Welcome to the Parent Ambassador program at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools!
At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, we believe in the power of our already thriving community. Our Parent Ambassador program is designed to harness the passion and dedication of our parents to represent our school and serve as invaluable touch points for inquiring and incoming families.
Our Mission:
To equip parents of students at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools to be advocates for our schools. These dedicated individuals embody the mission of our school system and are eager to celebrate and share their experiences with others.
Some of the areas you could be apart of include, but aren't limited too:
- Training session/brainstorming workshop with admissions department
- Phoning incoming families
- Attending open houses
- Host "Mass Mingles" after all school Masses
- Tabling after parish Masses
Why It Matters
Parent Ambassadors are not just volunteers; they are agents of change within our community. Here’s why their role matters:
- Recruitment and Retention: Parent Ambassadors are instrumental in attracting new families to our schools and ensuring the continued enrollment of current students. By sharing their positive experiences and insights, they help prospective families envision themselves as part of our vibrant community.
- Breaking Down Barriers: We believe in inclusivity and accessibility for all families. Parent Ambassadors help break down the barriers by offering a warm welcome and providing genuine insights into our schools' culture.
- Empowerment and Leadership: The program isn't just about representation; it’s about empowerment. By giving parents the tools and support to share their stories and advocate for our schools, we nurture leadership skills and foster a sense of ownership within our community. Parent Ambassadors become leaders not only within our school walls but also in their broader spheres of influence.
Join Us!
Are you passionate about Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools? Do you believe in the power of community and education? Join our Parent Ambassadors and be a part of something truly special. Together, we can make a difference and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families.
Applications can be found here. Applications are due April 15th!
For more information or further questions please contact Enrollment Coordinator, Becca Thiry at rthiry@ogknights.org or by calling (605) 575-3341.
Ambassador Spotlights
Name: Allison Heitmann
What drew you to applying for the Parent Ambassador Program? Truthfully, I was asked to apply by Mr. Manning and I have a hard time telling him no. He’s an amazing principal and example for our kiddos.
What is your favorite thing about being a Parent Ambassador? I really enjoyed reaching out to new families and answering their questions. It was interesting to learn of their journey to Holy Spirit. We all had a different path but have found our way to the same school.
What is one thing you want new families in Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to know when their kids start here? That the teachers and staff really care and get to know your kids. Their kindness and impact is endless!
What’s one thing you wish more families knew about a Catholic education? It is so refreshing to hear our kids talk about their journey of faith that is not only instilled at home and church, but school as well. They are so comfortable in their faith and how they talk about it. Being a Catholic is just part of their daily life and they own it!
What would you say to encourage parents to apply to the ambassador program? Just do it! We all have different ways we can serve. It’s rewarding when you can help provide some peace to the chaos of a family starting a new school by reaching out and answering a few questions.
Name: Blair Poppens
What drew you to applying for the Parent Ambassador Program? I had really enjoyed all of the different parents and families that I’d met in my first year with our daughter at St. Katharine Drexel (SKD). I loved the welcoming community and wanted to be able to reach others the same way.
What is your favorite thing about being a Parent Ambassador? I love meeting people, making them feel welcome/prepared. Starting something new, especially for your children, can be so challenging & it’s nice to know you’re not alone. You have that extra support as you navigate new experiences.
What is one thing you want new families in Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to know when their kids start here? SKD isn’t just a great faith based curriculum school- it truly is like a family. Although it is your children that are attending school, the community as a whole truly feels so close and friendly. I didn’t expect to have such a strong pull to be part of something so special until I felt it for myself.
What’s one thing you wish more families knew about a Catholic education? Watching my daughter grow in her faith, sometimes beyond what I feel I’m even capable of, is so rewarding. Catholic education exceeds all expectations. It challenges the students, supports them, and allows them to virtue seek & grow into these incredible little people.
What would you say to encourage parents to apply to the ambassador program? If you like to yap, it’s really easy. Haha. It’s fun to be able to connect with familiar and new faces, to build those relationships that make the school the home that it is.
Name: Lindsey O'Brien
What drew you to applying for the Parent Ambassador Program? I love to meet new people and enjoy helping others in any way I can. I felt the Parent Ambassador Program would be a great way to meet and welcome new families, help new families transition into Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools, and help the schools with various family events throughout the year.
What is your favorite thing about being a Parent Ambassador? Meeting new families at school events and being able to use my family's experience with Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to help answer any questions they have.
What is one thing you want new families in Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to know when their kids start here? Get involved! In any capacity you can, large or small. Being involved in the parent volunteer opportunities at your child's school is a great way to meet other families and learn more about the school.
What’s one thing you wish more families knew about a Catholic education? A Catholic education helps students learn that God is present and active in their lives, in academics, in extracurricular activities, and in social interactions. Faith and values are integrated into the curriculum, leading to both academic excellence and character development.
What would you say to encourage parents to apply to the ambassador program? Being a Parent Ambassador is an excellent way to help other families and help the school system as a whole. You will be able to meet new people and share your knowledge of and experience with Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools.
Name: Kelsey Whitesel
What drew you to applying for the Parent Ambassador Program? I really love the community of St. Mary, and I wanted to be someone who could help welcome new families into it!
What is your favorite thing about being a Parent Ambassador? Being able to touch base with new families, answer any questions they might have, and help them make connections if necessary!
What is one thing you want new families in Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to know when their kids start here? The smaller class plus school size is such a gift. It really allows you to get to know the staff and families quicker, which will in turn lead to a more comfortable school environment/experience.
What’s one thing you wish more families knew about a Catholic education? That the root of it all is being a good person who leads with compassion and love.
What would you say to encourage parents to apply to the ambassador program? Do it! It isn't a huge time commitment, but it is such a great way to get to know more people, and it's fun to be involved with the bigger school events.
Name: Kameha Bell
What drew you to applying for the Parent Ambassador Program? Changing schools is tough, and entering a private school system can be intimidating and stressful. I wanted to help families feel more at ease with the transition, provide a space for them to talk to someone who they felt like would give them a straight answer, and be a welcoming first touch.
What is your favorite thing about being a Parent Ambassador? The opportunity to help a family feel more comfortable about joining the O'G community, and providing them someone they could reach out to with questions if needed. I love being able to answer questions, hear their stories, and getting random texts throughout the year asking about an event or communication that came out. I feel like I helped make their experience and transition a positive one.
What is one thing you want new families in Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools to know when their kids start here? They belong! It may take some time (maybe even trial and error), but they will find their people and they will find their way!
What’s one thing you wish more families knew about a Catholic education? I wish more families understood the impact of being in a community of people with similar values. And by that I mean they share the value of caring about their children’s education, and they share the value of “valuing values”. Even if you don’t share our Catholic Faith, the impact of being in the positive Catholic school environment can’t be understated. While kids are kids, and they may make bad choices from time to time, a Catholic education provides the balance of having high standards and expectations, with the love and support that is needed by kids to become thriving adults.
What would you say to encourage parents to apply to the ambassador program? The touches made by Ambassadors matter! You have the opportunity to make the difference in that “first impression” a family has of our school and our community. Are we a welcoming community, or do we expect new families to figure it out and find their own way? Certainly they can figure it out, but if we have a chance to make the experience that much more welcoming, that much more positive, why wouldn’t we?