About the Parent Organization
Purpose
The purpose of the Parent Organization (PO) is to promote the school through the organized efforts and activities of the parent body.
There are a large variety of opportunities for all parents to become involved in the activities of the PO. Please feel free to contact the committee chairs, the Volunteer Coordinator or the PO officers. The current list of all PO officers and Room Parents is available in the AIS Directory. The PO welcomes and encourages all our parents to participate as the strength of our school community is built from the participation of all its members.
The Parent Organization is comprised of working committees as well as being the umbrella organization to a number of parent associations.
For details of the roles and function of the PO Board, the Room Parents and School Representatives, please refer to the PO Bylaws. For the names of people on the Board, Committee and Event Chairs and Room Parents, please consult your AIS Directory, published in the fall each year, or see the contact information online.
Board
The P.O. Board is composed of: President, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Upper School Rep(s), Middle School Rep(s), Primary School Rep(s), Kindergarten Rep(s). No person may hold more than one position on the Executive Council at any one time. The Board is elected by annual ballot of the entire Parent Organization. These positions serve as the voting members of the Board.
Room Parents
The Room Parent role is key in the communication process, as they are the direct link between the School Representatives and the teachers. Room Parents work directly with the classroom teachers.
School Representatives
The School Representatives play a key role in facilitating communication between the Head of Schools, the PO Board and the Room Parents.
Committees and Coordinators
AIS Spirit Wear
AIS Spirit Wear is a high quality range of AIS logo clothing ranging from Kindergarten sizes to adult. They are a great way to show pride in our school and make wonderful gifts to help spread our name further afield. A colorful illustrated order brochure is available and dates of orders to be submitted are detailed on the school calendar.
Communications Coordinator
The PO President-Elect serves as the Communications Coordinator. The role evaluates communication between the PO and the parent body and the coordinator also works with the AIS Communications Director to help monitor the effectiveness of communication between the school and the parents.
Hospitality (Newcomers/Buddy System)
Hospitality is responsible for welcoming our new families, helping Administration with orientation, Open House and testing days, graduation, and organizing newcomer coffees and the newcomer evening. Hospitality manages the Buddy System, which pairs a current student and family with a new student and family to provide support prior to and during the first weeks of school.
In addition, this committee organizes the School Picnic and the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
Library Guild
The Library Guild volunteers support the library through such activities as reading to classes in the different languages, covering books, assisting with book fairs and other tasks as they arise. No previous experience in the library is required, as the library staff provide guidance and training.
Parent CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) Coordinator
Voluntary service is an important part of the school mission and values. All students, grades 6 to 12, are required to carry out a specified number of hours each year. The Parent CAS Coordinator helps organize the parent volunteers to support the various initiatives and the assistance required can range from accompanying students for activities to providing transport.
Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator enables the PO to manage volunteer resources, handling the responses to the blue volunteer cards. The coordinator is the first point of contact for parents wishing to get involved or needing more information on the various activities of the PO. The card can be found in the front pocket of this guide - please fill out and return it. There is a blank form in this section for your record-keeping.
Events
Around Atlanta
This is a series of tours led by AIS parents throughout the school year. This is an informal way of meeting parents while getting to know the Atlanta area. The tours occur several times a year and are noted on the school calendar. The schedule is provided in advance in the Globetrotter. Visiting family, friends and alumni parents are always welcome.
Diversity Discussion Days/Evenings
In partnership with the Administration and the Board of Trustees Diversity Task Force, the PO organizes two or three days each year to discuss important issues that touch our community and are critical to the values and mission of the school. If our children are to truly embrace the inspiring values of our mission, then we as parents need to fully understand and commit to them also. Please make an effort to attend these interesting evenings.
Parenting Seminars
The PO works in partnership with the school counselors to organize a series of parenting seminars that support the education of parents to help them more fully meet the needs of their children. The topics over the course of the year cater to all grade levels and include issues of current debate or concern. Dates are listed on the school calendar and participation is open to all parents and guardians.
WorldFest
This is our international community and fall festival kick-off for the school year. Large numbers of parent and student volunteers organize a wide variety of activities, games and crafts enjoyed by all ages. An international food hall, prepared by parents, is a festival highlight as are the many cultural and artistic performances.