Volunteer

Each year, our community of families contribute countless hours to the health and well-being of our school. Through their support, the school benefits and everyone has a hand in creating a vibrant place for our students’ learning—plus, it’s a great way to get to know warm, interesting and caring people.

Community Support

Whether volunteering to teach a day of computer programming, serving on an auction committee, cooking at Camp Niwana, chaperoning a field trip, or helping us maintain our school gardens, our community of parents (and alumni, grandparents and more!) lend their support in a million different ways!

Our immense gratitude goes out to all they do to keep us well-supported and thriving.

Sign Me Up!

At the beginning of each school year, current parents are asked to sign-up for a variety of ongoing projects where the need is greatest.

Families are asked to donate a dozen volunteer hours throughout the school year (or a little more than an hour each month) to help us keep things running smoothly.

The opportunities are vast and even working parents and off-island commuters can choose flexible activities that fit their schedules.

Volunteer-Led Initiatives

The school gardens (one at Carpe Diem and one on our main campus), art docent program and playground improvement projects are examples of volunteer-led initiatives by members of our community who have shown an interest in helping the school.

Previous initiatives have included helping students to make blank books after school, making a garden bench and hanging lanterns to sell at the annual auction, and organizing guest speakers to talk to parents about timely early-adolescent topics.

Parent interest and enthusiasm bring a wealth of new ideas and projects to our school each year.

If you have an idea or would like to take on a special project, please email our administrative office at office@harborschool.org about setting your plans in motion.

Our staff will connect you to the right person who can assist you with your plans.

Board Committees

The Board of Trustees recruits parents and community members to serve as trustees and at-large members of working committees.

Committees have a hand in such things as community outreach, event planning, building upgrades, and spearheading new initiatives.

If you would like to volunteer your time at the board level, please contact Tyler Shelden at tyler@harborschool.org and he will put you in touch with the appropriate board member.

Board of Trustees

Harbor School is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees which hires a Head of School to serve as the school’s Chief Executive Officer.

The role of the Board of Trustees involves strategic planning, financial oversight, setting broad school policy, and managing the Head of School.

Members of the Board volunteer their time to provide stewardship for Harbor School. This commitment represents a significant and hugely important contribution to the future of our school.

Trustees are carefully selected based on the needs of the Board and the school as well as an individual’s commitment to the school’s mission, cornerstone values, and willingness to serve.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Board of Trustees, please contact Tyler Shelden, Head of School, at tyler@harborschool.org.

Election coming up

Treasurer

Secretary

EX OFFICIO

Tyler Shelden
Head of School

Harbor School Board of Trustees

If you would like to volunteer your time at the board level, please contact Tyler Shelden at tyler@harborschool.org and he will put you in touch with the appropriate board member.

CHAIR

Election coming up

Halle Dams

Election coming up

CHAIR

Election coming up

VICE CHAIR

Election coming up

We are at an exciting new beginning for Harbor School Vashon, and it’s a moment full of possibility.

As we look ahead to the next chapter, we are seeking thoughtful, committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is an opportunity to be one of the forces for good helping to shape and guide our amazing school into its future.

Board Election Process Timeline
Nomination Process (Now Open): March 24–30
Candidate Review: March 31–April 2
Candidate Presentations and Voting: April 2 at 5 pm
Announcement of Results: April 3
All dates are posted on the school calendar on our website, along with additional details about each step.

We invite individuals to nominate themselves or others to serve as Trustees. Ideal candidates are those who:

Are committed to the Harbor School mission
Can think at the whole-school level
Understand the role of governance (not day-to-day management)
Value collaboration and working together
As part of the nomination process, candidates will be asked to provide:

A brief statement of interest
Relevant experience or perspective they would bring
Acknowledgment of the Trustee role
Nominations are open until Monday, March 30 at 3 pm.

If you’d like to nominate someone, please feel free to share the nomination form with them, or send me their contact information and I’m happy to reach out directly.

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a school that matters deeply to so many of us.