Volunteer Opportunities

List of 9 items.

• Parent Coordinators & Divisional Volunteers

  Parent volunteers play an important role in each division of the School. Some leadership positions, such as Lead Parent Coordinators, require a larger time commitment. These roles are appointed by divisional administrators and include a Lead Coordinator for each grade in Lower School (along with Section/Homeroom Parents) and a Grade-Level Coordinator in Middle and Upper School.
  
  

  There are also many opportunities for families to contribute in smaller ways. Volunteers help with classroom and grade-level events, faculty appreciation activities, book fairs, and other division-specific programs. Coordinators and volunteers are invited to attend regular meetings to receive updates and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.

  
  Contact your child's division for more information:

  Lower School: Brady McManus, Assistant to the Head of Lower School

  Middle School: Kerri Maatallah, Assistant to the Head of Middle School

  Upper School: Karen Noone, Assistant to the Head of Upper School

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• Shipley Admissions Ambassadors

  Shipley Admissions Ambassadors reach out to prospective families and members of the greater community, telling their Shipley stories to help promote the School.

  
  Contact: Wendy Smith, Admissions Engagement Coordinator

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• Fall Fest

  Fall Fest is one of Shipley’s signature fundraising events—an adults-only evening of live music, food, and fun under the stars. Proceeds support Shipley students and academic programs. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to take on a leadership role, Fall Fest depends on volunteers to help make it a success.

  
  Committee: Meets regularly throughout the year to plan and promote the event, secure sponsors, auction and raffle items, and coordinate event logistics.
  
  

  One-Time Volunteer Roles: Help with envelope stuffing, nametags, or event decoration—great options if you’re looking for a shorter commitment.
  
  Contact: Sara Goldstein, Advancement Operations and Events Coordinator
  
  

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• Secret Gardens

  This popular fundraiser features a self-guided tour of private gardens and includes a luncheon. The event raises funds to support Shipley students and academic programs. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can take on a leadership role, Secret Gardens depends upon our volunteers. Learn more about the event on our website.
  
  Committee: The committee plans and hosts the tour and luncheon, and meets regularly throughout the year.

   

  Garden Guides (May): Guides help us on the day of the event, working at a garden site for a 3-hour shift as a point of contact for tour-goers. Guides do not need any garden-related knowledge.
  
  Contact: Sara Goldstein or fill out this form to sign up.

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• Shipley Blooms Crew

  Join other plant enthusiasts and help beautify Shipley’s walkways with seasonal container gardens. No experience necessary!

  
  Contact: Sarah Sterling, Associate Director of College Counseling and Educational Horticulture Coordinator

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• Annual Giving

  Volunteers play a vital role in the success of Shipley’s Annual Fund, which provides critical support for every student, every day. There are many ways to be involved if asking for financial support isn’t in your comfort zone:

  • Event Support: Help staff events such as Shipley’s Day of Giving.
  • Donor Stewardship: Write thank-you notes or make calls to express gratitude to donors.
  • Promotion: Share information about the Annual Fund with your networks and help spread awareness of its impact.

  Your time and enthusiasm help ensure that every family understands the importance of the Annual Fund and feels inspired to participate.

  
  Contact: Charlie Biddle ’05, Director of Annual Giving

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• Athletics: Team Parents & Ambassadors

  Volunteering with Shipley Athletics is a great way to support our student-athletes and build community spirit. Team Parents and Ambassadors work alongside coaches and athletic staff to coordinate parent involvement throughout the season. Responsibilities may include:

  • Managing snack and drink sign-ups for away games.
  • Organizing senior gifts and celebrations.
  • Coordinating the team’s end-of-season dinner or awards night.

  The time commitment is typically 1–3 hours per week during the active season. By stepping into this role, you help our athletes live the values of Growth, Teamwork, and Resilience (GTR) both on and off the field.
  
  Contact: Justin Cooper, Athletic Director

• Theater Volunteers

  Shipley’s vibrant theater program benefits from the support of dedicated volunteers. Families can support our student performers and crew by:

  • Assisting with props, costumes, or set construction.
  • Helping backstage during productions.
  • Organizing cast parties or providing refreshments during rehearsals and performances.

  These roles vary in size and scope, making it easy to find a way to contribute—whether you can lend a hand for a single rehearsal or commit throughout the production process. Volunteering in theater not only supports our students’ artistic journeys but also helps create memorable productions that bring the Shipley community together.
  
  Contact: Chelsea Clark, Theater Producer

• Volunteer Executive Committee (VEC)

  VEC consists of volunteers who are currently in leadership roles, such as lead coordinators and chairs of major school fundraising events/efforts, etc. The group meets several times a year and members serve as leaders and ambassadors for the School, while offering guidance and input to the administration.