LIVING PARK’S VALUES: The Archer Family, parents Fred and Melissa, and son Fred IV, are true Parkies. As longtime members of the community, they embody the school’s values and have immersed themselves in the school community. The Archer Family If you’ve come to campus for Country Fair, Auction, or another Park event in the last few years, chances are, a member of the Archer Family was at the helm, or working hard to ensure the event was a success. Parents Fred and Melissa and son Fred IV ‘29 (aka Young Fred), became members of the Park community in the Spring of 2018 when Young Fred joined the 1st grade class. Since then, they have immersed themselves at Park and the school has truly benefited from their dedication and generosity. Park was on their radar - along with other local private schools - but gained an advantage thanks to Archer family and friends that had children currently attending or went to Park themselves and raved about the school. But it was Young Fred’s shadow visit that really sealed the deal. “When Young Fred shadowed, the students and teachers wanted him to come back, and he didn’t want to leave. We knew we found his home away from home!” Fred said. The family didn’t hesitate to get involved in many facets of Park right away, including leadership roles as President and Treasurer of the Park Parents Association and as two-time Co-Chairs of the Auction. They are active members of the Parents Association and serve on the Power of Park Campaign Committee, and have participated in Career Day and the African American Read-In. During Covid, they were key members of the Safe School Advisory Committee helping Park administrators prepare for and implement a safe return to campus during the pandemic. “It’s very important for our family to get involved because one of our most precious creations (we have three children) spends a large portion of his day at Park. I want to know the staff and teachers he is interacting with. It’s important to know and see the mission, values, and culture in his everyday educational experience,” Melissa states. “Park is student centered, engaging students holistically and it feels like an extension of home. We, as parents, felt the need to get involved so we could be part of the Park community, to not only support our son, but the Park leadership, staff, and teachers, so Park can be the best version of itself," she added. Young Fred also jumped in as a member of the school community. He is in the chorus and a member of the Ukulele Club, and also plays on the basketball team. But just don’t ask him to pick just one favorite place on the campus! “My favorite place is the entire campus. The trees, the park, tennis courts, lake, soccer fields, pool, there is so much to do. It feels like a college campus, it’s so big and spread out,” he said. When asked what they think Park offers that children can’t get at other schools, they identified the school’s leadership under Lisa Conrad and Keith Frome, as well as Park’s dedication to providing a progressive education and having a positive impact on students as they grow and contribute to the Park community and beyond. “Park provides our son with a diverse, holistic, and rigorous education that has allowed him to grow in a healthy manner,” Melissa and Fred said. “Park has financial aid and scholarships that can assist parents if tuition is a barrier. One year, I took a deep breath about tuition, until my son came home in 5th grade, using APA format to cite sources, as part of an article analysis assignment. I was so floored that he was learning this so young and was excited about it, especially since I didn’t learn about APA until high school. I have no more sighs about tuition!” Melissa added. The Archer Family is not only involved in Park, they are dedicated to the Western New York Community. Melissa is a board member of Mental Health Advocates of WNY - Women’s Health Broadcast Board, The Auxiliary National Medical Association, and Vice President of the Buffalo Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. She is also an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader Graduate. Since 2020, Fred has served as a Board Member of the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to comprehensively improving the prenatal and perinatal health for Women and Families in Western New York. Melissa is the Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Urban League. Fred is the Jacobs School of Medicine, Dean of Admissions, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, SUNY at Buffalo, UBMD Pediatrics; Oishei Children’s Hospital. Advocacy Training Co-Director, UB Pediatrics Residency Program, and CoMedical Director, Buffalo Public Schools. As strong proponents of a Park education, Fred and Melissa encourage others to check out the school. “Set up a time, let your child shadow, allow yourself and your child to experience Park, even for one day and you will see and feel the magic! You will not regret it. Not to say, Park is perfect, nothing is. However, Park leadership and staff are open, approachable, and creatively find solutions that work best for your child.” The Archer Family’s dedication to Park, in addition to all they do for the greater WNY community, is truly incredible and greatly appreciated! 3 More Questions for the Archers Describe Park in three words. Fred: Possibility Melissa: Home Young Fred: Connected What inspires you? Melissa: God waking me up every day and being given the chance to help my family members and everyone I encounter find the best version of themselves. “Too much is given, much is expected.” Fred: Inspiring others to see their potential. Young Fred: My family and me helping people like them. What is your favorite place and thing to do in WNY? Our favorite place is Glen Falls for getting ice cream and visiting the book stores. Our favorite thing to do is go to movies and support the Buffalo Bills! 18
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