Parent Teacher Organization

The ASA PTO aims to:

• promote a welcoming and inclusive school community
• support the school’s goals through volunteer work, fundraising and enhanced educational opportunities for the students and
• facilitate communication between parents, teachers and the school.

Monthly cafes and monthly meetings

PTO meetings are usually scheduled following the PTO cafe, on the first early released Wednesday of each month. Parents and teachers meet and chat around a cup of coffee or tea and a few pastries. They can often admire children’s work on display. Cafes start at 7:15 am are followed by the PTO monthly meetings, from 7:45 am.

School Supplies Sales | August

The PTO purchases school supplies for students to save parents the trouble of hunting for items all over Tana. The necessary supplies are sold at good price, during the first week of school. PTO will NOT sell: computers, calculators, sport outfits and shirts.

Back to School Picnic | September

Early in the school year, parents and ASA staff gather on campus to share a meal together, welcome new families and reconnect after the summer break. It is mostly organized by the school, and PTO supports it.

Halloween | October

During this celebration on 31 October, children dress up in funny or scary costumes or as their favorite character such as a superhero or even from a book and say, “Trick or Treat?” to an adult in order to receive candy. There is a parade for students and teachers, school is fully decorated. Prizes are given to best costumes and carved pumpkins. PTO organizes an after-school party in conjunction with Student Councils, and a Trick-or-Treat in conjunction with US Embassy. There are also costume and pumpkin carving competitions along with after school activities and scary movies for older students.

Holiday Bazaar | December

Over 80 local vendors and hundreds of shoppers come to sell their unique crafts on campus. It’s a wonderful time to catch up with other families and celebrate the holiday season. Items include jewels, woodwork, embroidery, clothes, accessories, linens, rafia, decorations… as well as books and delicious snacks.
PTO uses the funds raised from entrance fees and renting tables to vendors to support student and teacher activities and projects along as well as local, educationally focussed NGO/ ONG’s.

Scholastic Book Fair | February

In February, PTO and our wonderful school librarian organize a sale of books from scholastic.
Students and ASA families are able to purchase different reading level English books during this event. The PTO helps with organization and sales. A unique occasion to find english books!

Teacher Appreciation Day | February

This is an opportunity to thank the teachers, admin and staff for all of their hard work and dedication to our children throughout the school year with a social gathering and gift along with kind words of appreciation.

Custodian Appreciation Day | March

In order to appreciate the massive amounts of time and effort these stalwarts of the school provide each and everyday (and sometimes long weekends), the custodians are recognized during an assembly. The PTO provides a special lunch and gift. To celebrate their important contributions, the students help organize activities, such as a foot-ball match with them. They receive a certificate and posters designed by elementary students.

International Food Fair | April

At this fun-filled event, the many cultures that comprise the diverse families and students of the ASA are celebrated with food and music! International Food Fair happens in April. ASA Families bring and share specialities from their home countries or regions. It is also an opportunity to open the school to the larger community. PTO uses the funds raised from the food sale to support student and teacher activities and projects along as well as local, educationally focussed NGO/ ONG’s.

Small Grant Funds For Teachers

A portion of the funds raised by the PTO from both the Holiday Bazaar and the International Food Fair go to support teacher programs that they would otherwise not be able to take advantage of during the school year.

Sports Events

Friday Night Lights, Mile Run, sports tournaments and Award ceremonies are sponsored.

Sports Events

Friday Night Lights, Mile Run, sports tournaments and Award ceremonies are sponsored.

Students

The PTO helps for Prom Night and provides snacks and drinks on exam days. Service learning groups can also ask for support. The PTO also takes care of a senior gift for all 12 graders who leave ASA and probably Madagascar after the IB diploma.

Charity Committee

This committee composed of parents and teachers helps to select local educationally focussed ONG / NGO’s to support with funds raised by the PTO.
Local NGO’s associated with ASA Member families may apply for certain amounts of funding.
The Charity committee also sets up projects, and follow up with beneficiaries.
A Food Drive is also organized around Thanksgiving to collect and donate food to local charities.
For other support, PTO uses the funds raised during Holiday Bazaar and International Food Fair.