Building Bridges: PTSA Leaders Come Together
Before the first big assignments are due and calendars fill up with school events, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) leaders from both campuses set aside a day to focus on something just as important as academics: community. Gathering for a teambuilding session last week, the group came together to strengthen connections, align on goals, and reflect on how parents and the school can best support one another in the year ahead.
Participants worked through different types of scenarios that families might face, spoke openly about the real challenges in our community, and reflected on how clear communication protocols can help everyone stay aligned. They also explored the school’s communication platforms to ensure families have the right tools to stay informed and connected. Along the way, there was plenty of laughter, thoughtful discussion, and a shared sense of purpose.
The sessions were led and presented by the Head of School, the Heads of Campus, the Director of Technology and the principals. Parents appreciated the opportunity to come together and align. “I’m grateful that the school has moved forward with this initiative, bringing us together to ensure we’re working from the same framework,” shared Aaron Tarver, Puxi PTSA’s Vice President of Communications. “The more we align, the stronger we become and that can only lead to good things.”
For others, the day was also about connection and community. “As a parent of an 11th grader who has been at SAS for three years, I really appreciate the school’s efforts to strengthen connections among parents,” said Pudong PTSA’s Chairman Donghai Du. “It was valuable to learn from the experiences of parents at the Puxi campus, and I see this event as a positive step toward fostering a strong parent-teacher-student support system. The clear guidelines shared will also help new families navigate common challenges, which will make a real difference in our school community.”
By the end of the day, what stood out was not only the thoughtful conversations, but also the openness and collaborative spirit that carried the group forward. With aligned goals and a renewed sense of connection, the PTSA is ready to start the year energized, united in supporting the school and, most importantly, our students.
