SAAS Family Association November Newsletter

Our Purpose Statement

The SAAS Family Association strives to be an inclusive community that organizes activities for faculty, staff, students and their families. We support one another as we engage with SAAS to build a community of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging that empowers everyone to QUESTION, IMAGINE, CREATE, in order to CONTRIBUTE boldly to a changing world.

Family Association President's Message

October 30th, 2023

Hello SAAS Families,

I hope you and your families are healthy and doing well at this midpoint of the fall trimester. Fall is always a busy time of year at SAAS, and hopefully, you have been able to participate in some of the events the Family Association has sponsored. We kicked off the Tri by participating in Fallapalooza at Starfire, which included our largest annual in-person Logowear sale and a hosted ice cream truck for students and families. Several classes have already held coffees and socials for SAAS parents and guardians. Friday Treats for faculty and staff launched in October with record-breaking family participation. Parent Education and SPARRC kicked off in October with engaging events open to all families at SAAS. I’ve been excited to see that many new families have joined these gatherings, and I’m eager to see many more faces in the coming months. 

To learn about Family Association events and activities, join your class Facebook page for parents and guardians, check the SAAS online calendar, read the weekly Friday Email, and don’t miss our monthly Family Association e-newsletter!  Of course, you can always reach out with questions to me or Miho Nasu (our Family and Community Liaison).  

Thank you,

Amber Berman-Ortiz

Mother of Eva (Grade 11) and Eli ’23

President, SAAS Family Association

Do you have a question about SAAS? Need help finding the answer? Ask Miho!

Miho Nasu, Mother of Aiki Kapila(Grade 10) is our new Family & Community Liaison. 

Thank you to those of you who contacted me with various questions in September and October.  Please remember that you are always welcome to contact Miho for any "little" questions throughout the year.

Tip of the Month:  

Always read SAAS Friday Emails. If you have missed any correspondence from SAAS, including a Friday email, check out School Announcement Boards on the website.

Email to Ask Miho!

SAAS Logowear Pop-Up Shops Coming Soon!

Stop by and shop for some SAAS swag! 

If you are shopping for holiday gifts, please visit one of these upcoming pop-up sales on campus. Please note that the SAAS Logowear Online Store will not open again until 2024. 

Logowear Pop-Up Shop in the Middle School Lobby

Tuesday, November 14th, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Logowear Pop-up Shop at the SAAS Pride: Middle School Winter Hoopla

Friday, December 8th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Look for SAAS Logowear inside the Upper School Gym entrance near the concessions!

Community Chest assistance is available. Learn more here.

The SAAS Logowear online store is managed by the SAAS Family Association. Please contact saaslogowear@seattleacademy.org with any questions.

Parent Education News

Paul Teske, Father of Max (Grade 10)

Deli Moussavi, Mother of Niko (Grade 10) and Uma (Grade 8)

ParentCARE and Dr. Kelly Moore Return to SAAS 

On October 5th, Parent Education at SAAS kicked off the year with keynote speaker, Dr. Kelly Moore, founder of ParentCARE - a 12-week, science-based, social-emotional curriculum for parents and guardians, that teaches relational mindfulness – the practice of bringing awareness and presence to our relationships with others, particularly our children. It's about discovering how to work with emotions in a healthy way, and how to create more meaningful, fulfilling connections with the people we care about. 

We had a great turnout for this online event and a response that was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Moore delivered an engaging, authentic, and heartfelt session about connection - as parents connecting with ourselves and our kids. It was a rich mixture of research-based whys and actionable skills. The audience also learned about "we skills," which help prepare us and our loved ones to live more in community with one another. Breakout group conversations were rich and shifted the energy as we shared stories about our names. It was a wonderful evening where parents connected with each other as together we gained some new “Aha” moments about deepening relationships with ourselves and others.

Thank you to all who attended the event, and for the warm outreach afterward. If you missed the session, please contact Paul Teske or Deli Moussavi to get the recording. 

Are you interested in joining the Parent CARE weekly parent cohort online course? It's not too late to join. Read on to register today! 

Sessions started the week of October 23rd. Each class is 90 minutes and you may still register using the links below. Your selected cohort of parents will meet on that day of the week and time for each session. The course also includes an online workbook (printable) that follows the class and can be used long after you complete the 13-week course. 

You have a choice of day and time, with two sections offered.

Choices & Registration

• Monday Mornings (Starting Oct. 23rd) from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM 
  • Cost $50 (REGISTER)
  • In need of financial support? (REGISTER)
• Wednesday Evenings (Starting Oct. 25th) from 6:30 AM-8:00 AM
  • Cost $50 (REGISTER)
  • In need of financial support? (REGISTER)

To secure your spot, please click the appropriate link above (credit card payment of the $50 enrollment fee is required). Financial assistance is also available. To register with financial aid, please click the appropriate link above. 

Questions about Parent Education events and activities? Contact:

Paul Teske, Father of Max (Grade 10)

Deli Moussavi, Mother of Niko (Grade 10) and Uma (Grade 8)

Future Parent Education Winter Events are in the Works! Details to Come. 

In January 2024, Parent Education and SPARRC will present Unlocking Understanding: Exploring the Roots of Bias in the Brain with Missy Widman, EdD, and Jerome Hunter of Neural Education Institute for Connecting Neuroscience with Teaching and Learning. We will delve into the fascinating realm of neuroscience as these expert speakers unravel the intricacies of bias, exploring its origins within the human brain.

In February 2024, Parent Education presents Decoding Social Media and Kids with Jeff Utecht - In our modern tech-driven world, where screens and gadgets are ubiquitous, parents face unique concerns about their teenagers' technology usage. The digital landscape has completely transformed how young people interact and engage. Jeff empowers parents and caregivers with the knowledge and insights to navigate the complex dynamics of raising the next generation of digital natives. 

An Update from SPARRC
(SAAS Parents for Awareness, Race Relations and Community)

Meg Butterworth, Mother of Gavin (Grade 11) and Makenna (Grade 10)

On October 18th, SAAS parents and guardians gathered with key staff members for a very informative discussion about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at SAAS. 

Andrés Arteaga spoke about joining SAAS this year as the new Director of DEI. Rick DuPree spoke about the many hats he’s worn at SAAS over the years. In addition to his current role as Director of Community Partnerships, Rick works with Achijah Berry, Middle School Dean of Student Life, leading student affinity groups in the Middle and Upper Schools. Director of Counseling Leigh Hopkins and Middle School Counselor Chris Trimis spoke about student counseling at SAAS and the important role DEI plays in their work. Participants had thoughtful questions for our panelists, and we enjoyed listening to everyone’s perspective and experience. 

SPARRC is currently planning an event in November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Details will be posted in the SAAS Friday Email and on SPARRC’s webpage. As always, we welcome ideas from fellow parents and guardians for future events and discussion topics.

For more information, visit our SPARRC webpage here. To learn about books, podcasts, articles, local events and speakers, please check out our SPARRC Resource Library here.

Learn More About SPARRC

Volunteer Opportunities and Information

The SAAS Family Association has a variety of ways to get involved at SAAS.  We have volunteer opportunities supporting admissions, faculty appreciation, logowear sales, parent education programming, and event planning to build community among parents, guardians, and families at every grade level. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete the volunteer survey.   

Sign Up Here to Volunteer

The Next Friday Treats for Faculty and Staff
--November 3rd!

Thank you to those of you who brought treats and snacks in October for our first Friday Treats of the year. We saw a lot of smiles and heard many thanks from faculty and staff. Please join us for the next Friday Treats this Friday, November 3rd. Let's show our appreciation to faculty and staff for all they are doing. Participation is voluntary. If you have not signed up, and decide later you would like to participate, just bring your treats on that day.

1) Bring in treats!

Sign Up Here to Participate!

Friday Treats Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I drop off treats? You or your child can drop off treats at the front desk in any of the SAAS buildings - Middle School, STREAM, Arts Center, Temple, Madison, or Vanderbilt. If you sign up to drop treats off at one location and it’s not convenient on that day, you may drop them off at any other location.

What to bring? Favorite items include: Baked goods, granola, trail mix, protein bars, beef jerky, yogurt and fruit, veggies and hummus or dips, egg bites, frittata, bagels, sandwiches, cheese, crackers, chips, popcorn, and chocolate! Treats can be sweet or savory, store-bought, or homemade. Many people bring baked goods and sweets - so please consider savory items and/or fruit and vegetable options as well. Faculty and staff with diet restrictions appreciate and enthusiastically receive vegan and gluten-free items.

SAAS is a nut-aware school. What does that mean?  Nut aware means SAAS doesn’t ban nuts, though we ask you to consider peanut/nut alternatives out of consideration to those with severe, life-threatening allergies. 

How much to bring? Treats for 12 to 20 people would be great. Treats are in faculty kitchens throughout the day, so non-perishable items work well.

Can I help distribute the treats and see the smiles myself? Yes! A team of volunteers is essential to help distribute treats to faculty and staff kitchens in all the SAAS buildings. Along the way, you may encounter teachers and staff getting their morning coffee or tea and see the smiles that Friday Treats bring.

Sign up to help distribute treats here!

Thank you in advance for participating in Friday Treats! 

Any questions? Please contact Miho Nasu, Family & Community Liaison, Mother of Aiki Kapila (Grade 10)

The Second SAAS Fall Open House Happens on November 4th!

Hello SAAS Families! 

We have one more Fall Open House this Saturday, November 4th. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to learn more about our engaging academic programs, our thriving community, and all that SAAS offers!

The Fall Open House is designed for families who will apply this season for the 2024-2025 school year.  The SAAS Open House includes an opening program where you will hear from SAAS leadership, students, and faculty. There is also time for follow-up questions in areas of interest, and a campus tour.

Saturday, November 4th 

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Middle School

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Upper School

Thank you!

Charlene Kletzly

Family Association VP, Admissions Support

Mother of Grace (Grade 11) and Cooper (’22)

Potluck Hosts Needed (Grades 6-11) for Winter and Spring Gatherings

Grade-level potlucks are great social opportunities for parents, guardians, and even families (at the discretion of the host). Potlucks typically happen during the winter and early spring. These events take all kinds of shapes - dinner, brunch, drinks, appetizers, etc. If you are interested in hosting or just want to learn more, please click on the name of your grade-level class representative listed below to contact them via email.

6th Grade: Erin Lea

7th Grade: Talya Jeffries

8th Grade: Audrey Sousa

9th Grade: Ashley Ball

10th Grade: Nancy Manzo

11th Grade: Lisa Colton 

Grade Level Activities and Events for
SAAS Parents, Guardians, and Families

6th Grade

Dear Parents and Guardians of 6th Graders,

We are excited about two upcoming events in November and hope you can join us.

6th Grade Parent and Guardian Coffee

Friday, November 3rd, 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM

Anchorhead Coffee - Capitol Hill (across from the SAAS Arts Center) 

1115 12th Ave, Seattle 98122

RSVP HERE! Questions? Contact Castalia Simon.

This Saturday - November 4th

6th and 7th grade Parent and Guardian Social

Saturday, November 4th, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Ravenna Brewing Company, 5408 26th Ave NE, Seattle 98105

RSVP is required.  Reply here via Sign Up Genius.

Drink tickets will be provided to guests. 

There will be a food truck (Don Lucho) outside where guests may purchase food and head back to the brewery. 

Do you have a membership that includes access to space for a social event?

For future events, are there any 6th-grade parents or guardians who have a membership at a club or winery (or any other similar membership) that would let us host a social event there?  Not only do some memberships offer venues, but some may also offer discounted benefits that might be helpful for future events. If you are interested in helping connect us to possible social venues, please let us know. Click this link, or contact Castalia Simon. 

Your 6th Grade Reps,

Castalia Simon (Lead), Anna Alonzo,Grace Pak, Erin Callaghan, Erin Lea, Jeffrey Tseng, Kay Takano, Pooja Jain, Shalini Nilakantan, and Prakriti Poddar

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2030 Parents and Guardians page on Facebook. Also, join our WhatsApp group for SAAS 6th-grade parents and guardians.

7th Grade

This Saturday - November 4th

6th and 7th Grade Parent and Guardian Social

Saturday, November 4th, 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Ravenna Brewing Company, 5408 26th Ave NE, Seattle 98105

RSVP is required.  Reply here via Sign Up Genius.

Drink tickets will be provided to guests. 

There will be a food truck (Don Lucho) outside where guests may purchase food and head back to the brewery. 

Are there events you’d love to attend? We want to hear your ideas! Please email 7th grade Rep Lead, Talya Jeffries, to share your ideas.

Your 7th Grade Class Reps: 

Heather Emery, Nicole Forrest, Talya Jeffries, Erin Papworth, Sybrina Soga, and Camilla Yamada

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2029 Parents and Guardians on Facebook. Also, join our WhatsApp group for SAAS 7th-grade parents and guardians.

8th Grade

Hi Class of 2028 Parents and Guardians! Thanks to those who answered our survey as we plan out our activities for the year. SAVE THE DATE for the following events we have lined up for November! 

8th Grade Parent and Guardian Coffee

Coffee on us! Meet us at Anchorhead Coffee

Thursday, November 2nd, 8:00 to 9:30 AM

Anchorhead Coffee - Capitol Hill (across from the SAAS Arts Center) 

1115 12th Ave, Seattle 98122

Questions? Contact Dalene King.

Bocce Happy Hour Social! 

Tuesday, November 16th, 5:30-8:00 PM

Rhein Haus Seattle, 912 12th Ave, Seattle 98122 

Enjoy drinks, snacks, and bocce ball -- sponsored by the Family Association 

RSVP HERE (21+)

Your 8th grade Class Reps:

Lisa Bebee, Rosa Gabriele, Dalene King, Shalini Nilakantan and Audrey Sousa (Lead)

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS Class of 2028 Parents and Guardians on Facebook.

9th Grade

Class of 2027, 9th Grade Parents Night OUT!  

Tuesday, November 14th, 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Tinte Cellars Seattle-Georgetown Tasting Room

5951 Airport Way South, Seattle 98108

Please RSVP Here

Join us for a fun evening of wine and trivia at Tinte Cellars (a SAAS alumni family business!)  We will gather at Tinte Cellars Tasting Room in Georgetown. Bring your thinking caps, as ‘80s Trivia Questions will make us laugh all night long.  There will be PRIZES!!!  Wine, snacks, ‘80s Trivia - Who could ask for more? And remember... "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!”

Class Reps for 9th Grade:
Melinda Amoratis, Ashley Ball, Heather Enoki, Andrea Leone, and Charlotte Simmonds (Lead)

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS Class of 2027 Parents and Guardians on Facebook.

10th Grade

First Friday Coffee Chat and Walk

Friday, November 3rd, 8:45 AM

Washington Park Playfield Parking Lot at the Arboretum

1017 Washington Blvd E, Seattle  98112

Contact Debbie Conway with questions. See you there! 

Grab your morning beverage of choice and join fellow Class of 2026 parents and guardians in the parking lot of the Arboretum next to Washington Playfield. 

• We will walk in the Arboretum, starting at 8:45 AM. 
• Belle Epicurean is just across the street if you need to stop for your morning brew!

Many opportunities are in the works for you to gather with other 10th-grade parents, guardians, and families. Watch the SAAS Calendar for details.

• Evening Socials in December (during the 10th grade retreat) and May.  
• Potlucks in March (weekend potluck dinners offered in different neighborhoods and at different times of the day). Please let us know if you are interested in hosting at your home, at the school, or another location.

Class Reps for 10th Grade:
Charise Addicks, Pam Bigatel, Debbie Conway, Rosa Gabriele, Leisa Goldberg, Molly Goldman (Lead), Louise Liu, Nancy Manzo, Danyelle O'Neal and Tracy Paul 

For more about events and activities, to share information or ask questions visit: SAAS 2026 Parents and Guardians on Facebook.

11th Grade

Save the Date! Our first social of the year for parents and guardians for the Class of 2025 will be held on Thursday, November 16th! Location and details will be coming soon. For now, please save the date, and we hope to see you there!

Class Reps for 11th Grade:
Lisa Colton, Ashleigh Dickinson, Amy Lavin, and Karrie Sullivan

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2025 Parents on Facebook. 

12th Grade

12th grade parents and guardians - Join us for our official first social of senior year! We will gather on November 30th at Nine Hats Tasting Room in SODO for some good conversation, food, and wine. This is one of two socials planned by the SAAS Family Association this year.  Looking forward to connecting with everyone during this very eventful year!

12th Grade Parent/Guardian Social

Thursday, November 30th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Nine Hats Tasting Room at SODO Urbanworks, 3861 1st Ave S, Seattle 98134. Questions? Contact Melissa White.

Class Reps for 12th Grade: 

Aaron Lieberman, Mary Lieberman, Melissa White, Paige Smith

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2024 Parents and Guardians on Facebook.

Upcoming Events Details 

Learn More About the SAAS Family Association