At the French American Academy, we firmly believe that open communication and strong partnerships between home and school are fundamental to student success. This “Communication Triangle” – students at the center, supported by teachers, administration, and engaged parents – is a core value that guides everything we do.
Our two Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO) are a vital part of this triangle. It’s a collaborative group of parents and teachers working together to enrich the educational experience and cultivate a strong sense of community within our school.
Get Involved! Our PTOs are elected groups of parents and teachers with various roles, including:
- President (Jersey City’s PTO: Comora Robinson; Englewood’s PTO: Nadia Ashamsi)
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Parent Coordinator
- Events Chair
- Yearbook Team
Become a PTO member! Your dues and contributions directly support initiatives that benefit our students and school community. The PTO provides a direct way for you to share ideas and contribute to the vibrant life of the French American Academy.
More than just events, the PTO is about:
- Enhancing Student Experiences: The PTO actively supports programs and initiatives that directly benefit our students’ learning and well-being.
- Building Community: It serves as a fantastic way to connect with other parents across the FAA community, fostering friendships and a strong support network.
- Open Communication: By participating in the PTO, you gain a closer connection to the school’s activities and have opportunities to share your perspectives.
- Making a Tangible Difference: Your involvement helps the PTO achieve specific goals, support important programs, and raise funds that directly enhance the school environment and resources.
Our active PTO organizes a wide array of events that bring our community together. Here’s a glimpse of what each campus has done this past year and is planning:
Jersey City PTO: Events & Initiatives
- Welcomed New Families: Hosted a beginning-of-year picnic at Liberty State Park.
- Promoted Sustainability: Organized a swap for gently used Halloween costumes.
- Connected Parents: Held a casual coffee gathering for parents.
- Recognized Membership: Organized a pizza party for the class with 100% PTO parent membership.
- Hosted Adult Social Events: Threw a Winter Wine Tasting for parents, teachers, and staff.
- Promoted Literacy: Created a Little Library outside the school for student book exchange.
- Environmental Initiative: Brought nature into our learning spaces by donating plants to every classroom. Provided language learning tools for Pre-K.
- Supporting Arts & Learning: Supplied musical instruments for Middle School students.
- Focused on Fundraising & Engagement: Will host a Pixel Lab Arcade Fundraiser.
- Built Community: Will organize an Ice Cream Social for students and teachers.
- End-of-Year Event: Will host C’EST LA FÊTE!, a parent, teacher, and staff party for both campuses. RSVP Now. (Kid night will also take place during the party)
Englewood PTO: Events & Initiatives
- Adult Social Events: Arranged evening social events for parents during student movie nights.
- Promoting Literacy: Facilitated a swap of French language books.
- Building Connections: Organized informal social gatherings for parents at different locations, such as CZEN Englewood and Miss Madeleine.
- Fundraising: Will take part in the annual golf tournament to support fundraising efforts for the Englewood students.
- End-of-Year Event: Organized a Carnival last year; this year’s gathering theme will be announced soon.
Both Campus PTOs Also Lead:
- Picture Day
- Thanksgiving Feast: Organizing and providing the meals.
- Celebrating Galette des Rois: A traditional French pastry day.
- Teacher Appreciation Lunch/Breakfast
- Bilingual Book Fair
- Creating the Yearbook
By joining the PTO, you’ll have the chance to contribute your unique talents and ideas to these initiatives and play a vital role in shaping our school community.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The French American Academy is incredibly proud to have such dedicated and active Parent-Teacher Organizations in both Jersey City and Englewood. Their passion, commitment, and countless hours directly enhance the educational experience for our students and cultivate the strong sense of community that defines our school
Interested in becoming a part of this collaborative effort and strengthening the communication triangle? We warmly invite new members to join our PTO and help us continue to build an exceptional and supportive environment for all our students.
Contact your campus PTO today to learn how you can get involved and make a meaningful difference!
