PA Spotlight: Kelly Rush

Tell us a little bit about your family - your kids, how long you’ve been at SSFS, what brought you here, etc. 

We came to SSFS in 2016, when my oldest, Benjamin, began PK4. We fell in love with many things about SSFS– the outdoor space, hands-on learning, warm teachers, Quaker values, small class sizes and attention to Social-Emotional learning. He’s now in 7th grade and many of the things we loved about SSFS when he was four are still things we love for him at twelve, despite him being in a very different place developmentally, academically, socially, etc. The core SSFS values and foundations are important and invaluable across grades.  

How long have you been active with the PA? What roles have you played?

I started small, as a grade rep for Kindergarten, and when my youngest, Caroline, went to PK3 and my schedule opened up more, I took on the role of Assistant Co-Clerk to really understand the leadership roles of the PA.  I then moved into Co-Clerk for two years, with my first year as Co-Clerk during the 2019-2020 school year and Covid!  It was an incredibly challenging time to be home with two young ones (PK3 and 2nd grade) but serving with the PA really helped me stay connected to the SSFS community. When I finished my Co-Clerk term, I began to Clerk the annual Auction (now called Friends Celebration). I have enjoyed this role the most, as it feels like I’m really able to give back to the community with the funds we raise for student financial aid. I’ve also served as MS Division Rep and various grade reps for both of my kids.  

Why do you choose to volunteer your time to the PA at SSFS?

My kids spend more time at school than they do at home, and SSFS has a profound impact on their development. I can’t think of a better place to be involved. Right off the bat we appreciated the broader SSFS community, and as I’ve volunteered with the PA that’s only grown. I’ve gotten to know so many parents with like-minded values across grades and divisions.  

What’s your favorite part about being active in the PA?

It’s been great getting to know other families AND supporting the SSFS community that we love; it’s hard to say which is a favorite!  

What’s your favorite PA-led event and why?

I’ve Clerked the Friends Celebration (Auction) for the last three years and it’s a great event!  Not only is it a fun party with dinner, drinks, dancing & great items for bid, but even more– it’s for an amazing cause that gives back directly to our SSFS families (student financial aid).  The committee of parent volunteers has a ton of fun planning the event, and helping to make an SSFS education available to as many students as possible is something we can all support.  

What do you think you’ve gained from being active in the PA?

I feel very connected to the SSFS community from all of the work I’ve done with the PA.  It’s been great getting to know families and feel like you’re supporting the connections amongst the greater SSFS community.  Part of what makes SSFS so special to many of us is the community, so being involved with the PA has been an important part of our family’s time here.