Rowland Hall is pleased to introduce the incoming Home & School Association presidents for 2025–2026.

Helen Barkes will lead the Lincoln Street Campus Home & School Association, while Nan Marquardt, Molly Lynn, and Rachel Moore will lead the McCarthey Campus Home & School Association.

We asked the volunteers to share what they’re looking forward to in the coming school year. Responses have been lightly edited.

What are your goals for Home & School in 2025–2026?

Nan: My main goal is to boost parent involvement and help foster a strong, connected school community. I believe every family should feel welcome and engaged, and I hope to support this by organizing inclusive, community-building events. I also want to continue supporting our amazing teachers and staff—one of the things I love most about Home & School is how much we prioritize teacher appreciation. It's inspiring to see parents come together to show how much we value the dedication of our educators, and I’m excited to keep that going.

My goal is to help every family feel they can easily get involved and be as much a part of the school as they would like to be.—Molly Lynn

Molly: From my own experience, the challenge often isn't a lack of desire to help, but simply the logistics of our busy lives. Whether it is missing an announcement in Friday Facts or being too slow to click on a sign-up sheet, it can sometimes feel hard to volunteer in a way that works with your schedule. With that in mind, my goal is to help every family feel they can easily get involved and be as much a part of the school as they would like to be.

Rachel: My Home & School goal for 2025–2026 is to encourage more families to become actively involved in our school and to help foster an inclusive community for all parents and caregivers.

Why do you choose to volunteer for Home & School?

Nan: Volunteering with Home & School has been a wonderful way for me to connect with other parents and build relationships with our incredible teachers. It’s made the school community feel more personal and welcoming.

Molly: The Rowland Hall community is one of my favorite aspects of the school. It is rewarding to find small ways to support the school culture, both within the classroom and beyond.

Rachel: I choose to volunteer for Home & School because I love being involved in my kids’ school life. It’s not just about education; it’s also about their social community. I believe the combination of their social-emotional network in tandem with academics will help mold them into who they will ultimately become—and I want to help foster that.

What do you want families to know about getting involved and why do you encourage them to do so?

Getting involved in Home & School is a great way for families to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships within the school community.—Nan Marquardt

Nan: Getting involved in Home & School is a great way for families to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships within the school community. Whether you have a little time or a lot, every bit of involvement is truly valued.

Molly: Home & School offers numerous opportunities to contribute, whether you have an hour, a year, or more time available. The more I have engaged, the more parents, faculty, and students I have met, and the more enriching I have found the experience at the school to be for our family. I encourage you to join us in whatever capacity works for you—we'd love to have you.

Rachel: I’d like families to know that they don’t have to make a big time commitment to make a big impact. I’d encourage family members and caregivers to get involved in whatever capacity they can.

Learn more about Home & School and ways you can get involved or connect with other families.