![Ainka Shackleford Turner ’92]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699381620/packer/gnjjhimucvtuq00gvb71/ainka_shackleford_turner_headshot.jpg","width":1918}])
Ainka Shackleford Turner ’92
President, Packer Parent Association
Reach out at president@packerpa.org.
Parent Association
We help create and maintain a welcoming community, facilitate connections between families and the school administration, and support school objectives with collaborative programming that strengthens relationships within the community and school.
Upcoming Events
Here’s what happening in the next few weeks. See more events (and details) on our PA Calendar.
There are no events to display
Who We Are
PA Leadership
PA Board Members, Event and Program Chairs, and Grade/Class Reps volunteer their time and expertise to build and celebrate community at Packer.
Each Spring, all PA members are invited to nominate and vote for the PA Board. We hope you will consider volunteering for an expanded role with the PA.
What We Do
We raise funds, plan events, convene meetings and discussion groups, solicit parent feedback, liaise with the Packer administration, and work to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all Packer families.
Our Programs
Class and Grade Parent Representatives
Our parent volunteers serve as a vital resource and touchpoint for families by facilitating communication with the school and one another, providing the information and answers that they need, and organizing community building events such as potlucks.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation
In an effort to alleviate the pressure of individual gifts and to show our appreciation, the PA uses funds donated through our events (donations, ticket, raffle, and merchandise sales) to gift new hires and all faculty and staff with annual massage days, a 25% discount on PA merchandise, free tickets to PA events, as well as other offerings throughout the year.
New Family Buddy Program
A parent peer-to-peer program designed to be a support platform for new-to-Packer families or families entering a new division.
Packer Merchandise
The PA manages an online store, and occasional in person pop-ups on campus, offering Packer branded merchandise ranging from sweatshirts, and the ever-popular plaid pajama pants, to umbrellas and tote bags.
Shop the Packer PA store today
Our Events
Welcome Breakfasts (September)
Parent Potlucks and Socials (September - November)
Pumpkin Patch (October)
Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging (November)
Holiday Gift/Toy Drive (December)
Transition to Upper School Forum (December)
Hanukkah Celebration (December)
MLK Peace March & Activities (January)
Skate Party (February)
Lunar New Year (February)
Annual Benefit (March)
Book Fair (May)
PA Diversity & Equity End-of-Year Picnic (June)
View our upcoming events
Parent Discussion Groups and Affinity Spaces
Our parent discussion groups aim to build community through social events and the discussion of shared issues of interest and concern. We work with the Packer administration to organize special events and initiatives for the community.
Community Engagement
We aim to create opportunities for Packer families to participate in meaningful activities that build relationships with one another and the larger community surrounding our school. CEC events also support the work of Packer’s service and community engagement programming, which aims to provide students with opportunities to think deeply, speak confidently and to act with purpose and heart — and to build empathetic, responsible, and globally-minded individuals.
Learning Support
Our mission is to provide a forum for parents to share their experiences, to learn about resources available to support their children, and to destigmatize and educate families about learning differences.
PA Diversity & Equity Community (PADEC)
Our mission is to help create a safe, welcoming and supportive space for parents to address issues of diversity at Packer.
Our affinity spaces provide a forum for positive dialogue and support around issues of race and equity. Interested in starting a new space? Reach out to president@packerpa.org.
- Black Affinity Space: packerpabag@packerpa.org
- PAFA: Packer Asian Family Alliance: pafa@packerpa.org
- Spectrum: LGBTQ+ Affinity Space: lgbtqplus@packerpa.org
- White Awareness & Accountability Space: waa@packerpa.org
- Shalom Packer: Jewish Affinity: shalompacker@packerpa.org
- Crescent: Muslim Affinity: crescent@packerpa.org
The Packer Community Fund
The PA Community Fund helps families cover certain ancillary costs of an independent school education, such as student travel, certain academic and athletics-related expenses, instrument rental, etc.
Get Involved!
There are so many ways to get involved in the PA’s work to support our school community. We need your energy and your ideas!
Get Social!
Send a request to follow our Instagram @PackerParentAssociation and join our Facebook group @packerpa.
Custom Class: hero-slideshow
