Parent Organization
In Memory of Claire Watkins
Claire Watkins
Atlanta International School
Secretary/Communication 2006-2007
President Elect 2007-2008
It is always difficult to lose a loved one but to lose someone as special as Claire Watkins, it is a tragedy. The Parent Organization would like the AIS community to know Claire’s major accomplishments as President Elect and as Secretary/Communication Specialist.
- Claire revamped and restructured our communication procedure to better deliver information to our parents. She was not only a great communicator but also a beautiful and eloquent writer. Her writing reflects a true commitment to and passion for our school and its community. She never hesitated to use her effective communication skills to resolve a conflict, to advocate a cause, to encourage an action, to provide a solution or to simply to deliver a congratulatory message for a job well done;
- Claire reenergized the PO by giving it directions and purposes. She wrote the most thoughtful Mission Statement which we adopted. She also contributed to our revised Bylaws which were also adopted. Her vision for our unique community involved parents coming together to share and to celebrate our differences. She truly believed that if we cooperate, communicate and collaborate with one another, we can accomplish anything for our school and for our children;
- Claire brought order and structure to our PO meetings by implementing the Robert’s Rules of Order;
- Claire was instrumental in bringing the culture groups together by promoting cross cultural activities;
- Claire single-handedly marketed and promoted all PO activities through her effective writing in the weekly Headmaster Bulletin;
- Claire was a great volunteer and hardly missed any meetings or events. She was a resource to the PO and the school and was readily available to help with whatever needed.
- Claire was a great listener and a solution finder for parents who came to her for advice and assistance;
- Claire truly appreciated and honored all of our volunteers as she often stated that our AIS parents are not only unique in their cultures but also their high level of commitment to the school. She always sought ways to celebrate and honor our volunteers;
- Claire was quick to identify issues where the PO can help. She instituted the Ambassador Program where we can assist the Admissions Office with new and prospective parents;
- Claire’s principal project for this year was the Parent Perception Survey. She created the online survey and all of the accompanying documents. She was thoughtful, deliberate and thorough in her questions and analysis. We could not have launched this survey without her help.
Claire was passionate about her work on the PO and had great vision for its future. Her high level of commitment is unsurpassed and her contribution to the PO and AIS is immeasureable.
Claire was a selfless person who thought of everyone but herself. There were times when she was willing to make personal sacrifices in order to accomplish a group goal.
Claire, you were truly a wonderful friend and an incredible confidante. We will miss you terribly but you will always be in our hearts and minds as we carry on the missions that you set forth for us.