With only five months until the Richard R. Steiner Campus opens, Jenna Pagoaga ’98 is feeling energized about what this moment means for the school’s future.

“I think we don’t know yet what this campus will bring to Rowland Hall: the space, the opportunities, the growth,” she said. “I’m optimistic about all the wonderful ways it’s going to benefit our community.”

The alumna, now a Rowland Hall parent to a rising ninth grader and fifth grader, has long been devoted to what’s best for the community. Over the years, Jenna has supported the school as a trustee, admission ambassador, and in various leadership positions for the Home & School Association, Rowland Hall’s parent-school organization, including two terms as McCarthey Campus Home & School president.

We’re in a big, exciting transition time at our school. When we’re on one campus, we’re going to have more opportunities to build on the momentum of people who want to volunteer, gather, and help out.—Jenna Pagoaga ’98, Home & School Association president

Now, as Rowland Hall prepares to unite students at one location for the first time in more than 40 years, Jenna is taking on a new role: president of a newly restructured Home & School.

“We’re in a big, exciting transition time at our school,” she said. “When we’re on one campus, we’re going to have more opportunities to build on the momentum of people who want to volunteer, gather, and help out.”

To bring this goal to life, Home & School has shifted from a two-campus leadership structure to a campus-wide executive board focused on expanding the ways families can be involved in their children’s school experience. One of the biggest changes, said Jenna, is the addition of coordinators for all divisions. These representatives serve as families’ main contacts, supporting division-specific volunteers (like classroom representatives) and organizing community-building events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The new structure also includes a merger with the athletics Booster Club to foster school spirit in all divisions and instill a stronger sense of school pride across the united campus. Separate committees have been formed to support Booster Club, as well as Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week initiatives.

The goal of all these changes, Jenna explained, is to ensure every family enjoys consistent community support during their time at the school, as well as to provide all interested parents and caregivers—even those with the most demanding schedules—the chance to be part of their children’s extraordinary education.

“We want to give these experiences to as many people as possible, no matter how much time they have,” said Jenna.

In anticipation of the upcoming school year, we asked Jenna to answer a few more questions about what she’s looking forward to in 2026–2027.

As Rowland Hall prepares to bring all students together on the Steiner Campus, what are you most excited about for families?

It is such an exciting time for Rowland Hall. I’m looking forward to all the ways we can continue to build and foster relationships within our community. One thing I am excited about is the opportunity to build school spirit as we start to come together on one campus. Merging the Booster Club with Home & School will strengthen the pride our community has in all our school activities, including our athletic programs.

What are some ways parents, including those who have limited time, can meaningfully engage with the school community?

Home & School has a number of different volunteering opportunities, from spending a morning volunteering at picture day or serving as a grade-level community builder. Whether your interests are being in the classroom, planning social events to foster community, or spending quiet time organizing in the library or uniform closet, there is something for everyone who wants to be involved.

What message would you share with those who are new to Rowland Hall or unsure how to get involved?

If you are interested in getting involved, I encourage you to reach out to the Home & School team to learn more. Fill out our volunteer sign-up form, then we’ll follow up to provide more information, answer your questions, and help find what’s best for you. Also remember to read Friday Facts regularly to learn about upcoming opportunities to be engaged in our great community. We are so happy you’re here!

Our gratitude to the 2026–2027 Home & School Executive Board:

• President: Jenna Pagoaga
• President-elect: Carol Bowman
• Past Presidents: Helen Barkes and Nan Marquardt
• Secretary: Alexis Swaringer
• Treasurer: Hamed Asghari
• Marketing Coordinator: Jeehae Linford
• Beginning School Coordinators: Emily Lauer and Riccha Paul
• Lower School Coordinators: Arthi Wecker and Lindsay Trzaska
• Middle School Coordinators: Carolyn Petersen and Manisha Shah
• Upper School Coordinators: Holly Drury and Sarah Campsen
• Faculty & Staff Appreciation Chairs: Aimee Nussbaum, Deepthi Lakshman, and Grace Robin
• Booster Club Chairs: Alexandra Von Maack and Melanie Bates

Banner, left to right: Home & School Executive board members Nan Marquardt, Grace Robin, Deepthi Lakshman, Carol Bowman, Jenna Pagoaga, Arthi Wecker, Lindsay Trzaska, and Riccha Paul.