Building connection. Strengthening community. Helping families feel they belong.
The Parent Engagement Group (PEG) is a family-led committee of the Great River School Foundation dedicated to strengthening connection and community among Great River families.
Whether your family is brand new to Great River or has been here for years, PEG creates opportunities to meet other caregivers, build relationships, share ideas, and take part in the life of our community.
What We Do
Welcome Families
We help new and transitioning families make connections, navigate a new school community, and feel welcomed at Great River.
Build Community
We create opportunities for families and caregivers to connect through gatherings, community events, classroom relationships, and shared experiences.
Create Ways to Participate
We help families discover meaningful and flexible ways to contribute their time, ideas, interests, and talents to the Great River community.
BACK TO SCHOOL AT GREAT RIVER
Join us for Back-to-School Night and connect with Great River families, staff, and community organizations.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL FLYER
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS JOINING US
We’re excited to welcome community organizations and partners who will be available to connect with Great River families during Back-to-School Night.
Common Roots Montessori School is a family-founded nonprofit Montessori school in St. Paul serving children ages 16 months to 6 years. The school provides year-round Montessori education focused on independence, confidence, compassion, and creating an inclusive community where children and families feel a sense of belonging.
Girl Scouts River Valleys helps girls build confidence, skills, friendships, and leadership through hands-on experiences, exploration, and community. Families can stop by to learn about local Girl Scout opportunities and how to get involved.
Mathnasium helps students build confidence and strengthen math skills through personalized instruction designed to meet them where they are. Families can stop by to learn more about local tutoring and enrichment opportunities.
Metro Transit Representatives will be available to share information about the upcoming bus route relocation near Great River School and help students and families understand how the change may affect their travel to and from school.
Shoreview School of Music is a community music school offering one-on-one lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, brass, and woodwinds for children, teens, and adults. Families can learn about lessons designed to build musical skills, confidence, and support for students participating in school band and orchestra programs.
Check out our elementary students (and some older “students”) representing their classes!
Classroom Community Ambassadors
Every classroom is a community—and every family should feel that they belong.
Classroom Community Ambassadors are family volunteers who help strengthen connections within their classroom community.
Ambassadors welcome new and transitioning families, help caregivers connect with one another, and organize at least one simple opportunity for families to gather during the school year.
No special experience is needed. The role is designed to be flexible and can be shared by more than one caregiver.
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Ambassadors help welcome new and transitioning families, create connections among caregivers, and organize at least one simple opportunity for families to gather during the school year. The role is about building community—not managing classroom communication or school activities.
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The role is intentionally flexible and typically requires fewer than 10 hours over the course of the school year. Ambassadors can participate in ways that fit their schedules, and gatherings can be as simple as meeting at a park, playground, coffee shop, or another informal setting. The goal is connection, not a large or ongoing time commitment.
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Absolutely. We encourage caregivers to share the role. Having two or more Ambassadors can make the commitment easier and bring more perspectives and connections into the classroom community.
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That's okay. We know family schedules and circumstances can change during the year. Just let PEG know so we can help identify another caregiver, share responsibilities, or make another plan for the classroom. Becoming an Ambassador should never mean staying in a role that no longer works for you.
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No special experience is needed. Start by contacting PEG@greatriverschool.org and letting us know you're interested. PEG will help connect you with your classroom and provide guidance, sample messages, and practical tools to help you get started.
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Yes. You won't be expected to figure everything out on your own. PEG provides guidance, sample communications, ideas for gatherings, and practical tools throughout the year. You'll also stay connected with your classroom Guide and other Ambassadors.
Connect With PEG
There is no single way to participate in PEG.
Join us for a family gathering. Become a Classroom Community Ambassador. Help with a community event. Share an idea. Meet another family. Participate when and how it works for you.
Watch the Heron Huddle and Great River School Foundation communications for upcoming PEG gatherings and opportunities throughout the school year.
Questions or ideas? Contact PEG Co-Chairs Brooke Hajinian and Jeremy Sartain at: peg@greatriverschool.org
Connect With Great River Families on Facebook
Our family Facebook groups are another way to ask questions, share information, and stay connected with other caregivers across the Great River community.
Everyone has a place in the Great River community. We hope you'll find ways to connect that work for you and your family!
Support PEG Community Building
PEG is a committee of the Great River School Foundation, and contributions to PEG support the Foundation’s community-building work at Great River.
PEG helps fund family gatherings and social events, staff conference meals, staff appreciation, and other activities that strengthen connection and belonging across our school community.
Families are welcome to contribute in any amount, at any time:
Venmo: @GRSPEG
PayPal Link
Your contribution to the Great River School Foundation helps PEG continue creating opportunities for families, caregivers, and staff to connect and build community.
