Avenues Parent Association

parents at avenues

Hear from families who bring the APA to life

Avenues parents share what the APA means to them and the many ways families can connect, contribute, and become part of the life of the school.

Avenues Parent Association | Our Community | Avenues New York - 2 Column Stacking Card

A place for every family to take part

The APA works closely with school leadership to create meaningful ways for families to connect with one another and participate in school life. Through a wide range of volunteer committees, parents help bring many of Avenues’ most-loved traditions and initiatives to life, including Avenues Family Day, the World’s Fair, Community Day, the Book Fair, Teacher Appreciation Week, parent education events, grade-level gatherings, and cultural celebrations.

Parent volunteers also partner with faculty, staff, and students to support the arts, athletics, community engagement, sustainability, appreciation initiatives, and many other dimensions of the Avenues experience. Whether helping to organize a major event or welcoming a new family, every contribution helps make the community stronger.

Beloved APA traditions

Throughout the year, the APA leads events that bring families, students, and colleagues together for celebrations that reflect the spirit, cultures, and connections of the Avenues community.

1 / 5

The World's Fair

One of the most anticipated traditions of the school year, the World’s Fair is hosted by the APA in collaboration with the Upper Division International Student Council, the World’s Fair fills campus with global flavors, music, crafts, performances and cultural experiences—from tamales and mango mochi to blini-making, milk tea and Matryoshka doll painting.

Through the stories and traditions families share, the World’s Fair celebrates the many cultures, languages and perspectives that shape our community and connect us across generations.

Avenues Parent Association | Our Community | Avenues New York - Centred Carousel

2 / 5

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Each year, the APA brings families together to welcome the Lunar New Year through a vibrant day of culture, creativity and community. The festival features performances including Chinese ribbon dance, Korean drum dance, a traditional hand-puppet show and a spectacular lion dance.

Throughout the celebration, children and families explore Lunar New Year traditions through zodiac games, festive food, hands-on crafts and an activity trail that invites them to collect stamps as they experience each part of the festival.

3 / 5

Avenues Family Day

At the beginning of each school year, the APA's Annual Family Day brings hundreds of students, families, faculty and staff together for an unforgettable day of play and connection. The celebration offers activities for children of every age—from dancing at the Bubble Bus to friendly tug-of-war competitions and experiences designed for the whole family.

For both longtime families and those new to Avenues and New York City, Family Day captures what makes our Avenues community so special: friendship, belonging and plenty of fun shared together.

4 / 5

Black History Month Celebration

During Black History Month, the APA invites families to explore the many ways African cultures have shared knowledge, stories, and meaning across generations. Through food, live Zaouli drumming and dance, tap performances, and creative experiences inspired by architecture, textiles and symbolism, communication becomes something families can taste, hear, see, feel and make.

The celebration brings history to life through joyful, hands-on learning while honoring the creativity, knowledge and cultural traditions that continue to shape our world.

5 / 5

Annual APA Book Fair

The APA’s Annual Book Fair brings stories, creativity and learning together for readers of every age. Families explore a thoughtfully curated selection of books in English, Spanish and Mandarin, take part in arts and crafts, and hear from guest readers across the Avenues community—including school leaders, colleagues, artists and authors.

The celebration also shines a light on student creativity, from published work developed through the Avenues Mastery Program to the schoolwide Race to Read Week, which builds excitement for reading in the days leading up to the fair. Together, these experiences make the Book Fair a joyful celebration of imagination, language, and learning.

Avenues Parent Association | Our Community | Avenues New York - 2 Column Stacking Card 1

Grade representatives and class parents

Every grade and classroom is supported by parent volunteers who help families feel welcomed, informed, and connected throughout the school year.

Because the APA is not responsible for fundraising, its energy can remain focused where it matters most: building relationships, strengthening community, and creating meaningful ways for families to take part in school life.

Grade Representatives

Grade Representatives work closely with the APA and school leaders to bring families together across each grade. They help coordinate grade-level initiatives, create opportunities for connection, and support clear, thoughtful communication throughout the year.

Class Parents

Class Parents are a familiar and welcoming presence within each classroom. They help new families find their footing, share important school and APA updates, support teachers when appropriate, and encourage families to become part of the life of the school.

Together, the Executive Board, committee volunteers, Grade Representatives, and Class Parents help create a parent experience grounded in partnership, participation, and a shared sense of community.