Welcome to our volunteer community!
The CIS Parent Association plays an important role in building a strong, connected school community. We are powered by parents, grandparents, family members, and caregivers who give their time and energy to make our school community stronger.
There is a role here for every schedule and every kind of contribution. Help out at one of our signature events, jump in on a project for an afternoon, or take on an ongoing role through the school year. There is truly something for everyone.
Every hour you give creates a ripple: memorable experiences for our students, support for our faculty and staff, and the kind of connected community that makes CIS feel like home.
We can’t wait to have you join us!
Click here to view volunteer opportunities.
NEXT PA MEETING — October 27 – Stay tuned for more information
Join us on Tuesday, October 27, at 6:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center for an ISACS parent webinar featuring executive function expert Sarah Ward, titled “School Readiness: Executive Function Needed to Do School.”
Following the webinar, Upper School Director Dr. Sarah Primmer will lead a discussion and provide an opportunity for questions.
Free childcare will be available for children ages 5–12. Please register in advance.
ISACS Parent Series
The Parent Series is a year-long program offering 6 exceptional webinars designed for independent school parents & caregivers in all stages of their children’s growth. You must register to attend and access playbacks.
Register for the Parent Series!
A Word from our PA President
Dear Columbia Independent School Families,
Welcome! Whether you are new to CIS or returning for another wonderful school year, I am so glad you are here.
Over the years I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of volunteer roles throughout our school. Thus, it is with great enthusiasm that I step into a new role this year: President of the Parent Association.
So what does the Parent Association do? The PA exists to provide hands-on and meaningful support to our school. Our efforts include:
- Coordinating volunteers to support school functions and events
- Organizing community events like the All-School Picnic and end-of-year Ice Cream
Social
- Celebrating our teachers and staff through appreciation events and fundraising
efforts (including our beloved Scholastic Book Fair)
- Hosting PA meetings, held at least twice a year, featuring topics of interest to our
parent community - Fundraising to power our Parent Association initiatives
My goals as PA President are simple. First and foremost, to help make it easy and manageable for parents to get involved. Second, to shift our view of service to our school as more than just lending a hand, but as an opportunity to build genuine community, forge friendships, and connect with fellow parents. Together, these goals will build a stronger sense of community while supporting our school, our students, and our faculty and staff.
How do you, as a CIS parent, get involved? It’s easy! You don’t need a special membership or formal invitation to be involved with PA activities… you simply need a willingness to jump in! Every effort listed above is made possible by PA volunteers, and truly, many hands make light work. I encourage you to consider getting involved. The first step is to fill out our PA Volunteer Form or send a quick email to cispa@cislions.org with any questions. I would love to hear from you!
I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and dedication of our CIS parents, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together this year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2026-27 school year. See you around the halls!
Warmly,
Carolyn Spencer
CIS Parent Association President, 2026-27
2026-2027 Parent Association Leadership
PA Executive Committee
President: Carolyn Spencer
Vice President: Lea Wood
Secretary: Tamra Soper
Treasurer: Jamie Bormann
Lower School Chair: Keira Hamann
Middle School Chair: Julie Farmer
Upper School Chair: Summer Ahmad
PA Liaison: Fran Patrick
PA Committee Chairs
Fundraising: Jennifer Orford
All School Picnic: Bridget Gruender
Spirit Store/Used Uniform Sale: Anna Stine
Media Center: Lori Miller
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week: Samantha Gage
Bookfair: Robyn Koboldt
PA Volunteer Opportunities
All CIS parents are encouraged to participate in Parent Association activities throughout the school year. Some of our signature events include:
With daytime, evening, and weekend opportunities available, there’s something to fit every schedule.
Ready to get involved? Email cispa@cislions.org to learn about current volunteer opportunities. We look forward to partnering with you!