When a parent spends time with other parents, working on the same mission and goals, good things happen, says Tricia Hyland, newly named president of the Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy Parent CORPS (Committee of Responsible Parent Support) organization. 

This parent group, a longtime staple of the school, has evolved through the years to include new activities, new leaders, new fundraisers and new members, but one aspect remains the same: the many benefits of being involved. 

“The most wonderful part of Parent CORPS in my experience are the parts that have not changed,” Hyland said. “Participating parents end up with new friendships, families get to know other families, children thrive, teachers feel supported, and our principal trusts our intentions when he sees the fruits of our labors.”

Parent CORPS, whose membership is free and open to all enrolled school families, organizes a number of successful social and fundraising events throughout the academic year including a matching WeGiveCatholic Challenge, Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, Trunk or Treat, Santa Shop, Bingo with Santa, Junior High Tobogganing, school dances, Fun Run, and much, much more. Monthly Parent CORPS meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Lower Rectory Hall meeting room. The first meeting of the new school year was held Aug. 22 featuring new Youth Minister Ryan Bagley, and the next meeting is set for Sept. 19 with a “Discipleship & Welcoming” topic theme. 

A current calendar of events and monthly meetings can be found at assumptionacademy.org/parent-corps

New this year, Hyland is supporting Principal Rick Kaliszewski’s introduction of Grandparents Day on Sept. 12, a Parents’ Night Out Cornhole Tournament & Chili Cook-off on Oct. 21, Cocoa and Cookies after the Rorate Candle Lit Advent Mass in December, a Winter Family Fun Night on Jan. 29 to kick off Catholic Schools Week, and refreshments in the Lower Rectory Hall after the May 1st May Crowning event. The “Thank God It’s First Friday” ministry will continue again this year, with August being focused on Preschool families and Kindergarten families in September. On Sept. 2^nd, Kindergarten families are invited to a family night near the school playground from 6 to 7 p.m. Parent CORPS also interacts and supports many areas of our parish, including the Fabulous Fish Fry Bake sale, and will continue to build steady future bridges with other parish organizations including Hearts with Haiti and our diocesan-wide group of young adult residents, The Culture Project, among others. 

“Any and every school, every family, every student, is more successful when parents care and pay attention to what is happening in their children’s lives, and in their schools,” Hyland said. “Success is better together to help lighten each other’s loads. Being helpful, learning more about how to be helpful, being kind through difficult moments, and forgiving generously and the list goes on for the many benefits of being involved. Remember, if you are a school parent, you are already a member of Parent CORPS. Start or restart your involvement at any time throughout the year. We will benefit from your presence.”

To learn more about Parent CORPS, visit assumptionacademy.org.