to hosting the Metro Council District 6 Candidate Forum this summer, and other local events, we’re actively engaging with our vibrant neighborhood. As our PA President Kate Pilcher puts it, “Being a part of the East Nashville community is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s our way to show our children the importance of active community engagement.” See below for committees you can be involved with at ESN

Committees at Work:

Teacher Appreciation: Teachers are our pillars. Through regular gestures like Staff Refuel, we ensure they know they’re valued.
Family Social Events: From Family Skate Night to the year-end picnic, we ensure that our calendar is packed with opportunities for families to bond.
Parents Night Out: We recognize that parents need their downtime too, and this committee organizes events just for them.
Community Outreach: Our responsibility goes beyond school gates. With park clean-ups and planned community programs, we aim to make a positive impact in the broader community.
Special Events: We celebrate our traditions, be it the annual Purple Martin Palooza, the holiday market, or the cultural touchpoint of St. Nick’s.

Join the Effort:

We’re always on the lookout for more hands and ideas. From volunteering at lunch, reading in classrooms, serving as field trip chaperones, to leading a PA committee, there’s a spot for everyone. Dive in and contribute in ways big or small. If you are interested in joining and/or supporting the Episcopal School of Nashville’s Parents’ Association, please contact Betsy Lyons at esnpa@esnashville.org.

Rooted in Community: The Role of the Parents’ Association at Episcopal School of Nashville