A school tradition since 1988, the annual Auction Gala is the major social fundraising event for the adult community at WES, featuring a new theme each year. Net proceeds from the Auction support the general operating budget and specific needs identified annually by the school. Volunteers plan all aspects of the event with the Development Office, including data entry, party planning, decorations, item solicitation and management, catalog description writing, office work, Class Keepsakes, promotions, and more. From planning to event wrap-up, volunteers can participate at different levels, from attending monthly meetings to chairing a committee, to a few weeks, a few days, or just set up.
Summer to early spring
BINGO Night
Volunteers help coordinate and host this fun event, which will be held in January 2025 and features BINGO games, prizes, and food for the whole family.
Book Fair
Our community of readers relishes the annual Book Fair, held in early December in The Stuart Work Library. Proceeds go toward the purchase of new books for the library as well as classrooms. Volunteers are needed to plan, set up/break down, assist children in selecting books, and serve as cashiers. Volunteers sign up for shifts during this eight-day event.
Early December
The Dragon’s Den
The Dragon’s Den, the WES school store, seeks volunteers to organize merchandise and sell PE gear, spirit wear, and gifts. Busy times are the first week of school, when seasons change, and occasionally throughout the year.
Year-round opportunities
Faculty Appreciation
Help plan a faculty appreciation event in October and May! Events generally include food and decorations.
Founders Day Picnic
The Founders Day Picnic is a long-standing tradition for families, faculty, and alumni to celebrate the end of the school year. Volunteers work with the Development Office to coordinate the event, arrange vendors, set up/break down, serve food, and monitor games. Late May 2025
Hot Lunch
Adult volunteers are needed to help serve lunch to students. Coordinate with the Main Office to choose dates that are convenient for your schedule.
Year-round opportunities, mid-day
Library
Book lovers will enjoy shelving and/or re-covering books in The Stuart Work Library which features more than 1,500 titles. Time commitment is one day a week or a month, or what suits your schedule.
Year-round opportunities
Parents Association (PA)
Every family is a member of The Parents Association (PA). The PA fosters interest, support, and participation among the parents and guardians of students in Washington Episcopal School and provides a forum in which parents can freely express their views to enhance the operation of the school and their experience with the school. As a vital link between parents, administration, faculty, and students, the association’s Mission is to advance an understanding of the school’s program and promote the growth and development of the school’s community. Reps from each grade help plan and coordinate community events and provide parent education and faculty appreciation events. Reps are invited in the summer to serve, and leadership is elected each year.
School Picture Day
Volunteers help on Picture Day, usually in mid-to-late September, to check in students and make the day go swiftly and smoothly.
September 17 and 18, 2024
Science Fair Judge
Parents/guardians/grandparents with a science and/or technology background are invited to judge projects of each Grade 6 student as they present their projects to the community in the annual Grade 6 Science Fair. Held in late winter, judges help select the top performers to represent WES at the annual Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association’s (MAESA) Fair in late April.
One day, late winter
Speaker Series
The WES PA coordinates a speaker series to educate our community of adults and students. Volunteers help identify speakers who can present interesting and relevant topics in person or virtually.
Late summer through late winter
Spiritual & Cultural Learning
Service Learning
Our Department of Spiritual and Cultural Learning invites you to volunteer with both individual events and ongoing projects. Opportunities include helping with service learning projects, organizing celebrations of heritage and culture, assisting with special Chapels, organizing the Global Fair (Fall ’25) or Fall ServiceFest (Fall ’26), and more. Those interested in supporting the ongoing work of this department throughout the year can join the Spiritual and Cultural Learning Committee, which provides leadership and facilitates conversation around spiritual life, service learning, and DEIB at WES.
Year-round opportunities
Used Uniform Shop
Volunteers help organize, tidy, and sell items in the Used Uniform Shop on the second floor. Items are donated by families and are offered at deep discounts.
Year-round opportunities
Additional Committees
The school may invite parents to participate in strategic committees based on their expertise. These include the Board of Trustees, annual fund, audit, communications, development, facilities, finance, investment, trustees, and other ad hoc committees.
