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Parent Community

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At ICS Addis, we believe that a strong partnership between school and home is essential for student success. That's why we offer numerous opportunities for parents to engage in the school community. Whether you have time to volunteer regularly or can only attend specific events, your involvement makes a meaningful impact.

One of the key partnerships is with our Parent Teacher Organization, or PTO. We invite all ICS parents to get involved with the school and community through volunteering, events, communication, and support.

Scroll down to see more information about how we partner with parents to support academics, activities, and community-building.

 

Welcome to the PTO!

The Parent Teacher Organization has a mission to meet the diverse needs of students, parents and teachers, to promote a cohesive community, and to support a quality education program.

We seek to accomplish this mission by:

  1. Support/facilitate a cooperative relationship and enhance two-way communication between the school and the ICS Community, including parents, teachers and students and the Board of Governors.
  2. Increase community involvement that supports the ICS Mission and Vision and student learning.
  3. Manage or facilitate activities and special events that support and enhance the sense of community at ICS for parents, teachers and students.
  4. Support students and student led- projects with volunteers, expertise and fundraising.

'We believe our diversity makes us stronger as a community and that strong parent engagement creates a better school experience for our children.  We aim to ensure that ICS families get to know each other and that we grow together as community for us and our children.Wangari Muliro PTO Chair

Parent Education Sessions

Our Parent Education Sessions, led by our expert faculty, are engaging, interactive, and designed to empower parents with knowledge and skills to support their children’s educational journey. These sessions cover topics such as understanding the International Baccalaureate curriculum, effective parenting strategies, and child development at different stages. These hands-on, informative sessions help parents feel confident in navigating their child’s learning experience at ICS Addis.

Dedicated Parent Space on Campus

The Gojo, which means The Nest in Amharic, is a dedicated space for our parent community to connect on campus. The space is open to parents throughout the school day, offering wifi connection and a full service cafe which serves breakfast, coffee, juices, and more. This is a place where our PTO also hosts events, including our International Breakfast series, as well as several parent-only fitness classes.

Amazing PTO Events

Our PTO hosts amazing events throughout the year. Thse include Staff Appreciation Day. a fundraiser for student projects, and a series of international breakfasts/afternoon teas to celebrate our diversity. We're always looking for parents volunteers - even if you can just contribute an hour per year!

Well-being Sessions

At ICS Addis, we also value the well-being of our entire community. Our Well-being Sessions promote mental, emotional, and physical health, with offerings such as yoga, mindfulness workshops, and discussions on managing stress and achieving balance. These sessions create space for parents to focus on their own well-being while gaining tools to support their children’s wellness.

Support for Student Activities

Parents are encouraged to support their children's participation in the wide range of extracurricular activities available at ICS Addis. From helping at sporting events to providing logistical support for school performances or club events, there are many ways to get involved. Your support can make a real difference in enhancing the student experience.

Grade Level Meet-Ups

We also organize Grade Level Meet-Ups, where parents can connect with other families in their child’s grade. These gatherings are informal and give parents a chance to share experiences, ask questions, and build relationships within the school community. It's a great way to create a support network as your child progresses through their academic journey.

Home Language Program

Powered by parent volunteers, this language and cultural enrichment program will be held on campus every Wednesday after school. This environment enhances our students' understanding of their home (or mother tongue) language in a fun and collaborative setting. 

Parent Ambassador Program

The Parent Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for parents to serve as liaisons between the school and new families. Parent Ambassadors help new families transition smoothly into the ICS Addis community by offering guidance, answering questions, and providing a warm welcome. This program strengthens our sense of community and ensures that every family feels connected and supported from the start.

Parent Expertise

Our students can benefit from your range of experience, expertise, and encouragement. The PTO would like to strengthen your connection with students by inviting you to share your skills to enhance our students' school experience. Please take a moment to review the ICS PTO Parent Expertise Form and consider being a volunteer.

 

Community Events and Happenings