by Dr. Tim Fries

“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”

-Brian Solis

In my 30ish years working in education as a teaching assistant, teacher, principal, and director, I have worked in many schools. I have loved each school, but AAS stands apart. It is different because of the community. AAS has the most welcoming, fun, and supportive community of any school I have worked at, or visited for that matter. And, that is by design. The simple fact is that students do better academically, socially, and emotionally in a positive community. 

Growing and maintaining a positive school community requires intentional action–it does not happen on its own. If you walk through AAS any morning before school starts, you will see students playing, dancing, talking outside the elementary entrance. Or playing ping pong, chatting over a morning snack, or working on assignments together in the middle school and high school. You will also see AAS staff greeting and connecting with students. It is a welcoming and comfortable way to start each day. Throughout the day and school year we continue our work to make the school community a great place for students (and everyone).

The AAS community is more than just the students and staff.  You are the AAS community too. With that in mind, one of the critical groups that contributes to the AAS community is the AAS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Many people believe the PTO is part of the school, but it is actually a separate entity that has one overarching purpose: to support the school community. The PTO is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers from our families and staff, and as an AAS family or staff member you are a member of the PTO.

How does the PTO support the AAS community? The PTO is responsible for The Back To School Barbecue, the Halloween Party, and the Summer Fest / International Fair, which are the biggest AAS events each year. The PTO also provides classroom enhancement grants to support special projects that benefit students’ learning and growth. Additionally, the PTO supports graduation and many less visible but important school and classroom events through the year. 

100% of our students and families benefit directly and indirectly from the efforts of the PTO. The PTO Board, which does most of the work, represents about 1% of our families. But the PTO Board would not have to do most of the work, if more parents were involved. 

The PTO recently called for volunteers to serve on the PTO Board for the 2026-27 school year. Unfortunately, there were not enough volunteers to make a full Board. In the fall, the PTO will try again to form a full Board. 

Why are so few families actively supporting the critical work of the PTO? I think there are a couple key reasons. One reason is that families don’t know how easy (and rewarding) it is to get involved. Another reason is that during the pandemic, the PTO could not do many of the things that engage families, and post pandemic it is difficult to get families involved. Many newer families might not know what the PTO is or does. Schools across the world are facing the same challenge. 

For PTO to continue its efforts to support the AAS community–and your child’s success–it needs more volunteers. In the coming days, months, and years, AAS will highlight the work of the PTO and opportunities for you to get directly involved. Please get involved, whether it be as a PTO Board member, Classroom Parent, volunteering to lead or support an event, hosting a food table at Summer Fest, or any of the other opportunities that come your way.

Getting involved with the AAS PTO is also an excellent way to make new friends and grow the AAS community. Do not worry if you don’t know what to do, you will have a lot of help. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller